Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction

In my view, Richard Bushman's introductory treatise, which purports to "introduce" Mormonism to the new reader, actually is a valuable work for Mormons and non-Mormons alike, but is somewhat understated as an introduction. Instead, the work takes on the difficult task of encapsulating into relatively few pages Bushman's own impressions of Mormonism following his more intricate scholarly works on Mormon studies. The work is balanced but appears to have a more comfortable style than the labored and scholarly "Rough Stone Rolling," a work devoted solely to Joseph Smith's biography. I should note that one of Bushman's recommended readings at the end of the little treatise is Fawn Brodie's "No Man Knows My History," a book that even Bushman admits attempts to diminish Joseph Smith as a mere imposter with a vision. No serious Mormon will be swayed by that work when weighed against the totality of Joseph's contributions and testimony, but this is just like Bushman: to invite everyone to the party as a potential contributor, even if only to present an opposing view of the historical facts. In the recommended readings, Bushman makes other invitations to the party that are not "partisan" but are intended to provide a balanced view of Mormon history and theology. This little book rises to the occasion by coming forth at a time when public interest in Mormonism is keen. The work is well-organized, largely edifying, conceptually tight, and easy to read. I give this delightful treatise a five star.

Mormonism is considered to be an American religion, the first major religion born on the new continent, and the first to incorporate the elements of the life on the new continent in its fabric of beliefs and practices. Ever since its inception in the early nineteenth century it has fascinated, and often repelled, the outsiders, and drown new converts. Its continuing growth in the times when religious missionary movements are supposed to be in a decline is interesting in its own right. Mormon missionaries are known by their youth, and clean-cut appearance and lifestyle that avoids the use of alcohol, tobacco, coffee and tea. Its precisely this lifestyle, coupled with the strong emphasis on family life, that brings many outsiders to convert to this religion, and it creates a respect even from those who are opposed to Mormonism on religious or ideological grounds. Richard Lyman Bushman's thin introduction to Mormonism is a useful and very interesting introduction to this faith. It covers all the major points about Mormonism that make it fascinating and unique: their history that begin with the revelation of the Book of Mormon to Joseph Smith, the settling and building of a religious society in Utah, their idiosyncratic beliefs that diverge from the orthodox Christianity on many key points, and their practices, many of which like polygamy, have in the past been highly controversial and had made Mormons suspicious to the outsiders. The book also covers the present state of affairs and a few minor offshoots that have sprung out from the main Mormon Church (LDS). Overall, this is a well-written book that could almost be considered a page-turner. If you are interested in finding more about Mormonism, this is an excellent first introduction to the subject and a useful reference for further study.

To summarize a philosophy that encompasses all creation requires an adept observer. As a lifetime member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I say that this book is a superior treatment of the religion because of what it leaves out--by keeping his treatment brief and to the point, Dr. Bushman manages to squarely address what makes Mormonism uniquely valuable. I suspect Dr. Bushman was influenced by Terryl Givens' recent work, People of Paradox. He returns often to the paradoxical aspects of Mormonism not the least of which is the central tenet that true freedom comes from strict obedience. Jesus taught his followers to love their enemies. It stands to reason that His followers continue to astound the world by demonstrating the absolute truth and functionality of seemingly paradoxical ideas. How interesting then that the most "active" Mormons are also the most highly-educated, that the Prophet to whom members defer religiously taught that his highest goal was a People who could govern themselves. Mormons have every reason to be proud of their history, accomplishments and beliefs. Dr. Bushman's overview does an excellent job of capturing the essence of the movement.

This excellent book has several things going for it. First, it's brief and small in size, making it an easy read to carry around and read in bits when you have a few spare minutes to kill (it's also very inexpensive). Second, despite its brevity, it is pretty darn comprehensive in scope, covering history, doctrine, practical application and culture, and not afraid to address controversial or ambiguous issues. Third, it's published by a respected, neutral publisher (Oxford University Press) and written by a prestigious academic historian who happens to specialize in 18th and 19th century America and happens to be a solid Mormon who has served in leadership positions. Lastly, it has an excellent but mercifully brief list of sources of further reading that is subdivided by topic (these are all academic titles rather than inspirational or apologetic ones). Professor Bushman manages to show how all the history and doctrine of the church makes someone's Mormon neighbors the people they are, and that seen in the light of objective history and a sympathetic hearing of the church's beliefs, the sensational elements of Mormonism in the media don't seem that weird after all.