The Mormon Concept of God: A Philosophical Analysis (Studies in American Religion) [Hardcover]

Francis J. Beckwith (Author), Stephen E. Parrish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1991 | ISBN-10: 0773497870 | ISBN-13: 978-0773497870

The purpose of this text is to show: that the Mormon concept of God differs radically from the classical concept of God; that the Mormon concept of God contains many philosophical flaws; and that the classical concept of God is more consistent with the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures than the Mormon view. The emphasis of this book is philosophical and it includes detailed analyses of the following topics as they relate to the Mormon concept of God: the impossibility of the infinite past of Mormon metaphysics; the problems in applying the design argument to Mormon theism; logical necessity and the Mormon God; and the problem of a finite being (the Mormon God) progressing to a point of having infinite knowledge.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 147 pages
• Publisher: Edwin Mellen Pr (July 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0773497870
• ISBN-13: 978-0773497870
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,937,244 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Important book, February 11, 2008

By 

J. Barrett (U.S.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Mormon Concept of God: A Philosophical Analysis (Studies in American Religion) (Hardcover)

I believe these authors deserve more credit for "trying." Despite any disagreements with the book, Beckwith and Parrish have put together a solid response to the LDS understanding of God that deserves to be heard and engaged. The 145 pgs is broken up into five chapters:

1) The Classical Concept of God
2) Mormon Finitistic Theism
3) Philosophical Problems with the Mormon Concept of God
4) Design, Necessity and the Mormon God
5) A Biblical Critique of the Mormon Concept of God

This is at times fairly difficult reading, especially if one is not familiar with the basics of philosophical analysis and critique. However, I believe it is worth ones time to wade through this book and look at the critique that has been constructed. It will definitely further the dialogue between Mormons and Christians in a positive way.

6 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Credit for Trying, June 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mormon Concept of God: A Philosophical Analysis (Studies in American Religion) (Hardcover)

I'm pleased, I guess, that Beckwith and Parrish have made an attempt to engage on a philosophical basis with Mormon theology.

I just don't think they've made a persuasive case. David Paulsen and Blake Ostler have offered impressive Mormon criticisms of this book and its arguments in various venues. Those really interested in the subject should consult their reviews (in the "International Quarterly for the Philosophy of Religion," in "Religious Studies," and in the "FARMS Review of Books," among other places).