As one might imagine, there's lots of esoteric LDS doctrine, philosophy and science of theology here, presented in a scholarly and unbiased way. I will revisit this. ( )

While Mormons began to figure in American politics and culture in early 19th century, it was a drop in the bucket of what was to come. In Wrestling the Angel, the first of two scholarly volumes, Terryl L. Givens, a professor at the University of Richmond, charts the development of the theology of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The LDS cosmology, doctrine and exegesis has—though many non-Mormons don’t always understand this—changed a great deal from the time of the revelations to Joseph Smith.

Givens, the author of a number of serious books about Mormonism, begins with the historical context out of which the religious beliefs that evolved into the LDS arose. And, while some may be surprised at this non-static theology, Givens makes clear that the doctrine is also a great deal more complex than most non-Mormons are aware. This work goes a long way toward explaining exactly what Mormons believe, how those beliefs developed over time, and their relationship to more mainstream Christian denominations.

If you can’t wait for a smart and unbiased account for the general reader, this book—despite a more academic approach—will suffice to provide a solid introduction to Mormon theology.

Reviewed on Lit/Rant: www.litrant.tumblr.com ( )