Sociology of Religions: Worksheet--selected parts of "The Mormons"

1. Who was Joseph Smith and how did he come to found a new religion? How does he die?

2. What is the Book of Mormon, and what was its function in early Mormonism?

3. Who was drawn to this new religious movement and why?

4. What was the reception of Mormonism in the broader community? What were the events in Nauvoo, Illinois that eventually led to the year-long migration to the Great Salt Lake?

5. What are the expectations about "missions" and what are the results?

Sociology of Religion: Groups

1. How do you understand the appeal of this church? What do you make of the initial revelations to Joseph Smith? What about the leadership of Brigham Young?

2. Why was this group so feared and hated in the early years?

3. Can you picture yourself making the kind of missionary commitment expected of young Mormons? How do you think they cope with so much rejection of their message? How do you think they are affected by the overall mission experience?

4. Can you picture a Mormon (think Mitt Romney) as president of the United States? Why or why not?