How Long to Read American Zion: A New History of Mormonism

How Long Does it Take to Read American Zion: A New History of Mormonism?

It takes the average reader 9 hours and 56 minutes to read American Zion: A New History of Mormonism by Benjamin E. Park

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The first major history of Mormonism in a decade, drawing on newly available sources to reveal a profoundly divided faith that has nevertheless shaped the nation. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 in the so-called “burned-over district” of upstate New York, which was producing seers and prophets daily. Most of the new creeds flamed out; Smith’s would endure, becoming the most significant homegrown religion in American history. How Mormonism succeeded is the story told by historian Benjamin E. Park in American Zion. Drawing on sources that have become available only in the last two decades, Park presents a fresh, sweeping account of the Latter-day Saints: from the flight to Utah Territory in 1847 to the public renunciation of polygamy in 1890; from the Mormon leadership’s forging of an alliance with the Republican Party in the wake of the New Deal to the “Mormon moment” of 2012, which saw the premiere of The Book of Mormon musical and the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney; and beyond. In the twentieth century, Park shows, Mormons began to move ever closer to the center of American life, shaping culture, politics, and law along the way. But Park’s epic isn’t rooted in triumphalism. It turns out that the image of complete obedience to a single, earthly prophet—an image spread by Mormons and non-Mormons alike—is misleading. In fact, Mormonism has always been defined by internal conflict. Joseph Smith’s wife, Emma, inaugurated a legacy of feminist agitation over gender roles. Black believers petitioned for belonging even after a racial policy was instituted in the 1850s that barred them from priesthood ordination and temple ordinances (a restriction that remained in place until 1978). Indigenous and Hispanic saints—the latter represent a large portion of new converts today—have likewise labored to exist within a community that long called them “Lamanites,” a term that reflected White-centered theologies. Today, battles over sexuality and gender have riven the Church anew, as gay and trans saints have launched their own fight for acceptance. A definitive, character-driven work of history, American Zion is essential to any understanding of the Mormon past, present, and future. But its lessons extend beyond the faith: as Park puts it, the Mormon story is the American story.

How long is American Zion: A New History of Mormonism?

American Zion: A New History of Mormonism by Benjamin E. Park is 578 pages long, and a total of 149,124 words.

This makes it 195% the length of the average book. It also has 182% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read American Zion: A New History of Mormonism Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 13 hours and 34 minutes to read American Zion: A New History of Mormonism aloud.

What Reading Level is American Zion: A New History of Mormonism?

American Zion: A New History of Mormonism is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy American Zion: A New History of Mormonism?

American Zion: A New History of Mormonism by Benjamin E. Park is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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