Binding Earth and Heaven

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Regular price €65.99
A01=Gary Shepherd
A01=Gordon M. Shepherd
A01=Gordon Shepherd
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Author_Gary Shepherd
Author_Gordon M. Shepherd
Author_Gordon Shepherd
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Binding Earth and Heaven: Mormon patriarchal blessings
Category1=Non-Fiction
Category=HRLP
Category=JBSR
Category=JFSR
Category=QRVS
COP=United States
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eq_non-fiction
eq_society-politics
Gary Shepherd
Gordon Shepherd
Language_English
of Religion
of Religion Sociology
PA=Available
Price_€50 to €100
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Religion History
Religious Studies
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Product details

  • ISBN 9780271056333
  • Weight: 431g
  • Dimensions: 152 x 229mm
  • Publication Date: 04 Oct 2012
  • Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press
  • Publication City/Country: US
  • Product Form: Hardback
  • Language: English
Delivery/Collection within 10-20 working days

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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.

Gary Shepherd is Professor Emeritus of Sociology and Anthropology at Oakland University.

Gordon Shepherd is Professor of Sociology at the University of Central Arkansas.