Carl Mosser teaches theology at Eastern University in Pennsylvania.
I recently read, and profited much from his “Classifying Mormon Theism.“ Check it out.
It’s part of a book dedicated to the work of the unique Mormon philosopher of religion David Paulsen.
Mosser’s paper is of interest for several reasons:
First, is Mormonism a sort of polytheism, monotheism, or what? You’ll have to read the paper to get Mosser’s answer. But here’s a teaser: “It is inappropriate to classify Mormonism as a polytheistic religion. To do so conveys highly misleading connotations.” (p. 23, emphasis added)
Second, what is monotheism anyway? What is a god?
Third, how did the ancients, including the authors of the Bible use “God” and related terms? For example, how was the Greek theos used? And how does this compare to our usage?
I don’t think I agree with all of Mosser’s conclusions; but there is a lot going on here, and there is much that is useful.
Hi Dale,
Given that we are talking about the theology of Joseph Smith and David Paulsen, then I definitely agree with you about about Clarke and any other subordinationist who taught that there is no uncreated matter. I also suppose that Origen was much more coherent than Smith. But I would appreciate a serious post on Origen’s view of matter, perhaps to follow up on your excellent post on Origen’s Christology. 🙂
Yes, I was lazy and did no read page 23 of the article.:) I also have not read any contemporary Mormon scholars. But I have read the book of Mormon and some of the recorded prophecies of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and I have dialogued with several Mormons. I found that most Mormons that I talked with, including missionaries, had no idea that Smith implied that Elohim did not always exist in the past. Additionally, all the Mormons unfamiliar with Smith’s undeveloped theogony also did not know the alleged prophecy by Young that that there might be an infinite regression of generation of Gods and Elohim had physical sex with the then virgin Mary while impregnating her with the conception of Jesus. Regardless of the recorded prophecies of the first two Mormon presidents, I suppose we could say that various versions of folk Mormonism see God the Father as creator of all things created, which fits the description of monotheism.
However, I had the pleasure of talking on a blog with one knowledgeable and articulate Mormon who was familiar with the recorded prophecies of all the Mormon presidents. In line with what Carl wrote in his paper/chapter, that Mormon appreciated modern cosmologies with an infinite number of past universes.
A quote from Carl’s paper, for the lazy: 🙂
No, I think guys like Origen & Clarke have a much better claim to being monotheists, by the Bible’s criterion…
I disagree.
I suppose that Mormons are as monotheistic as subordinationist unitarians. Does anybody agree or disagree?
Dr. Tuggy,
Thanks again for all your helpful feedback a while back. I’ve just recently had time to return to the topic and clarify some thoughts. Would you still be interested in having a guest post?
Best,
Chad
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