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Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Cosmos, God, Humanity 1st Edition

by Terryl L. Givens (Author)
4.9 out of 5 stars 55 customer reviews
ISBN-13: 978-0199794928
ISBN-10: 0199794928
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Product Details

  • Hardcover: 424 pages
  • Publisher: Oxford University Press; 1 edition (November 5, 2014)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0199794928
  • ISBN-13: 978-0199794928
  • Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 1.5 x 6.4 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (55 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #321,264 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Top Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsAn advanced course in Mormonism
By Learner on September 24, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
This book is apparently aimed at a highly-educated audience who is not Mormon - at least, it does not assume you know about Mormonism.

This is college-level reading with rich, scholarly language. In addition to concepts like "theosis" and "dualism" and "radical materialism," you will also encounter "ovism" and "homoousios" and "traducianism." There's even a little Latin. (Also, go ahead and look up the word "entail," if you don't know it, because you will see it many times.)

For me the effort has been richly rewarded, a banquet for my mind. I am learning a lot about my own religion. It turns out Mormonism is a pretty deep and fascinating thing even for a devout, life-time member like me. In that respect this book, whether intended or not, also serves as an apologia.

A typical chapter takes a point of theology, first stating the traditional Christian view. Next, alternate views held by Christians and others in the past are touched on - views which Mormonism also agrees with. Next, a discussion of varying understandings of the doctrine by early Mormons. Finally, the "settled" doctrine of the current Mormon church is explained (or maybe the current doctrine is presented as not fully settled).

This book shows how initially Joseph Smith revealed many things when he re-established the church of Christ. Then later Mormon prophets added to and clarified those doctrines.

I'm not sure I agree with all the Givens' statements or their reasoning. I will be pondering this book and reading it again in the future.

Some statements are too definite for my comfort. I don't think any of us can say the last word on God and the universe at this point. (I think the Givens would agree with me.) As Isaiah says, God's ways and thoughts are not ours.Read more ›
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5.0 out of 5 starsLife Changing and Unique
By Rich on November 29, 2014
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
A popular primary childrens song for Mormons contains the refrain, "Follow the prophet. Follow the prophet. Follow the prophet. Don't go astray. Follow the prophet. Follow the prophet. Follow the prophet. He knows the way." Growing up Mormon, it was easy to infer from songs like these, teachings from lay members and other sources that our modern prophets are always right. Even as the potential for a prophet's fallibility became clear in readings found in the Book of Mormon (Nephi, Moroni), the Doctrine and Covenants and many other prophetic statements, it was still hard to shake the idea that a prophet is always right.

As my knowledge of LDS doctrine and history began to expand, and I recognized some of the apparent differences in doctrine and belief between the early church leaders and church leaders in my life-time, I found it difficult to reconcile my thoughts and feelings. When you read something from Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, etc., then find a different attitude or idea on the subject from the prophets who lived closer to today (or even disagreements between the above), and you're taught to believe that a prophet will never lead you astray, it can be a harrowing, faith-trying experience. If they differ or contradict each other, they can't all be right, can they?

That's where Wrestling the Angel really shines for me. As far as I am aware, it is the only comprehensive work of it's kind that concisely and accurately bridges the gap between the time of the restoration and the present, giving context to how and why key points of doctrine have evolved, developed, been dismissed, etc. Don't get me wrong, there are still many things that can't be answered, but I've found a great deal of peace, consolation and insight through reading what is available to know, as organized and made available in this book. Thank you, Terryl, for this great work!
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5.0 out of 5 starsFinally, a great, clear, outline of the evolution of Christian and Mormon concepts!
By Kenneth L. Reed on November 18, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase
Really great history of religious concepts (e.g. God, Jesus, Trinity, etc.) that have been argued over for centuries. Givens reviews historical discussions, then presents the mormon views as they started with Joseph Smith then evolved over time since. Views originated with Brigham Young and others are also treated and discussed. Easy reading (e.g. the usual theological impenetrability is removed), and where a theological term is kind of necessary, he explains it.

Great book for Mormon scholars and more advanced readers. A bit of a handful for the naive, I think, but written with clarity for most readers with an interest in theology, Mormon or otherwise.
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5.0 out of 5 starsWell-researched and well-written!
By mdromney on January 30, 2015
Format: Hardcover Verified Purchase
I highly recommend this book. It's nice to see that Mormon scholarship is reaching a level of maturity, capable of maintaining a dialogue with a broader academic audience, being able to look critically and openly at Mormon beliefs while also finding reason for the faith in them. It's also refreshing to have an intelligent conversation about faith and a relatively unobstructed view at the facts in question, rather than the simplified, polarized shouting match that often exists.

At some level this type of book is not new; the journal "Dialogue" for instance has been publishing comparable stuff for five decades now, as has author Jan Shipps. But this book has the full package, in terms of scope, presentation, level of research, and accessibility (not too mention endorsements from notable scholars!). There is also the issue of timing; I think it's safe to say that the Mormon religion itself is reaching a sufficient maturity that it can comfortably discuss the deeper issues in the mainstream rather than the fringes.

My main complaint (which is also a compliment) is that I found the book too brief. Most of the chapters have a detailed historical build-up to the topic at hand, but then seem to wrap up as soon as they get off the ground. Especially for a book promising a "sweeping account" of the "foundations of Mormon thought", I would have appreciated a more systematic treatment rather than just the "main currents" (to use Given's term). The main text stands at about 300 pages; I think the narrative could comfortably fit another 100-150 pages without losing its momentum--and I highly doubt that Givens is lacking for source material. (That being said, a second volume is apparently in the works, so there is still time!Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA Unique and Captivating Read

This is an excellent treatise on Mormon theology. Terryl Givens offers an uncommon and insightful perspective of the faith for both members of the LDS Church and non-affiliated... Read more

Published 10 days ago by Richard Morrison
5.0 out of 5 starsamazing research and analysis

Comprehensive, amazing research and analysis, scholarly.

Published 1 month ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

Insightful and powerful.

Published 2 months ago by Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 starsLDS leaders have not always taught what they teach now

If only Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie had been able and willing to do work like this decades ago. How Prof. Read more

Published 2 months ago by dewell
5.0 out of 5 starsThis is the book

I'm only about two-thirds into it, but this is the book I've been looking for, something to really sink my teeth into about LDS theology. Read more

Published 2 months ago by John A Thompson
5.0 out of 5 starsEssential for an Understanding of Complex Doctrines

An intense, thorough examination of a number of important doctrines of the LDS church. Enhanced my understanding greatly.

Published 3 months ago by Amazon Customer
2.0 out of 5 starsA noble attempt to systematize that which ardently refuses...

Few religious traditions are as slippery or difficult to systematize as Mormon thought (I avoid the use of "theology" as Mormons do). Read more

Published 5 months ago by Scott Olsen
5.0 out of 5 starsGivens does an amazing job of explaining fundamental Mormon doctrine...

Givens does an amazing job of explaining fundamental Mormon doctrine and how some of those doctrines differ from mainline Christian beliefs.

Published 5 months ago by STEVEN L INGLEBY
5.0 out of 5 starsreally great book

This was a really great book. It was very interesting and a very insightful treatment of Mormon beliefs and theology. I highly recommend it.

Published 7 months ago by Daniel C.
5.0 out of 5 starsWonderful Survey of Mormon Theology

Disclaimer- I am not Mormon myself, but Eastern Orthodox.

Terryl Givens' "Wrestling the Angel" is a terrific introduction to contemporary LDS theology. Read more

Published 7 months ago by Thomas C. Hamilton

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