Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition

Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition examines the emergence and development of the Mormon faith in 19th century America. The book traces the movement from its origins through its establishment as a distinct religious tradition. Jan Shipps, a non-Mormon religious historian, analyzes key events and transitions in Mormon history, including Joseph Smith's prophetic calling, the settlement in Utah, and the church's gradual integration into American society. Her research draws on primary sources and contemporary accounts to reconstruct the social and religious context of early Mormonism. The narrative follows major turning points that shaped Mormon identity, from persecution and migration to institutional growth and doctrinal evolution. Shipps documents how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints created its own sacred history, rituals, and community structures. This study presents Mormonism as a case study in how new religious movements establish legitimacy and create distinct theological frameworks. The book explores universal themes about religious innovation, prophetic leadership, and the formation of sacred traditions in the modern era.

Readers note this academic work provides a neutral, outsider's perspective on Mormon history without taking sides on truth claims. Many appreciate Shipps' analysis comparing Mormonism's development to early Christianity and Judaism. Likes: - Clear writing style accessible to non-scholars - Original research and fresh interpretations - Balanced treatment of controversial topics - Thorough documentation and citations Dislikes: - Some find the academic tone dry - A few readers wanted more detail on modern LDS practices - Limited coverage of polygamy and race issues - Some felt the Judaism/Christianity parallels were overstated Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (154 ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (28 reviews) Notable reader comments: "Best scholarly analysis of Mormon origins I've read" - Goodreads reviewer "Dense but rewarding look at how Mormonism evolved" - Amazon review "Too focused on theoretical frameworks rather than human stories" - Goodreads criticism

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No Man Knows My History by Fawn McKay Brodie This biography of Joseph Smith integrates psychological insights with historical research to present the emergence of the Mormon movement.

The Mormon People by Matthew Bowman This comprehensive history chronicles the Mormon church from its origins through its evolution into a global religious movement.

Early Mormonism and the Magic World View by D. Michael Quinn This study examines the folk magic and occult practices that influenced early Mormon theology and ritual.

🔹 Jan Shipps is one of the most respected non-Mormon scholars of the Latter-day Saint movement, and her groundbreaking work was the first major academic study of Mormonism by a non-Mormon historian. 🔹 The book compares the emergence of Mormonism to the rise of early Christianity and Judaism, suggesting that Mormonism represents a similar kind of new religious tradition rather than just another Protestant denomination. 🔹 Published in 1985, this book challenged the prevailing academic view that Mormonism was simply another Christian sect, instead arguing that it represented an entirely new religious tradition. 🔹 Shipps spent over 30 years living in Mormon communities as part of her research, gaining unprecedented access and insights as an outsider scholar, which heavily influenced her unique perspective in the book. 🔹 The author's work was so well-respected that she became the first non-Mormon to serve as president of the Mormon History Association (1979-1980), demonstrating the unprecedented trust she built with the LDS community.