Building the Kingdom: A History of Mormons in America

Building the Kingdom traces the history of the Mormon religion from its founding through its establishment in Utah and into the modern era. The book chronicles Joseph Smith's visions, the formation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the group's migrations across America. The authors examine key developments including the practice of polygamy, conflicts with neighbors and government authorities, and the church's evolving relationship with mainstream American society. The narrative covers both major historical events and everyday life among Mormon communities as they worked to build their religious society. The persecution, exodus, and ultimate flourishing of the Mormon people forms a unique chapter in American religious history. Through their focus on institutional growth alongside personal faith, the Bushmans illuminate how a controversial new religion transformed into an established church while maintaining its distinctive beliefs and practices. This account reveals broader themes about religious freedom, cultural adaptation, and the interplay between spiritual conviction and practical necessity in American life. The book offers insights into how minority faiths can both resist and accommodate the pressures of the surrounding society.

Readers note this book provides a condensed, accessible overview of Mormon history for general audiences. Many readers who aren't Mormon appreciate the balanced tone and clear explanations of complex theological concepts. Likes: - Concise chapters that flow well - Inclusion of lesser-known historical details - Neutral presentation of controversial topics - Helpful timeline and glossary Dislikes: - Some find it too brief at 144 pages - Limited coverage of post-1900 Mormon history - A few readers wanted more analysis of doctrine - Minimal discussion of polygamy controversies One reviewer said: "Perfect introduction for students and researchers who need quick context about Mormonism." Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (68 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (15 reviews) The majority of reviews come from academic settings where it serves as a supplementary text. Readers consistently note it works better as a primer than a comprehensive history.

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling by Richard L. Bushman This biography traces Joseph Smith's life and the development of the Mormon church through extensive primary sources and historical documents.

Mormonism: A Historical Encyclopedia by W. Paul Reeve The encyclopedia covers Mormon history from 1820 to present with entries on key figures, events, and concepts in the faith's development.

The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith by Matthew Bowman This work examines the evolution of Mormon identity and culture from its founding through its transformation into a global religion.

By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion by Terryl L. Givens This study explores the Book of Mormon's emergence and its role in shaping Mormon theology and American religious history.

The Politics of American Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot, Mormon Apostle by Kathleen Flake This book examines the pivotal moment when Mormonism transitioned from a persecuted sect to an accepted American denomination through the lens of Reed Smoot's Senate confirmation battle.

🏛️ The authors, Richard and Claudia Bushman, are both accomplished historians and practicing Mormons, offering readers both scholarly expertise and insider perspective on Mormon history. 🌟 The book was part of Oxford University Press's "Religion in America" series, which aims to provide concise religious histories accessible to general readers and students. 🗺️ While most Mormon histories focus heavily on Utah, this book gives significant attention to Mormon settlements and communities across the entire United States, including lesser-known regions like the Mormon colonies in Texas. 📖 The text covers the evolution of controversial Mormon practices, including how the church shifted from defending polygamy as essential in the 1800s to completely prohibiting it by 1890. 🎓 Richard Bushman later wrote "Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling" (2005), which became one of the most significant scholarly biographies of Mormonism's founder and complements many themes first explored in "Building the Kingdom."