For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope, now available! June 02 2014
For Zion: A Mormon Theology of Hope
by Joseph M. Spencer
$19.95
ISBN 978-1-58958-568-3
- What is Hope?
- What is Zion?
- What does it mean to hope for Zion?
Joseph Spencer, whom Terryl Givens describes as “one of the most astute readers of sacred texts working in Mormon Studies,” examines these questions through the scriptures of two continents separated by nearly two millennia. In the first half, Spencer engages in a rich study of Paul's letter to the Romans to better understand how the apostle understood hope and what it means to have it. In the second half of the book, he jumps to the early years of the Restoration and Joseph Smith's various revelations on consecration to understand how Latter-day Saints are expected to strive for Zion. Between these halves is an interlude examining the hoped-for Zion that both thrived in the Book of Mormon and was hoped to be established again.
Early reviewers have praised For Zion:
- “[A] new benchmark for solid, innovative Latter-day Saint scholarship that is at once provocative and challenging.” — Eric D. Huntsman, author, The Miracles of Jesus
- “For Zion proves that there can be such a thing as genuinely Mormon theology.” — Mark Ashurst-McGee, Joseph Smith Papers
- “Blending theological savvy, historical grounding, and sensitive readings of scripture, he has produced an original and compelling case for consecration and the life of discipleship.” — Terryl Givens, author,Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought
You can preview the introduction and opening chapter of For Zion here.
And read a Q&A with author Joseph Spencer here.
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