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Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way out of the Mormon Church
From a rare insider's point of view, Unveiling Grace looks at how Latter-day Saints are 'wooing our country' with their religion, lifestyle, and culture. It is also a gripping story of how an entire family, deeply enmeshed in Mormonism, found their way out and what they can tell others about their lives as faithful Mormons.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 20, 2013
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November 12, 2014
I recommend this book to all my friends, Mormon & Christian. I say this with a little fear of offending those family members and friends that I love who are of the Mormon faith, but also feel very convicted to share truth. I recommend this book with love and pray over all of you who read it to find truth in it's words.
I was raised Latter Day Saint (Mormon) and became a Christian at 30 after years of unbelief and searching for God. I'm very thankful for Lynn Wilder's courage in investigating her doubts and eventually unveiling the grace of Jesus. She shares her story with honesty - brutal, ugly, heart wrenching honesty about how difficult it was to untangle the doctrine in the gospel of the LDS church against the Bible as the word of God.
Unveiling Grace is a gripping story of how one couple converted to Mormonism early in their relationship and then found their way out 25 years later through the help of their children. Adam's Road, a Christian band, was formed by their son after he came to know Christ and wanted to share that knowledge with others.
As a Christian (and ex-Mormon), I have been asked countless questions about the Mormon faith and it is not easy to explain... each question and answer leads to ten more... I always feel that I am inadequate in answering those questions. I am also guarded as I do not want to slander family and friends who believe differently than I do. I am so happy to have found this book which addresses most questions and answers them in simple terms that non-Mormons can understand (many "Christian" terms have different meanings in the LDS faith which are explained eloquently in this book). This is the best book I have read of a family coming out of Mormonism, their story is told with grace, truth and humility. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Mormon faith, culture and expectations of it's believers.
This review was incredibly difficult for me to write... even after having been Christian for a decade now. My heart is very wounded in this area, as family relationships have been torn apart and are only now beginning to mend, but will never be whole again.
I leave you with the reason I am Christian...
John 1:1-4,14 & Isaiah 53 (too long to quote, please read it - the Message version...)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
my paraphrase...
In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) WAS GOD. He made all things out of nothing (ex-nihilo). In him was life, and that life is the light of all mankind. God became flesh (Jesus) and dwelt among us... we have seen God in Jesus, because he was God made flesh. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for my sins - those I have committed and those I will commit... this is grace, there is nothing that will separate me from Him. I am saved. I am His, and He is mine.
Much love to you all.
I was raised Latter Day Saint (Mormon) and became a Christian at 30 after years of unbelief and searching for God. I'm very thankful for Lynn Wilder's courage in investigating her doubts and eventually unveiling the grace of Jesus. She shares her story with honesty - brutal, ugly, heart wrenching honesty about how difficult it was to untangle the doctrine in the gospel of the LDS church against the Bible as the word of God.
Unveiling Grace is a gripping story of how one couple converted to Mormonism early in their relationship and then found their way out 25 years later through the help of their children. Adam's Road, a Christian band, was formed by their son after he came to know Christ and wanted to share that knowledge with others.
As a Christian (and ex-Mormon), I have been asked countless questions about the Mormon faith and it is not easy to explain... each question and answer leads to ten more... I always feel that I am inadequate in answering those questions. I am also guarded as I do not want to slander family and friends who believe differently than I do. I am so happy to have found this book which addresses most questions and answers them in simple terms that non-Mormons can understand (many "Christian" terms have different meanings in the LDS faith which are explained eloquently in this book). This is the best book I have read of a family coming out of Mormonism, their story is told with grace, truth and humility. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the Mormon faith, culture and expectations of it's believers.
This review was incredibly difficult for me to write... even after having been Christian for a decade now. My heart is very wounded in this area, as family relationships have been torn apart and are only now beginning to mend, but will never be whole again.
I leave you with the reason I am Christian...
John 1:1-4,14 & Isaiah 53 (too long to quote, please read it - the Message version...)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
my paraphrase...
In the beginning, the Word (Jesus) was with God, and the Word (Jesus) WAS GOD. He made all things out of nothing (ex-nihilo). In him was life, and that life is the light of all mankind. God became flesh (Jesus) and dwelt among us... we have seen God in Jesus, because he was God made flesh. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for my sins - those I have committed and those I will commit... this is grace, there is nothing that will separate me from Him. I am saved. I am His, and He is mine.
Much love to you all.
December 11, 2013
I read Lynn's book from the point of view of a faithful and spiritually satisfied member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Although my opinion of my faith and my own experiences are different than hers, I do agree with some of her criticisms of the church:
Jesus to be spoken of more frequently in all of our meetings and curriculum.
Grace to be spoken of and emphasized more often.
Members to be less concerned with long-standing traditions and cultural mores that are not actually part of the faith's doctrinal core.
More emphasis on the Bible as a whole, not just the Book of Mormon and other revealed words.
Less insulation, ignorance, apathy and provincialism, especially along the Wasatch corridor.
Members to be smarter about what they say to others, even in jest -- less judgement.
Again, my experience with my faith has been different than Lynn's. Like her, I believe I am saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ and that knowledge is all that really matters to me. All other doctrines are somewhat tangential by nature, although important. But Jesus is the foundation of my belief.
All this being said, I enjoyed her account and am glad she is happy in her conversion. Reading her book gave me yet another opportunity to examine my own heart in regards to what I think I know.
Jesus to be spoken of more frequently in all of our meetings and curriculum.
Grace to be spoken of and emphasized more often.
Members to be less concerned with long-standing traditions and cultural mores that are not actually part of the faith's doctrinal core.
More emphasis on the Bible as a whole, not just the Book of Mormon and other revealed words.
Less insulation, ignorance, apathy and provincialism, especially along the Wasatch corridor.
Members to be smarter about what they say to others, even in jest -- less judgement.
Again, my experience with my faith has been different than Lynn's. Like her, I believe I am saved and redeemed by Jesus Christ and that knowledge is all that really matters to me. All other doctrines are somewhat tangential by nature, although important. But Jesus is the foundation of my belief.
All this being said, I enjoyed her account and am glad she is happy in her conversion. Reading her book gave me yet another opportunity to examine my own heart in regards to what I think I know.
July 23, 2013
"Unveiling Grace: The Story of How We Found Our Way out of the Mormon Church" was a fascinating look at a family’s journey out of Mormonism. I’ve always been fascinated by different religions, and the LDS church is particularly interesting to me, since it’s “American-made.”
Lynn Wilder tells the tale of how she and her husband joined the Mormon Church, and got totally “into it,” serving in various church offices, doing baptisms for the dead, and sending their three sons on two-year missions. Lynn even became a professor at BYU, the nation’s premiere Mormon university. The family was totally enmeshed in Mormon culture, living in Utah and being “happy” along with all the other Mormon families — having family nights each week, cooking, crafting, etc.
