[Introduction to] The Latter-day Saint Experience in America

Authors

Terryl Givens, University of RichmondFollow

Files

Description

Provides the most comprehensive overview of Mormonism—one of the fast growing religions in the World—available in one volume.

Scholars have labeled the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormonism as it is better known, both the American Religion, and the next world faith. The Mormon saga includes early persecution, conflict, and pioneer resilience, against a backdrop of revolutionary religious, social, and economic practices. The greatest colonizing force in American history, Mormonism has outgrown its 19th-century isolation and theocratic roots to become one of the most prosperous and respected Christian communities in the country. This book examines the history of the movement, and considers carefully the reasons behind a perennial discord with American culture—and the American government—that only waned in the early decades of the 20th century. Givens also considers the range of Mormon doctrines—both familiar and peculiar—and overviews the background and content of the unique canon of Mormon scripture.

The Latter-day Saint Experience in America examines all aspects of how Mormons live, work, and worship. The book discusses: Mormon worship and Church organization; The intellectual and artistic heritage of the Latter-day Saints; Official Church teachings across a span of contemporary issues, from feminism to race to the environment; The tensions and future directions of the modern Church. Abundant appendices include a glossary of Mormonism, a timeline, a comparison with other Christian creeds, biographical sketches of Mormon luminaries, and an annotated bibliography useful for further study.

ISBN

9780313327506

Publication Date

11-2004

Publisher

Greenwood

City

Westport, CT

Keywords

Mormonism, Mormon church, Mormon history, Mormon thought

School

School of Arts and Sciences

Department

English

Disciplines

Christian Denominations and Sects | History of Christianity | Liturgy and Worship | Religion

Comments

Read the introduction to the book by clicking the Download button above.

This title is part of the The American Religious Experience series.

Recommended Citation

Givens, Terryl. The Latter-day Saint Experience in America. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 2004.