1 comments about Mormonism in Dialogue with Contemporary Christian Theologies.

1. From an LDS perspective, this book represents a critical step in what is now being called the "Golden Age" of Mormonism in academia. The idea is old: Mormons and Christians writing in dialogue. The approach, however, is really the first of its kind: serious, real theology. I emphasize "real" because it may come as a shock to many LDS readers that they have never read or ever even been exposed to theology--a systematic/philosophical/reasoned approach to religious beliefs. Mormon doctrine, instead, entirely depends on revelation, not necessarily dogmatically, but mostly without any philosophic scrutiny. Ask Mormons why they believe what they believe and their answers will cite revelation, both personal revelation and revelation for the Church as a whole. This, of course, is a great source of pride to Mormons--as it should be--but is of little help in an academic or theological setting. Indeed, Mormons tend to think of theology as nothing more than "hard doctrine," where "hard" is synonymous with "obscure." BYU itself is a telling example: The two religious departments are Ancient Scripture and Church History and Doctrine. Even the more difficult authors like Nibley, Talmage, et al. lean closer to being historians or scriptorians than theologians.
   
   But sitting in the Richard L. Evans chair (previously held by the Church's other foremost theologian, Truman G. Madsen) Dr. David Paulsen has been one of the quiet few working on theology. For years he has been building relationships via The Harvard Theological Review and Faith and Philosophy and Clark Pinnock and Donald Musser and other important publications and thinkers. And this book is in large part a huge reflection of his lifelong work on these fronts. The Christian theologians represented here are truly an all-star cast: Rosemary Radford Reuther, Clark Pinnock, David Tracy, Dwight Hopkins, Donald McKim, Dennis McCann, and on and on. The fact that so many have volunteered to work on this compilation (which is anything but meager at 500+ pages) is a true testament to the success of his work and the progress that Mormons have made in academia.
   
   The book itself is excellent. I've labeled this review "An Important Step" because hopefully many Mormons will read it and understand just what theology is and just how we can and do relate to other theologies. And, importantly, how a reasoned analysis of LDS doctrine can enhance our beliefs and our understanding of them--even in areas where Mormons run short on revelation (Tellingly, most LDS authors start by pointing out there is barely such a thing as "Mormon theology"). But for anyone reading the book there is a great deal to learn. I've already alluded to the high quality of the thinkers writing each dialogue: Feminist Theology, Black Theology, Hermeneutics, the Theologies of Barth, Neibuhr, and Tillich, and more. Politely and accurately each author shares with his Mormon counterpart (and visa versa) where there is disagreement, where there is agreement, where a bridge can be built, and where there probably won't be one for a while. For anyone who wants a true survey of the prominent theologies, and of how Mormonism stacks up, this is a great book.

5 comments about Our Search for Happiness.

1. Anyone, regaurdless of their opinion about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, should read this book; especially before they bash the church. I read this when I was investigating (and bashing the church myself). It is easy to read, to the point, and makes a whole lot of sense. For those who beilieve, it will bring strength to their testimony and help them to minister to others. For those who want to believe, it will answer many of the questions they might have. For those who don't believe, it might bring a greater sense of understanding to a religion that is so often misunderstood. I love this book, it really helped my heart to open up to recieve the gospel of Jesus Christ, which I couldn't be more greatful for. I recommend it to all.



2. This book is wonderful! A simple yet beautiful means of expressing the beliefs and feelings of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints



3. I read this book about 2 1/2 years ago and yes, it was a good book. Yes, it does explain the church well. This book did show me just how different the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is from what the Bible (What the Christian faith is based upon) teaches. It opened up my eyes to know the truth that the Bible is the soul source of scripture. I did like the book in the effect that I did learn about the church in a way for me to be able to understand a member when we are discussing our beliefs. I am grateful for that. This is a good book for anyone, whether Christian, Mormon, or any other faith could use to better understand the LDS church.