But things began to fall apart when the youngest son went on his mission and, challenged by a pastor he attempted to convert, began reading the Bible. Mormons do read the Bible, but apparently not as much as they read the other Mormon holy books: Doctrines and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and other writings of founder Joseph Smith. Youngest son became disillusioned and realized that many things he was teaching and living by did not square with the Bible.
This led to a crisis in the family, but eventually all of them became Biblical Christians and left the Mormon church. As part of this, Lynn had to give up her professor job and they moved from Utah.
I was interested in the various rituals that Mormons have to go through when they visit a Mormon Temple; also, the power they give to Mormon authorities. Some things that intrigued me:
* Wilder discusses that Mormons are not big on crosses as symbols, and rarely would wear a cross necklace (she makes the analogy: if your loved one was killed with a gun, would you wear a gun necklace?). Apparently they want to focus on the resurrection, and feel that crosses take away from that. “Why should we bow down before a cross or use it as a symbol? Because our Savior died on the cross, the wearing of crosses is to most Latter-day Saints in very poor taste and inconsistent to our worship,” (10th president Joseph Fielding Smith).
* Mormons don’t talk a lot about God: they call him “Heavenly Father.” They believe that both Jesus and God have bodies of “flesh and bones.”
* Wilder also mentions that Mormons are told that they are adopted Jews, and are even told which of the twelve Jewish tribes they have descended from. Once when the family was exploring the Bible, they came across Revelation 2:9: I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Understandably, this really freaked them out.
* Mormons actually see Eve eating the apple as a good thing or a “fall up,” as it allowed her to know that people could become like God (and yeah, this leads into the belief that faithful Mormon men can achieve God status on their own personal planets in the afterlife).
* The end of the book has a fascinating chart listing Mormon beliefs (with Mormon holy book references), and then contrasting them with Christian beliefs (with Biblical references). An example, pertaining to baptism of the dead: For their salvation, baptism for the dead is necessary and essential to our salvation (D&C 128:15). Contrast this to 1 Corinthians 15:29.
This book made me sad for Mormons, because they seem like such decent, good people. They have so many works they feel they need to do to achieve higher levels of salvation. I think most anyone would enjoy reading this book.
Lynn Wilder tells the tale of how she and her husband joined the Mormon Church, and got totally “into it,” serving in various church offices, doing baptisms for the dead, and sending their three sons on two-year missions. Lynn even became a professor at BYU, the nation’s premiere Mormon university. The family was totally enmeshed in Mormon culture, living in Utah and being “happy” along with all the other Mormon families — having family nights each week, cooking, crafting, etc.
But things began to fall apart when the youngest son went on his mission and, challenged by a pastor he attempted to convert, began reading the Bible. Mormons do read the Bible, but apparently not as much as they read the other Mormon holy books: Doctrines and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and other writings of founder Joseph Smith. Youngest son became disillusioned and realized that many things he was teaching and living by did not square with the Bible.
This led to a crisis in the family, but eventually all of them became Biblical Christians and left the Mormon church. As part of this, Lynn had to give up her professor job and they moved from Utah.
I was interested in the various rituals that Mormons have to go through when they visit a Mormon Temple; also, the power they give to Mormon authorities. Some things that intrigued me:
* Wilder discusses that Mormons are not big on crosses as symbols, and rarely would wear a cross necklace (she makes the analogy: if your loved one was killed with a gun, would you wear a gun necklace?). Apparently they want to focus on the resurrection, and feel that crosses take away from that. “Why should we bow down before a cross or use it as a symbol? Because our Savior died on the cross, the wearing of crosses is to most Latter-day Saints in very poor taste and inconsistent to our worship,” (10th president Joseph Fielding Smith).
* Mormons don’t talk a lot about God: they call him “Heavenly Father.” They believe that both Jesus and God have bodies of “flesh and bones.”
* Wilder also mentions that Mormons are told that they are adopted Jews, and are even told which of the twelve Jewish tribes they have descended from. Once when the family was exploring the Bible, they came across Revelation 2:9: I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.” Understandably, this really freaked them out.
* Mormons actually see Eve eating the apple as a good thing or a “fall up,” as it allowed her to know that people could become like God (and yeah, this leads into the belief that faithful Mormon men can achieve God status on their own personal planets in the afterlife).
* The end of the book has a fascinating chart listing Mormon beliefs (with Mormon holy book references), and then contrasting them with Christian beliefs (with Biblical references). An example, pertaining to baptism of the dead: For their salvation, baptism for the dead is necessary and essential to our salvation (D&C 128:15). Contrast this to 1 Corinthians 15:29.
This book made me sad for Mormons, because they seem like such decent, good people. They have so many works they feel they need to do to achieve higher levels of salvation. I think most anyone would enjoy reading this book.
June 2, 2016
Let me first say that although I hold the deepest love and respect for the LDS church (as I myself have been LDS for the last 8 years) there are valid and intelligent controversial arguments Christians can make that show (not prove but show) that the LDS church potentially has doctrinal and historical flaws. However, throughout this book,Wilder uses strong emotional appeals, stretched/ skewed truths and, at times, downright lies about the Mormon church to convince people not to join it. I'm all for a good argument and a well written non-fictional book (even if it is playing the devils advocate with my faith) so long as it is just that. It's actually so sad to me knowing that many Christian's have read this book and considered it a “reliable” tool worth reading to learn about the LDS faith. If you are a Christian reading this book, you will likely be scared out of ever becoming Mormon under false pretense and if you are a Mormon reading this book, you will easily discredit it from the very beginning.
Here are some examples (though there are so many more) just within the first 70 pages that show the types of deception and fear inducing tactics Wilder uses to convince her readers that the LDS faith is a false form of Christianity:
1. Wilder states, “[Mormons] must have children, and [Mormons] must have as many as [they] could physically and emotionally support.” (p. 44) This is a perfect example of a skewed truth brought up throughout the book. Mormons are, according to the bible, commanded to “multiply and replenish the Earth.” So, yes, in that sense it is a “must”, but that does not mean they “must” have tons of kids as this quote suggests. Church leaders recommend husbands and wives pray over this matter. It is true that they recommend having as many as they physically and emotionally can support but that number may range any where from 0-whatever (notice how I say 0- child bearing is a private matter between spouses). Some of the high leaders of the church have only had 1 or 2 children. So, if Mormons' salvation rested on having a lot of kids, why would they have church leaders with so few kids?
2. Widler states, “Behavior in the pre- existence could determine a spirit's lot [which family they go to] here on earth...If [Mormons] didn't provide bodies for these spirits, they might have to come to a less desirable home on earth.” (p. 45) What? Where is she getting this from? Wilder makes numerous claims like these about the teachings of LDS doctrine that are not cited and hold little validity other than just taking her word for it.
