Strangers in Paradox: Explorations in Mormon Theology

by Margaret M. Toscano, Paul Toscano

Book by Toscano, Margaret, Toscano, Paul

Genres: Religion, Lds, Womens, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Mormonism

318 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1990

About the author

Margaret M. Toscano is Associate Professor of Classics and Comparative Studies at the University of Utah, USA.

Reviews

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Strangers" was a fascinated read from start to finish. The Toscanos used paradox as a platform for discussing a wide array of Mormon themes: priesthood, women and authority, polygamy, and temple ritual, to name a few.

Blake Ostler, a Mormon philosopher/apologist, thoroughly lashed the Toscanos in a Sunstone piece. Ostler rejects the paradox premise. My own theory is that paradox destroys religious conservatism, hence Ostler's contempt. At bottom, the Toscanos are jazz artists: they understand theory and improvise. Ostler is like classical music: he is thorough, involved, and way too long (3 books on the Mormon trinity, really? I mean really?).

But I doubt whether the book will gain wide appeal based on its premise; which is essentially riffing on Mormon doctrine and scripture. Ex/Post Mormons who reject Mormon theology aren't going to stick around to dissect it and I suspect that most True Believing Mormons will shy away from doctrinal speculation presented without a pulpit.

For those willing to venture in, there is a fantastic explanation of the Adam-God theory, feminine deity, and insights into temple symbolism.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A breath of fresh air, Strangers in Paradox presents a new perspective on LDS doctrine. Questioning concepts like grace and the interpretation of scriptures, the Tuscanos give readers the ability to take their religion in their own hands and make it the most fulfilling and spiritually progressive it can be.

Here are some topics I found especially engaging:
- Ways to look at world religions' creation stories and examining the story of Adam and Eve
- The distinction between an ideal religion and a holy religion
- The notion of priesthood as an ordination being separate from a calling from God.
- Ideas about the meaning behind temple symbols, clothing, and gestures.

I'm really a library reader, but this is one book I will have for my shelf and refer to frequently.

[Angela Clayton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. I particularly enjoyed the bits on theological symbols in both the temple and scriptural accounts. I also liked the possible explanations of polygamy which were useful and non-judgmental. All the speculation was very thoughtful and open-minded, despite the heavy topics. There was not much attempt to define anything dogmatically, and those parts that came across as too instructive didn't hinder my enjoyment of the rest.

I found the use of the "we" narrator mildly annoying, and the current status of the authors was certainly like an elephant in the room.

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is thought provoking. The introduction that explains the premise and the chapter on the temple, I believe it is called "Rending the Veil" was excellent. It should be read by anyone who has trouble with thinking the temple ceremony is demeaning to women. The rest of the book is pretty forgettable -- but that may be because it has been almost 20 years since I read it. Many may be put off by knowing that the authors were both later excommunicated. If you are in this camp, I do not recommend this book.

[Desiree Finkbeiner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read. Many new ideas presented from multiple angles about the symbology of 'mormon' rite. While much of it is speculative opinion (not accepted doctrine) it broadened my perspectives and added upon the knowledge I've come to understand thus far in my own spiritual path. I particularly enjoyed chapter 22 and the paradoxes presented about the veil, and found it to be personally empowering. Well done.

[G (galen) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found I had to skim a bit to get through this one, but some very fascinating topics as the Toscano's explore (re-envision, speculate, turn accepted interpretations up-side-down) Mormon Theology. (Polygamy, gender and sex, grace & works, the nature of eternity, salvation, Mother in Heaven, the temple ordinance, etc...)

What I found a bit off putting was the Toscano's own paradox of using the myths of other religious systems to re-write troubling points of doctrine while simultaneously implying that the LDS church is the receptacle of the true priesthood and the correct path to salvation.

[Jacob J · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book because I am a sucker for speculative theology. I know Blake Ostler, who I also like, ripped this book a new one when he reviewed it in Sunstone, but I enjoyed reading the wild speculations of the Toscanos and I found it thought provoking, especially because it is not just the same old ideas you've heard a million times before. I was especially impacted by the chapter on bringing good out of badness when I first read this book.

[Lezlee Hays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I think this book needs to be read with a careful examination of the fact that it certainly isn't doctrinal (nor does it claim to be), the ideas presented by the Toscano's are interesting and enriching theoretical structures for ways to think a little more deeply about about mormon theology. I am very impressed with the scholarly presentation of the material.

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing and (for many of us) paradigm-shifting book. I don't subscribe to all of the interpretations offered by the Toscanos in this volume, but rare is the page that isn't chock full of theological food for fodder. Reading this work is likely to forever impact my thinking about Mormonism.