Item Detail
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24117
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1
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0
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English
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Divine Benevolence, Embodiment and Salvation in the Teachings of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon
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Nottingham, England
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University of Nottingham
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Ph.D. diss
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"The study of comparative religion does not typically involve itself with theological inquiry. However, when investigating any religious movement, and particularly one that lies outside of what is considered 'mainstream', the beliefs of its adherents serve as a window onto the ideological universe of the believer, an indicator of the motivations behind worship, church participation, and social involvement. A basic understanding of the primary tenets of Mormonism will help to provide intellectual access to the LDS way of life and the Mormon perception of reality that determines the multi-faceted nature of the movement. This thesis is not, however, an attempt to catalog the doctrines of Mormonism, as many have done previously, but to examine those doctrines from the perspective of the insider. What are the epistemological bases of Latter-day Saint doctrine? Can current formulations of the LDS understanding of God, embodiment, and salvation maintain an internal consistency with Mormon perceptions of morality and human nature? If not, is there room within the accepted parameters of LDS discourse to suggest alternative interpretations of core doctrines? In this these we will investigate such questions with the hope of providing sufficient justification for an internal and ongoing re-examination of Mormon belief and practice. We will also propose a revised approach for interpreting and presenting both the meaning of Christ's work and the significance of the Latter-day Saint 'Plan of Salvation' based on Mormon scripture and the teachings of Mormonism's founding prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr." [Author's introduction]