Mormons and Mormonism: An Introduction to an American World Religion

by Eric A. Eliason (Editor)

Mormons and Mormonism gathers key essays by leading scholars on the history, foundational ideas and practices, and worldwide expansion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ideal introduction to Mormonism, this choice sampler provides a selective overview of what many historians consider the most innovative and successful religion to emerge during the spiritual ferment of antebellum America.
 
This volume explains how the earliest Mormons viewed their religion and suggests that the Book of Mormon appeared to them as an exciting document of social protest. Contributors consider the history of persecution of the Mormons, the church's relationship with the state of Utah and with other divisions of Christianity, and culture clashes in the church's missionary efforts. Mormons and Mormonism also places beliefs such as vicarious baptism for the dead in a larger context of community and religious ideals.
 
The founding of Mormonism and its rapid emergence as a new world religion are among the most intriguing aspects of American religious history and among the most neglected in the religion classroom. This much-needed volume lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the LDS Church and its historical and potential impact on the United States and the world.
 

Genres: Lds

264 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2001

About the author

Eric Alden Eliason is a writer and professor in the English department at Brigham Young University, where he teaches courses on literature and folklore.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 2 out of 5]

Except for a couple of very interesting essays at the beginning of the volume, this collection's tail-end was less engaging than it's promising beginning.

[John Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of essays does the interested reader of Mormonism some serious justice. You will probably want some working knowledge of Mormonism prior to reading this book. And having some prior knowledge of Mormonism, these essays are addressed to some of the major questions one would have of the religion. At least, it addresses many of the questions that I had/have about Mormonism.

Perhaps the greatest trait of the book is that some of the essays are directed at general stereotypes of Mormonism that come from people with little knowledge of the religion. The book does not seek seem to have the purpose of "setting you straight," but there is plenty of careful analysis of the most common attacks leveled against Mormons. Is it a heresy? Is it simply American myth? How do Mormons and non-Mormons live amidst the stereotypes? And the kicker of all, is Mormonism even Christian? All these questions are addressed. Whether the reader thinks that the questions are answered or not is a matter of opinion, of course, but the authors of the essays offer thoughtful insights into how to answer each question critically rather than simply going with the flow of ignorant American hatred.

I particularly recommend this book for the essays on whether Mormonism is Christian and how the 'heresy' of Mormonism relates to Christian 'orthodoxy.' The latter essay is one of the more humorous scholarly essays that I have ever read and was rather enjoyable.

I want to make clear that I am not myself a Mormon. But as I read this and other books on Mormonism the more I find that the religion is actually quite reasonable, all things considered. The two essays mentioned above will alone show a reader the reasonableness of Mormonism, at least in comparison to Christianity (those who find Christianity unreasonable will certainly think Mormonism unreasonable... but then, those people probably have a bias against all religion). If nothing else, this book can offer practical analysis of how Mormonism fits into the world rather than allowing a reader to flounder in the thought, "surely this is crazy!" Perhaps, but perhaps not.

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As most reviewers have already noted, readers will probably need a little background information on Mormonism to get the most out of this book. However, this could be a good introduction for those who are willing to learn as they go. While there is a spectrum of articles in this collection, they are mostly favorable but not flattering. I found the articles by Teryl Givens, Grant Underwood, and Jan Shipps particularly engaging. But many of them are very good. For those unfamiliar with Rodney Stark's work, his contribution in this work is a good synopsis of his sociological work on Mormonism. At any rate, readers who just want a balanced, smart overview of doctrinal, sociological, cultural, historical, eschatological, and political aspects of Mormonism will be well rewarded for reading this book.

[William Ramsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Critical but fair essays on the LDS church. Good read for academics and believers alike, but probably won't work into your next priesthood quorum lesson (which is definitely not a challenge.....)