Item Detail
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11925
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0
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0
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English
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Establishing the Kingdom of God on Earth : Transitions in the Family-centred beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Unification Church, 1945-1997
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Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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University of St. Michael's College
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Ph.D. diss.
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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and Unification churches have unique religio-cultural backgrounds: the LDS Church was made in North America and the Unification Church was made in Korea. Yet we see numerous similarities in these two successful new religious movements. Significantly, both the LDS and Unification churches are recognized for their strong emphases on family-centered belief and practice, having the same underlying purpose: establishing the kingdom of God on earth. This thesis examines the transitions in the family-centred beliefs and practices of the LDS and Unification churches as a case study of new religious movements and the family under the influence of growing individualism and multiculturalism since World War II. In this examination, I argue that, in spite of various tensions and conflicts with their host society due to their sociological natures and religious beliefs and practices, both the LDS and Unification churches have constantly given their efforts to proclaim their gospels all over the world and have made several transitions in the way they focus on the family for the purpose of the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth. However, while the LDS Church is constantly growing, the Unification Church seemingly continues to face serious challenges, as it has already for several decades.