3. Wilder had some troubles in one of her pregnancies and states, “We began to look at such incidences through the lens of Mormonism. We believed that God supernaturally saved this child because we had joined the Lord's true church and because we had been found worthy, had received our endowments, and had been sealed in the temple a couple of months earlier. We were being blessed.” (p. 48) First let me say that any person of faith may look at personal experiences as blessings or miracles from God; however, Mormons believe in miracles and blessings just as much as they believe in being subject to sorrow, pain and loss regardless of joining the LDS church and regardless of temple ordinances.
4. Using emotional appeal she talks about how she went into labor at the temple and because of her faith in the LDS church, she decided to refuse an ambulance and have a priesthood blessing instead. She states, “I didn't see the spiritual danger we had put Joshua in. This kind of misguided faith in Mormonism would prove to be dangerous more than once.” (p. 49) No one told her to have a priesthood blessing in substitute for calling an ambulance. In fact, she suggests otherwise by claiming that she refused an ambulance (implying someone in the temple had to of asked to call for one in order for her to refuse it). This is an example of her own poor judgment and it is not something the church would have recommended if an ambulance was needed. Mormons may have suggested she get a priesthood blessing while waiting for an ambulance but as I just mentioned in #3, Mormons do NOT believe they are exempt from pain, sorrow and loss just because they have faith. Look at the historical life of the famous Joseph Smith who suffered throughout much of his life and ended up being killed for his faith.
5. “So anything that seemed to belittle or contradict the Mormon gospel was deemed satanic- a double bind that would one day tie me in knots.” (p. 52) Substitute the word “Mormon gospel” in this quote with the word “bible.” Don't Christian's believe the same thing?
6. Wilder discusses her patriarchal blessing, “After all, our church patriarch had promised that the Lord would bless us with children, not just one child.” (p. 54) Mormon's do not believe that all the blessings discussed in patriarchal blessings will come true during our life on Earth. They view those blessings as eternal blessings (blessing that could come true in life after death).
7. Wilder was awaken by the smell of fire and was able to save her family from it. She states, “I connected this instance of grace with the physical protection of my temple garments (underwear) and our faith in the power of the Mormon priesthood.” (p. 58) What? I'm pretty sure Mormons would not conclude that this was the saving act of their temple garments. They may say they were saved by the Holy Spirit's assistance in waking them up, but temple garments? They don't have magical powers. They are symbolic in nature. And only symbolically protect Mormons, because they are a spiritual reminder of what really saves and protects them: Jesus Christ.
8. She talks about a priesthood blessing she received in regards to one of her troubled pregnancies. The priesthood holder supposedly said, “Lord, this baby's life is in Lynn's hands. If she unleashes her faith- and it will take much faith- the child will live. If not, it will die. Only her faith can save her.” (p. 60) No priesthood holder who actually knew anything about the LDS faith would EVER give a blessing like this. It simply is not doctrinal and a priesthood holder would know that (and for how long Wilder was supposedly a member of the LDS faith- she should know this too). LDS members' faith cannot ever save them from pain and hardship. Only God can if He feels it is what should be done.
9. “Only years later did I realize that God's grace had not only give me this third child but also saved me from offering works to a false Mormon god.” (p. 61) She uses the word “offerings” as if Mormons feel the need to give “offerings” to God to be saved. Just like Christian's, they believe what the bible teaches about works- “faith without works is dead” and “saved by grace.” Mormons do works because it is apart of their love for God, not because they are trying to win or buy their salvation. Be it biblical wrong or right, even when Mormons do works like temple work (baptisms for the dead, endowments) they are doing it in the spirit of love for others and especially for Christ (for they believe Christ asked them to do it). They see it as a form of missionary service to the dead (those who did not have a chance while living to do it for themselves), not an “offering” to God.
On a side note, the only good thing about this book worth mentioning is towards the back of it. There is a section titled "Quick Doctrinal Comparison of Mormonism and the Bible" (p. 341) and "Glossary" (p. 353) which are the only valid aspects of the book worthy of looking at.
Here are some examples (though there are so many more) just within the first 70 pages that show the types of deception and fear inducing tactics Wilder uses to convince her readers that the LDS faith is a false form of Christianity:
1. Wilder states, “[Mormons] must have children, and [Mormons] must have as many as [they] could physically and emotionally support.” (p. 44) This is a perfect example of a skewed truth brought up throughout the book. Mormons are, according to the bible, commanded to “multiply and replenish the Earth.” So, yes, in that sense it is a “must”, but that does not mean they “must” have tons of kids as this quote suggests. Church leaders recommend husbands and wives pray over this matter. It is true that they recommend having as many as they physically and emotionally can support but that number may range any where from 0-whatever (notice how I say 0- child bearing is a private matter between spouses). Some of the high leaders of the church have only had 1 or 2 children. So, if Mormons' salvation rested on having a lot of kids, why would they have church leaders with so few kids?
2. Widler states, “Behavior in the pre- existence could determine a spirit's lot [which family they go to] here on earth...If [Mormons] didn't provide bodies for these spirits, they might have to come to a less desirable home on earth.” (p. 45) What? Where is she getting this from? Wilder makes numerous claims like these about the teachings of LDS doctrine that are not cited and hold little validity other than just taking her word for it.
3. Wilder had some troubles in one of her pregnancies and states, “We began to look at such incidences through the lens of Mormonism. We believed that God supernaturally saved this child because we had joined the Lord's true church and because we had been found worthy, had received our endowments, and had been sealed in the temple a couple of months earlier. We were being blessed.” (p. 48) First let me say that any person of faith may look at personal experiences as blessings or miracles from God; however, Mormons believe in miracles and blessings just as much as they believe in being subject to sorrow, pain and loss regardless of joining the LDS church and regardless of temple ordinances.
4. Using emotional appeal she talks about how she went into labor at the temple and because of her faith in the LDS church, she decided to refuse an ambulance and have a priesthood blessing instead. She states, “I didn't see the spiritual danger we had put Joshua in. This kind of misguided faith in Mormonism would prove to be dangerous more than once.” (p. 49) No one told her to have a priesthood blessing in substitute for calling an ambulance. In fact, she suggests otherwise by claiming that she refused an ambulance (implying someone in the temple had to of asked to call for one in order for her to refuse it). This is an example of her own poor judgment and it is not something the church would have recommended if an ambulance was needed. Mormons may have suggested she get a priesthood blessing while waiting for an ambulance but as I just mentioned in #3, Mormons do NOT believe they are exempt from pain, sorrow and loss just because they have faith. Look at the historical life of the famous Joseph Smith who suffered throughout much of his life and ended up being killed for his faith.
5. “So anything that seemed to belittle or contradict the Mormon gospel was deemed satanic- a double bind that would one day tie me in knots.” (p. 52) Substitute the word “Mormon gospel” in this quote with the word “bible.” Don't Christian's believe the same thing?
