Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Cosmos, God, Humanity
ISBN: 9780199378432
Platform/Publisher: Oxford Academic / Oxford University Press
Digital rights: Users: Unlimited; Printing: Unlimited; Download: Unlimited
Subjects: History of Christianity;

Givens (By the Hand of Mormon), possibly the most significant voice in the field of Mormon studies, has previously explained Mormonism by way of scripture, history, and philosophy. Here, he turns his attention to theology, a more difficult proposition than it sounds, since Mormons tend to emphasize practical living rather than theological speculation and believe in continuing revelation. Although scholars will appreciate the sweeping way in which Givens provides context to Mormon cosmology, rank-and-file LDS members will likely resonate more with the book's brief, discrete chapters on what Mormon leaders have taught about specific issues: the Godhead, theosis, Heavenly Mother, the Fall, premortal life, the Holy Ghost, salvation and the afterlife, and other topics. What emerges is a complex, nuanced picture of a dynamic faith. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.


Terryl L. Givens is Professor of Literature and Religion and Jabez A. Bostwick Chair of English at the University of Richmond. His books on Mormonism and American religious culture include By the Hand of Mormon, People of Paradox, Parley P. Pratt (with Matthew Grow), and Viper on the Hearth.

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