Brandon Sanderson is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This is an affiliation he has openly acknowledged.
Understanding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often colloquially referred to as the Mormon Church, is a global Christian restorationist church. Its members, known as Latter-day Saints, believe in a literal restoration of the original church established by Jesus Christ and follow teachings found in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which they regard as another testament of Jesus Christ.
Key aspects of their beliefs and practices include:
- Family Focus: A strong emphasis is placed on the eternal nature of family units and fostering strong family bonds.
- Service and Community: Members are encouraged to engage in community service and actively participate in their congregations.
- Health Code: Adherence to the Word of Wisdom, a health code that advises against the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee, and tea.
- Missionary Work: The church is well-known for its global missionary program, through which young men and women dedicate time to sharing their beliefs.
- Temples: Sacred buildings distinct from regular chapels, where members participate in special ordinances and make covenants with God.
Influence on His Work
While Brandon Sanderson's acclaimed fantasy novels are not overtly religious, his personal beliefs and worldview, shaped by his faith, subtly inform some of the underlying themes in his storytelling. Readers often observe:
- Ethical Depth: Characters frequently grapple with complex moral choices and the profound consequences of their actions.
- Thematic Exploration of Belief: His narratives often explore the power of belief, conviction, and understanding as driving forces for individuals and societies.
- Structured Magic Systems: His distinctive "hard magic systems" are often built with intricate internal logic and rules, sometimes reflecting a structured, cause-and-effect approach reminiscent of spiritual principles.
Sanderson intentionally maintains a distinction between his personal faith and the fictional worlds he crafts, allowing his stories to be accessible and resonate with a diverse global readership, regardless of their own religious or philosophical backgrounds.
