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The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith
by Matthew Bowman
by Matthew Bowman
For the first time in American history, a Mormon has gained the nomination for president from one of the major political parties. Thus, this book is timely. It is not a difficult read, though it is thorough. Bowman does not just tell us about the beginnings of Mormonism and Joseph Smith, but he takes us on a complete Mormon history in the United States up to the present day. The greatest value in the book lay in all of the story from the death of Joseph Smith on. Mormonism did not stay unchanged. Much of what Mormons believe and practice today grew from decisions made by leadership after Smith (and after Brigham Young).
What I found most interesting about this book is the assertion that Mormons are not interested in theological speculation the way (other) Christians traditionally have been. Don't misread that - there is Mormon theology that seeks to answer the same questions all religions and denominations answer. But Mormons in general are more interested in living out their faith on a practical level. Perhaps this is where most debates about "are Mormon Christians" go awry. The average Mormon talks and lives like any other Christian. Do they hold to the Council of Nicea or to the Trinity as historically understood? Not technically. Of course, if that is the standard for how Mormons are judged, then a lot of traditional Christians are in trouble for most probably don't understand the Trinity too well either.
The best thing about this book is that Bowman writes with respect. I found myself feeling sympathy for the various figures. There is no mockery or anything of that nature. At the same time, Bowman shows the does not write as a Mormon apologist. He writes a solid history of the Mormon faith which would be an enriching read for anyone interested in the topic.
What I found most interesting about this book is the assertion that Mormons are not interested in theological speculation the way (other) Christians traditionally have been. Don't misread that - there is Mormon theology that seeks to answer the same questions all religions and denominations answer. But Mormons in general are more interested in living out their faith on a practical level. Perhaps this is where most debates about "are Mormon Christians" go awry. The average Mormon talks and lives like any other Christian. Do they hold to the Council of Nicea or to the Trinity as historically understood? Not technically. Of course, if that is the standard for how Mormons are judged, then a lot of traditional Christians are in trouble for most probably don't understand the Trinity too well either.
The best thing about this book is that Bowman writes with respect. I found myself feeling sympathy for the various figures. There is no mockery or anything of that nature. At the same time, Bowman shows the does not write as a Mormon apologist. He writes a solid history of the Mormon faith which would be an enriching read for anyone interested in the topic.
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May 02, 2012 03:44pm
Thanks, David!
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I've kind of move to the idea that having set creeds and beliefs isn't necessary, at least not like I thought during my brief period as a Calvinist. I mean the doctrine of the trinity wasn't fleshed out until the third century by Tertullian and furthermore some of the early church fathers would be heretics in the later church for example Justin Martyr thought Jesus was subordinate to the father. I guess I kind of think now days that if the doctrine of the trinity was essential for salvation then surely the bible could have made it more clear, while one could argue its there, its still pretty ambiguous.
I guess it depends what you mean by "essential for salvation" and what salvation is and so on.I think the Trinity is pretty important and I do still think it is a good explanation for what the Bible says. But I do agree that if it was that important, it would not be so ambiguous. Heck, you could say the same for theology in general! If having correct beliefs (theology - God, Trinity, etc.) is so important why is the Bible a story filled with letters, poems, etc?
I also think too often the "trinity" is seen as an irrelevant formulation by eggheads. As I have come to understand it, and why the trinity is important for my faith, is that Jesus Christ is our clearest picture of who God is. I don't believe in an abstract God, I believe in the God revealed in Jesus. In other words, in the life of Jesus, God visited this planet (yet, there is more to God then just Jesus, hence Jesus constantly talking about the Father).
Usually we end up debating such a thing in an academic way. But what challenges me is this: if Jesus is our clearest picture of God AND Jesus chose to die then what does that mean for how I should live? Not to mention, if Jesus is also the one true human and we should strive to be human, like Jesus (I would reference Karl Barth and Jurgen Moltmann here)
Most clearly - I move more and more towards nonviolence (John Howard Yoder) as I more and more grasp the Trinity (of course, I have not mentioned the Spirit yet...).
Obviously there's a lot of mystery in any formulation of God. Seeing God as Trinity also emphasizes the inherent relationality of the deity.
My point is that while I think the Trinity is a good explanation of who God is, I think it would be just flat wrong to say someone is not "saved" if they believe wrongly on it. If we are judged on the correctness of our beliefs...well, I know I'm in trouble!
Its almost like there are two separate things: correct belief and correct practice (living). Jesus seems more concerned with the latter while we obsess on the former.
