Latter-Day Political Views

(Paperback)

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Latter-Day Political Views is a formal study of the effect of religion and culture on the political worldviews of practicing Mormons from different races and nationalities. Previous studies have focused on Mormons in Utah and found phenomenally high levels of homogeneity in LDS political views, so much so that Mormons have been considered a distinct ethnic group. What author Jeffrey Fox finds shatters this illusion. Here he illuminates how people with different backgrounds are able to not only reconcile various clashing cultural beliefs with Mormon doctrine but also form their own unique political views that differ systematically by race and political culture. As the church rapidly expands and becomes more racially and culturally diverse, Latter-Day Political Views encourages readers to expand their field of vision and understand the impact of Mormon doctrine on the political thought of all its members.

Reviews

This laudable and valuable work is probably the most thorough analysis of the political views of active LDS church members ever undertaken. -- Journal of Mormon History
While Fox provides a rich report of the interviews he conducted in three countries, his most important body of evidence derives from a research method borrowed from psychology.Fox has made a valuable contribution with his study.Any future work on Mormons, however, must stand on the shoulders of Latter-Day Political Views. While not the final word on Mormons; political beliefs and behavior, it is the beginning of an important conversation. * The Journal Of Religion *
This is a very sustained and thorough analysis of important questions about the LDS church and political values. It is the most comprehensive study of which I am aware, addressing not just the Utah but the growing international church as well. -- Terryl Givens, University of Richmond

Author Bio

Jeffrey C. Fox is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.