LDS Beliefs: A Doctrinal Reference

by Robert L. Millet, Brent L. Top, Andrew C. Skinner

LDS Beliefs is a landmark publication at a time in the Church s history when it is vital for members to know their religion for themselves and be able to explain the major teachings of Mormonism to persons not of our faith. This book is written to Latter-day Saints and is intended to serve as an essential reference, a doctrinal primer on our beliefs. With entries on nearly 400 topics, it has a conversational tone, a cordial and inviting spirit, and serves as a handy onevolume summary of and guide to our distinctive doctrines a book that will be an excellent gift to friends and a useful resource for libraries. If, as President Boyd K. Packer has explained, True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior, then this work, a remarkable contribution to LDS literature, will change your life.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction

608 pages, Hardcover

First published October 12, 2011

About the author

Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, holds a master s degree in psychology from BYU and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University. He is a popular speaker and prolific writer whose other books include Lost and Found: Reflections on the Prodigal Son; Grace Works; and More Holiness Give Me. He and his wife, Shauna, have six children and live in Provo, Utah.

Reviews

[Michelle Llewellyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty much the updated Mormon Doctrine by Elder Bruce R. McConkie. A go-to reference book for LDS theology. Controversial subjects reflecting the ever shifting, changing attitudes of the world that were not so prevalent in Elder McConkie's day include such entries as: "Homosexuality" "Polygamy" "Procreation" and deeper discussions on the topic of "Suicide". The issue of the importance of marriage between a man and woman, the eternal family unit and that women and men are equal and necessary for the exaltation of the other is echoed in every entry pertaining to such topics.
I welcomed the "Priesthood, Revelation On" entry to clear up once and for all the long disputed arguments made by anti-Mormon groups of discrimination against blacks in the Mormon church. Because Mormon Doctrine was published before 1978, much confusion has resulted in such tender issues. Hopefully with the publication of this wonderful new reference book, both members and non-members will be further enlightened in the gospel of Christ.

[Becky]

This reference book is similar to Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie (in fact over half of the topics reference Mormon Doctrine ) but it also includes updated quotes from recent conference talks (as Latter-day Saints we believe in living prophets and apostles that continue to give us revelation in our time today).
I didn't read every entry but I went through page by page & read the topics that were interesting to me (and the controversial topics as well). I learned some new things about what we believe as Latter-day Saints (which is interesting because I've been a member of this church my whole life, specifically the doctrine of "blood atonement").

[Aaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have proved my "Mormon" geekiness. I read this book straight through, cover to cover.

It avoids controversial issues as much as it can, and when it does acknowledge their existence, says as little as possible about them, all of which was rather disappointing. This book would be the perfect venue for killing off, once and for all, some of the most persistent false Mormon-folklore (Curse of Cain, every man will have seven wives in the Celestial Kingdom, etc.)

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that will be great for future reference