RLB355 Mormons

Faculty of Arts
Spring 2013
Extent and Intensity
1/1. 5 credit(s). Type of Completion: k (colloquium).
Teacher(s)
doc. Gerald Hoedl (lecturer), doc. PhDr. Luboš Bělka, CSc. (deputy)
Mgr. Bc. Magdaléna Rychetská, M.A., Ph.D. (assistant)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. David Václavík, Ph.D.
Department for the Study of Religions – Faculty of Arts
Contact Person: Lucie Čelková
Supplier department: Department for the Study of Religions – Faculty of Arts
Timetable
Mon 17:30–20:45 K12 nerezervovat, Tue 17:30–20:45 K12 nerezervovat, Wed 17:30–20:45 KOM 409, Thu 17:30–20:45 zruseno D31, Fri 17:30–20:45 G21
Prerequisites (in Czech)
Mormonism – An Emerging World Faith? Content: In 1984, Rodney Stark published an article, in which he put forth the thesis, that Mormonism will become a “world faith” during the 21st century, its adherents numbering 280 million worldwide in 2080. Furthermore, he suggested to scholars of religion, that they had the opportunity to study that process of the emergence of a major religion during that very process. The Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day-Saints (LDS, the mainstream Mormon church) has impressing growing rates indeed, and for the first time in its history counts more members outside of the USA than in the country of its origin. What are the reasons for that process? Does it depend solely on Missionary strategies? What does LDS offer to its adherents to make it an attractive choice among US-based Christian groups heavily proselytizing throughout the world? The course will explore these questions, on the basis of an introduction to the history of the church, its belief-system and current social organisation, with a stress on the way missionary work is organised in LDS-church. It will also draw on fieldwork conducted among members and exmembers (”Ex-Mos”) during the last four years by the lecturer.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.

The capacity limit for the course is 40 student(s).
Current registration and enrolment status: enrolled: 0/40, only registered: 0/40
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Syllabus (in Czech)
  • Introduction to the History of LDS-Church
  • • Narrative or Mythic Dimension of Mormonism: Introduction to scriptures (Book of Mormon,Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price)
  • • Doctrinal Dimension of Mormonism: The belief-system of today’s LDS-Church (special emphasis on theological differences to “Mainstream Christianity”)
  • • Social Dimension of Mormonism: Today’s organisation of the church (lay priesthood and general authorities, role of women)
  • • Ritual, Experiental and Practical Dimensions of Mormonism: o Ward and Temple Worship o Mormon Ethics and Lifestyle o Missionary Work of LDS Church
  • History of Mormon missionary work since the founding of the church
  • Today’s organisation of Mormon missionary work
  • Discussion of significance and importance of Mormon missionary work, both for the individual and the community; contrasting the view of church officials with reports by critical members and ex-members of the church
  • • Material Dimension of Mormonism: Church buildings, Mormon media.
Teaching methods
Ratio of grades:
Attendance, participation in discussion: 30% Essay 70%
Language of instruction
English
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught only once.
  • Enrolment Statistics (recent)
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