4. not much to say about it, just a good book for members and nonmembers alike



5. Since the days of Joseph Smith, the apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints have endeavored to allow those not of our faith to understand what we believed and why we believe it. In this book, Elder Ballard, himself an apostle(or special witness of Christ) has presented a concise primer to the doctrines of the Latter Day Saints. It is clear, it is detailed, and it is to the point.
   
   To those who are not LDS, it will allow you to understand what we believe, why we believe it, and why we hold such strong convictions of it.
   
   To those who are LDS, it will provide an example of how to present the basic doctrines of the church(and in some cases, how not to!) to those who wish to relate to us more closely.
   
   As a member of the church, I do value my faith very highly, and I wish for everyone to have that available to them, and I am grateful that there is such a tool available for that purpose.

3 comments about A Plain English Reference to the Book of Mormon.

1. As a former seminary teacher and now gospel doctorine teacher, this "guide" makes reading the Book of Mormon much easier and understandable. It's like have a scriptorian next to you explaining what you just read, and yet, it is written with flow, like a novel, so you don't want to put it down. I finished the whole Book of Mormon in one week. I have a more vivid understanding and mental references now. I completed the prophets challenge. I can't wait to read this 2-3 times a year. It is not like other scriptures "re-written" losing translation, this is "right on", and has the same spirit of revelation attending you as it is when you are reading from the Book of Mormon.



2. This book is basically a rewritten version of The Book Of Mormon in contemporary English and reads at about a middle school level of difficulty. It eliminate the archaic prose of words like the "thee", "thou", "verily", "hast" and other KJV biblical text. A comparison could be the KING JAMES BIBLE rewritten into the easier to understand NEW LIVING TRANSLATION.
   
   I'll admit there are places in the Book of Mormon where I have struggled to comprehend its contents (Jacob chapter 5 and the Isaiah quotes come to mind). Timothy Wilson's work has made a world of difference in understanding it. This is like a rewrite of the Book of Mormon in modern English. It also includes some extra references for explaining certain themes and events. Read this alongside the original - it has helped me to read it much more effectively.
   
   If you are interested in this, you might also want to check out the EASY-TO-READ BOOK OF MORMON by Lynn Matthews Anderson (ISBN: 0-9644957-0-8). That version (young children being the target audience) is written in even more simple English than is Timothy Wilson's work here. Both are useful for comprehension of the original text.



3. I was afraid to read this at first, because I don't like the idea of messing around with scripture. That's why we still use the King James Version. HOWEVER... I love this book. I never felt like anything was lost. Only clarified. I won't let this book replace my scriptures, but it will never be far away. GREAT Job Tim. Thank you sooo sooo much. I bought it in a used book store, and I feel very fortunate to have found it. I was unaware of it before that moment. My teenager is reading it now. Thanks again.

5 comments about David O. McKay and the Rise of Modern Mormonism.

1. I don't think it can be overstated just how enjoyable this book is to read. I doubt any other biographers of any other prophets have had access to the sheer volume of material as this book's authors do. Not only do they present a three dimensional portrait of a deeply spiritual and progressive prophet - they give an impressive view into the church of my parents. Most of my reading has dealt with the early church - this book links what I know about church history with the church I have grown up in. It has been line upon line, precept upon precept. I was most impressed at how the church leaders, despite some of the intense differences of opinion, managed to come together at the end of the day. There is quite a bit of the book that discusses Ezra Taft Benson's involvement with the John Birch Society that I can understand make some members uncomfortable - but I think it is a testament to the prophetic mantle that he would step into, that his more extreme ideologies would soften upon assuming the lead of the church. True, the authors seem critical at times, but the Spirit of Lord comes through brilliantly in every chapter. Overall, I found the book very uplifting.



