Feeding the Flock: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Church and Praxis

Feeding the Flock examines the development and evolution of Mormon religious practices from the church's founding to the present day. This scholarly work focuses on the theological foundations and practical implementation of Mormon liturgy, worship, and communal life. The book analyzes key Mormon ordinances including baptism, communion, temple ceremonies, and marriage rites. It traces how these practices emerged from early Christian traditions and were transformed through Joseph Smith's revelations and subsequent church leadership. Terryl Givens provides historical context for Mormon institutional structures and explores how they facilitate religious experience within the faith community. The work draws from primary sources and church documents to present a comprehensive view of Mormon praxis. The text illuminates broader questions about how religious communities translate abstract theology into lived experience and concrete ritual. It demonstrates the role of practice and ordinance in building religious identity and maintaining spiritual cohesion across generations.

Readers describe this book as a detailed theological examination of Mormon liturgy, worship practices, and ordinances. Many found value in its historical context and academic rigor in explaining Mormon ritual development. Liked: - Deep analysis of theological concepts and evolution of practices - Thorough research and extensive footnotes - Clear explanations of complex doctrinal topics - Balanced academic perspective while remaining faithful to Mormon tradition Disliked: - Dense academic writing style challenges casual readers - Some sections feel repetitive - High price point for the hardcover - Assumes prior knowledge of Mormon theology Ratings: Goodreads: 4.24/5 (17 ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (11 reviews) One reader noted it "fills a crucial gap in Mormon studies by examining lived religious practice rather than just belief." Another called it "impeccably researched but sometimes hard to digest without a theological background."

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🔹 Terryl Givens taught at the University of Richmond for 30 years as a professor of literature and religion, and this book is part of a two-volume series exploring Mormon theology and practice. 🔹 The book examines how the Mormon concept of salvation differs from traditional Christianity by emphasizing the role of physical ordinances and ritual practices rather than faith alone. 🔹 "Feeding the Flock" is the second volume in Givens' series, following "Wrestling the Angel," which focused on Mormon cosmology and theological foundations. 🔹 The title references the biblical metaphor of Christ as shepherd, but also alludes to Joseph Smith's concept of a "flock" that requires both spiritual and physical nourishment through church practices. 🔹 The book breaks new ground by analyzing Mormon liturgy and ritual practice through the lens of academic religious studies, making it one of the first scholarly works to do so in this systematic way.