The Mormon Culture of Salvation

Mormonism is the fastest growing religion in the world. This text presents a comprehensive study of Mormon culture and religious life, offering important theories of Mormonism's success. Describing the many aspects of Morman belief, ritual, family life and history, the book presents an interpretation of the origin of Mormonism, arguing that Mormonism is rooted in the bereavement experience of the first prophet, with the first prophet's personal grief leading to his creation of this new religion. The temple ritual for the dead is linked to the genealogical work of many Mormon families and shows how the Mormon commitment to work for salvation relates to some present Mormon beliefs in conversion, and to traditional Christian ideas of grace. Written by a non-Morman with over 30 years of in-depth research into Mormonism, this description of Mormon life is analyzed through ideas and theories drawn from anthropology, sociology and psychology, as well as from theology, providing a form of analysis which indicates what is possible in truly interdisciplinary religious studies. The text aims to offer real insights into how Mormans see the world and work for their future glory in heavenly realms.