The Book of Mormon (The Actual Book) and The Civil Sphere

 

    This image is a recreation of what is considered to be Joseph Smith and the process of receiving the gold plates from Angel Moroni. These gold plates would then be translated into what is now considered the Book of Mormon. Beyond what can just be seen on the surface of this painting, the depiction of the angel as a holy figure being dressed in white and reaching out their hand as to almost welcome Joseph Smith. The angel also seems to have a this aura around it that is white which can overall, act as a sense of purity that the angel possess that mere mortals may not. It is also notable that Joseph Smith is also seen to be kneeling as giving a sign of respect to a higher power. The image's setting also seems to be quite significant as the location seems to be in the middle of the woods signifying that no others were around to see this momentous event that would ultimately be the beginning point of Mormon as a religion and the creation of the Book of Mormon.

    With the Book of Mormon and the religion in mind, it is important to talk about the concepts that connect to Alexander's text about the civil sphere. Alexander highlights how there are distinct spheres that have different values and norms. Most of these ordeals are seen in the different ways that religions act towards others in their group but to others outside of their group as well. Further, within the sphere of social life, Alexander talks about how that sphere allows for solidarity. This directly connects to Durkheim in the way that symbols have sacred meaning and give that sense of solidarity when it is understood why the symbol exists and the purpose that it serves in the sphere. Alexander also specifies how these symbols are not inherited but rather, are just present to be able to exclude and include those that they find to be worthy of the sphere. Furthermore, Alexander talks about a destructive intrusion as being, "activities and products from other spheres can be experiences and seriously distorting civil society" (Alexander 2006:193). This goes to explain how exclusive the group can be but also, it also shows how the civil sphere has a life of its own within society. 

    Alexander and Durkheim's collective ideas regarding civil religion and totemic symbols has continued to present itself in today's world. As Joseph Smith had taken the "hard time" and dedication to transcribe the gold plates into what is now, the Book of Mormon, many followers did not question this origin story. This is a direct example of something that has symbolic meaning inside of a social life sphere, which is Mormonism. They had simply accepted the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith as the founder of Mormonism in order to not disrupt the social sphere. Furthermore, by putting Joseph Smith, and later Brigham Young, at the forefront for Mormonism, they also became the symbolic figures that encompasses Mormonism and its origin story.  To this day, many Mormons idolize Joseph Smith and use the Book of Mormon as the external object that is respected and used to bring a sense of unity within the religion. Mormons also partake in following the Book of Mormon which includes but is not limited to, serving a mission to reach out and preach Mormonism to other, not drinking any beverage that has caffeine in it, and even participate in a number of rituals, such as the baptism for the dead (a ritual where a living person acts as a proxy and is baptized by immersion on behalf of a deceased person), to continuously show their worthiness to the religion and to the higher power, Joseph Smith, but also, Jesus Christ. The lack of questions by those who practice such a religion allows them to rest in this civil sphere that Alexander discusses. However, the practices and rituals is a direct connection to Durkheim and the sense of solidarity being brought by the group with the participation and collective actions that are taken by the group. 

Alexander, Jeffrey. 1967. “The Civil Sphere.” Pp. 53-209 in The Civil Sphere [Vol. 1], Oxford University Press.

Kenneth, Riley. 2012. “Joseph Smith Receives the Gold Plates." From The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Retrieved March 28, 2024 (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/image/angel-moroni-gives-plates-to-joseph-2689b23?lang=eng).