The Mormon Culture of Salvation

The Mormon Culture of Salvation presents a comprehensive study of Mormon cultural and religious life, offering a new interpretation of the origin of Mormonism - one of the fastest growing movements and considered by many to be the next world-religion. Bringing social scientific and theological perspectives to bear on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Douglas Davies draws from theology, history of religions, anthropology, sociology and psychology to present a unique example of a truly interdisciplinary analysis in religious studies. Examining the many aspects of Mormon belief, ritual, family life and history, this book shows how Mormon commitment to work for salvation relates to current Mormon belief in conversion and to traditional Christian ideas of grace and offers insights into how Mormons see the world and work for their future glory in heavenly realms. Written by a non-Mormon with over thirty years' research experience into Mormonism, this book is essential reading for those examining interdisciplinary forms of analysis in religion, as well as those exploring Mormonism and world religions.

'This book will be a landmark in Mormon studies. A masterly discussion of important aspects of Mormonism that other writers have generally overlooked or underplayed. Davies has subjected the richly informed detail of his theological narrative to acute sociological analysis, rendering complex issues intelligible in straightforward jargon-free language.' Bryan Wilson, Emeritus Fellow, All Souls College, Oxford, UK. 'This is the most innovative interpretation of the Mormon religious culture for at least half a century. Davies brings to bear insights from anthropology, psychology, and academic religious studies that will prove highly illuminating to Mormons and to others interested in this rapidly growing religion.' Armand L. Mauss, Emeritus Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies, Washington State University, USA 'An important study of the Mormon experience, offering keen insights into why The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to attract converts throughout the world. Davies' religious perspectives, combined with his broad reading in both LDS history and interdisciplinary fields, bring new insights to the study of Mormon thought and its manifestation in doctrine, ritual and organization.' David J. Whittaker, Curator of Western and Mormon Manuscripts and Associate Professor, Brigham Young University, USA '... more than just another monograph detailing the beliefs, rituals and ethical practices of a heterodox Christian group,... it is also an important contribution to the debate on how religious studies might be conducted. Open-ended, generous and interdisciplinary, Davies brings a composite perspective deeply rooted in the human sciences to bear on central theological and historical issues in Mormonism with discernment that students of comparative religion or christian theology will find illuminating... In a wide-ranging consideration of Mormon culture which explores the social ethics of domesticity and community, the embodiment

Autorentext
Douglas J. Davies, Durham University, UK

Klappentext

This interdisciplinary study of Mormon culture and religious life offers theories of Mormonism's success. Describing aspects of Morman belief, ritual, family life and history, it examines how Mormans see the world and work towards their future glory in heavenly realms.

Inhalt
Contents: Part One: Introduction; Salvation Christian and Mormon; Exaltation death and temple Mormonism; Embodiment and the temporal world; Domestic ward and temple Mormonism; Power, charisma and bureacracy; Part Two: Religion and world-religion; World conquest; Bibliography; Index.