The Mormon Culture of Salvation presents a comprehensive study of Mormon cultural and religious life, offering a new interpretation of the origin of Mormonism - one of the fastest growing movements and considered by many to be the next world-religion. Bringing social scientific and theological perspectives to bear on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Douglas Davies draws from theology, history of religions, anthropology, sociology and psychology to present a unique example of a truly interdisciplinary analysis in religious studies. Examining the many aspects of Mormon belief, ritual, family life and history, this book shows how Mormon commitment to work for salvation relates to current Mormon belief in conversion and to traditional Christian ideas of grace and offers insights into how Mormons see the world and work for their future glory in heavenly realms.Written by a non-Mormon with over thirty years' research experience into Mormonism, this book is essential reading for those examining interdisciplinary forms of analysis in religion, as well as those exploring Mormonism and world religions.

Joseph Smith, Jesus, and Satanic Opposition explores Mormon theology in new ways from a scholarly non-Mormon perspective. Bringing Jesus and Satan into relationship with Joseph Smith the founding prophet, Douglas Davies shows how the Mormon 'Plan of Salvation' can be equated with mainstream Christianity's doctrine of the Trinity as a driving force of the faith. Exploring how Jesus has been understood by Mormons, his many Mormon identities are described in this book: he is the Jehovah of the Bible, our Elder Brother and Father, probably also a husband, he visited the dead and is also the antagonist of Satan-Lucifer.

This book is a study of British attitudes towards and practices surrounding death. Davies provides a window into British life and insights into the foundational links between individuals and society, across the spectrum of traditionally religious views through to humanist and secular alternatives.

A study of British attitudes towards and practices surrounding death. Douglas Davies provides a window into British life and insights into the foundational links between individuals and society, across the spectrum of traditionally religious views through to humanist and secular alternatives.

Describing a great variety of funeral ritual from major world religions and from local traditions, this book shows how cultures not only cope with corpses but also create an added value for living through the encouragement of afterlife beliefs. The explosion of interest in death in recent years reflects the key theme of this book - the rhetoric of death - the way cultures use the most potent weapon of words to bring new power to life. This new edition is one third longer than the original with new material on the death of Jesus, the most theorized death ever which offers a useful case study for students. There is also empirical material from contemporary/recent events such as the death of Diana and an expanded section on theories of grief which will make the book more attractive to death counsellors.

Revision of thesis (doctoral)--Nottingham University.

Anthropology and Christian Theology have traditionally interpreted religion in quite different ways and have often been thought of as hostile to one another. In fact, a fundamental concern for human experience lies at the heart of both disciplines. This i nnovative book takes a new look at key anthropological and theological themes, and explores the intricacies of their interplay throughout history and in the present. Sacrifice, embodiment, ritual, incarnation, symbolism, gift and power are all related in ways that shed new light on religious behaviour and belief. Detailed analysis of fundamental Christian rites shows how they help generate emotional meaning and inspire philosophical ideas, and demonstrates how the body serves as a vehicle for religious be liefs. Through an examination of these issues and much more, Davies reveals how religious rituals help people to become secure in their sense of identity. This accessible foray into new territory is essential reading for anthropologists, theologians, o r anyone interested in religion who is seeking new interpretations of familiar themes.