2. It has been fascinating to read this brutally honest account of developments in the Church under the leadership of a great man. I held back the fifth star because I think the areas of controversy that are so prominent in the book are not always the most important part of the story. I would have liked to read more on President McKay's accomplisments as a spiritual leader and less on business and politics. Nevertheless it was illuminating to learn what went on behind the scenes as one great man lead other church leaders trough some very interesting times for the church. In spite of their individual weaknesses and strong disagreement over some issues they began the transformation of a Utah church to a worldwide church.



3. Like Rough Stone Rolling, I found this book to be thoroughly captivating, scholarly and inspiring. It is well documented from first hand sources. It is refreshing to read LDS church history where punches are not pulled in an effort to make church leaders seem perfect. Rather getting caricatures, you get to see great men with their flaws and their mistakes. Because of this you appreciate them all the more and come away with a better understanding of who David O. McKay (and the men that served with him) was. These were great men and this is a great read.



4. It's not hard to discern the authors political as well as other baises, but still a very interesting read. Loved it.



5. This is a great book. If you want to learn more about the evolution of Mormonism and get an inside glimpse into the real life of these leaders, you'll love this book!

4 comments about Breaking the Cycle of Compulsive Behavior.

1. This is the best book I have seen addressing the challenges of those who try repeatedly to break out of compulsive behaviors, but without success. Through real-life case studies of three individuals who successfully overcame compulsive behaviors (an eating disorder, a drug problem, and a pattern of homosexual behavior, respectively), the authors discuss the reasons for people's failures to break addictions, as well as the steps necessary to successfully break out of a compulsive cycle. Although geared specifically toward members of the LDS Church, the book is an invaluable tool for anyone interested in overcoming an addiction or helping someone else do so.



2. Insightful and encouraging, this book's only flaw was a marketing one. I fear that this book, which explains so well the cycle of sin and how to replace it with joy, will only be looked at by people suffering specific problems. The authors should be commended here, not only for their research and compelling real-life examples, but also for their insight into the gospel, the atonement, and the capacity for human change.



3. This book describes well the shame cycle that many addicts experience. Those suffering from addiction and those around them should read this book to understand how to get out of this cycle.
   
   It's one huge flaw is its early 90s, Mormon-inspired view of homosexuality as a simple character flaw to be overcome. Martha Beck has since recanted and recognizes that sexual orientation is an inate human trait and not something that can be changed or one should be ashamed of.
   
   Apart from this one chapter, the book is a sensitive, insightful look into addiction.



4. I understand that this book is still being widely sold in LDS and Christian bookstores. The book's point of view is that homosexuality is something that can be overcome.
   
   It's interesting to note that each of the book's co-authors has subsequently come out as gay and lesbian respectively. This makes their theories ring more than a little bit hollow.

5 comments about 300 Questions LDS Couples Should Ask Before Marriage.

1. I got this as a bridal shower gift from a ward member. I am glad I did. It made me really think twice about my compatability with my now --exfiance. I highly recommend this book to any member considering getting married. I almost made a big mistake.



2. I plan to buy one for each of the girls in my Laurel's class as a graduation gift. It's too bad that BYU doesn't make it required reading. Every single adult should own a copy!



3. The author does a good job of selecting the best quotes by the general authorities on finding a suitable marriage companion. The questions are equal to other marriage books on the market, however, the author goes a step further by supplying spiritual questions that should be asked. Questions that dig deep into a person's believes, values and spirit are lacking in other books on the subject. Therefore, I would recommend this book for couples that want questions that have depth into the soul. As a Bishop I have counseled many single adults considering marriage. Now I have a great book to recommend to them. I look forward to her other books.



4. This book has very relevant questions! This is great for creating conversations that help a couple know all aspects of each other. Well worth the money!



5. Since this is my second marriage engagement, I am very glad to have this book to review with my fiance so that I get it right the second time around!

5 comments about Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons.

