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Full-Text Articles in Cultural History
Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart
Hiram Page: An Historical And Sociological Analysis Of An Early Mormon Prototype, Bruce G. Stewart
Theses and Dissertations
Recent sociological studies propose a model for understanding early Mormonism in its cultural context. Such models, while experimental, suggest commonalities between Mormonism and contemporary millennial sects. Enthusiastic beginnings, early convert response to American millennialism, the containment of charisma through institutionalization, discomfiture of Mormon millenial expectation, and the process of apostasy within the church provide the parameters of this study.
The life of Hiram Page, an early convert, is used as a foil to this end. Page is prototypal of the original band of followers who were attracted to Joseph Smith. Drawn to Joseph for spiritual comfort, Page and his associates …
Some Demographic Aspects Of One Hundred Early Mormon Converts, 1830-1837, Laurence Milton Yorgason
Some Demographic Aspects Of One Hundred Early Mormon Converts, 1830-1837, Laurence Milton Yorgason
Theses and Dissertations
Questions regarding the conditions of the origin of Mormonism have been asked repeatedly since Joseph Smith first made his claims public regarding his religious experiences. The same questions have been asked by both proponents and opponents of Smith's story: "How did Mormonism begin?", "Who was Joseph Smith?", "What was Joseph Smith?", "What did he do?" If it could be shown that Joseph Smith was an honest, upright, and sincere person, then the religion he produced was more likely to be reliable and truthful. If it could be shown that Joseph Smith was a fraud and a deceiver, then presumably, the …