For the first episode of The Campfire, we interview Professor of Religion Patrick Mason, an accomplished scholar and authority on the topic of Mormonism. Mason examines Mormonism’s humble beginnings, as well as more complicated topics such as the politics surrounding the religion and how it has developed over time. He compares Mormonism to other religious minorities, exploring the paradox of a religion creating violence while searching for peace.

Mason also provides personal nuance, touching on the question of what it takes to be both a scholar and a Mormon and balance faith with the pursuit of knowledge.

For a transcript of this episode, email cgupodcasts at gmail.com and include the episode title.

Listening Reference:

[04:05] Growing up Mormon

[07:50] History of Mormonism

[10:20] Mormonism's differences from other branches of Christianity

[12:30] Who is Mormon?

[16:38] Mormonism revised

[22:30] How social media has changed Mormonism

[28:06] Mormonism as a religious minority

[35:50] The paradox of why religion engenders violence

[39:13] Why Mormonism is so popular in America 

Mentioned in this episode:

Mormon Studies Council at CGU

Department of Religion at CGU

The Mormon Menace: Violence and Anti-Mormonism in the Postbellum South

Extermination Order

The Ambivalence of the Sacred by Scott Appleby