From Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville:
Adam Powell, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, has authored his second book, “Irenaeus, Joseph Smith, and God-Making Heresy.” The book, released on October 30, was published by Fairleigh Dickinson University Press. In addition, Dr. Powell has authored a paper entitled, “Covenant Cloaks: Mormon Temple Garments in the Light of Identity Theory” which will be published in an upcoming issue of Material Religion: The Journal of Objects, Art and Belief.
In “Irenaeus, Joseph Smith, and God-Making Heresy,” Dr. Powell argues for a sociologically-informed redefinition of heresy as religiously-motivated opposition, and applies the resulting concept to the historical cases of second-century Christians and nineteenth-century Mormons.
In his article, Dr. Powell reflects on the work of sociologist Hans Mol, and suggests that the sacred garments received by Latter-day Saints in the temple and subsequently worn under everyday clothing are more than simply symbols of their peculiarity in relation to non-Mormons.
In addition to teaching, Dr. Powell serves at the program coordinator for the Master of Arts in Religious Studies at the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville. He came to Lenoir-Rhyne after having spent a number of years studying and teaching in the United Kingdom, where he received his Ph.D. from Durham University in North East England. He has published on topics as diverse as Mormon ritual, early Christian theology, and issues related to the sociology of religion. In 2012, he was the recipient of a research grant from the Center for Death and Life Studies of Durham University. Funds from the grant were used to research and publish on the life and work of Hans Mol. The result was Dr. Powell’s first book, “Sacred Selves, Sacred Settings: Reflecting Hans Mol,” published by Ashgate Publishing early this year.
Dr. Powell received his master’s degree from Wayland Baptist University in Texas and his bachelor’s degree from Samford University in Alabama. He lives in Black Mountain, NC with his wife and young son.
For more information, visit asheville.lr.edu/a.powell.
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