Review
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Title: Discourses in Mormon Theology
Author: James M. McLaughlan and Loyd Ericson, eds.
Publisher: Greg Kofford Books
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2007
Number of Pages: 301
Binding: Quality Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-58958-104-3
Price: $24.95
Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle
As I walked out of my last workplace some years ago, knowing I wouldn't ever work again, I made a few promises to myself. I haven't kept any of them. One of the promises was that, now that I'm retired, I'll never have to think again. Sadly, life takes some interesting turns, and I find myself in positions where thinking is no longer a luxury, it's a necessity.
Religion can devolve into a series of thought-less exercises and repetitions. The Hail Marys have nothing on the "In the name of Jesus Christ"s when it comes to endless repetition. And "Our Father" can sometimes wear more easily than "I believe the Church is true." Sometimes it's good to throw a new thought into the mix.
In this volume of essays, eleven of the best Mormon thinkers on the planet offer some fabulous journeys into the intellectual and social life of Mormonism. Some of the contributors, like Robert L Millet, are true-blue adherents to the faith. Others, like Margaret Toscano, fit elsewhere on the spectrum of belief. But all share one common trait -- a passion for their subject and the ability to lay out their thoughts in a cogent and understandable manner.
In his thoughtful introduction, editor McLaughlan offers up a good summation of the contents of the book. But more importantly, he reminds readers that there has been, and still is, a vigorous intellectual tradition in Mormonism. I don't think I'll ever forget talking to a non-Mormon friend some years ago, a discussion concerning my current thoughts about Mormonism. I mentioned the journal Dialogue, a Journal of Mormon Thought. My friend almost gagged: "Mormon thought? Isn't that an oxymoron?"
I'm guessing he was being fed by some anti-Mormon sentiment that could not imagine Mormons actually *thinking* about anything. I was appalled, but not entirely surprised. Public perception can often be far afield from reality. "Discourses in Mormon Theology" can go a long ways in reminding us that, central to Mormon belief, knowledge and understanding are critical, not just to our daily lives, but to our eventual exaltation.
The book is divided into four major sections.
"Thinking About Mormon History and the History of Mormon Thought" contains two excellent essays reflecting on the history of Mormon intellectualism and the need to reconcile Mormon views of the past to present a fuller and more honest picture of the Mormon historical and intellectual traditions. Grant Underwood and James L. McLachlan offer two intriguing papers exploring aspects of Mormonism's past and future. Underwood speaks to the necessity of finding the "unlikenesses" in history, while McLachlan considers the "modernism" controversy at BYU, placing it in the larger context of the modernist movement in larger Christianity.
Four essays populate the second section, titled "Theological Questions." It's hard to detect a common theme among these contributions, except to say that each addresses an aspect of the role of theology in life, in Church, and in education, in a way that can clarify one's own thoughts on these matters, but can also confuse. I see no problem with either outcome. <grin> Blake T. Ostler is one of the contributors. He challenges a commentary by Francis Beckwith, a fairly well known critic of Mormon theology, and in the process brings great clarity to ideas of good and evil and how they interplay in Mormon thought. This is, of course, a gross simplifying of Ostler's argument. And we all know that Ostler will not be simplified <grin>.
Section three is titled "Themes of Liberation." As I write this, Pope Benedict XVI is making his way through New York City, to the great acclaim of hundreds of thousands of well-wishers. I can well remember his predecessor's visit to South America wherein he scolded priests who are advocates of Liberation Theology, calling upon them to become less political and more pastoral. Can there be a liberation theology movement within Mormonism? R. Dennis Potter offers a startlingly clear "yes" to this question, probing the Book of Mormon for support and direction. It's a challenging read. Margaret Toscano follows up with some thoughts on Heavenly Mother and how that tradition still matters in Mormon thought.
The fourth section, "Scripture and Doctrine," rounds out the collection with three excellent thoughts on how Mormons treat scripture, and how we can focus on, in Robert L. Millet's words, "what Mormons really believe." I did blink for a moment, remembering how Prof. Millet's fortunes have risen as fallen as his observers have reacted to his perceived "evangelicalizing" of Mormonism. Some think he's become too cozy with the Protestant world. Others think he's doing just the right thing. Everyone will enjoy his essay, whether they agree with him or not. One curious lapse: Adam S. Miller contributes an article titled "Messianic History: Walter Benjamin and the Book of Mormon." I dare say, few readers will recognize the name Walter Benjamin. Miller should have said a few words about Mr. Benjamin. He doesn't do this. His essay would have been greatly helped by some introduction to Benjamin and his place in the Mormon critical spectrum.
In short, "Discourses in Mormon Theology" is an excellent compilation of essays that are sure to feed both the mind and soul. It reminds all of us that beyond the white shirts and ties there exists a universe of theological and moral sensitivity that cries out for study and acclamation. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, famously said in her book "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," "The time for thinkers has come." Amen, Mrs. Eddy.
Collections such as this provide something of a Town Hall setting for discussions on the meaning and impact of the Restoration. Readers -- thinkers -- should not miss this opportunity to share in the discussion. I promise you, you will find something of great value -- a peculiar treasure, if you will -- in these pages.
Jeff Needle
Association for Mormon Letters
jeff.needle@gmail.com<www.aml-online.org>
<www.LDSBookLovers.com/Needle.html>
