NOM

One of the concepts in Mormonism that was heavily referenced in this last general conference is that of keeping covenants.

I have tried to get to the bottom of where the theology originated.

It seems to differ from Calvinist Covenant Theology and groups like "Scottish Covenenters".

Daymon Smith discusses it some in his cultural history of the book of mormon series as seeming to come from early practices of Dutch slave traders.

It would also likely have origins in the freemasonry ceremonies.

Thoughts?

I don't have any sources for you, but I agree covenants are definitely a big part of Mormonism. "Latter-day Saints are a covenant people". I would love to see a compare and contrast on Judeo-Christian-Muslim sects and how important covenants are to each.

I wonder if it was part of the church trying to tie itself back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and the original covenant people. Then twist covenant people into making covenants as individuals. And viola! you have the modern LDS covenant theology.

I would venture a guess that the source is primarily Masonry based. Beyond the walls the the temple, baptism became a covenant as well as the sacrament be a renewal of that each week. It was definitely a way to differentiate Mormons from the other Christian faiths and in the early days, blood oaths and covenants as a source to enforce loyalty. Psychologically, covenants have more impact on loyalty, an outward declaration that you are willing to give up your life before you break your promise to the kingdom on Earth...not to God or Jesus but to the kingdom on the Earth!

Can't help but think this is different from the Covenant Theology that other faiths talk about. My guess is that it is a variant of Obedience Theology, in which members covenant to obey LDS Priesthood leaders in their established chain of command.

My understanding is that it goes back to folk magic. By binding/covenanting they felt you were giving up something you had for something the god/angel/crossroads demon wanted ensuring you had spuernatural help. So you spill blood, the ghost dont move the gold. Your soul to a demon, that hottie suddenly cant stop thinking of you. Your freewill, god lets you into heaven. Your money, "the heavens open" and so on....Without the covenant, the thought went, you could sacrfice and get nothing because supernatural beings are sneaky. But not God. He loves you and really wants to give you all he has...right after you bind yourself to him.