This is not a work of either systematic or historical theology per se. It is, rather, the first volume in a two-part study of the foundations of Mormon thought and practice, situated in an overview of the Christian tradition. Though Mormonism comes out of a biblical tradition, and was strongly influenced by 19th century Restorationist thought, it propounded a theology that diverges radically from creedal Christianity. Its substantive differences are most evident in, and largely attributable to, a unique underlying cosmic narrative.