Review

General Books

Building the Kingdom is a very useful brief account of the complex history of the Mormons. This study by Claudia and Richard Bushman provides a narrative of Joseph Smith, the religion he founded and the subsequent community of followers that evolved. The Bushmans depict the progress of the Mormons in the context of the tumultuous nineteenth century and the expansion of this religious group up to the present. Consequently, they illustrate that in fundamental ways the Mormons reflect the many social, economic, political and cultural developments of the past two centuries in America. These include, the Second Great Awakening, industrialization, urbanization, abolitionism and other social reform movements, the evolving second party system, the expansion of the Western frontier, immigration, and ethnic and religious violence. The early chapters of Building the Kingdom reconstruct the development of the Mormon religion from the first revelations of Joseph Smith to his emergence in the context of the Second Great Awakening, and explain the articulation of his increasingly radical beliefs and practices. In addition, the concurrent escalation of persecution of the group culminating with the murder of Smith is presented. These developments occurred as the Mormons became part of the army of American western pioneers. Attacks on Mormons became staples of the violence that marked the American western frontier. The story then continues to the present.	1
Synthesizing their own research and the most important and up-to-date studies on the Mormons, Claudia and Richard Bushman also present a very short but thorough introduction to the beliefs, practices and experiences of the Mormons. They provide explanations of the origins and content of Mormon religious beliefs, the factors that shape these outlooks, and their place in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Explication of Joseph Smith's views in the context of the nineteenth century offers insight into the violent reactions to him and his followers. Building the Kingdom also helps explain why Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world today. The Bushmans describe both the obstacles and the ingenuity of Mormons in not only overcoming substantial barriers but also flourishing. Readers can gain insight into the more controversial aspects of the Mormon experience, for example, Smith's teachings on plural marriage which illustrate both his unique interpretation of the scriptures and what was regarded as his heretical departure in the application of biblical beliefs in society In discussing the Mormon view of black people, the book shows that Mormon views and relationships reflected the changing national consensus.. With respect to the role of women, the Bushman's show that Mormon women did play a strong but unequal role in their church and community. Not only were these women among the first to obtain the right to vote, but they were also pioneers in the fields of medicine and higher education in the West. Women's organizations in the Mormon Church and the growing numbers of female missionaries provide women with strong roles in the community today.	2
Building the Kingdom is an ideal text for undergraduate courses in religious studies or in a nineteenth and twentieth century American history class that focuses on the American West. The book is most appropriate for lower-level undergraduate college students, particularly in lower-level religious studies classes. High school and middle school teachers could use this text as a resource and reference tool, and because it provides very useful background information about the Mormons, teachers will find it helpful in preparing lessons. Chapters might also be recommended to high school students as a source of information for assignments. The brevity and clarity of this study of Mormons in America also recommend it to the general reader. The narrative is clear, informative and interesting. . The Bushmans's explication of Mormon beliefs and practices from Joseph Smith to the contemporary Church of Latter Day Saints is an excellent introduction to this religious group and to the impact of the Mormon religion as both a domestic and international phenomenon in the world today	3
University of North Florida Carolyn Williams

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