Post-American Mormonism in the Changing World Order

Abstract

This article will explore the impact of the changing world order on global religion. Specifically, it will analyze the challenges and opportunities that the upcoming post-American world order will have on Mormonism, which has been described as the quintessential American religion. In doing so the article will answer the question: How can an America-centric church become a global faith in a post-American world? This will be accomplished by looking at Mormon theology, as well as policy and practice of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including recent challenges it has had in Russia. By merging literature from international relations and religious studies, this article will be able to better understand the interplay between the changing world order and the abilities of global religions to operate within them. As the world order changes, global faiths will have to change as well. For Mormonism, these changes are daunting but not impossible, and they are already taking place.