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In 1972 a group of Mormon missionaries in Spain formed a band known as Los Salt Lake City. Playing primarily folk and rock music, they toured the country, gave radio and press interviews, and released two albums and an EP. Their experience is recounted and assessed in relation to the musical context of Spain at the time, including the social, religious, and political implications of the musical context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This interview with Douglas Davies was conducted in December 2023. It takes a chronological view of his remarkable fifty year career in academia, spanning his interests in Sikhism, religion in contemporary Britain, Mormonism, as well as death studies. Along the way, it becomes a reflection on the importance of collegiality, serendipity, creativity and both classic and contemporary scholarship in sociology, anthropology, and the study of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current paper argues that speakers of Tongan English, an emergent variety spoken in the Kingdom of Tonga, may use rhoticity to construct a cosmopolitan and globally oriented local social identity. A variationist analysis of non‐prevocalic /r/ in a corpus of 56 speakers reveals a change in progress towards rhoticity led by young females, whereas an affiliation with Liahona High School, a Mormon secondary school, predicts advanced adoption of the feature. I argue that rhoticity carries a positive ideological load for younger speakers as an index of globalness, modernity and Western cultural values, whereas for Liahona‐affiliated speakers, an additional indexicality of rhoticity is Mormonism. Linguistic constraints on variation mirror patterns found in previous studies on L1/L2 varieties and are thus more universal, whereas social constraints on variation are best examined through a local lens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black and Mormon were seemingly irreconcilable identities during the priesthood/temple ban against people of African descent (c. 1852-1978). But in 1966, Wynetta Willis Martin converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And in 1972, Martin published Black Mormon Tells Her Story. In this book, Martin interwove her African American and LDS identities in a powerful way. Challenging anti-Black racism in the LDS community, Martin produced a new story about Black Mormon identity: past, present, and future. Previously underestimated as a problematic book, this article retheorizes Black Mormon Tells Her Story, emphasizing Martin's agency in race-making. This article extends Judith Weisenfeld's theory of Black new religious movements to analyze a "religio-racial narrative" authored by a Black member of the predominantly white LDS Church. Demonstrating how Martin positively reconstructed the meaning of Blackness, this article fills a gap in the scholarship on Mormon racial construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a review of the book "Double Masculinities. Men, Normativities, and Religious Gender Identities" written by Alí Siles, which focuses on the study of masculinities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), also known as "Mormons". The author questions the dualistic binary in sex/gender identities and proposes the fluidity of identities as an alternative. He uses an appropriate methodology and conducts an ethnography with insider knowledge, as he has been part of this religious community. The book includes interviews with Mormon men and women to explore different positions within the religion and analyzes the behavior of Mormon men in religious and minority spaces. It also addresses the understanding of family in Mormonism and the tensions experienced by Mormon masculinities. The author proposes different routes to becoming a Mormon and emphasizes the importance of research on Mormon men. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the spiritual journey of Eldridge Cleaver, a former Black Panther and author, who became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) in 1983. Cleaver's interest in Mormonism began in the late 1970s, and he eventually met with LDS missionaries and prominent members of the Church. Despite initial obstacles, Cleaver was baptized into the LDS Church in 1983 but became less active over time. The article discusses the challenges Cleaver faced, including feeling estranged in predominantly white wards, struggles in his political career, financial difficulties, and addiction to crack cocaine. Cleaver expressed admiration for the social practices of the LDS Church and desired a more equitable role for women. The article highlights the complexities of religious conversion and the unfulfilled potential of Cleaver's spiritual journey. [Extracted from the article]

