This was mentioned in my previous blog about Mormons, but I find the connection of Utopian societies and Mormonism fascinating. Utopian societies are attempts of many people living together under certain circumstances in hope that it will lead to an ideal, peaceful, harmonious living situation. And, maybe it's its not so much the Utopian societies themselves being compared to Mormonism, but rather the longing for meaning
Mormonism seems as though (like most religions) an attempt at finding meaning for one's self and many events in history and everyday life. However, it seems like it is kind of a stretch. For example, the idea that Jesus made a visit to North America when he was from the Middle east. And claiming that the Native Americans are descendants of Laman and they are darker because they do not follow God. It's like the idea of applying a religion to one's life is taken even farther by making direct connections with historical events. Another aspect that is strange is that are some superstitious aspects, such as is found in 1 Nephi involving a gadget: “And it came to pass that as my father arose in the morning, and went forth to the tent door, to his great astonishment he beheld upon the ground a round ball of curious workmanship; and it was of fine brass. And within the ball were two spindles; and the one pointed the way whither we should go into the wilderness” (1 Nephi 16:10). This is very unrealistic. Because truly, everything happens by chance. Much like is explained by scientist and writer Stephen Jay Gould in his essays; humans look for meaning in random things in nature. For example we look at the stars and we see creatures and if you are born in a certain month your life will go a certain way.
Humans do not like the uncertainty of life. And I feel that Mormonism is yet another attempt in the midst of an era when so many different groups of people are looking for the truth, to find meaning and truth in the world. The making of a direct connection from Christianity to North America and some of the strange and almost superstitious beliefs make Mormonism less believable.
I think that you're right-on here; the Mormons (or at least Joseph Smith) were looking for some further meaning to life or greater explanation for what had happened in history. I also think that the point that you make about how the Book of Mormon tries to make a direct connection to North America is really important because it emphasizes this need for something more than what was given to them.
ReplyDeleteI think it is interesting to consider the video we watched on Friday, which showed the widespread establishment of Mormon churches across the world. In some ways, the modern state of the religion is used as evidence that Christ should’ve been able to traverse the planet physically and through influence. That line of thinking certainly fits with the need to legitimize religious faith in the here and now.
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