Until the latter part of the twentieth century, Mormonism has been presented in scholarly reconstructions as a religion that has not changed significantly from its beginnings, that presently held beliefs existed as a central core of doctrine at the church's founding in 1830.
The author argues, instead, that the development of Mormonism has been primarily due to external events, popular, cultural, philosophical, religious and scientific, and that these influences have led to the emergence of several streams of thought that are actually in opposition to the early beliefs of the church. Arguably, Mormonism can be seen as a reflection of the development of American society and culture from the early 1800s to the present. The major aim of this work is to establish a proper chronology for the development of Mormon thought, specifically in its concept of the nature of God.
- ISBN13 9780786474028
- Publish Date 12 October 2012 (first published 31 October 2000)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
- Format Paperback
- Pages 215
- Language English