Mormonism

This Element presents the diverse Mormonism practices and beliefs within the United States, with the cultural heritage of the tradition.

Matthew Bowman (Author)

9781009537674, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 January 2025

72 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.6 cm, 0.274 kg

This Element will focus on the various denominations in the Mormon tradition, collectively sometimes referred to as 'Mormonism.' They include the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as the several sects of Mormon fundamentalism and multiple other denominations. Often described as the quintessential new religious movement, Mormonism is useful for studying the dynamics of new religious formation, evolution, schism, and adaptation to American culture more broadly. It emerged in the heat of the Second Great Awakening, the flourishing of religious creativity and innovation that followed American disestablishment, inspired by the visionary ideas of Joseph Smith, Jr., a New York farmer who adopted a particular style of restorationism, a form of Christianity popular in the period. Since that time, the various branches of Mormonism have embraced different relationships with the broader stream of American culture. Some have sought integration with America's Protestant majority; others have emphasized sectarian distinctiveness.

Introduction
1. Joseph Smith and the first Mormons
2. Mormonisms
3. The emergence of Mormon studies
Conclusion
Bibliography.

Subject Areas: History of religion [HRAX]