According to the simulation hypothesis, our universe is almost certainly a simulation created by posthuman programmers. Although the hypothesis has become an object of fascination and debate, little attention has been paid to its implications for religion and naturalism. An often-overlooked aspect of the hypothesis is Nick Bostrom's suggestion that 'the posthumans running our simulation are themselves simulated beings,' and so on. This feature of his hypothesis has striking parallels with the cosmogonies of Gnosticism, Mormonism, and Neoplatonism. These parallels demonstrate that the hypothesis raises challenges for naturalists by moving the boundary line between religion and naturalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study examines how members of the historically white possessive and supremacist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the United States (mis)appropriated Māori genealogy, known as whakapapa. The Mormon use of whakapapa to promote Mormon cultural memory and narratives perpetuates settler/invader colonialism and white supremacy, as this paper shows. The research discusses Church racism against Native Americans and Pacific Peoples. This paper uses Anthropologist Thomas Murphy's scholarship to demonstrate how problematic the Book of Mormon's religio-colonial identity of Lamanites is for these groups. Application of Aileen Moreton-Robinson's white possessive doctrine and Hemopereki Simon's adaptation to cover Church-Indigenous relations and the salvation contract is discussed. We explore collective and cultural memory, and discuss key Māori concepts like Mana, Taonga, Tapu, and Whakapapa. A brief review of LDS scholar Louis C. Midgley's views on Church culture, including Herewini Jone's whakapapa wānanga, is followed by a discussion of Māori cultural considerations and issues. The paper concludes that the alteration perpetuates settler/invader colonialism and Pacific peoples' racialization and white supremacy. Genetic science and human migration studies contradict Mormon identity narratives and suggest the BOM is spiritual rather than historical. Finally, the paper suggests promoting intercultural engagement on Mormon (mis)appropriation of taonga Māori. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents pedagogic principles prescribed in the text of the Doctrine and Covenants, a foundational book of scripture from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Following a qualitative, thematic analysis of the text, we organized the data into seven themes: character of God as a teacher, learning as the pursuit of truth, attributes of a teacher and learner, warnings in seeking light and truth, learning methods, teaching methods, and non-compulsory teaching and learning. Most noteworthy among these themes is the text's description of learning as the pursuit of embodied ontological truth and the fundamental questions it raises about the nature of compulsion in learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This article examines the rise of anti-Masonry in western New York in the 1820s and its connection to the emergence of Mormonism. Both movements gained followers and generated controversy during this time. Anti-Masonry was influential for a few years before fading, while negative attention towards Mormonism began in 1827. The article explores the origins and influence of Freemasonry, as well as the events surrounding the "Morgan Affair" that sparked anger against Freemasons and led to the formation of the anti-Masonic movement. It also discusses the influence of anti-Masonic rhetoric on the Book of Mormon and its early followers, although the significance of anti-Masonry in the book is debated. While there were some individuals who were both anti-Masons and Mormons, the overall impact of the two movements on each other was not significant. [Extracted from the article]

The work of W.E.B. Du Bois highlights the significance of Christian religion in Black American life. According to Du Bois, the Black Church serves as a site of self‐formation and affirmation, and the White Church as a source of racist beliefs and justifications for inequality. In this paper, we expand Du Bois' inquiry about the influence of religion with a study of Black Americans who belong to a predominantly White religion. For those whose religious experience is almost wholly within the "white world," what role does religion play in their lives? We analyze a set of 52 public accounts by Black Americans discussing their experiences as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‐day Saints (LDS). We find that for many Black LDS, membership in the LDS Church is characterized by contrast and contradiction, yielding spiritual conviction, joy, and meaningful communion on one hand, and racism and isolation on the other. We also find that Black LDS respond to these contradictions in a variety of ways. We classify these agentic responses into five types and examine the sociological significance of the observed variation. We conclude with a discussion of implications for scholarship on race and religion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"We are Not One People: Secession and Separatism in American Politics since 1776" by Michael J. Lee and Jarrod Atchison is a book that explores the role of division and separation in American politics. The authors analyze various historical contexts, from the founding of the nation to the present, to understand the rhetorical tactics used to anticipate, desire, and negotiate separatism. The book offers a comparative and comprehensive analysis of secession and union, highlighting the paradoxical relationship between separation and connection. It provides valuable insights into political division and identification through the lens of rhetoric, without praising or blaming separatists. [Extracted from the article]

This article explores the experiences of Rosemary Brown, who claimed to have communicated with the ghost of composer Franz Liszt, and Joseph Smith, who was visited by the angel Moroni and translated ancient plates to create The Book of Mormon. It examines the materiality of these experiences and their significance in Mormonism, emphasizing the belief in the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual worlds. The article also discusses the historical and cultural importance of the plates and their portrayal in Mormonism. It concludes by discussing different approaches to studying the plates and the importance of understanding Mormon scripture as a reliable document. Additionally, the article discusses the origins of the Book of Mormon, suggesting that it is an oral document influenced by sermon culture and potentially aided by mnemonic devices. It also explores Mormonism's relationship with technology and media, highlighting how Mormon women used everyday technologies to connect with the dead and how media has shaped Mormon experiences. The author argues that Mormonism's ability to withstand scrutiny is due to its belief in the inseparability of matter and spirit. The article concludes by discussing the challenges Mormonism faces in the digital age and the need for scholars to expand their understanding of the religion. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the concept of kinship within the context of Peruvian Mormonism and its interaction with Anglo Mormonism. It focuses on the experiences of Jacoba, a Peruvian immigrant and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and explores the complexities of kinship and relatedness within different cultural and religious contexts. The article also discusses the impact of US immigration policies on family-based migration and challenges the notion that DNA is the sole determinant of relatedness. Overall, it provides insights into the diverse ways in which kinship is constructed and understood within the Peruvian Mormon community. [Extracted from the article]

