📖 Overview
Future Mormon is a collection of theological essays examining Mormonism through a contemporary philosophical lens. The book presents fresh interpretations of Mormon doctrine, scripture, and practices.
Miller, a professor of philosophy and practicing Mormon, connects traditional Mormon beliefs with modern philosophical concepts and scientific understanding. His essays tackle subjects like grace, agency, truth, evolution, and time from both theological and philosophical perspectives.
The essays build upon each other to construct a vision of what Mormonism could become in the future. The writing maintains academic rigor while remaining accessible to non-specialists.
This work represents an intersection of faith and philosophy, suggesting new ways to bridge historical Mormon thought with contemporary intellectual discourse. The essays propose a framework for evolving Mormon theology while preserving its foundational elements.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a complex theological work that requires close attention and multiple readings. Many note it challenges traditional Mormon thought while remaining faithful to core LDS beliefs.
Readers appreciated:
- Fresh perspectives on Mormon doctrine
- Intellectual rigor and philosophical depth
- Engagement with modern challenges to faith
- Quality of writing and scholarly approach
Common criticisms:
- Dense academic language makes it inaccessible
- Too abstract/theoretical for practical application
- Some concepts feel forced or overreached
From online reviews:
"Makes you think deeply about faith in new ways" - Goodreads reviewer
"Had to read passages multiple times to grasp meaning" - Amazon reviewer
"Changed how I view Mormonism's future potential" - Blog commenter
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.1/5 (102 ratings)
Amazon: 4.4/5 (46 ratings)
GoodreadsLDS: 4.3/5 (89 ratings)
The book garners stronger reviews from academic and theologically-minded readers compared to general audiences.
📚 Similar books
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Letters to a Young Mormon by Adam S. Miller These epistolary essays interpret Mormon faith through existential and philosophical frameworks for contemporary practitioners.
Mormonism and White Supremacy by Joanna Brooks This theological analysis traces the historical intersection of Mormon doctrine with racial theories and their present implications.
A Different God? by Margaret Barker The text connects Mormon theology to ancient temple traditions through examination of early Christian and Hebrew practices.
Wrestling the Angel by Terryl L. Givens This systematic exploration of Mormon theology places its concepts in dialogue with Western philosophical and religious traditions.
Letters to a Young Mormon by Adam S. Miller These epistolary essays interpret Mormon faith through existential and philosophical frameworks for contemporary practitioners.
Mormonism and White Supremacy by Joanna Brooks This theological analysis traces the historical intersection of Mormon doctrine with racial theories and their present implications.
A Different God? by Margaret Barker The text connects Mormon theology to ancient temple traditions through examination of early Christian and Hebrew practices.
Wrestling the Angel by Terryl L. Givens This systematic exploration of Mormon theology places its concepts in dialogue with Western philosophical and religious traditions.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔹 Author Adam S. Miller is a professor of philosophy at Collin College in McKinney, Texas, and has been called "Mormon theology's leading edge" by prominent religious scholars.
🔹 The book challenges traditional Mormon theological concepts by applying contemporary philosophical frameworks, particularly drawing from continental philosophy and thinkers like Alain Badiou.
🔹 Future Mormon was published in 2016 by Salt Press and Greg Kofford Books, independent publishers known for producing scholarly works on Mormon studies and theology.
🔹 The essays explore how Mormon theology might evolve in response to modern challenges, including science, secularism, and changing social norms, while remaining true to its foundational principles.
🔹 Miller wrote the book as a series of letters to his children, addressing how they might navigate their faith in an increasingly complex world, making complex theological concepts more accessible through personal narrative.