The Mormonizing of America: How the Mormon Religion Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture

by Stephen Mansfield

Overview

Stephen Mansfield, the acclaimed New York Times best-selling author, has highlighted the growing popularity of Mormonism-a belief system with cultic roots-and the implications of its critical rise. Mormons are moving into the spotlight in pop culture, politics, sports, and entertainment via presidential candidates like Romney and Huntsman, media personality Glenn Beck, mega-bestselling Twilight author Stephanie Meyer, and The Book of Mormon, the hottest show on Broadway. Mormonism was once a renegade cult at war with the U.S. Army in the 1800s, but it has now emerged as not only the fastest-growing religion, but as a high-impact mainstream cultural influence.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781683972884
Publisher:	Hachette Nashville
Publication date:	07/03/2012
Pages:	290
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.61(d)

About the Author

Stephen Mansfield is a writer and speaker best known for his groundbreaking books on the role of religion in history, leadership, and modern culture. He first came to international attention with The Faith of George W. Bush, the New York Times bestseller that influenced Oliver Stone's film, W. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller. He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, among others. Stephen speaks around the world on topics of faith, leadership, and culture. He is also the founder of two firms: The Mansfield Group (MansfieldGroup.com) and Chartwell Literary Group (ChartwellLiterary.com). He lives in Nashville and in Washington, DC,with his wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xi

On Saintly Language xix

Prologue: Scenes from the Land of the Saints 1

Introduction: Engine of the Mormon Ascent 23

Chapter 1 The Mormon View of Mormonism 51

A Mormon Chronology 67

Chapter 2 In Search of True Religion 79

Chapter 3 Joseph Smith: Prophet and Magician 97

Chapter 4 The Golden Plates 115

Chapter 5 An American Gospel 135

Mormon Beliefs in Plain Language 157

Chapter 6 A New Breed of Men 163

Chapter 7 Among a Progressing People 187

Chapter 8 The Earthly Fruit of Faith 203

Chapter 9 The Work Unfinished 223

Appendix A Joseph Smith's Articles of Faith 245

Appendix B Surprising Quotes from Mormon Leaders 249

Notes 257

Bibliography 262