Feeding the Flock: The Foundations of Mormon Thought: Church and Praxis by Terryl L. Givens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I suppose I am not likely the intended audience for this book. I believe it was written primarily for non-Mormons who are interested in Mormon studies. This is the second volume of Terryl Givens' history of Mormon thought, the first being Wrestling the Angel. Whereas the first volume dealt with the key theological concepts of the nature of God and man and the relationship between them, this volume lays out the history of Mormonism's ecclesiastical structure and religious practices. Such a topic might seem dull to a born and bred Mormon--a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints--who is well-acquainted with such things, but I happen to love the study of religion, including my own tradition. I like to read what respected scholars--both insiders and outsiders--have to say. I appreciate the perspective of this particular author because he places Mormonism within the broader context of Judeo Christian history. He takes Christian church practices, organizational structures, and the theology behind them and traces them from their early roots in Judaism to early Christianity. He follows the often heated debates that led to the Reformation and modern sectarianism. Mormonism can be seen as a response to this splintering of the Christian church into bitter competing sects. Established in 1830 as the restoration (as an ongoing process) of the "true and living" church of Jesus Christ by the founder, Joseph Smith, and his followers, it centers on the Christ of the New Testament, but with twists that other Christians deem heretical. Many of the twists go back to Old Testament concepts and practices. Givens compares and contrasts Mormon practices as they developed over time with those of Judaism and different Christian sects. I love getting the big picture!


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