Hi Everyone,
I checked through the recommended reading list and did not see a lot on the topic of early American religious movements, so I thought I’d ask for suggestions from the community. Mormon history is something I’ve long been interested in, but I sometimes have a hard time finding books that are objective and neutral, especially when it comes to early church history. I am not and never have been LDS, and I don’t mind reading the occasional church resource for context, but I’m much more interested in an accurate, academic account detailing the creation of a new American religion, as well as the intriguing journey it’s taken into the modern day. Like a lot of people interested in this, my gateway was Under the Banner of Heaven, which is a book I’ve revisited many times. I also have No Man Knows my History, by Fawn Brodie, on my list, however I’ve not had a chance to read it. Are there any other books in this vein that you’ve enjoyed?
In addition to Mormon history, I’d also love to learn more about early American revivalist movements in general, for example an overview of the Great Awakenings would be awesome. Or histories of the shakers, quakers, Christian utopia settlements, experimental denominations, etc.
Thanks!
I've started two books recently that might interest you; although I must admit I haven't finished either yet, I've read enough to know they address these topics. I haven't read Krakauer to compare, though.
American Zion by Betsy Quammen is a history of how Mormons and Mormonism affect current politics and government policy in the western USA. She walks through the early history of the church in some detail, particularly the conflicts, including the Mountain Meadows Massacre and it's coverup.
Murder at the Mission by Blaine Harden is about other sects that sprouted in the same place and time as the Mormon church and the missionary work to the Pacific Northwest. As a very recent publication, it presents a very up-to-date view on the relationships and conflict between the native tribes and the missionaries. If you are interested in American religious history, you might enjoy it.
Those both sound great, thank you! And I haven’t heard of either, which is nice. I think I’ll be checking them out.