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Mormon Traditions
Mormons tend to adhere to a stringent interpretation of their faith. Two-thirds prefer upholding traditional beliefs and practices over altering them. They believe that Jesus atoned for our sins and we will receive one of three levels of glory after death: terrestrial, celestial or telestial. Additionally, they have their own distinct traditions. 1. Baptism Baptism is an act that symbolizes spiritual rebirth and renewal. It signifies an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection while also marking their commitment to living according to his teachings. Mormons consider baptism essential for spiritual rebirth and receiving the Holy Ghost’s indwelling presence, citing 1 Corinthians 15:29 as evidence to justify baptizing…
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The Influence of Euro American Artists on American Art
Since the sixteenth century, European art precedents have had an immense influence on American art. This selection of essays examines how this has affected relations among artists who sought refuge from discrimination by traveling to Europe while engaging with canonical sources in Europe. As World War II raged on, fourteen painters left Europe for America as political refugees. When engaged with European art they offered both full-throated support as well as subtler interpretations. John Trumbull John Trumbull’s paintings grace the walls of numerous American museums, while his portrait of Alexander Hamilton found on the ten-dollar bill has been studied by generations of children. While Trumbull may be most widely recognized…
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The Book of Mormons
The Book of Mormons is an account of Christ’s ministry to ancient America, recounting stories like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in the Lion’s Den, along with teachings on faith and His role as Redeemer for all humanity. Text may be confusing to some readers due to its nonchronological structure. For instance, Mormon jumped back and forth between Nephi’s first-person account of events and Nephi & Jacob’s personal diaries from Mormon’s interpretation of another record. It Testifies of Jesus The Book of Mormon was intended to demonstrate to both Jews and Gentiles alike that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the Eternal God manifesting himself to all nations (Book of Mormon…
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Mormon Music
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir may be well-known, but there are other Latter-day Saint musicians whose work remains relatively obscure outside church circles. Utah composers have produced high-art piano sonatas and symphonies while Leroy Robertson and Crawford Gates favored cinematic styles that featured Neoromanticism in their compositions. Mormon Music can also take the form of rock and alternative tunes; read on to gain more knowledge on Mormon Music! History Music has long been part of Mormonism, from its humble roots as performed by pioneers to more sophisticated works composed by Leigh Harline and Crawford Gates who left Utah and studied abroad at conservatories to create more distinctive voices within Mormonism. The…
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Mormon Artists Use Their Faith As a Source of Inspiration
Mormon artists have an unprecedented opportunity to use their faith as a source of artistic creativity and to use their artwork as an avenue to spiritual growth, deepen scripture study, and foster deeper connections to their church community. Peterson, Payne and Ellsworth’s art demonstrates the intricate history of polygamy. Their art shows that Mormons can have multiple gender performances for Heavenly Mother without losing a unity of form. Minerva Teichert Minerva Teichert was remembered fondly by her grandchildren as being dynamic and theatrical. Guests would enter her high-ceiling home, and she’d invite them onto her worn couch before welcoming guests with a pleasant aroma of linseed oil in her house,…
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The Book of Mormon – The Keystone of the Church
The Book of Mormon recounts a family led by Lehi that left Jerusalem around 600 b.c. for America where, following disagreement amongst themselves, two factions emerged – Lamanites and Nephites. This book includes sacred records and Jesus Christ’s visit to the ancestors of modern Mormons. Many Latter-day Saints read and study this book for spiritual guidance from its truths. What is the Book of Mormon? The Book of Mormon is an ancient text, representing Jesus Christ and the full scope of his gospel message. As such, it forms an integral part of Church doctrine, helping its members become more like Him through its teachings. According to its teachings, today the…
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Mormon Musicians Making a Difference in the Music World
Mormons have enjoyed many successful musical careers. Some, like David Archuleta and BYU Vocal Point, are well known to audiences while others remain more obscure. Even those musicians who make explicit references to Mormon history and scripture tend to work within musical genres without obvious sonic markers that recall its history. The Killers Brandon Flowers of The Killers is an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has spoken openly about his religious affiliation and frequently references it in the lyrics of his songs. The Killers began in 2002 and currently comprise a lineup composed of singer Flowers, guitarist Dave Keuning, bassist Mark Stoermer and…
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Mormon Music and Its Influence
Music has long been an integral component of Mormonism, and Michael Hicks explores its musical progression since its foundation. In his book Mormon Music he details this development over time. Early Mormon composers proudly displayed their religious identities through writing works that showcased explicitly scriptural or church-historical narratives. Leroy Robertson, who composed the Church’s inaugural hymnal, employed neoromantic tonality with dramatic chromaticism and exoticist modality. The Tabernacle Choir For over 150 years, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir has spread awareness of Latter-day Saint faith worldwide. Comprised of 360 volunteer singers ages 25-60 from Utah city Salt Lake Church’s Temple Square in Utah city Salt Lake, and performing free concerts worldwide. Each…
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The Book of Mormon As a Witness
The Book of Mormon stands as proof that Jesus Christ is Lord and that Joseph Smith was sent as His prophet to lead His Church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints – into this earthly realm. The book’s introduction page advises readers to approach its reading with prayerful consideration and faith in Christ, while noting any mistakes committed by human authors as being due solely to human error. 1. It is the Word of God For those open to ideas of sacred time and typological figuration, the Book of Mormon invites us to step beyond mundane time into an alternate reality of interweaved events bound together by…
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Mormon Music Is a Genre of Commercial Music That Adheres to Mormon Beliefs and Values
Mormon Music is a genre of music which adheres to Mormon beliefs and values, from singers in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to modern DJs like Kaskade – many musicians from this genre have achieved national charts success through Mormon-influenced songs. Early Mormon converts attended the New England Conservatory, while composers like Crawford Gates composed neoromantic works such as an oratorio commemorating its foundation. The Origins Music has always been an integral part of Church assemblies and has served to reinforce members’ efforts at spiritual and cultural improvement. Yet most Latter-day Saint composers remain relatively unknown outside Mormonism’s own circles – while many more widely recognized composers remain unaware that Mormonism…
