Strangers in Paradox: Explorations in Mormon Theology

Exploring a wide range of theological issues, Strangers in Paradox examines the paradoxical nature of Mormonism. The authors consider the nature of God, gender roles, religious authority, and symbolism on the assumption that the more one evaluates one's beliefs, myths, and rituals, the more vital and meaningful they may become.For example, they illustrate that for every assertion about God being a human-like man with a physical body, with a literal, physical son, accompanied by a third, spirit personage, there is a correspondingly definitive pronouncement from church leaders and scripture asserting the opposite: that the godhead includes a woman, that God is a spirit, that there is only one God, and that the Holy Spirit has a resurrected body. The Book of Mormon is trinitarian, the Doctrine and Covenants is not. The Toscanos propose that God might be visualized equally well as an androgenous being.Similarly, in discussing LDS temple worship, the authors attempt to infuse rote phrases with some theological meaning. Reminiscent of Hans Kung or C. S. Lewis, they are provocative but faith-affirming.