The book of mormon a very short introduction philosophy

A very short introduction includes only the preface andor introduction. Introduces the contentious and challenging field of philosophy of religion in clear, accessible prose. Taking the book of mormon on its own terms, terryl givens offers a complex, reverent analysis of a powerful epic history. A very short introduction very short introductions by annas, julia isbn. The book of mormon records the visit of jesus christ to people in the americas following his resurrection. This book introduces important themes in ethics, knowledge, and the self, via readings from plato. A very short introduction very short introductions kindle edition by givens, terryl l download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. The book of mormon has less literary renown than the bible, as its militarypolitical clan chronicle format leaves less room for literary embellishment. Oxfords very short introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects from islam to sociology, politics to classics, and literary theory to history. A very short introduction ebook written by terryl l. This book opens to a wide audience for the first time the life of one of the most significant figures in american religious history. When i began writing introductory philosophy books in the late 1980s, the only introductions that were readily available were the problems of philosophy by bertrand russell, which was published in 1912, and a book called philosophy made simple which was actually a good book, but people found the title offputting because it sounded like it.

Written by historian richard lyman bushman, you have a near perfect balance as bushman is himself a practicing mormon, but is open to the problems that the movement faces and is honest about the issues that surround the history and policies of the church. A very short introduction, a recent addition to oxford university presss wildly successful vsi series. The book does have a greater degree of editorial input, resulting in a tighter narrative. The book of mormon very short introductions by terryl. But, to those that staunchly affirm the biblical truths contained and expounded in it, it contains the inspired word of god. Combining authority with wit, accessibility, and style, very short introductions offer an introduction to some of lifes most interesting topics. Search for library items search for lists search for contacts search for a library. Although it didnt really contain any new information for me i did appreciate the simplicity of the book and its overarching question of why mormons believe. Click and collect from your local waterstones or get free uk delivery on orders over. A readers guide oup, 2010 that we are posting this week at times and seasons. Reviewed by kevin folkman for the association for mormon letters. A very short introduction from the worlds largest community of readers.

While authors may present personal viewpoints, the books are meant to be balanced and complete as well as thought provoking. The books physical format is small, a pocketsized 4. A very short introduction tim bayne very short introductions. An account written by the hand of mormon upon plates taken from the plates of nephi. The book of mormon very short introductions by terryl l. The editor is also able to unfold a tragic history throughout the book.

The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which adherents believe contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. Written by terryl givens, a leading authority on mormonism, this compact volume offers the only concise, accessible introduction to this extraordinary work. A very short introduction very short introductions english edition ebook. Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the book of mormon. Written by richard lyman bushman, an eminent historian and practicing mormon, this compact, informative volume ranges from the history of the church of jesus christ of latterday saints to the contentious issues of contemporary mormonism. A very short introduction examines the book of mormon primarily in terms of the claims that its narrators make for its historical genesis, its purpose as a sacred text, and its meaning for an audience which shifts over the course of the history it unfolds. Nearly all of us have some kind of values by which we live our lives. A very quick but thorough overview of the mormon religion, this book covers the revelations of joseph smith through modernday mormonism in just shy of 100 pages. Parley pratt played the apostle paul to the mormon prophet, joseph smith. The only compact introduction to one of the most influential religious texts in the western world, written by a leading authority on mormonism with over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest growing faiths, the book of mormon is undoubtedly one of the most influential religious texts produced in the western world. I just finished reading terryl givens the book of mormon. Traces five governing themes in particular revelation, christ, zion, scripture, and covenant and analyzes the books central doctrines and teachings. It was first published in march 1830 by joseph smith as the book of mormon.

Written by terryl givens, a leading authority on mormonism, this compact volume offers the only concise, accessible introduction to this extraordinary. The only concise, accessible introduction to this extraordinary work, which is too often overshadowed by the controversies that surround it. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative yet always balanced discussions of the central issues in a given topic. The book confers legitimacy on the church of the lds, but the doctrinal claims it opens the way to are mainly comprised of joseph smiths other teachings. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to freud, quantum theory to islam. Very short introductions vsi are a book series published by the oxford university press oup. Mormonism is the predominant religious tradition of the latter day saint movement of restorationist christianity started by joseph smith in western new york in the 1820s and 30s. The book of mormon has traditionally been a gateway to the lds faith. The books are concise introductions to particular subjects, intended for a general audience but written by experts. The series began in 1995, and by april 2018 there were 607 titles, published. The beauty of this book is that it is accessible at several different levels. Bushman has crafted an engaging introduction to mormonism, aimed primarily at outsiders to latterday saint traditions and related movements.