6. Wilder discusses her patriarchal blessing, “After all, our church patriarch had promised that the Lord would bless us with children, not just one child.” (p. 54) Mormon's do not believe that all the blessings discussed in patriarchal blessings will come true during our life on Earth. They view those blessings as eternal blessings (blessing that could come true in life after death).
7. Wilder was awaken by the smell of fire and was able to save her family from it. She states, “I connected this instance of grace with the physical protection of my temple garments (underwear) and our faith in the power of the Mormon priesthood.” (p. 58) What? I'm pretty sure Mormons would not conclude that this was the saving act of their temple garments. They may say they were saved by the Holy Spirit's assistance in waking them up, but temple garments? They don't have magical powers. They are symbolic in nature. And only symbolically protect Mormons, because they are a spiritual reminder of what really saves and protects them: Jesus Christ.
8. She talks about a priesthood blessing she received in regards to one of her troubled pregnancies. The priesthood holder supposedly said, “Lord, this baby's life is in Lynn's hands. If she unleashes her faith- and it will take much faith- the child will live. If not, it will die. Only her faith can save her.” (p. 60) No priesthood holder who actually knew anything about the LDS faith would EVER give a blessing like this. It simply is not doctrinal and a priesthood holder would know that (and for how long Wilder was supposedly a member of the LDS faith- she should know this too). LDS members' faith cannot ever save them from pain and hardship. Only God can if He feels it is what should be done.
9. “Only years later did I realize that God's grace had not only give me this third child but also saved me from offering works to a false Mormon god.” (p. 61) She uses the word “offerings” as if Mormons feel the need to give “offerings” to God to be saved. Just like Christian's, they believe what the bible teaches about works- “faith without works is dead” and “saved by grace.” Mormons do works because it is apart of their love for God, not because they are trying to win or buy their salvation. Be it biblical wrong or right, even when Mormons do works like temple work (baptisms for the dead, endowments) they are doing it in the spirit of love for others and especially for Christ (for they believe Christ asked them to do it). They see it as a form of missionary service to the dead (those who did not have a chance while living to do it for themselves), not an “offering” to God.
On a side note, the only good thing about this book worth mentioning is towards the back of it. There is a section titled "Quick Doctrinal Comparison of Mormonism and the Bible" (p. 341) and "Glossary" (p. 353) which are the only valid aspects of the book worthy of looking at.
July 22, 2013
Lynn gives an in depth account of her and her family's experiences in the Mormon faith, as well as their journey out of it and into the true worship of our Savior and King Jesus Christ and Almighty God our Father.
The journey and accounts of Lynn's experiences have definitely been eye-opening. It was hard for me to believe that there were so many differences in following the Word of God and the beliefs of the Mormon faith, as portrayed in Lynn's detail accounts.
The idea of twisting scripture , reminds me of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent twisted the truth in order to persuade them to go against God. Adam and Eve fell for it and willingly disobeyed God's direct order to not eat of that particular tree.
I feel it is a good idea to know other beliefs in order to compare them to the Word of God and shine God's light onto the shady errors, thereby revealing the truth.
Unveiling Grace has refreshingly acquainted me again with our Savior Jesus Christ. It confirms that we are only saved by Grace from the blood of Jesus. There is nothing we ourselves can do to save us and bring us to Heaven. Only accepting and believing Jesus to be our Savior and King will deliver us to that wonderful place.
There is scripture all throughout Unveiling Grace. I highly recommend this book for all to read!
BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
The journey and accounts of Lynn's experiences have definitely been eye-opening. It was hard for me to believe that there were so many differences in following the Word of God and the beliefs of the Mormon faith, as portrayed in Lynn's detail accounts.
The idea of twisting scripture , reminds me of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The serpent twisted the truth in order to persuade them to go against God. Adam and Eve fell for it and willingly disobeyed God's direct order to not eat of that particular tree.
I feel it is a good idea to know other beliefs in order to compare them to the Word of God and shine God's light onto the shady errors, thereby revealing the truth.
Unveiling Grace has refreshingly acquainted me again with our Savior Jesus Christ. It confirms that we are only saved by Grace from the blood of Jesus. There is nothing we ourselves can do to save us and bring us to Heaven. Only accepting and believing Jesus to be our Savior and King will deliver us to that wonderful place.
There is scripture all throughout Unveiling Grace. I highly recommend this book for all to read!
BookSneeze® has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.
October 3, 2013
An inside look at the workings and behavior of Mormons.
Lynn Wilder is no longer a Mormon. Her son played a large role in her and her family's conversion.
This book pulls the curtain back from a very secretive religion. Make no mistake, there is plenty to be said about the positive family life and community culture of Mormonism. Lynn helps the reader understand exactly what things are like and why they believe what they believe.
She also does well at expressing her turmoil when conflicting beliefs entered her family circle. When her son comes in direct conflict with her church and leadership, you can't stop reading. The way this saga plays out over the chapters is like decent reality tv mixed with the better After-School specials.
While the Mormon church was incredibly hospitable to the Wilder family to the point of giving them leadership roles, when the doctrine is questioned all sorts of problems ensue.
I was intrigued at some of the details of a Mormon service. I couldn't believe they sing songs about their founder. I was trying to think if Christians sing hymns about Moody or Wesley or Luthor or even Paul or the disciples. If they do, please leave a comment with the proof.
This book is a wonderful eye-opener. A terrific read for the grace of God.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Zondervan.
Lynn Wilder is no longer a Mormon. Her son played a large role in her and her family's conversion.
This book pulls the curtain back from a very secretive religion. Make no mistake, there is plenty to be said about the positive family life and community culture of Mormonism. Lynn helps the reader understand exactly what things are like and why they believe what they believe.
She also does well at expressing her turmoil when conflicting beliefs entered her family circle. When her son comes in direct conflict with her church and leadership, you can't stop reading. The way this saga plays out over the chapters is like decent reality tv mixed with the better After-School specials.
While the Mormon church was incredibly hospitable to the Wilder family to the point of giving them leadership roles, when the doctrine is questioned all sorts of problems ensue.
I was intrigued at some of the details of a Mormon service. I couldn't believe they sing songs about their founder. I was trying to think if Christians sing hymns about Moody or Wesley or Luthor or even Paul or the disciples. If they do, please leave a comment with the proof.
This book is a wonderful eye-opener. A terrific read for the grace of God.
This book was provided for review, at no cost, by Zondervan.
July 15, 2013
A fascinating and truly gripping story, Unveiling Grace, allows a rare glimpse into the Mormon church. Lynn K. Wilder writes about her family, how they converted too, and from Mormonism, and all the other stuff in between. I personally have a heart for Mormon people, seeing how sincere they are, I always wondered what goes on inside their world and how do I introduce the TRUE gospel to them. This book equipped me with what I was looking for.
