The article deals with one of the most prominent representatives of American religious counterculture – Mormon fundamentalism. It justifies the possibility of applying the concept of “fundamentalism” to Mormonism. The genesis and nature of Mormon fundamentalism are considered, and its doctrinal foundations are defined. Mormon fundamentalism is conceptualized as a form of religious utilitarianism, in which “religion works” through a return to the teachings and practices of early Mormonism – the times of its first presidents J. Smith and B. Young. The conclusion drawn is that the split within modern Mormonism between “mainstream” Mormons who are loyal to the US authorities and Mormon fundamentalists is a marker of a split in American society and a predictor for its deepening and development in the future.
Key words: USA, Mormons, religious fundamentalism, Mormon fundamentalism, religious counterculture, religious utilitarianism
DOI: 10.22250/20728662-2025-1-86-96
About the author
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Dmitriy A. Golovushkin – DSc (Philosophy), Professor of Department of History of Religions and Theology; Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia; build. 20, 48 Moika river embankment, St. Petersburg, 191186, Russia; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. |