Modes of Leader Rhetoric in the Institutional Development of Mormonism

Bibliographic Data

ID4264236
AuthorsGary Shepherd (0000-0001-8178-1141, Oakland University), Gordon Shepherd (Oakland University)
Year1986
Volume47
Issue2
Pages125
Publication date1986-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueSociological Analysis (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0038-0210 • E-ISSN: 2325-7873
PublisherOxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/3711457
OpenAlexW1962368862
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited7

This study analyzes variation in the expressive modes of official religious rhetoric by Mormon leaders during a 150 year span of Mormon history. Rhetorical modes—identified through content analysis of a comprehensive sample of Mormon general conference addresses—include categories of: (1) exposition (i.e., explanation, justification, repudiation, narration), and (2) admonition (i.e., prescription, proscription, chastisement). Findings include: consistent preference for expository rhetoric over admonition; within expository rhetoric, a shift towards more explanation and repudiation but less narration and justification; general predominance of prescriptive over proscriptive and chastisement rhetorical modes within the category of admonition; but variations in admonitory modes relative to different audiences (e.g., members vs. non-members, men vs. women, adults vs. youth). The theoretical and historical implications of these findings are discussed in relationship to the social transformation of Mormonism from its initial cult-sect beginnings to its modern state of rapid growth and public acceptance

Art · Exposition (narrative) · Linguistics · Literature · Narrative · Political science · Politics · Proscription · Religiosity · Rhetoric · Rhetorical question · Sociology · American Constitutional Law and Politics · Law · Media, Religion, Digital Communication · Mormonism, Religion, and History · Philosophy

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