It’s a unique perspective because it allowed me to see why people become Mormon, what happens when you become a Mormon – and what it takes to maintain being Mormon. It taught me many of the interworking’s of the Mormon church and doctrines they believe and teach. I believe and know from personal experience that nothing is more effective in teaching other’s about the truth unless you know where they are coming from and can show that you understand what they teach but can show them that they are wrong – that’s exactly what happened in this book. It provides the information needed to understand the Mormon church and how Mormon’s act and think.
I love how in the back of the book, although done throughout the book, it gives a chart showing the discrepancies between what the bible teaches and what the book of Mormon teaches. In no way does this book bash the Mormon church, but it points out, respectfully, how wrong the church is and how contrary their beliefs are from the true gospel.
With all this information mixed in with a divine story I could not put this book down. I feel ready, equipped, and compelled to go out and share this story and the good news of the true gospel to any Mormon that crosses my path.
If you have any interests in learning why the Mormon church teaches a false gospel, and what exactly that false gospel is, or if you have missionaries coming to your door, friends, family, or anyone that is Mormon in your life I HIGHLY recommend this book. This book has the power to change lives.
Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a copy for my honest review of this book, it has truly been a blessing to read and encourage everyone to read it too!
It’s a unique perspective because it allowed me to see why people become Mormon, what happens when you become a Mormon – and what it takes to maintain being Mormon. It taught me many of the interworking’s of the Mormon church and doctrines they believe and teach. I believe and know from personal experience that nothing is more effective in teaching other’s about the truth unless you know where they are coming from and can show that you understand what they teach but can show them that they are wrong – that’s exactly what happened in this book. It provides the information needed to understand the Mormon church and how Mormon’s act and think.
I love how in the back of the book, although done throughout the book, it gives a chart showing the discrepancies between what the bible teaches and what the book of Mormon teaches. In no way does this book bash the Mormon church, but it points out, respectfully, how wrong the church is and how contrary their beliefs are from the true gospel.
With all this information mixed in with a divine story I could not put this book down. I feel ready, equipped, and compelled to go out and share this story and the good news of the true gospel to any Mormon that crosses my path.
If you have any interests in learning why the Mormon church teaches a false gospel, and what exactly that false gospel is, or if you have missionaries coming to your door, friends, family, or anyone that is Mormon in your life I HIGHLY recommend this book. This book has the power to change lives.
Thank you to Zondervan for providing me with a copy for my honest review of this book, it has truly been a blessing to read and encourage everyone to read it too!
February 25, 2016
I bought this book after hearing Micah Wilder speak at our church. What God did to bring him out of Mormonism and then most of his family was truly amazing to me.
Lynn Wilder's book, Unveiling Grace, was such a fascinating read. She starts at the very beginning with how she and her husband originally joined the Mormon church, their years of dedicated service and how their children also thrived in the church. Dr. Wilder relates a story of how entrenched this family was in the Mormon church to the point where leaving the church would mean complete abandonment, loss of career and possibly all peace in their life. Again and again, I was reminded of Jesus' words: "...everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."
There are so many misconceptions and prejudices about Mormonism, but Dr. Wilder's book handles Mormon culture and beliefs with great sensitivity. This is not a "tell all" book by someone who is trying to get back at Mormonism, but a heartfelt account of the family's experiences and their gradual journey to discovering the Jesus of the Bible.
I found Dr. Wilder's account about the opposition they received as a result of their conversion to be interesting. It seems that when God works a change in someone's life, especially in such a dramatic fashion as the Wilders' experience, everyone is quick to find any reason, other than God's providence, to explain it (they're on drugs, they're unintelligent, they're lazy, etc...). It would seem the natural reaction to a challenge to one's beliefs would be rational thought, logical reasoning and employing discernment to uncover the truth, but often challenges to entrenched beliefs bring a violent reaction from those holding the beliefs further blinding them from the truth that may be out there. One of the quotes Dr. Wilder included in Chapter 14 makes this point: "Truth only reveals itself when one gives up all preconceived ideas." ~Shoseki In the end, any journey away from love for self and for what man can do to achieve righteousness will result in opposition. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." ~Jesus
I highly recommend this book to anyone. At a bare minimum, it will give you some background behind why that Mormon missionary is knocking on your door, but more likely, this book may set you on a journey to discover the truth that will set you free.
Lynn Wilder's book, Unveiling Grace, was such a fascinating read. She starts at the very beginning with how she and her husband originally joined the Mormon church, their years of dedicated service and how their children also thrived in the church. Dr. Wilder relates a story of how entrenched this family was in the Mormon church to the point where leaving the church would mean complete abandonment, loss of career and possibly all peace in their life. Again and again, I was reminded of Jesus' words: "...everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life."
There are so many misconceptions and prejudices about Mormonism, but Dr. Wilder's book handles Mormon culture and beliefs with great sensitivity. This is not a "tell all" book by someone who is trying to get back at Mormonism, but a heartfelt account of the family's experiences and their gradual journey to discovering the Jesus of the Bible.
I found Dr. Wilder's account about the opposition they received as a result of their conversion to be interesting. It seems that when God works a change in someone's life, especially in such a dramatic fashion as the Wilders' experience, everyone is quick to find any reason, other than God's providence, to explain it (they're on drugs, they're unintelligent, they're lazy, etc...). It would seem the natural reaction to a challenge to one's beliefs would be rational thought, logical reasoning and employing discernment to uncover the truth, but often challenges to entrenched beliefs bring a violent reaction from those holding the beliefs further blinding them from the truth that may be out there. One of the quotes Dr. Wilder included in Chapter 14 makes this point: "Truth only reveals itself when one gives up all preconceived ideas." ~Shoseki In the end, any journey away from love for self and for what man can do to achieve righteousness will result in opposition. “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you." ~Jesus
I highly recommend this book to anyone. At a bare minimum, it will give you some background behind why that Mormon missionary is knocking on your door, but more likely, this book may set you on a journey to discover the truth that will set you free.
January 25, 2015
After spending 3 months in a NICU in Utah, and talking with many of my son's nurses, I was left with more questions than answers about their Mormon faith. I have been looking for a resource that would help me understand my new friends. From many I heard discontent and oppression in the way they discussed their beliefs but yet most would never consider anything else. One, in particular, talked at length about the high rate of depression in Utah, linked to Mormonism. I just wanted to understand. This book has given me the perspective I needed. I am thankful to Lynn Wilder for her willingness to write this book, not with hatred for a religion that held her bound to works and traditions of man but with love for the friends and family left behind. This book has given me the answers I was looking for.
December 14, 2022
Not only an amazing testimony of God's grace, but very well-written, giving great information and insight into the LDS church.
Praise God we cannot gain or lose our salvation by our works.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
Praise God we cannot gain or lose our salvation by our works.
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it
is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9
May 3, 2025
I have always had an interest in Mormons and I think that interest has increased since BYU joined the big12 honestly. They are so so nice. S/o Lizzie + Adelle for this book recommendation!
