Mormons
make up only 2% of the U. S. population yet their influence is much
greater than that number would indicate. Mansfield explores why
their impact on America is so great. He says they have achieved
their influence on two fronts: the secular success of the “Mormon
machine” (the earthly benefits of religious requirements) and the
appeal to hurting people.
Mansfield
describes the engine of the machine.
Number
one is Progress. This life is like an obstacle course a Mormon must
master to qualify for what comes in eternity. Achievements become a
religious value.
Number
two is Family. It is an eternal institution. Families who qualify
will rule in eternity, even as the Heavenly Father rules this world
with his family.
Number
three is Education. Knowledge and intelligence in this life is an
advantage in the world to come.
Number
four is Patriotism. The U. S. has an ordained destiny. The Garden
of Eden is in the U. S. and is the spot Jesus will return to earth.
The
vulnerable aspect of the Mormon Church is its history. The church
makes assertions about history and earthly events. They are subject
to historical research, scientific and medical testing. It is not a
challenge the leadership or the average Mormon is prepared for,
Mansfield says.
For
example, the Book of Mormon says horses were brought to the New World
(America) thousands of years before Columbus arrived here in 1492,
finding none. The same is said about pigs, sheep, cattle and
donkeys, that they were brought here in 25000 B.C. It also says
American Indians are descendants of the “lost tribes” of Israel
(although DNA evidence indicates otherwise).
Mansfield
writes, “The truth is that when all of the research is considered,
there is precious little scientific or historical evidence that Book
of Mormon claims are historically true.” (177)
So
why don't Mormons leave the faith? He says most Mormons are not
primarily interested in scholarship. They are taught to seek a
feeling of confirmation, an “inner knowing” that trumps objective
evidence.
He
goes on to write about the importance of the restored priesthood, the
squishy nature of Mormon belief, and the odd nature of Smith's
revelations. He also reviews the history of the religion and has a
section of their beliefs. Their beliefs do change as new revelation
is given, such as the recent “revelation” that allowed black
males to the priesthood when before they were a cursed people.
This
is by no means a definitive study of the Mormon faith. Mansfield's
aim is to explain how a religion with such a troubled origin and such
questionable beliefs can be so influential in America. He has
accomplished that very well.
This
would be a great book for anyone wanting an introduction to the
Church of Latter-Day Saints and wanting to understand how the church
has become such an accepted part of American culture.
Go here for Mansfield's blog, biography, a video and other information.
Go to the publisher's
product page to read the first chapter and listen to an interview.
Worthy
Publishing, 288 pages.
I
received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for
the purpose of this review.
1 comment:
This one sounds pretty interesting. Great review.
Post a Comment