This article examines the adoption of a new symbol by the LDS Church, featuring a depiction of the Christus statue. The author argues that this portrayal of Jesus as white reinforces the institution's position and fails to acknowledge the historical association of the LDS Church with whiteness. The article also explores the theological impact of depicting Jesus as white, suggesting that it perpetuates a myth of white supremacy. The author calls for the LDS Church to address the racial dynamics of its symbol. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "Exceptionally Queer: Mormon Peculiarity and U.S. Nationalism" by K. Mohrman, the author challenges the narrative that Mormons transitioned from being a peculiar and marginalized group to assimilating into mainstream American culture. Mohrman argues that categorizing early Mormonism as "queer" oversimplifies the complexity of the faith and exaggerates the changes that occurred within the movement. The author posits that Mormons actually appropriated and reinforced broader standards of heterosexual and racial normativity, perpetuating ideas of manifest destiny, white supremacy, and gender roles. Mohrman's provocative argument calls for a more nuanced understanding of Mormonism and its relationship with American culture. [Extracted from the article]

"Grass Roots in Mexico: Stories of Pioneering Latter-day Saints" by F. LaMond Tullis explores the lives of nineteen individuals who played a significant role in the establishment and growth of Mormonism in Mexico. The book provides a historical overview of Mormonism in Mexico and then delves into individual stories of Mexican Mormon pioneers. Tullis argues that people from diverse backgrounds contributed to the development of the LDS Church in Mexico, with a common thread being their unwavering faith in the mainstream Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The book highlights the experiences of working-class individuals, particularly women, and touches on political and social issues within Mexican Mormonism. However, it does not extensively address topics such as polygamy or the concerns of the Third Convention, a movement seeking greater autonomy and Mexican leadership within the LDS Church. Overall, the book sheds light on the international nature of Mormonism and the need for a deeper understanding of its history in Mexico. [Extracted from the article]

Caroline Kline's book, "Mormon Women at the Crossroads: Global Narratives and the Power of Connectedness," explores the benefits of using oral history methods to understand the experiences of Mormon women of color. Kline argues that oral histories provide a nuanced perspective that challenges dominant narratives in history. The book includes case studies from Mexico, Botswana, and the United States, highlighting the reasons why women of color join or remain in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Kline's work contributes to the understanding of Mormonism in Mexico and sheds light on the experiences of Latina women in various religious communities. [Extracted from the article]

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) set the doctrinal table of Mormonism through his revelations, other writings, and oral discourse. Despite the unorthodox nature of Smith's ideas and his initial lack of oratorical skills, the church he founded has flourished despite determined opposition. This essay reviews Smith's rhetorical development, including a review of the doctrinally rich King Follett Discourse through the critical lens of Walter Fisher's narrative paradigm, to account, at least in part, for the appeal of Smith and his ideas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I WOULD LIKE to support the argument from 'Against the Young' (April 2024) by Liel Leibovitz that the best way to persuade young men and women to become engaged in [...]

The article focuses on Jon Bialecki's book "Machines for Making Gods," examining the intersection of Mormonism, transhumanism, and the implications of living in a simulated reality. Topics include the emergence of the Mormon Transhumanist Association stemming from shared ideas between Lincoln Cannon and secular transhumanists, and the book's analysis of how the amalgamation of these ideologies shapes a new perspective on human existence and the cosmos.

The article is a book review of "Mormon Envoy: The Diplomatic Legacy of Dr. John Milton Bernhisel" by Bruce W. Worthen. The book explores the life of Dr. John Milton Bernhisel, who served as a diplomat for Mormon interests in the United States during a time of political and religious tension. Bernhisel played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the Mormons and the wider American society, working to reconcile the two and ensure the survival of Mormonism. The book provides fresh perspectives on the early days of Mormonism and offers insights into the challenges faced by the faith. [Extracted from the article]

The article is a book review of "Marianne Meets the Mormons: Representations of Mormonism in Nineteenth-Century France" by Heather Belnap, Corry Cropper, and Daryl Lee. The book explores how Mormons were portrayed in French literature, art, and philosophical discussions during the 19th century. The authors argue that these representations reveal French anxieties around religion, politics, socialism, gender, the family, and colonialism. The book analyzes examples from French stage plays, literature, newspapers, and magazines to provide insights into the cultural exchange between Mormonism and France. The review acknowledges the book's strengths in demonstrating how the French conceptualized Mormons as symbols to comment on French issues, but also notes some challenges in the organization and lack of context in certain discussions. The review concludes by suggesting future research questions and expressing hope that the book will inspire further exploration of the relationship between Mormonism and French culture. [Extracted from the article]