Mansfield gives an excellent review of
Mormon history from the beginning in the early 1800's in the
“burnt-over district” near Palmyra, NY, the scene of repeated
religious revivals, through the westward movement first to Jackson
County, Missouri and finally to Salt Lake City Utah. He gives a
detailed account of Joseph Smith's meeting with the Angel Maroni and
later with John the Baptist, as well as Peter, James and John.
Although retelling the history is
important to get an idea of who the Mormons were, the most important
contribution Mansfield makes in this book is telling who the Mormons
are today. Mansfield, according to the introduction, has taken time
to meet the Mormons and learn first hand what they think about their
religion and their beliefs. He starts each chapter with a vignette
based, he says, on real life stories. These glimpses of Mormons
defending their faith, telling what they believe, and struggling with
life's problems are the best part of the book. We can see the real
people behind the popular ideas of strange underwear, unusual
beliefs, and prophetic visions.
What emerges from this book is a
picture of the Latter-day Saints as:
- People who strive for success, believing that life is a series of tests that must be passed. Their credo is progressing, achieving and moving forward.
- People who believe that family is important above almost everything else. How many other religions require families to meet once a week to discuss problems and successes.
- Education is extremely important to Mormons. It begins at an early age and most Latter-day Saints are very well educated, many doing graduate work.
- Patriotism is inbred in the Mormons. They believe in the free-market system, and more important view, the Constitution as of Divine origin.
When I started this book, I knew a few
Latter-day Saints and thought well of them, but I didn't understand
their religion at all. I have to admit that I still find their
beliefs a bit unusual, but everyone in our country is free to believe
what they want from Pentecostals, to Catholics, to Mormons, Jews and
all Protestant congregatons.
I highly recommend this book. It's very
readable and will give you a much better idea of who these successful
people are. At the end of the book Mansfield deals with several
problems the Mormons face by becoming more prominent. One is the
concern that Mormons are bound by the revelations of Saints in
positions of power. I don't think this is a serious concern. I
remember the Kennedy election. People painted horror stories of the
country becoming subject to the Pope. That didn't happen. I very much
doubt that Mormon revelations will guide anyone in charge of the
country either in the military or the government to perform acts that
are not in the best interests of the nation. Church and State are
separate and should remain that way.
I reviewed this book for Worthy
Publishing.
