Friday, 6 September 2013

The Spirituality Theme In Lds Poems

By Kate McMahon


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints is responsible for the project that gave rise to Lds Poems. This poetry focuses on spirituality with a Christian perspective. The church was founded in the 19th century and has stuck with the tradition of using poetry in most of its liturgical and teaching literature. To the faithful, poetry is a form of art that enables them to experience the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lds poetry is also regarded as Mormon poetry and has branches that include fiction literature. Early works by these poets were recorded in old literature journals like the Elders Journal that published James Marsh. The editors of the journal were Joseph and Don Smith. The themes and presentation in this poetry was exceptional to capture the eyes of these editors.

Mormon General Conferences and talks have witnessed recitations over the years. The recitations are given by apostles and touch on spiritual themes and current affairs. Some of these verses are later transformed into music because of their presentation and how they capture the themes in the lives of the church members. An example is the poem written and recited by Elder Bruce McConkie. It was entitled I Believe In Christ and was later turned into a song.

Early works have inspired latter generation writers to engage in new writing. An example is Elder Boyd Packer who was inspired by the work of Bruce McKonkie to write a poem entitled Washed Clean. It was recited during the conference in April. He says that his inspiration came from the Jesus who is found in the poem I Believe in Christ.

Most general conferences are based on poetry from earlier writers. Leaders in the church are particularly passionate about poetry. It is worth noting that the current leader and president is totally in love with this art. Citations can always be found in his works and talks. He goes by the name Thomas Monson. The religious connection in this work has not made it any less creative.

Mormon literature database contains an excellent collection of both fiction and poetry from this group of writers. Literary critics have singled out several authors because of their outstanding writing. The collection also includes hymns considering that a good number of them began as poetry. Some of the work adheres to the traditional definition while others open new grounds in the genre.

It is possible and easy to classify this writing into two categories depending on the era in which the writers lived. Pioneer writers lasted up to the 1950s from around 1830. They passed on the button to contemporary poets who have continued with the work up to now. These two groups are differentiated by their choice of supporting themes and their style. They talk to different audiences that can be found in different parts of the world.

The Spirit of God by Phelps W and O My Father by Snow Eliza best represent pioneer Lds poems. Current day works include The Epic as was written by Orson Whitney. Contemporary poets have expanded their themes to include violence. All these writings have a spiritual perspective.




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