1. I purchased this book as an Christmas gift for my dad (a Mormon) thinking that this book was going to be geared towards Mormons and spirtually uplifting. He was deaply hurt and offended from the content of this book. The book ridiculed his faith as a Mormon and that was not my intent. The search featured recommended this book, I am very disappointed and humilated. I will be returning both titles...



2. I've read this book and I use it as a study guide in how to reach out to Mormons with the truth of the gospel and the Bible. Rhodes does not "preach hate" as some think, and just because some people don't like what they read in the book, theologically speaking (i.e. Mormons), doesn't mean that the book isn't true or biblically accurate. This book is quite accurate as far as I have seen and read, and I've read it more than once. The Bible doesn't call us to only tell people things that they like to hear. The truth hurts sometimes, but if it leads to eternal life, it is needed sometimes. He has sections on what correct biblical doctrine is, while showing what LDS theology actually teaches, using their own authorities and scriptures to do so. The rebuttals to the arguments commonly used to bolster the Mormon position are methodically looked and and responded to from the Old and New Testaments. I have Rhodes other books from the "Reasoning From The Scriptures With..." series, and they are all equally good. Incidentally, I am amazed at how many people think that just because Rhodes is correcting their theology, he should stop, because he's "hurting their feelings." Which is more important: having "good feelings" or having the truth that leads to eternal life?



3. We need more books just like this.
   New Testament scripture warns about false prophets, false religions.
   Scripture says " even if an angel appears before you proclaiming another gospel, let them be called accursed.................
   People, read your New Testament in MODERN english.Then maybe you can begin to know what ancient scripture reveals. Understand that Mormons have been lied to.
   They themselves do not know scripture only The Book of Mormon.
   Books like this are meant to help set others free.



4. I found this to be a very interesting book. Without question, there is lots of food for thought here. For me, Mormonism is a fascinating topic, and anyone interested in learning about it will want to read this volume.
   
   Troy Parfitt, author



5. I bought this book hoping that it would reveal some of the nonsense that Mormons believe and their practices. What it actually does is to compare Mormonism with your basic Christianity, ie. Baptists, what-have-you. It tries to show how non-Morman Christianity is better. To my mind and, I would argue, the minds of any thinking person, both Mormonism and basic Christianity are bogus concepts made up of lies, myths and fairytales. (I feel the same way about all religions.) This book proved useless to me since I want the truth and it is not in this book, not in the Book of Mormon and not in the New Testament. Just what silly practices might Romney practice if he becomes president? This book was a complete waste of my money.

5 comments about Book of Mormon: 1830 Replica Edition.

1. Your opening statement in the front fly-leaf reads, "See for yourself how this sacred book appeared when early converts read it.",then in the beginning of the next paragraph, "The pages for this special edition have been photomechanically reproduced at actual size from press sheets...run at E. B. Grandin...." Both my first copy, which I was going to send back when you sent the second copy, and the second copy have an ink "glitch" at the bottom of page 226, at the beginning of the last five lines. The photoreprint that the Church produced in 1980, I don't believe had these "glitches." What is Stratford Books' comment about these glitches?
   Sincerely,
   Kenneth V. Roe



2. ALTHOUGH NOT MORMONS, MY WIFE AND I GOT CURIOUS ABOUT THE MORMON TYPE OF SPIRITUAL MYSTICISM WHILE READING THE WONDERFUL ORSON SCOTT CARD.



3. The binding: This is an original size reproduction of the 1830 first edition of the Book of Mormon. The binding is beautiful and first-rate, something one doesn't usually see in books anymore. The pages are folded and sewn and the binding is in a traditional manner with open space between the back of the sewn-together pages and the inside spine of the cover - just like real hardcovers used to have. The cover itself is a very nice high-quality grain leather with gold trim. From the outside, this book is probably nicer to have than an original would be. It is a joy to hold and a delight to read.
   
