Binding Earth and Heaven

Patriarchal Blessings in the Prophetic Development of Early Mormonism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology, Marriage & Family, Religion & Spirituality, Christianity, Denominations, Mormonism, Cultural Studies, Customs & Traditions
Cover of the book Binding Earth and Heaven by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd, Penn State University Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd ISBN: 9780271069494
Publisher: Penn State University Press Publication: October 25, 2012
Imprint: Penn State University Press Language: English
Author: Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
ISBN: 9780271069494
Publisher: Penn State University Press
Publication: October 25, 2012
Imprint: Penn State University Press
Language: English

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.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

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.

More books from Penn State University Press

Cover of the book Religious Routes to Gladstonian Liberalism by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Charlotte Perkins Gilman's “The Yellow Wall-paper” and the History of Its Publication and Reception by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Christine de Pizan and the Fight for France by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Mortal Gods by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Sacred Plunder by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Democratic Philosophy and the Politics of Knowledge by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book David Hume by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book George Sand by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Rage and Denials by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Warfare and the Miraculous in the Chronicles of the First Crusade by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book An Interpretive Guide to Operatic Arias by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book The Colonels’ Coup and the American Embassy by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book Philosophical Historicism and the Betrayal of First Philosophy by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book The Smile of Tragedy by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
Cover of the book The Athenian Republic by Gary Shepherd, Gordon Shepherd
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy