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Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism by Dan Vogel
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
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July 2, 2023Interesting, but strained.
May 7, 2025
Dan Vogel’s Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism is a compelling and meticulously researched exploration of the cultural and religious ferment that gave rise to the early Latter-day Saint movement. In this insightful work, Vogel situates Mormonism within the broader seeker tradition—a loosely affiliated group of spiritual truth-seekers in early 19th-century America who were disillusioned with mainstream denominations and longed for a restoration of primitive Christianity.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to contextualize Joseph Smith not as an isolated religious genius, but as a product of his time and environment. Vogel deftly traces the seeker tradition from the radical Puritans of colonial New England to the burned-over district of upstate New York, arguing that Mormonism emerged as a natural outgrowth of this fertile religious soil. He presents Smith as a figure who synthesized and responded to the longings of these spiritual seekers, offering them a new prophetic voice and a vision of restored truth.
Vogel’s prose is clear and accessible, making complex theological and historical arguments digestible for both scholars and general readers. His even-handed approach allows readers from a variety of backgrounds—believing, skeptical, or simply curious—to engage with the material thoughtfully. The book is especially valuable for students of American religious history, providing fresh insights into the broader currents of dissent and innovation that shaped early Mormonism.
In sum, Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism is a landmark contribution to the historiography of the Latter-day Saint movement. It enriches our understanding of early Mormon origins and challenges us to see the faith not in isolation, but as part of a larger tapestry of American religious striving.
One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its ability to contextualize Joseph Smith not as an isolated religious genius, but as a product of his time and environment. Vogel deftly traces the seeker tradition from the radical Puritans of colonial New England to the burned-over district of upstate New York, arguing that Mormonism emerged as a natural outgrowth of this fertile religious soil. He presents Smith as a figure who synthesized and responded to the longings of these spiritual seekers, offering them a new prophetic voice and a vision of restored truth.
Vogel’s prose is clear and accessible, making complex theological and historical arguments digestible for both scholars and general readers. His even-handed approach allows readers from a variety of backgrounds—believing, skeptical, or simply curious—to engage with the material thoughtfully. The book is especially valuable for students of American religious history, providing fresh insights into the broader currents of dissent and innovation that shaped early Mormonism.
In sum, Religious Seekers and the Advent of Mormonism is a landmark contribution to the historiography of the Latter-day Saint movement. It enriches our understanding of early Mormon origins and challenges us to see the faith not in isolation, but as part of a larger tapestry of American religious striving.
September 16, 2025
Dan Vogel posted the following on his Facebook page:
"Charlie Kirk's killer is sick and depraved. Those who celebrate Kirk's death are repulsive, and those who defend his political and religious views are equally despicable."
...
On 10 September 2025, Charlie Kirk was brutally assassinated by a radical leftist. As you can see, Dan lumps those who celebrate the assassination, and those who simply support Kirk's viewpoints, as "equally despicable."
I expect more neutrality from a historian. If he is this volatile, how much emotion did he let leak into his research? Probably more than we'd care to admit. I would steer clear.
"Charlie Kirk's killer is sick and depraved. Those who celebrate Kirk's death are repulsive, and those who defend his political and religious views are equally despicable."
...
On 10 September 2025, Charlie Kirk was brutally assassinated by a radical leftist. As you can see, Dan lumps those who celebrate the assassination, and those who simply support Kirk's viewpoints, as "equally despicable."
I expect more neutrality from a historian. If he is this volatile, how much emotion did he let leak into his research? Probably more than we'd care to admit. I would steer clear.
December 9, 2009
I've enjoyed other work by Vogel, but man this was boring. The interesting aspects of this topic could have been adequately addressed by an essay.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews