Date of Award:

8-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Arts (MA)

Department:

English

Committee Chair(s)

Steve Siporin

Committee

Steve Siporin

Committee

Elaine Thatcher

Committee

Daniel Davis

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to increase understanding about members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by researching how prayer, sacrifice, and service operate in the lives of Latter-day Saints. I studied and analyzed these values and themes by interviewing Latter-day Saints and collecting stories of their personal experiences. I also researched these themes in Mormon history. The academic field of Mormon folklore has often studied topics that offer a slightly improved understanding of Mormons. My approach was to help focus Mormon folklore studies on the core values of this religious group—values that significantly broaden understanding. Prayer, sacrifice, and service are just three of these central values. By looking at how Latter-day Saints experience and share their experiences with these values reveals in greater depth what it means to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As this religion is growing across the world, it is productive and beneficial for society to understand why Latter-day Saints believe and act the way they do.

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e84631a80c5aede4f229876ca5a5c0bb

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on July 30, 2012.

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