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In Binding Earth and Heaven, Gary Shepherd and Gordon Shepherd use early nineteenth-century Mormonism as a case study to examine questions about how new religious movements may, as rare exceptions, survive and even eventually become successful in spite of intense opposition. Initial scorn and contempt for Mormonism-the fledgling creation of the young Joseph Smith-quickly elevated to mob violence as both Smith's innovative teachings and converted followers proliferated, resulting in the widely held perception that the Mormons constituted a social menace. This book examines how Mormonism attracted and maintained the loyalty of increasing numbers of people despite mounting hostilities and severe hardships.
The book focuses on the unique Mormon ritual (and accompanying doctrinal underpinnings) of "patriarchal blessings." Patriarchal blessings were an innovative adaptation of the Old Testament practice of fathers making quasi-legal pronouncements over the heads of their sons-a way of verbally conferring rights, promises, admonition, and guidance to heirs. Binding Earth and Heaven shows how the organizational complexities of this practice contributed to strengthening and sustaining member faith and fealty, thereby bolstering the continuity and development of Mormonism.
List of contents
"Contents
List of Tables
Preface
Introduction
1The Commitment and Doctrinal Functions of Early Mormon Patriarchal Blessings
2Unity and Conflict in Early Mormon History
3The Office and Calling of the Church Patriarch
4The Problems and Promise of Patriarchal Blessings as Historical Artifacts
5Patriarchal Blessing Themes, 1834-1845
6Gender Differences in Early Patriarchal Blessings
7Latter-day Saint Patriarchal Blessings Yesterday and Today
Appendix A: Examples of Oracular Versus Inspirational Modes of Prophetic Rhetoric
Appendix B: Blessings Randomly Sampled from Marquardts Early Patriarchal Blessings
Appendix C: Thematic Word Index for Patriarchal Blessings
Notes
References
Index
About the author
Gary Shepherd is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology at Oakland University.Gordon Shepherd is Professor of Sociology at the University of Central Arkansas.
Summary
Focuses on Mormonism as a case study of how unpopular new religions may survive and even flourish in spite of unrelenting opposition. Examines early patriarchal blessings bestowed upon early converts to Mormonism from 1834–1845, and their function as a commitment mechanism for converts.
