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LDS in the USA: Mormonism and the Making of American Culture
From the politics of Glenn Beck to reality television's Big Love and the hit Broadway show The Book of Mormon, Mormons have become a recognizable staple of mainstream popular culture. And while most Americans are well aware of the existence of Mormonism--and some of the often exaggerated myths about Mormonism--the religion's public influence has been sorely understudied.
Lee Trepanier and Lynita K. Newswander move beyond cliched and stereotypical portrayals of Mormonism to unpack the significant and sometimes surprising roles Mormons have played in the building of modern America. Moving from popular culture to politics to the Mormon influence in social controversies, LDS in the USA reveals Mormonism to be quintessentially American--both firmly rooted in American tradition and free to engage in the public square.
Trepanier and Newswander examine the intersection of the tension between the nation's sometimes bizarre understanding of Mormon belief and the suspicious acceptance of the most well known Mormons into the American public identity. Readers are consistently challenged to abandon popular perceptions in order to embrace more fully the fascinating importance of this American religion.
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Lee Trepanier and Lynita K. Newswander move beyond cliched and stereotypical portrayals of Mormonism to unpack the significant and sometimes surprising roles Mormons have played in the building of modern America. Moving from popular culture to politics to the Mormon influence in social controversies, LDS in the USA reveals Mormonism to be quintessentially American--both firmly rooted in American tradition and free to engage in the public square.
Trepanier and Newswander examine the intersection of the tension between the nation's sometimes bizarre understanding of Mormon belief and the suspicious acceptance of the most well known Mormons into the American public identity. Readers are consistently challenged to abandon popular perceptions in order to embrace more fully the fascinating importance of this American religion.
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176 pages, Paperback
First published January 30, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
April 13, 2012
LDS in the USA covers an expansive history of the Mormon religion and its influence on American Culture today (as well as America's influence on Mormonism). Lee Trepanier, who is not Mormon, and Lynita Newswander, who is Mormon did a great job balancing out each impact. The reader is able to see an unbiased view into the American-made religion-- something that any American can be proud of.
The subjects covered are both entertaining and informational ranging from "Twilight" and "Napoleon Dynamite" to more serious topics such as polygamy and Mitt Romney. Also, this being an election year and one of the main presidential candidates being Mormon, LDS in the USA gave some insight of what America would be like with a Mormon president. Would a Mormon leader be beneficial or detrimental for our country? Or, if elected would Mitt Romney being a Mormon make any difference at all?
Overall, this book was a captivating read that I would recommend for the those interested in religion, Mormons, American culture and politics.
The subjects covered are both entertaining and informational ranging from "Twilight" and "Napoleon Dynamite" to more serious topics such as polygamy and Mitt Romney. Also, this being an election year and one of the main presidential candidates being Mormon, LDS in the USA gave some insight of what America would be like with a Mormon president. Would a Mormon leader be beneficial or detrimental for our country? Or, if elected would Mitt Romney being a Mormon make any difference at all?
Overall, this book was a captivating read that I would recommend for the those interested in religion, Mormons, American culture and politics.
May 28, 2012
A somewhat centralist book on the Mormon religion. It deals more with the cultural aspect of Mormonism as it is known in the public consciousness both in it's vices & virtues. For me, it strongly reminded me that Mormons are very polite, courteous, and respectful people besides their devotion to a religion that's a complete work of fiction. It also puts Mormonism in perspective of being an American religion, and posing it's acceptance contrasted with the American ideals of religious pluralism. Though I think it omits, or ignores, the fanciful nature of the Mormon faith that dictates behavior for it's followers. I do think it offers an interesting and elevating perspective of Mormonism in general.
April 7, 2012
Very interesting look at how mormonism has helped shape American Culture. I was impressed at how fair and for the most part accurate it was.
November 23, 2012
I enjoyed the parts of this book that were dealing with Mormon's in the media and politics. I suppose that is what I am interested in. The rest of the book was pretty dry to me.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews