Worth of a Soul: A Personal Account of Excommunication and Conversion

by Steven A. Cramer

A Classic Bestseller! In print nearly 20 years! 100,000 copies Sold! The strength of the atonement of Jesus Christ reaches the very soul through this personal account of excommunication and reconversion. Though he had taught priesthood lessons, gospel doctrine classes and even been a Bishop, Stephen Cramer finally came to understand the personal nature of the atonement as he faced the buffeting of Satan through excommunication. This enriching and fulfilling account will leave you better able to feel the joy of our Savior's love and understand your personal worth in His eyes.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Lds, Church, Biography, Lds Non Fiction

127 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a tough book to write a review about. The subject matter is deep and dark, but the ending is full of hope and healing. Mr. Cramer (pen name) and his wife tell the painful truth of Mr. Cramer's addictions and eventual adultery, and how they and their family turned hurt into healing. The book was originally written in 1983 and then reprinted in 2011. The 2011 edition has additional insights from the authors, and the appendixes in the back of the book are wonderfully informative and helpful. I think this would be a good book for those struggling with addiction recovery, their families, and those interested in better understanding our brothers and sisters who suffer with addictions.

[Donald Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steven A Cramer (Gerald Curtis) is my father. I thought I'd share that he passed away this weekend. If anyone has a memory they'd like to share with his family, you can do that on his online memorial which is https://www.weremember.com/gerald-h-c....
Thank you!

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sobering book tells the story of a former bishop who was excommunicated because of pornography and adultery. He goes into detail about the effects his sins had on his marriage. He then takes the reader through the repentance process. This book had a profound impact upon me. It made me think a lot about repentance and the power of the Savior's atonement to cleanse.

One thing that really impressed me was that this man's wife, though deeply hurt, was somehow able to stand by her husband as he went through his pain and repentance. I would be interested to hear her side of the story.

So I really liked the book. At the same time, it sort of bothered me that such a private thing was put before the public. I'm still wrestling with that issue...and a few more the book brought to my mind.

[J Kir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Really opened my eyes to the hurt this (his addictions) causes in a marriage and the pain it causes a spouse. His description of the buffet tings of Satan was sobering. His return and change through Christ was powerful. His story inspires to live commandments and stay close to Christ. It also sends the message that we can never drift beyond the reach of Christ redemption. Easy read. I read it in a day over a few hours. Just wanted to keep going.

[Drew Tschirki · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book worth reading if you’re interested in the atonement of Christ or in Latter-Day Saint disciplinary action on a personal level, and how said action (and the sin itself!) affects guilty individuals and innocent family members alike. Not a light read. The book has its flaws, however is insightful and inspiring.

[Keith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book on repentance and the Atonement of Christ.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

With perspective and insight hard won from personal experience,, Brother Cramer carefully walks us through his experience with transgression, excommunication, and his eventual return to the Church through re-baptism. Eloquently he helps the reader to understand and even feel the anguish of a soul at risk, the terrible pain of his family, and the wondrous joy that he and they experience as he learns about and experiences true repentance and forgiveness. In the end, his account is, as the book jacket declares, "a profound testimony of God's love for all His children."

[Brea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This heart wrenching tale of a man who overcame the natural man, is a must read!! This book will help strengthen your compassion for those struggling with addiction, or with anything for that matter. It will also show you how powerful the adversary is and how critical it is that we do everything in our power to not ever let him into our lives. This book is a beautiful example of the redeeming power of the atonement. I can't wait to read Steven Cramer's other books!

[Ambra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book among many given to me after my grandma past away over a year ago. I was struggling with some people in my life and thought that learning 'the worth of a soul' would help me work better with them. It turns out this book helped me learn more about the worth of my own soul to a loving Heavenly Father. It is interesting to me how focusing on my own worth made it so easy to see the worth of others. This is an interesting, bravely written book that touched me. I loved it.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a kind of random read for me. Someone let Ryan borrow it when he was called to the high council. After hearing Ryan talk about it I had to read it myself. I admire the authors courageous motive to write this to help others. It opened my eyes to the reality and magnitude of the struggles of those who have addictions and serious sins. I'm so glad I've learned a little more about this perspective.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Stake President encouraged all of the Bishops and wives to read this, and I'm really happy I did. Although I don't have a problem with pornography, his experiences are so applicable to anyone who has a bad habit (everybody:), and how learning from the scriptures and allowing Christ's atonement to work in your life is a much better way to improve yourself than all the self-help books in the world.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a true story about a man trapped in a cycle of sin that gets progressively worse until he gets excommunicated. He tells of his experience and the difficulty he has while working to be rebaptized. His family stood by him throughout the whole experience. He shares of the things he learned about the atonement and the role of the Savior in our lives.

[Ethel · Rating 5 out of 5]

His story was very personal but many people can relate to his experience. It has been a long time (the 80's) but I remember he listed a lot of books that changed his life. I love to read good books because they truly can change us. As a man thinketh so is he. Reading influences thoughts more than anything else.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a moderately active member of the LDS faith that has his own hangups with doctrine this was an insightful read. Frequently I feel like I have to be perfect to be accepted by God and those at Church. This book made me question many of those concepts that I hold. Anyone from a christian background, LDS or not, could benefit from reading this book.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was written by a couple who are members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They talk to us about their experience with infidelity, ex communication, and redemption. It's heartbreaking, but it teaches how, and that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, we can overcome any trial and learn to forgive.

[Franziska · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the insights this book rendered. It increases your awareness of the struggles that come with sinning, losing church membership, and the beauty of repentance and forgiveness. Very humbling, very touching.

[Lois · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a re-read for me - and I highly recommend it to anyone in the church.

[Jacquie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a life-changing view into the Atonement from the perspective of a re-baptized former excommunicant of the Church.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steven Cramer faced a mighty battle with sexual addiction, which led into into the depths of darkness and despair. He shares his spiritual recovery in a sincere, honest, and moving book.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that changed my outlook on things!

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great message, but I don't feel like his book was organized very well.

[Verneita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book! Makes you want to always do what is right. It was a fast easy read too. You feel like you are a part of his family. It was awesome!

[Ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. IT is a personal account of a man who was excommunicated and his reconversion. It was fascinating and gave me new respect for anyone that goes through that process.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book again after many years. It was a wonderful illustration of the power of the atonement, in the author's life as well as in our own. A very worthwhile read.

[Kristi Becknell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life when I was in High School. I since hve read it a dozen times and have given it a gifts to friends who have been struggling.

[Danni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The spirit was so strong and it really helped me with my attitude.

[Liesl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book. Shows the amazing love of God, and the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.