This blog, "Literary Mormonism," is primarily intended for students of Dr. Gideon Burton at Brigham Young University who are taking Engl 268 or Engl 368, Literature of the Latter-day Saints. It is also intended for anyone interested in our topic.
The Mormon Faith is Literary
Understanding the Mormon faith, either from within or outside of it, means coming to terms with the fundamentally literary nature of Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religion begins with a young Christian boy reading in the Bible who then goes on to publish his translation of an ancient American record, the Book of Mormon. This book, companion scripture to the Bible, is the foundation of the Mormon religion. Conversion and adherence to the LDS faith is predicated upon individuals reading and acting upon what is found in that book of scripture, just as Joseph Smith acted upon what he read in the New Testament. Within the faith, reading and writing are seen to have moral and intellectual benefits and also suit members to be active members of society and effective leaders and teachers within the church. Some literature is integrated into LDS worship, such as hymn texts, and this literary emphasis is evident in Mormon speaking and doctrinal studies.
Mormon Culture is Literary
The literary nature of Mormonism extends to the culture's general appreciation for and advocacy of literacy and and education. Mormon leaders have been men and women of letters and promoters of books, reading, education, and the literary life. Mormons are urged to keep journals and writer personal and family histories. Since the 1830s there have been numerous LDS periodicals, both official and unofficial, that both reflect and encourage Mormon engagement in literary pursuits. Creative expression has been formally encouraged by the church from its inception, across all the arts, including the literary ones. These now reflect the history and diversity of Mormon peoples and experience.
Understanding the Mormon faith, either from within or outside of it, means coming to terms with the fundamentally literary nature of Mormonism and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This religion begins with a young Christian boy reading in the Bible who then goes on to publish his translation of an ancient American record, the Book of Mormon. This book, companion scripture to the Bible, is the foundation of the Mormon religion. Conversion and adherence to the LDS faith is predicated upon individuals reading and acting upon what is found in that book of scripture, just as Joseph Smith acted upon what he read in the New Testament. Within the faith, reading and writing are seen to have moral and intellectual benefits and also suit members to be active members of society and effective leaders and teachers within the church. Some literature is integrated into LDS worship, such as hymn texts, and this literary emphasis is evident in Mormon speaking and doctrinal studies.
Mormon Culture is Literary
The literary nature of Mormonism extends to the culture's general appreciation for and advocacy of literacy and and education. Mormon leaders have been men and women of letters and promoters of books, reading, education, and the literary life. Mormons are urged to keep journals and writer personal and family histories. Since the 1830s there have been numerous LDS periodicals, both official and unofficial, that both reflect and encourage Mormon engagement in literary pursuits. Creative expression has been formally encouraged by the church from its inception, across all the arts, including the literary ones. These now reflect the history and diversity of Mormon peoples and experience.
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