essay

Sources of strain in Mormon history reconsidered

mormonism and american cultureNew York • Published In 1972 • Pages: 147-167

By: O'Dea, Thomas F..

Abstract
This study reviews the impact of the youth and civil rights movements of the 1960s on Mormonism. According to the author, the 1960s raised fundamental questions about human purpose and values in the nation and in the Mormon Church. Mormons had to re-evaluate the inherent racism of some of their doctrines and policies, such as barring blacks from the priesthood. These policies stem from the so-called Missouri experience when the Mormons themselves were badly persecuted and enacted policies against abolition (which Joseph Smith had championed at the end of his career) so as not to stand out from the local Missourians. The challenge to the Church in the late 1960s was that doctrinal change could only be brought about through revelation. A reform-minded branch, the Reorganized Church, attempted accommodation. For references cited see Hill and Allen (1972 “Selected bibliography”).
Subjects
Comparative evidence
Sociocultural trends
Functional and adaptational interpretations
Ethnic stratification
Theological systems
Priesthood
Congregations
Religious denominations
culture
Mormons
HRAF PubDate
2018
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Types
Historian
Indigenous Person
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Marlene Martin; Martin Malone; 1978. Ian Skoggard; 2012
Field Date
not applicable
Coverage Date
1957-1971
Coverage Place
Utah, United States
Notes
Thomas F. O'Dea
For bibliographical references see document 95
LCCN
72082900
LCSH
Mormons