Still, the Small Voice: Narrative, Personal Revelation, and the Mormon Folk Tradition

Tom Mould's research on Mormon culture and belief uses ethnographic research and an emic approach to analyze how people within Mormon communities frame and interpret their experiences with the divine through the narratives they share, providing a new ethnographic interpretation of Mormon culture and belief and applying his findings to broader scholarly folklore discourse.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 24 December 2022
Publisher: University Press of Colorado

Mormons, followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have a rich communal religious experience that is deeply rooted in the memorates—personal accounts of supernatural encounters. These memorates serve as a means for individuals to share their personal revelations, primarily received through the influence of the Holy Ghost. In line with current trends in folklore studies, Tom Mould employs an ethnographic research approach and an emic perspective that respects the belief systems under examination. By analyzing the narratives shared within Mormon communities, Mould offers a groundbreaking ethnographic interpretation of Mormon culture and belief. Moreover, he extends his findings to broader scholarly discussions in folklore, encompassing performance, genre, personal experience narratives, belief, and the interplay between oral and written traditions.

The memorates, as personal experience narratives, play a central role in the religious practices of Mormons. These narratives allow individuals to recount their encounters with the supernatural, often resulting in profound revelations and spiritual transformations. According to Mould's research, the way Mormons frame and interpret their experiences with the divine is influenced by various factors, including cultural norms, social structures, and individual beliefs.

One of the key aspects of Mould's analysis is his use of ethnographic research and an emic approach. Ethnographic research involves immersing oneself in a particular culture and observing its practices and beliefs from the perspective of the participants themselves. By adopting an emic perspective, Mould seeks to honor the belief systems under study and understand them in their own terms. This approach allows Mould to provide a nuanced and empathetic interpretation of Mormon culture and belief.

Through his analysis, Mould reveals that Mormons use memorates to construct and reinforce their cultural identity. Memorates serve as a means of connecting individuals to their ancestors, to the broader Mormon community, and to the divine. They provide a sense of continuity and tradition, as well as a means of expressing faith and devotion. Mould also notes that memorates can be used to challenge and redefine cultural norms, as individuals seek to interpret their experiences in light of their own beliefs and values.

In addition to their cultural significance, memorates also play a role in the religious practices of Mormons. Memorates are often shared during religious gatherings, such as church meetings or family reunions, and serve as a means of fostering community and connection. They provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences and receive support and encouragement from others who have gone through similar supernatural encounters. Memorates can also be used as a tool for personal growth and transformation, as individuals seek to understand their place in the world and their relationship with the divine.

Overall, Tom Mould's research on memorates provides a valuable contribution to the field of folklore studies. By employing an ethnographic research approach and an emic perspective, Mould offers a fresh and insightful interpretation of Mormon culture and belief. His findings shed light on the ways in which personal experience narratives shape cultural identity and religious practices, and have broader implications for our understanding of the role of narrative in shaping belief and culture.

Weight: 658g
ISBN-13: 9781646423842