Mormonism by G.K. Chesterton (1925)
Mormonism is a religious movement founded by Joseph Smith in the early 19th century. It is based on the belief that God revealed himself to Smith through angelic visitations and gave him golden plates containing sacred writings, which he translated into the Book of Mormon. The book tells the story of ancient prophets who lived in America and received revelations from God. Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is their savior and that they can achieve eternal life through faith, repentance, baptism, and obedience to God's commandments. They also believe in continuing revelation and the authority of living prophets.
By G.K. Chesterton · First published 1925 · Genre: Religious Critique, Satire, Cultural Commentary · 1,506 words
First lines
There is inevitably something comic (comic in the broad and vulgar style which all men ought to appreciate in its place) about the panic aroused by the presence of the Mormons and their supposed polygamous campaign in this country. It calls up the absurd image of an enormous omnibus, packed inside with captive English ladies, with an Elder on the box, controlling his horses with the same patriarchal gravity as his wives, and another Elder as conductor calling out "Higher up," with an exalted and allegorical intonation. And there is something highly fantastic to the ordinary healthy mind in the idea of any precaution being proposed; in the idea of locking the Duchess in the boudoir and the governess in the nursery, lest they should make a dash for Utah, and become the ninety-third Mrs. Abraham Nye, or the hundredth Mrs. Hiram Boke. But these frankly vulgar jokes, like most vulgar jokes, cover a popular prejudice which is but the bristly hide of a living principle.
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Mormonism is listed on Textopian as an essay by G.K. Chesterton, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: G.K. Chesterton
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Critique, Satire, Cultural Commentary, Historical Analysis, Philosophical Inquiry
- Length: 1,506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for Mormonism by G.K. Chesterton
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Mormonism?
- How does this essay by G.K. Chesterton fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Critique first become important in the reading?
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- Christian Science by G. K. Chesterton
- Holy Scripture by Charles Kingsley
Genres
- Religious Critique — The text critically examines the beliefs and practices of Mormonism, focusing on theological and moral aspects.
- Satire — The writing employs humor and exaggeration to critique societal reactions to Mormonism, particularly polygamy.
- Cultural Commentary — The work discusses the cultural and historical context of Mormon practices and their perception by society.
- Historical Analysis — The text references historical events and figures to provide context for the discussion on religious movements.
Tags
religion · Mormonism · Christianity · theology · faith · belief · spirituality · doctrine · history · culture · critique · philosophy