BYU Studies Quarterly
Article Title
Rube Goldberg Machines: Essays in Mormon Theology
Keywords
Mormon studies, book review, Mormon theology, essays
Abstract
Philosopher Adam S. Miller, who teaches at Collin College in McKinney, Texas, and presently serves as director of the prestigious Mormon Theology Seminar, has written a small book that deserves big attention.
In his thoughtful preface, historian Richard L. Bushman asserts that "Adam Miller is the most original and provocative Latter-day Saint theologian practicing today" and that, like other philosophers and theologians, his writings reflect his possible doubt that his subject "can be reduced to a rational orderly system." But, for me, there is immense continuity to the book's fourteen essays, each of which interfaces with the restored gospel in impressively universal terms--speaking not only in philosophical abstractions but also addressing everyday human concerns. It is clear that Miller got his initial scholarly training at Brigham Young University; he in fact credits particularly James E. Fauconer, Stephen E. Robinson, and Robert L. Millet. He also shares supportive utterances by a number of recent and present-day General Authorities-- including President Ezra Taft Benson, President Boyd K. Packer, and Elder Bruce R. McConkie-- that may further surprise you.
Recommended Citation
Miller, Adam S. and Rogers, Thomas F.
(2013)
"Rube Goldberg Machines: Essays in Mormon Theology,"
BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 52:
Iss.
4, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol52/iss4/9