Surprise Castle
Binding Earth and Heaven: Patriarchal Blessings in the Prophetic Development of Early Mormonism

Binding Earth and Heaven: Patriarchal Blessings in the Prophetic Development of Early Mormonism - Paperback

$25.99
Quantity
01

Pay over time for orders over $35.00 with

Availability:In StockContributor:Gary Shepherd, Gordon ShepherdPublish date:2016-03-15Pages:184
Language:EnglishPublisher:Penn State University PressISBN-13:9780271056340ISBN-10:271056347UPC:9780271056340Book Category:Religion, Social ScienceBook Subcategory:Institutions & Organizations, Sociology of Religion, Christian Rituals & PracticeBook Topic:Worship & LiturgySize:9.00 x 6.00 x 0.42 inchesWeight:0.6107Product ID:SCT07EZ5QJ

In Binding Earth and Heaven, Gary Shepherd and Gordon Shepherd use early nineteenth-century Mormonism as a case study to examine questions about how new religious movements may, as rare exceptions, survive and even eventually become successful in spite of intense opposition. Initial scorn and contempt for Mormonism--the fledgling creation of the young Joseph Smith--quickly elevated to mob violence as both Smith's innovative teachings and converted followers proliferated, resulting in the widely held perception that the Mormons constituted a social menace. This book examines how Mormonism attracted and maintained the loyalty of increasing numbers of people despite mounting hostilities and severe hardships.

The book focuses on the unique Mormon ritual (and accompanying doctrinal underpinnings) of "patriarchal blessings." Patriarchal blessings were an innovative adaptation of the Old Testament practice of fathers making quasi-legal pronouncements over the heads of their sons--a way of verbally conferring rights, promises, admonition, and guidance to heirs. Binding Earth and Heaven shows how the organizational complexities of this practice contributed to strengthening and sustaining member faith and fealty, thereby bolstering the continuity and development of Mormonism.

Language:EnglishPublisher:Penn State University PressISBN-13:9780271056340ISBN-10:271056347UPC:9780271056340Book Category:Religion, Social ScienceBook Subcategory:Institutions & Organizations, Sociology of Religion, Christian Rituals & PracticeBook Topic:Worship & LiturgySize:9.00 x 6.00 x 0.42 inchesWeight:0.6107Product ID:SCT07EZ5QJ

Gary Shepherd is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology at Oakland University.

Gordon Shepherd is Professor of Sociology at the University of Central Arkansas.


Publisher: Penn State University Press

Free shipping on orders over $75. Standard shipping takes 3-7 business days. Returns accepted within 30 days of purchase.

Recently Viewed

View All