Tabernacles of Clay

Sexuality and Gender in Modern Mormonism

By Taylor G. Petrey | Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press

About the book

Taylor G. Petrey’s trenchant history takes a landmark step forward in documenting and theorizing about Latter-day Saints (LDS) teachings on gender, sexual difference, and marriage. Drawing on deep archival research, Petrey situates LDS doctrines in gender theory and American religious history since World War II. His challenging conclusion is that Mormonism is conflicted between ontologies of gender essentialism and gender fluidity, illustrating a broader tension in the history of sexuality in modernity itself.

As Petrey details, LDS leaders have embraced the idea of fixed identities representing a natural and divine order, but their teachings also acknowledge that sexual difference is persistently contingent and unstable. While queer theorists have built an ethics and politics based on celebrating such sexual fluidity, LDS leaders view it as a source of anxiety and a tool for the shaping of a heterosexual social order. Through public preaching and teaching, the deployment of psychological approaches to “cure” homosexuality, and political activism against equal rights for women and same-sex marriage, Mormon leaders hoped to manage sexuality and faith for those who have strayed from heteronormativity.

Editions of Tabernacles of Clay

Hardcover
ISBN 9781469656212
Paperback
ISBN 9781469656229
EBook
ISBN 9781469656243
EBook
ISBN 9798890859013
EBook
ISBN 9781469656236
PDF
ISBN 9798890859006

Read an Excerpt

Taylor G. Petrey’s trenchant history takes a landmark step forward in documenting and theorizing about Latter-day Saints (LDS) teachings on gender, sexual difference, and marriage. Drawing on deep archival research, Petrey situates LDS doctrines in gender theory and American religious history since World War II. His challenging conclusion is that Mormonism is conflicted between ontologies of gender essentialism and gender fluidity, illustrating a broader tension in the history of sexuality in modernity itself.

As Petrey details, LDS leaders have embraced the idea of fixed identities representing a natural and divine order, but their teachings also acknowledge that sexual difference is persistently contingent and unstable. While queer theorists have built an ethics and politics based on celebrating such sexual fluidity, LDS leaders view it as a source of anxiety and a tool for the shaping of a heterosexual social order. Through public preaching and teaching, the deployment of psychological approaches to “cure” homosexuality, and political activism against equal rights for women and same-sex marriage, Mormon leaders hoped to manage sexuality and faith for those who have strayed from heteronormativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tabernacles of Clay about?

Taylor G. Petrey’s trenchant history takes a landmark step forward in documenting and theorizing about Latter-day Saints (LDS) teachings on gender, sexual difference, and marriage. Drawing on deep archival research, Petrey situates LDS doctrines in gender theory and American religious history since World War II. His challenging conclusion is that Mormonism is conflicted between ontologies of gender essentialism and gender fluidity, illustrating a broader tension in the history of sexuality in modernity itself.

As Petrey details, LDS leaders have embraced the idea of fixed identities representing a natural and divine order, but their teachings also acknowledge that sexual difference is persistently contingent and unstable. While queer theorists have built an ethics and politics based on celebrating such sexual fluidity, LDS leaders view it as a source of anxiety and a tool for the shaping of a heterosexual social order. Through public preaching and teaching, the deployment of psychological approaches to “cure” homosexuality, and political activism against equal rights for women and same-sex marriage, Mormon leaders hoped to manage sexuality and faith for those who have strayed from heteronormativity.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Tabernacles of Clay?

Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian Churches, denominations, groups > Denominations of American origin

Where can I read a sample of Tabernacles of Clay?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469656212

How long is Tabernacles of Clay and how many pages does it have?

Tabernacles of Clay has 288 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Tabernacles of Clay?

Taylor G. Petrey

Who is the Publisher of the book Tabernacles of Clay?

The University of North Carolina Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Tabernacles of Clay is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469656212) and paperback(ISBN 9781469656229) and ebook(ISBN 9781469656243) and ebook(ISBN 9798890859013) and ebook(ISBN 9781469656236) and pdf(ISBN 9798890859006)

Where can I buy Tabernacles of Clay online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Tabernacles of Clay from below

Where can I buy Tabernacles of Clay?