I learned lots about the history of the LDS church, culture, and major theological differences between LDS and Biblical Christianity. Lynn’s perspective is a unique one! She converted to Mormonism after missionaries knocked on her door, raised her family LDS, worked at BYU, and then began to question her beliefs when one of her sons converted to Biblical Christianity during his 2 year mission, accepted the true Gospel, and now uses her story to reach other lost people. SO INTERESTING. This book was simply enthralling to me.
I learned lots about the history of the LDS church, culture, and major theological differences between LDS and Biblical Christianity. Lynn’s perspective is a unique one! She converted to Mormonism after missionaries knocked on her door, raised her family LDS, worked at BYU, and then began to question her beliefs when one of her sons converted to Biblical Christianity during his 2 year mission, accepted the true Gospel, and now uses her story to reach other lost people. SO INTERESTING. This book was simply enthralling to me.
July 1, 2013
"Unveiling Grace" by Lynn K. Wilder not only opens the eyes of Christians to what Mormonism is all about, but it helps Mormons find the truth in the Bible and in Jesus!
I read an advance copy from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
Ms. Wilder shares her own family story. She shares personal experiences in wonderful detail from her entire life, to include thirty years as a Mormon. I didn't want to put the book down. I loved hearing about her life, her religion, her choices, and how Jesus worked through her family.
I learned so much about The Mormon Church (aka Church of Latter-Day Saints, or LDS). I knew before reading that LDS strayed from the Bible, but I had no idea that most of the religion is based on Joseph Smith's teachings and therefore conflicts with many things in the Bible. Our family was once approached by LDS missionaries who asked us if we had a church, which we replied we did, but then they said, "but family is most important" and they wanted to tell us more. We declined and thought, "So, they don't think other churches find family important?". Well, after reading, "Unveiling Grace", I understand why they said that (to find out why -- read the book!).
Throughout, Ms. Wilder shares Mormon terms and wording from The Book of Mormon and other Mormon publication and compares it to what is in the Bible (there is also a comparison chart at the back of the book). I found it very interesting.
I love Ms. Wilder's courage in writing this book, standing up for Jesus, and sharing her story with Mormons, Ex-Mormons, and Christians. Her story does unveil the grace God has shown to her and it gives hope to all who are seeking (or have found) the truth in Jesus.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
I read an advance copy from BookSneeze in exchange for my honest review.
Ms. Wilder shares her own family story. She shares personal experiences in wonderful detail from her entire life, to include thirty years as a Mormon. I didn't want to put the book down. I loved hearing about her life, her religion, her choices, and how Jesus worked through her family.
I learned so much about The Mormon Church (aka Church of Latter-Day Saints, or LDS). I knew before reading that LDS strayed from the Bible, but I had no idea that most of the religion is based on Joseph Smith's teachings and therefore conflicts with many things in the Bible. Our family was once approached by LDS missionaries who asked us if we had a church, which we replied we did, but then they said, "but family is most important" and they wanted to tell us more. We declined and thought, "So, they don't think other churches find family important?". Well, after reading, "Unveiling Grace", I understand why they said that (to find out why -- read the book!).
Throughout, Ms. Wilder shares Mormon terms and wording from The Book of Mormon and other Mormon publication and compares it to what is in the Bible (there is also a comparison chart at the back of the book). I found it very interesting.
I love Ms. Wilder's courage in writing this book, standing up for Jesus, and sharing her story with Mormons, Ex-Mormons, and Christians. Her story does unveil the grace God has shown to her and it gives hope to all who are seeking (or have found) the truth in Jesus.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze.com® <http://BookSneeze.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa... : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
April 12, 2024
The LDS church has become very interesting to me and equally heartbreaking. This was such a sweet story of Gods faithfulness to snatch this family out of the fire of false teaching and bring them into his fold. I have so many more questions for our Mormon missionary friends after reading this.
June 14, 2018
Excellent read on one family's journey out of the LDS church. Truly amazing what can happen when one simply reads the New Testament and the Holy Spirit works in the lives of those who seek truth.
December 15, 2017
I love Anti-Mormon stories. This is fun and adventurous.
Imagine the Brady bunch joining Mormonism, blossoming in it, then little Bobby one day says, "I'm done with this crap, the gig is up!" Soon followed by Marsha, Jan, Peter, Cindy and Greg - and eventually Mom and Dad follow their children out of the Cultish horror of a religion founded by a 14 year old con-artist. Then they become the Partridge family and join a band in a hippy bus. (almost)
AS a Christian, I believe some freaky impossibilities - what fun would religion be without them? (WE need religions that embrace Werewolves and Vampires... none that I know of, and we have atheists who thrust forth Alternate Universes and life forms traveling on asteroids) So why not those crazy Mormons baptizing for the dead and creating bodies for baby spirit-beings to be born into? They even named the location of their deity "The planet Kolob". Honestly, I didn't even make this up. Apparently a 14 year old kid in New York State did. Then a few million people embraced it and sold it to the rest of the world as a new exciting option to that old boring classic Biblical Christianity. Some kids are just never happy with their parents religion: thus we have this story. AND IT CAME TO PASS.
But this isn't just SOME family. This is a clan that made their way pretty high up into the Mormon Hierarchy. We get the whole story; from Lynn and Mike's entrance into the cult, the quick rise up the latter, and the squeezing out the backdoor 30 years later. They were heavily involved in the Church and Temple, and Lynn became a very active professor at the infamous Brigham Young University.
Thankfully, now the whole family is involved in undo-ing the damage of Mormonism: spiritually and physically. There's a reason this group is labelled a Cult.
It's amazing how many people don't want simple Christianity (I blame their parents mostly). You can tell people all the Mormon horrors ahead of them - YES: Polygamy, being a god, Weird Temple crap, eternal marriages, Masonic traditions, founded by a young con-artist, book written in a magic hat, special anti-evil superhero underwear... The chaos and insanity of Mormon history...
And people will still shut off their brain and follow it. Based on a feeling of course. WHAT?! People always assuming Demons can't possibly give you a moments Heebie Jeebies or throw Unicorn Pixie Dust on you. Not a lot of discernment out there. People really want to believe SOMETHiNG. Anything to make them feel special and slightly superior. (yep, even atheists eagerly desire to feel enlightened and labelled a master of hierarchical free-thinkers - maybe Dawkins or Harris will wink at them from across a busy room).
Lynn tells us how her Pride and Stubbornness plays a huge part in sustaining a lie. She does have a hint of charismatic intensity in her daily existence. Life would be boring without it. sadly, the truth can sometimes be a tad NORMAL. Hence - my favorite verse in the Bible: John 20:29
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Blessed how? Because we actually have to think - we can't just rely on our sight and the warm fuzzies to guide our religious truth. Nowhere in the Bible does it applaud blind faith. Use the brain God gave you. It's one thing for us to have doubts and question... it's another for the disciple DOUBTING THOMAS to doubt Jesus after 3 years of ministry and FR#AKIN' MIRACLES.
