Contemporary Mormonism: Latter-day Saints in Modern America (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Bushman offers a usable, essentially popular introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with unique attention to the character of the church today. Bushman covers familiar historical and theological ground (dealt with more completely in other books), but uses interviews with church members and very recent news items to retain a focus on today's church throughout the book. Few books are as able to contextualize aspects (mundane, practical, political) of the contemporary church against the historical/theological backdrop in a way that is accessible and fair to the uninitiated. Bushman is a believing Mormon and aspects of the book are perhaps informed by this fact; the diversity of the church she emphasizes is real, for example, but her "typical" congregations would likely appear quite unusual to the average American Mormon and basically parallel the church's public relations materials. However, she manages to deal with a wide variety of often controversial subjects in an honest way....Recommended. General and undergraduate collections.”–Choice

“This book is a welcome addition to a growing list of solid introductory works on the Latter-day Saints....Claudia Bushman is among the most productive and knowledgeable scholars in the field of Mormon studies today....This is a truly engaging introduction to real life among today's Mormons in the United States. It deserves widespread adoption in college classes, and it will inform general readers from a grassroots perspective....”–BYU Studies

“Written by a leading Mormon historian, this book provides insight into attitudes, policies, and beliefs of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”–VOYA

“The text is readable, and the chapters cover almost everything that one would want to know about contemporary Mormonism....Overall this is an excellent book for someone trying to gain a balanced understanding of Mormonism as it is today.”–Catholic Library World

“A Mormon herself, Bushman describes contemporary practices in the religion through her own experiences, the experiences of others, and church documents. She explains the organization of the church, its services, beliefs, ideas about family structure, missionary endeavors, temples, genealogical activities, and issues of race, ethnicity, class, gender, and sexual orientation. She also discusses the church in public life, its intellectual activities, and Salt Lake City.”–Reference & Research Book News

“[T]his book is a welcome addition to the already burgeoning literature about the Mormons. Claudia Bushman allows Mormons themselves to speak as she looks at such topics as identity, families, missionary experience, temples, race, gender and sexual orientation, and intellectual activities. In treating such commonplace worship as "fast-and-testimony meeting," Bushman brings a refreshingly straightforward style.”–Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)

“A welcome alternative to the Mormon blogs that only praise or only condemn this fascinating church, Contemporary Mormonism is friendly, objective, probing and very, very informative. Claudia Bushman has done us all a great service.”–Carol Lynn Pearson author of Goodbye, I Love You and Mother Wove the Morning

“The vast majority of books about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints are written with an overt agenda--usually by an enemy to convince the reader that "Mormons" are wicked dupes, or by a devout church member to try to make a convert. It is invigorating to find an author who just tries to describe the church in an accurate manner, letting the reader draw his or her own conclusions.”–Sandy Petersen Game Designer Active Mormon --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Much misunderstood, Mormonism had a colorful beginning in the 19th century, as a visionary named Joseph Smith founded and built a community of believers with their own unique faith. In the late-20th century, the church had to come to terms with its own growth and organization, as well as with the increasing pervasiveness of globalization, secularization, and cultural changes. Today Mormonism is one of the major religions in America, and one that continues to grow internationally. However, though the church itself remains strong, it is elusive to those of other faiths. Here, a seasoned author and third-generation Mormon sheds light on the everyday lives and practices of faithful Mormons. Bushman's readers will come away with a more thorough appreciation of what it means to be Mormon in the modern world. Following Brigham Young into the Great Basin and founding communities that have endured for over 100 years, Mormons have forged a rich history in this country even as they built communities around the world. But the origins of this faith and those who adhere to it remain mysterious to many in the United States. Bushman allows readers a vivid glimpse into the lives of Mormons--their beliefs, rituals, and practices, as well as their views on race, ethnicity, social class, gender, and sexual orientation. The voices of actual Mormons reveal much about their inspiration, devotion, patriotism, individualism, and conservatism. With its mythical history and unlikely success, many wonder what has made this religion endure through the years. Here, readers will find answers to their questions about what it means to be Mormon in contemporary America. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.; Reprint edition (January 28, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0742562387
• ISBN-13: 978-0742562387
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #883,568 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars too biased for comfort, March 16, 2006

By	J. Geske (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Contemporary Mormonism: Latter-day Saints in Modern America (Hardcover)

Firstly, I have to say, I did not finish this book - not because of lack of interest or time, but because it was much too biased a work to read. The author early on clearly states she is a Mormon and will use personal experiences and church doctrine in her book, but just saying that doesn't make it OK. The first bad taste in my mouth was in the preface where she, out of nowhere, says where we can get a Book of Mormon (including a web addess).

I think there is a difference between using stories from one's own personal life and just outwardly promoting a cause. For the most part, she is an apologist, especially concerning women and gays (for the latter, "the seeds of tolerance are growing" - who is she kidding here???). I thought this book would offer a somewhat-objective viewpoint on, believe it or not, contemporary Mormonism - all I got was one of their TV commercials that trick you into watching until the end... but in print form.

However, there were some instances (not a whole lot) wherein I learned a few things that cleared up a few misconceptions I myself had about Mormon thought. It was surprising to see the scale of converts they have each year. (A statistic which the author never failed to mention to show what a great religion Mormonism is becoming!) All in all, it's an easy read, but not a worthy one.