Rational Theology

by John A. Widtsoe, Dale C. Lecheminant (Foreword by)

The decades framing the turn of the twentieth century constituted a period of progressive optimism, of increasing faith in science and technology, and of character-building education—vividly illustrated in the founding of Christian Science, for example, and in the Latter-day Saint magazine, the Improvement Era. In keeping with the times, it is not surprising that former professor of chemistry and university president John A. Widtsoe was called to the LDS Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1921. An inheritor and promoter of “reasonable” religion, his popular book,  Joseph Smith as Scientist , and his influential LDS Melchizedek priesthood manual (later released as a book),  Rational Theology , underscored his and other Mormon leaders’ positivist assumptions about the world—that science was good, that Mormonism would be proven true, and, drawing from Herbert Spencer’s application of evolution to ethics, that society would be perfected. Like Widtsoe’s secular books (published nationally and internationally by Macmillan, Webb, and J. Wiley & Sons),  Rational Theology  would enjoy multiple printings domestically and several foreign translations. Although his other church writings ( Evidences and Reconciliations ,  The Gospel in the Service of Man,   Guide Posts to The Right to Personal Satisfaction, and others ) proved to be influential, none so thoroughly summarized his embrace of science and Mormonism as  Rational Theology . John Andreas Widtsoe was born in Dalöe, Island of Fröyen, Norway, in 1872. He immigrated to Utah in 1883 and graduated from Brigham Young College in 1891 and from Harvard with high honors in 1894. Widtsoe married Leah Eudora Dunford, daughter of Susa Young Gates, in 1898 and had seven children. In 1899 he was awarded a Ph.D. with high honors from the University of Göttingen, Germany. He both taught at and served as president of Utah State Agricultural College and the University of Utah. He was elected to the Victoria Institute in England, an honor received by only one other Mormon scholar—James E. Talmage. Widtsoe served as editor of the  Improvement Era  and wrote more than thirty books, including religious, autobiographical, and professional publications. His essay on LDS temple worship has been included in the new edition of  The House of the A Study of Holy Sanctuaries Ancient and Modern . He was an apostle from 1921 until his death in 1952.

Genres: Religion, Mormonism, Philosophy, Lds, Theology, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1915

About the author

John Andreas Widtsoe (31 January 1872 – 29 November 1952) was a Norwegian-American scientist, author, and religious leader who was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1921 until his death in 1952.

Reviews

[Carla "Kar" Schmidt Holloway · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'll give him this: the book doesn't set out to define LDS theology in relation/superior to any other faith tradition or theology. He spends no time saying "we don't believe this, like those silly Catholics" or anything like that. What he has to share are positive definitions, and his whole argument is easy to understand too. He's not condescending or patronizing or arrogant, which made it more pleasant to read even if I didn't agree with his conclusions.

In spite of the positives, I didn't find any of his argument compelling. Widtsoe says the purpose of our existence (on earth, before, and after) is power, conquest, domination, subjugation of the universe. That's just awful to me.

(He is also often ableist in the way he glorifies, even deifies, intelligence and knowledge.)

Not a difficult read. The substance is all in the title: it's about logic and reason, approaching theology with the same attitude as laws of physics. Widtsoe's theology isn't poetic, emotional, relational, or mystical.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elder Widtsoe covers the beliefs of the LDS church with more detail and depth than we often do today. It was an enjoyable and easy read.

I recommend the book to anyone interested in LDS beliefs and don't forget the appendix where Elder Widtsoe gives the scriptural references for all of the topics.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

Religious primer. No rationality

This was written in 1932. Many ideas expressed in this book are completely outdated or just known to be wrong today. Furthermore, it consists of empty assertions, broad generalizations, and mostly religious rhetoric. The biggest value from it though is reading the latter chapters to get a primer of lds (mormon) beliefs. Other than that, skip it.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those needing a scientific & rational explanation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ as practiced by the Church of Jesus Christ will be completely satisfied! Required reading for all disciples of Christ! Read! You will not be disappointed!

[Roo Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Widtsoe was a very thoughtful scientist and Mormon. Unfortunately, many times he tried to bend science to fit his religious beliefs, but they were not so far fetched then as they seem now today. Overall a great and quick read that will help you ask and answer thought provoking questions.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i loved this book. his writing style is somewhat hard to get used to but once u adjust its phenomenal. some much to learn in this life. i want to purchase this book, it was that good!

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

See my review for the other version.

This is the better version to read as its font is better. It's the same book though as the one selling for $2.99. Overall, if you already ate a member of the LDS church, you'll love it. If you enjoy something with real rational thought, this is not the book for you. Empty assertions, broad generalizations, and outdated material (1932 publish date), and religious rhetoric abound in it. But it is a good primer of Mormon thought and beliefs

[James Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal Book

A masterpiece that lays out a logical explanation for the universe. It seems arrogant to say though. In any event I feel this sews together the great truths found in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We exist, God exists, we must love him and each other.

[Chrisanne]

Breezed. I much preferred his autobiography. This was a bit more dated in its organization and had a lot less personality.

I suggest reading In A Sunlit Land.

[Kevin Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best theological overviews I've read about Latter-day Saintism.

[K.Q. Webster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most inspiring books I have ever come across. It gave me ideas that has never occurred to me and probably never would have if not for this book. You come away from reading it ready to read it again because you know you have forgotten so much already. There are so many doctrinal gems embedded in the book that it would take years to pull them all out.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upon starting this book I was struck by thought provoking concepts interestingly expressed. Occasional differences from our current understanding of the universe did not detract from the delightful feeling of insight that I gained as I read.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elder Widstoe presents from pretty mind boggling material.

[Matthew Kern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid rational and science-friendly view to Mormonism.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increased my faith. Provided a "why" for several areas of doctrine I hadn't considered.