I loved the beginning of the story, She recounts how her youngest son "Micah" goes on his missionary journey... Lynn gets a quick phone call that brutally states, "It's Over."
Now it begins... away from Mormonism.
The Rebel in me was greatly annoyed by this story. The family slowly left Mormonism. They dealt with stern warning and rebukes from the Mormon leaders. They tolerated the disciplinary actions of the Mormon elite... seriously?
Dude, CRAP begone. That's my motto. Don't let the door hit your backside on the way out.
Yep, it even took them a while to remove the magic underwear and stop attending Mormon gatherings... What the hell? Listen to some John MacArthur sermons and do a drive-by Mooning of the Utah Temple - and throw that underwear on the BBQ, while drinking an Espresso.
And that's why I don't have certain religious missionary responsibilities. I've burned a few bridges and towns whilst researching religious cults and false religions. The planet Kolob has denied me any future space travel. Damn!
So that is why I loved this book: Lynn (and family) are pretty awesome people. They have a great ministry with Mormons and others because of their love and patience, as well as their understanding of those entrapped in cults. They've lived it - they understand the trials and the heartaches.
What a joy that they are now firmly placed in Biblical Christianity and able to stand solidly on the Jesus of the Trinity. May they help millions with their tale.
___________
The problem is most Mormons (and liberal Christians) will not tolerate any negative claims against precious Mormonism. Everything must be tolerated in the name of LOVE. I say "Poo is Poo!". WE need truthful LOVE. Lies need to be shown for what they are. I'm not sorry if that offends you. Suck it up buttercup - life is a nasty game. Read this book: may it haunt your polygamist dreams. (yes, yes, all mormon men fantasize about having as many young hotties as Joseph Smith did. the perks of being a lusty deity)
I really enjoyed the last bit in this book:
Lynn made a short chapter posting A Quick Doctrinal Comparison of Mormonism and The Bible. Just for those silly Mormons who claim they are a Biblically sound Christian.
Imagine the Brady bunch joining Mormonism, blossoming in it, then little Bobby one day says, "I'm done with this crap, the gig is up!" Soon followed by Marsha, Jan, Peter, Cindy and Greg - and eventually Mom and Dad follow their children out of the Cultish horror of a religion founded by a 14 year old con-artist. Then they become the Partridge family and join a band in a hippy bus. (almost)
AS a Christian, I believe some freaky impossibilities - what fun would religion be without them? (WE need religions that embrace Werewolves and Vampires... none that I know of, and we have atheists who thrust forth Alternate Universes and life forms traveling on asteroids) So why not those crazy Mormons baptizing for the dead and creating bodies for baby spirit-beings to be born into? They even named the location of their deity "The planet Kolob". Honestly, I didn't even make this up. Apparently a 14 year old kid in New York State did. Then a few million people embraced it and sold it to the rest of the world as a new exciting option to that old boring classic Biblical Christianity. Some kids are just never happy with their parents religion: thus we have this story. AND IT CAME TO PASS.
But this isn't just SOME family. This is a clan that made their way pretty high up into the Mormon Hierarchy. We get the whole story; from Lynn and Mike's entrance into the cult, the quick rise up the latter, and the squeezing out the backdoor 30 years later. They were heavily involved in the Church and Temple, and Lynn became a very active professor at the infamous Brigham Young University.
Thankfully, now the whole family is involved in undo-ing the damage of Mormonism: spiritually and physically. There's a reason this group is labelled a Cult.
It's amazing how many people don't want simple Christianity (I blame their parents mostly). You can tell people all the Mormon horrors ahead of them - YES: Polygamy, being a god, Weird Temple crap, eternal marriages, Masonic traditions, founded by a young con-artist, book written in a magic hat, special anti-evil superhero underwear... The chaos and insanity of Mormon history...
And people will still shut off their brain and follow it. Based on a feeling of course. WHAT?! People always assuming Demons can't possibly give you a moments Heebie Jeebies or throw Unicorn Pixie Dust on you. Not a lot of discernment out there. People really want to believe SOMETHiNG. Anything to make them feel special and slightly superior. (yep, even atheists eagerly desire to feel enlightened and labelled a master of hierarchical free-thinkers - maybe Dawkins or Harris will wink at them from across a busy room).
Lynn tells us how her Pride and Stubbornness plays a huge part in sustaining a lie. She does have a hint of charismatic intensity in her daily existence. Life would be boring without it. sadly, the truth can sometimes be a tad NORMAL. Hence - my favorite verse in the Bible: John 20:29
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Blessed how? Because we actually have to think - we can't just rely on our sight and the warm fuzzies to guide our religious truth. Nowhere in the Bible does it applaud blind faith. Use the brain God gave you. It's one thing for us to have doubts and question... it's another for the disciple DOUBTING THOMAS to doubt Jesus after 3 years of ministry and FR#AKIN' MIRACLES.
I loved the beginning of the story, She recounts how her youngest son "Micah" goes on his missionary journey... Lynn gets a quick phone call that brutally states, "It's Over."
Now it begins... away from Mormonism.
The Rebel in me was greatly annoyed by this story. The family slowly left Mormonism. They dealt with stern warning and rebukes from the Mormon leaders. They tolerated the disciplinary actions of the Mormon elite... seriously?
Dude, CRAP begone. That's my motto. Don't let the door hit your backside on the way out.
Yep, it even took them a while to remove the magic underwear and stop attending Mormon gatherings... What the hell? Listen to some John MacArthur sermons and do a drive-by Mooning of the Utah Temple - and throw that underwear on the BBQ, while drinking an Espresso.
And that's why I don't have certain religious missionary responsibilities. I've burned a few bridges and towns whilst researching religious cults and false religions. The planet Kolob has denied me any future space travel. Damn!
So that is why I loved this book: Lynn (and family) are pretty awesome people. They have a great ministry with Mormons and others because of their love and patience, as well as their understanding of those entrapped in cults. They've lived it - they understand the trials and the heartaches.
What a joy that they are now firmly placed in Biblical Christianity and able to stand solidly on the Jesus of the Trinity. May they help millions with their tale.
___________
The problem is most Mormons (and liberal Christians) will not tolerate any negative claims against precious Mormonism. Everything must be tolerated in the name of LOVE. I say "Poo is Poo!". WE need truthful LOVE. Lies need to be shown for what they are. I'm not sorry if that offends you. Suck it up buttercup - life is a nasty game. Read this book: may it haunt your polygamist dreams. (yes, yes, all mormon men fantasize about having as many young hotties as Joseph Smith did. the perks of being a lusty deity)
I really enjoyed the last bit in this book:
Lynn made a short chapter posting A Quick Doctrinal Comparison of Mormonism and The Bible. Just for those silly Mormons who claim they are a Biblically sound Christian.
