The sharp wit of a free-thinking Mormon folk hero

In "The J. Golden Kimball Stories, " beloved and iconoclastic Mormon humorist J. Golden Kimball (1853-1938) speaks on death, marriage, love, hell, God, and everything in between. Compiled by Eric A. Eliason from previously unpublished archival resources, this collection of stories, anecdotes, and jokes captures the irreverent comedy and independent thinking that made Kimball so beloved both in and out of his Mormon community.

Arranged thematically and framed by short contextual introductions, each chapter presents a colorful portrait of Kimball on topics including tricks, cussing, ministering, chastising, and repentance. A comprehensive introductory essay places Kimball in the context of Mormon history and folklore scholarship.

Mormons and Mormonism gathers key essays by leading scholars on the history, foundational ideas and practices, and worldwide expansion of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The ideal introduction to Mormonism, this choice sampler provides a selective overview of what many historians consider the most innovative and successful religion to emerge during the spiritual ferment of antebellum America. This volume explains how the earliest Mormons viewed their religion and suggests that the Book of Mormon appeared to them as an exciting document of social protest. Contributors consider the history of persecution of the Mormons, the church's relationship with the state of Utah and with other divisions of Christianity, and culture clashes in the church's missionary efforts. Mormons and Mormonism also places beliefs such as vicarious baptism for the dead in a larger context of community and religious ideals. The founding of Mormonism and its rapid emergence as a new world religion are among the most intriguing aspects of American religious history and among the most neglected in the religion classroom. This much-needed volume lays the groundwork for a better understanding of the LDS Church and its historical and potential impact on the United States and the world.

Members of military organisations, like members of other occupational folk groups, are enculturated into characteristic behaviour patterns that identify them as group members, create solidarity, and help them manage stress. Warrior Ways is one of the first book-length explorations of military folklife, focusing on the lore of modern American warriors and illuminating the ways in which members of the armed services creatively express the complex experience of military life. In these short, lively essays, contributors to the volume -- all of whom have close personal or professional relationships with the military -- examine battlefield talismans, personal narratives, "Jody calls" (marching and running cadences), slang, homophobia and transgressive humour, music, and photography, among other cultural expressions. Highlighting the contemporary and historical importance of the military in American life, this book will be of interest to scholars and students of folklore, anthropology, sociology, and popular culture; those involved in veteran services and education; and general readers interested in military culture.

Like other Christian denominations, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) has been engaged in the battle for the Bible since challenges to biblical authority began to exert significant influence in America toward the end of the nineteenth century. Other believing communities have responded with various reevaluations of biblical text. Latter-day Saints have experimented with similar approaches, often taking liberal positions on biblical authority and conservative positions on history and authorship. However, Latter-day Saints accept additional scripture as well as embracing a theology notably distinct from traditional Christianity. Hence, Latter-day Saints relate to the Bible differently from other Christians, creating gaps with mainstream biblical studies. This volume bridges that gap. From comparing the Book of Mormon to the Bible or the Dead Sea Scrolls, to Mormon feminists’ biblical studies approaches to the Gospels, this volume takes a comprehensive and inclusive approach to understanding Bible scholarship’s role in Mormon history and exploring these differences for both scholars and students. A diverse group of contributors presents an accessible resource to mediate between Latter-day Saint traditions and the broader context of biblical history, literature, and scholarship. Each essay provides a synopsis of relevant major scholarly views and delivers new insights into a wide variety of Bible receptions.

Like other Christian denominations, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) has been engaged in the battle for the Bible since challenges to biblical authority began to exert significant influence in America toward the end of the nineteenth century. Other believing communities have responded with various reevaluations of biblical text. Latter-day Saints have experimented with similar approaches, often taking liberal positions on biblical authority and conservative positions on history and authorship. However, Latter-day Saints accept additional scripture as well as embracing a theology notably distinct from traditional Christianity. Hence, Latter-day Saints relate to the Bible differently from other Christians, creating gaps with mainstream biblical studies. This volume bridges that gap. From comparing the Book of Mormon to the Bible or the Dead Sea Scrolls, to Mormon feminists’ biblical studies approaches to the Gospels, this volume takes a comprehensive and inclusive approach to understanding Bible scholarship’s role in Mormon history and exploring these differences for both scholars and students. A diverse group of contributors presents an accessible resource to mediate between Latter-day Saint traditions and the broader context of biblical history, literature, and scholarship. Each essay provides a synopsis of relevant major scholarly views and delivers new insights into a wide variety of Bible receptions.