May 30, 2002 this very short introduction provides a concise overview of the main themes of contemporary philosophy of science. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of. The book of mormon likewise shatters familiar religious paradigms and reconfigures them with a totality that is resistant to compromise. Browse in religion very short introductions online. As such, to provide an introduction a very short introduction, as a matter of fact and a fair synopsis to such a piece of religious text is a daunting task, to say the least. A very short introduction explains who mormons are. The best introductions to philosophy five books expert. Very short introductions are a book series published by the oxford university press. It gives 125 informative pages on the content, structure, origin, and reception of the book of mormon. A very short introduction introduces important themes in ethics, knowledge, and the self, via readings from plato, hume, descartes, hegel, darwin, and buddhist writers. Daniel walker howe, pulitzerprize winning author of what hath god. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest growing faiths, the book of. The book of mormon speaks for itself origins, narrators, and structure themes stories and characters the book of mormon as literature teachings the coming forth of the book of mormon the book of mormon and its audiences. Naturally, as a member, i would also advocate careful study of the source material, the book of mormon.

See the complete very short introductions series book list in order, box sets or omnibus editions, and companion titles. About the author tim bayne is professor of philosophy at monash university melbourne. Terryl givens, a highly regarded english professor at the university of richmond and one of the finest book of mormon scholars, has written this brief introduction to the book of mormon for the oxford university press very short introduction series. In this very short introduction tim bayne introduces the field of philosophy of religion, and engages with some of the most burning questions that philosophers discuss. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest growing faiths, the book of mormon is. Most of us favour a general picture of what the world is like. Givens, 9780195369311, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide.

Considering how religion should be defined, and whether we even need to be able to define it in order to engage in the philosophy of religion, he goes on to discuss whether. The very short introductions book series by multiple authors includes books the bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions, each volume provides trenchant and provocative yet always balanced discussions of the central issues in a given. The book of mormon is a sacred text of the latter day saint movement, which, according to adherents, contains writings of ancient prophets who lived on the american continent from approximately 2200 bc to ad 421. A very short introduction by tim bayne, 9780198754961, available at book depository with free delivery worldwide. Mouw, professor of christian philosophy and president, fuller theological seminary if you have the slightest interest in the book of mormon for any reason you should read this book. Those unfamiliar with the book of mormon will find an excellent supplement here. Five governing themes revelation, christ, zion, scripture, and covenant serve as vectors for analysis of the books central doctrines and teachings, particularly in relation to familiar nineteenthcentury. The two books ive read that helped me get a very broad overview of the major topics in philosophy are. Byu scholarsarchive citation properzi, mauro, the book of mormon. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Turner combining history, theology, and contemporary observations, richard l.

He has published widely in the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of religion, and is the author of the unity of consciousness and thought. The lack of a liturgical function for the book in mormon worship reduces the need. The lds makeup of converts from other christian denominations meant much legitimacy was built in a biblical tradition, and believers maintain a high degree of familiarity. The word mormon originally derived from the book of mormon, a religious text published by smith, which he said he translated from golden plates with divine. Search results for religion on very short introductions online. Considering how religion should be defined, and whether we even need to be able to define it in order to engage in the philosophy of religion, he goes on to discuss whether the existence of god matters. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest gro.

A very short introduction, by terryl givens, international journal of mormon studies 4 2011, 148153. Examines the nature of religious language, and how this influences understandings of religious texts and beliefs. About a decade ago oxford university press embarked in a groundbreaking project which is yet to be completed. This is my first experience with the very short introduction series from oxford university press, and i have to be honest in saying that my first impression was one of confusion. A very short introduction very short introductions. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading the book of mormon. The emergence of eminent mormon politicians, business leaders, and entertainers only deepens the mystery. A very short introduction very short introductions new edition by craig, edward isbn. This is the first very short introduction that i have read and, based on the quality and concision of this book, i will be buying more of the series.

The book of mormon as literature very short introductions. Five governing themes revelation, christ, zion, scripture, and covenant serve as vectors for analysis of the. With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the worlds fastest growing faiths, the book of mormon is undoubtedly one of the most influential religious texts produced in the western world. Get it today with same day delivery, order pickup or drive up. Written by experts for the newcomer, they demonstrate the finest contemporary thinking about the central problems and issues in hundreds of key topics, from philosophy to freud. Mouw, professor of christian philosophy and president, fuller theological seminary. But it is also an introduction to a compelling and complex text that is too often overshadowed by the controversies that surround it. The book of mormon is a religious record of three groups of people who migrated from the old world to the american continents.