I posted a new Book of the Month, By the Hand of Mormon: The American Scripture that Launched a New World Religion (Oxford Univ. Press, 2002), by Terryl Givens, a professor of religion and literature. I got the last paperback copy at my local Borders Books last weekend. I plan to post short entries on each chapter--there is plenty in this book to discuss and normal blogging news seems awfully slow lately. Or maybe I'm just getting lazy.
In the Introduction, Givens states his intent to investigate the book "in the context of a larger history of the reception and impact of a scripture that has hitherto received little critical attention" (p. 5). He notes four ways the BoM has been read: (1) as a sacred sign of Joseph's prophetic status; (2) as a factual ancient history of a pre-Columbian civilization colonized by Old World immigrants; (3) as a product of 19th-century cultural influences; and (4) as a new American Bible, either supplementing or mocking the Bible depending on your perspective (p. 6-7). Nice list. Add (5) all of the above and (6) none of the above, and it would make a great blog quiz, wouldn't it?
I read the book about 1 month ago. It was great. Something I would recommend as a companion text to the new DoubleDay edition of the BoM for those that want to learn w/o worrying about being preached at.
Posted by: lyle | Jul 15, 2004 at 07:55 AM
I found about the Mormon Blog Club from Celibate in the Cities site. Could I be a part of this fun little club is someone isnt keeping up their status? Or could I please be notifited of any new clubs that form. Thanks.
Jenna Andersen
www.jnicholea.blogspot.com
Posted by: Jenna | Jul 15, 2004 at 09:19 AM
Sounds like a pretty good list of possibilities and looks like a good book too. I need to start reading more.
Posted by: danithew | Jul 15, 2004 at 11:31 AM
That does sound like an interesting book. I'll add it to the list of "books to read when I have more free time and less required reading," and in the meantime look forward to your analyses, Dave.
Posted by: Arwyn | Jul 15, 2004 at 10:20 PM
Alright, You Too! (Jenna's blog) is on the list, and I'll throw in Celibate in the City as well until CC herself gets back to America and says yea or nay.
Posted by: Dave | Jul 15, 2004 at 11:34 PM
Thanks for adding me. I'll make sure to be a frequent guest from now on.
Posted by: Jenna | Jul 16, 2004 at 07:40 AM
Huzzah, and welcome, Jenna!
Posted by: Arwyn | Jul 17, 2004 at 06:30 PM