ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses in a sociological way the nature of Mormonism in terms of the notion of evil in relation to which merit operates. Merit is a concept that can be understood in a directly sociological way and does not have to be approached, theoretically, as a religious or theological topic. For theoretical and analytical purposes it is worth emphasizing this distinction because it is a word that has become intimately associated with the value systems of most of the major religions of the world. In the practical terms of many people’s life experience, domestic Mormonism constitutes the underlying matrix of Mormon life and identity. The chapel symbolizes the local community of families or ward level of Mormonism that stands for the kingdom of God in daily life. The temple represents the place where that daily life is offered a power of transcendence and given a future goal by strengthening it through the available ordinances.
