ritualization of Mormon history, and other essays, The

Book Description

In this thought-provoking collection of essays, historian Davis Bitton examines how religious communities preserve their identity while navigating social change and external pressures. Through careful analysis of Mormon experiences in nineteenth and early twentieth-century America, Bitton reveals universal patterns of how faith communities adapt, defend their beliefs, and create lasting narratives.

The book explores fascinating questions about religious survival and cultural memory. How do believers maintain their convictions when facing widespread criticism? What role does storytelling play in strengthening community bonds? Bitton investigates these themes through specific historical episodes, including the defense of plural marriage practices and the political challenges faced by Mormon representatives in Congress.

One particularly compelling essay examines how communities transform their past into meaningful rituals through monuments, celebrations, and public ceremonies. Bitton suggests this process of "ritualizing history" extends beyond Mormon culture, reflecting broader American patterns of commemorating and simplifying complex historical experiences.

Drawing from personal journals and historical documents, these essays offer insights into individual lives caught between tradition and transformation. Readers interested in understanding how spiritual communities navigate change, preserve their values, and create enduring identities will find valuable perspectives on the intersection of faith, history, and cultural adaptation.

This scholarly yet accessible work illuminates timeless questions about belonging, belief, and the stories we tell ourselves about our past.