   The inside: This is a photo-reproduction of a first edition, so there is some loss of quality. There is also some curvature distortion to the text, as if the pages were not completely flattened when they were reproduced. The blotch on page 226 that another reviewer mentioned is present, but it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book (also see this product's "customer images" section for a photo of this). The inside is not perfect, but it is probably the best that could be created without damaging the spine of an original first edition.
   
   The content: This is the original version of the Book of Mormon, as it was intended to be seen, without any of the editorial changes, passage rewrites, or other adjustments that have been made over the course of the last 150 years. I prefer reading the original versions of things like "Pilgrim's Progress," "The Song of Hiawatha," and other older works; so I really appreciated this aspect of the book.
   
   Also, in this version of the BOM, there were not yet any chapter summaries, no verse numbers nor verse spacings, and no footnotes. The book is arranged in the traditional style of a novel and the original 1800s spellings are also present.
   
   This is the next-best thing to a "real" first edition, complete with all of the 1830 indicia and a preface by "The Author" explaining about the loss of the Book of Lehi.



4. I bought this replica for inclusion in a university display about the printing of the Book of Mormon, although the binding isn't period (a good thing since it wouldn't hold together long if it was!), I'm very happy with what it adds to the display. This book was obviously crafted with great attention to detail.



5. This is a great addition to anyone's collection. it is nice to see the book of Mormon like the early saints did. AND to read it and put to rest all the critics saying there are thousands of changes from the original. Those "thousands" of changes are clearly when they number versus, and separated the chapters.

2 comments about How to Be Totally Miserable: A Self-Hinder Book.

1. Great book! Bytheway does a great job in all of his books in encouraging everyone to be better people. Fun to read.



2. Goodness me, but what a clever and yet so obvious example of the great world of reverse psychology as the great John Bytheway takes on people who are never happy and just what may be making them that way. It's cute, clever, and a perfect reader especially for teenagers.

5 comments about Mormonism Unmasked: Confronting the Contradictions Between Mormon Beliefs and True Christianity.

1. When are the people of the South going to learn, Bigotry in any form is ugly and dispicable.
   I grew up Mormon and although I haven't attended church in well over 10 years its not for a lack of belief in Christ, but a lack of belief in organized religion.
   It's no wonder that radical Muslims want us dead, over differences in belief when tripe like this is published and its hatred spewed forth, furthering the divide between people who at the core, believe the same.
   United we stand, divided we fall. . . ever hear that? We are all Christians, whether Mormon, Baptist, Catholic, Calvinist or Lutheran. Seriously, get your nose back in your own Bible (or Holy Book) and keep it out of mine.
   It's no wonder hard-line Atheists want the religious right silenced when we can't even get along with one another.
   I have little love for Mormons. I was brought up in a household with a Catholic father and a Mormon mother. I couldn't play with some kids on my block growing up in Utah because of my Catholic dad. I'd hear in hushed whispers when I was in church how my Dad was never going to be able to go to Heaven because he wasn't Mormon - I think anyone who would dare say such a thing about anyone of an opposing religion should be damned to hell for their own ignorance, as well as arrogance!
   I have even more disdain for the "Born Agains" because you are all so bleeding high & mighty! You don't see Mormons writing books condemning other faiths, but the Evangelicals for years have gone out of their way to slander the Mormon religion. Why? Is there salvation through bigotry? I must have missed that passage in the Bible. . . Maybe one of you enlightened souls out there can point it out to me?
   Seriously, why are you so threatened by Mormonism? Let's just say for an instant that there were some truth there. . . that Christ did come back to ancient America. If he is the Savior of mankind and not merely of the Jews does it not make sense he would have proselytized(sic) his beliefs throughout the world, not merely the Holy Land?
   Is it mere coincidence that the Mayans and Aztecs await the return of Quezyquotl, a white, bearded God that was rumored to have visited before he ascended to the Heavens in 100 A.D. This is not merely Mormon doctrine. This is scientifically reported FACT.
   Does that make the Mormons right about everything? Certainly not. Does it make your preacher on Maple right about everything he says? No way!
   I think the same people that would blindly follow anyone who claims to know the full truth, are the same kind of sheeple that would decapitate a prisoner for being an infidel, or write a book like this.
   No one has a lock on the truth. There is truth everywhere as there is evidence of God everywhere. How you prescribe to God is your own personal business which maybe extends to your family, but even then, whether Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu or even Athiest (I think it takes just as much faith not to believe in anything, as it does something so they deserve mentioning), our belief (or lack thereof) is part of our own personal experience and slander and bigotry of any kind against someone of a different faith should be scorned and reviled.



