Mormon Fundamentalism as the “Other” Americanism

The article deals with one of the most prominent representatives of American religious counterculture – Mormon fundamentalism. It justifi es the possibility of applying the concept of “fundamentalism” to Mormonism. The genesis and nature of Mormon fundamentalism are considered, and its doctrinal foundations are defi ned. 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 fi rst 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.