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Description of  Binding Earth and Heaven: Patriarchal Blessings in the Prophetic Development of Early Mormonism

In Binding Earth and Heaven, Gary Shepherd and Gordon Shepherd use early nineteenth-century Mormonism as a case study to examine questions about how new religious movements may, as rare exceptions, survive and even eventually become successful in spite of intense opposition. Initial scorn and contempt for Mormonismthe fledgling creation of the young Joseph Smithquickly elevated to mob violence as both Smiths innovative teachings and converted followers proliferated, resulting in the widely held perception that the Mormons constituted a social menace. This book examines how Mormonism attracted and maintained the loyalty of increasing numbers of people despite mounting hostilities and severe hardships. Read more