2. This book is a must read for anyone who has left the Mormon Church and, if members of the Mormon church would read it, it would serve as a great source of information and "eye opening" for them. I believe we would see more people actually questioning something they are not encouraged to question and it would be for their own good. This book is done in a very informative and tasteful manner and is a good read.



3. There is a lot of confusion present within both the LDS membership and non-Mormons alike on exactly what Mormonism is and if it is Christian.
   
   It's an emotionally charged topic and is complicated by the orthodox Christian terminology that Mormonism uses.
   
   This book does an excellent job of getting to the main points and past the misconceptions that so often cloud discussions about Mormonism.
   
   For example: There is nothing more fundamental to this discussion than God Himself. Mormonism's foundation of belief is based on the worship of a god who was once a human being and one of many gods. The ultimate goal of Mormonism is for the individual to achieve the same end, i.e. become gods themselves. As the book points out, this is the indisputable core doctrine of Mormonism and obviously dramatically different than Christianity.
   
   By putting the fundamental issues at the forefront one can see clearly that Christianity and Mormonism are mutually exclusive, which then puts discussions on details like salvation, Jesus, and grace into proper perspective.



4. As a Catholic married to a Mormon I pretty much knew most of the stuff in this book. It is a great read for someone who is a "recovering" Mormon or someone needing a smack on the forehead as something to be wary of. I love my husband, I love his family, I don't love this wacky "religion."



5. Dr. Phillip Roberts in his book Mormonism Unmasked (Nashville: B & H Publishing, 1998) provides an easy to read and thorough understanding of historic Mormonism as it relates to the subject of polygamy in the Fundamentalist Latter Day Saints (FLDS) church. This group broke from the Latter Day Saints years ago when the LDS changed its views on polygamy. States Roberts on this subject:
   
   "Joseph Smith, its founder, supposedly received new, secret revelation regarding the nature of eternal marriage and polygamy. Besides a man's ability to be married in the eternities to his wife, he could add other wives as well. Those that entered these new covenants were promised that they would have 'a fullness and a continuation of the seeds [children] forever and ever. Then shall they be gods, because they have no end, then shall they be gods, because they have all power, and the angels are subject unto them.' The revelation went on to command Joseph's wife, Emma, to 'receive all those that have been given unto my servant Joseph, and who are virtuous and pure before me; and those who are not pure, and have said they were pure, shall be destroyed, saith the Lord God... And I command mine handmaid Emma Smith, to abide and cleave unto my servant Joseph... But if she will not abide this commandment she shall be destroyed, saith the Lord' (Doctrines and Covenants 132:52, 61, 62, 64). With such dire warnings, many LDS women felt they could not refuse the new doctrine."
   
   Up until this point, even though he had vindicated his polygamy via new revelation, Smith had practiced polygamy secretly, always denying it. Evangelical apologist Jerald Tanner's Mormonism - Shadow or Reality?, an in-depth, lifelong work on Mormonism, states, "Smith's polygamy was not publicly acknowledged until 1852, eight years after his death." (pp. 245-48). Mormonism would go on to change this revelation of Joseph Smith to avoid embarrassment. But herein, nonetheless, is the seedbed for Mormon practices of polygamy to this day.
   
   I heartily recommend Mormonism Unmasked to those who desire an introductory overview of Mormon teaching in light of scriptural truth.