June 27, 2014
WOW! As a former LDS member I was very interested in this book and I couldn't put it down. The discrepancies she brought up as she learned them were sometimes astounding and I was sitting there thinking how can people still believe these things? But I was one of them and there are still many that believe. There is some charismatic about that religion that draws people to it, but there are so many untruths to it as well. I feel similar to Lynn in that I hadn't really done my research and until I did I believed it too.
I liked that she went in to detail about her life and how things led up to her current situation. She didn't go off on tangents, which bug me, and she kept it relevant. As I was reading I felt so many times that "This was me, she's writing about my story too".
I think those that are interested in the LDS religion or maybe even seeking to find the truth will find this to be a good read, as well as those that were/are in this exact position in life. Those that are Ex-LDS. She has an appendix in the back that will be helpful to point out those discrepancies.
Great book, so very glad it was recommended to me.
I liked that she went in to detail about her life and how things led up to her current situation. She didn't go off on tangents, which bug me, and she kept it relevant. As I was reading I felt so many times that "This was me, she's writing about my story too".
I think those that are interested in the LDS religion or maybe even seeking to find the truth will find this to be a good read, as well as those that were/are in this exact position in life. Those that are Ex-LDS. She has an appendix in the back that will be helpful to point out those discrepancies.
Great book, so very glad it was recommended to me.
July 15, 2013
"Unveiling Grace" is the story of how Lynn Wilder's family joined the Mormon Church and, many years later, left the Mormon Church. It's primarily the story of her life, and it's an easy, interesting read that kept my attention.
She assumed the reader had some familiarity with the Mormon Church and used "Mormon jargon," but she also gave short explanations of the Mormon terms when new terms came up. Later in the book, she gave more details about Mormon beliefs and about what the jargon meant.
This book primarily focused on what life as a dedicated Mormon is like and what caused one family to leave the Mormon Church after years of devoted service. There is a lot of information about Mormon beliefs, but this is not primarily an apologetics book.
I found the book very interesting, and I feel that I better understand some things about my Mormon aunt and uncle. I'd highly recommend this book, especially to those who want to better understand the viewpoint that Mormons are coming from.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.
She assumed the reader had some familiarity with the Mormon Church and used "Mormon jargon," but she also gave short explanations of the Mormon terms when new terms came up. Later in the book, she gave more details about Mormon beliefs and about what the jargon meant.
This book primarily focused on what life as a dedicated Mormon is like and what caused one family to leave the Mormon Church after years of devoted service. There is a lot of information about Mormon beliefs, but this is not primarily an apologetics book.
I found the book very interesting, and I feel that I better understand some things about my Mormon aunt and uncle. I'd highly recommend this book, especially to those who want to better understand the viewpoint that Mormons are coming from.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.
July 6, 2014
Loved this book. As a Christian, I have many questions about the Mormon church, especially after talking with some of the Mormon missionaries who come through every year. This book gave me great insight into the lives and religion of Mormons, as well as where their doctrine differs from Christianity. The author gave a vivid picture of the struggles that she and her family went through when getting out of Mormonism. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has questions or is exploring either religion.
January 26, 2018
"I was finally ready. Gathering sped toward the point of no return, I lay facedown on the carpet, arms extended, and cried out to God as Martin Luther had, 'I am Yours. Save me."
February 18, 2018
I love the beauty of the Gospel in this one.
August 10, 2025
Super intriguing! I learned more about Mormonism than I ever thought possible. I cried when she described God's presence throughout. He is so so good and faithful! ❤
May 9, 2024
This book was absolutely phenomenal. The author has such a unique perspective because she was a Mormon for 30 years and tenured BYU professor, quite literally employed and funded by the Mormon church. With the aid of the Holy Spirit illuminating the truth of the Bible, she was able to take a methodical research approach to the differences between Mormonism and Christianity and just how fundamentally different they are. It was amazing to see how God worked in so many ways to reach her family and it’s such a testimony to how He has a plan for His children. Such a good book!
March 27, 2014
The good: The book was well written and easy to read and fascinating. I read it in about 12 hours in one fell swoop, and I was mostly interested because where I live I am surrounded by a lot of Mormons and I wanted to understand their faith better.
This book was a memoir of how one family left the Mormon church and documented their interest in the faith, their move to Utah (so the writer could work at BYU), and their eventual leaving of their church, and because they did leave the church, it is, in essence, a biased account.
As a Christian, I tried to read this with a discerning and critical eye, and keep my Mormon friends in mind as I read and tried to think about how they may interpret this book, but in actually, I am not Mormon, and this book did help explain how the church works and what it believes and the works required of a person to get a temple recommend. It also explained baptisms for the dead, and how the Mormon church differs from evangelical Christianity--the primary difference being Mormons do not accept the doctrine of a triune God, and they also believe one can ascend to Godhood. The end of the book contains charts that describe the difference between Mormon doctrine and "biblical" doctrine.
But as the book neared its end, the book discussed more of what was "wrong" with the Mormon church and used Christianity as its tool of measurement.
So, if you judge Christianity as TRUTH (and I do) this book was very very very good.
But, if you wanted a more informative, less biased interpretation of the faith and how it stands on its own, apart from evangelical Christianity, this book is probably not the book for you.
If you do not believe in Christianity, this book would make little sense and may appear as one believer jumping from one swamp into another.
I did find the book riveting and I am glad I read it, but I read this book to understand my Mormon friends, not gauge their faith in relation to my own.
What an interesting faith Mormonism is though.
This book was a memoir of how one family left the Mormon church and documented their interest in the faith, their move to Utah (so the writer could work at BYU), and their eventual leaving of their church, and because they did leave the church, it is, in essence, a biased account.
As a Christian, I tried to read this with a discerning and critical eye, and keep my Mormon friends in mind as I read and tried to think about how they may interpret this book, but in actually, I am not Mormon, and this book did help explain how the church works and what it believes and the works required of a person to get a temple recommend. It also explained baptisms for the dead, and how the Mormon church differs from evangelical Christianity--the primary difference being Mormons do not accept the doctrine of a triune God, and they also believe one can ascend to Godhood. The end of the book contains charts that describe the difference between Mormon doctrine and "biblical" doctrine.
But as the book neared its end, the book discussed more of what was "wrong" with the Mormon church and used Christianity as its tool of measurement.
So, if you judge Christianity as TRUTH (and I do) this book was very very very good.
But, if you wanted a more informative, less biased interpretation of the faith and how it stands on its own, apart from evangelical Christianity, this book is probably not the book for you.
If you do not believe in Christianity, this book would make little sense and may appear as one believer jumping from one swamp into another.
I did find the book riveting and I am glad I read it, but I read this book to understand my Mormon friends, not gauge their faith in relation to my own.
What an interesting faith Mormonism is though.
February 7, 2016
As I write this review, there are tears on my laptop keyboard.
No, I'm totally kidding. I will admit this was a book that got an emotional charge out of me -- however it was not one of disappointment. Instead, some of what Wilder had to go through as a Latter-day Saint was outraging to me. I don't want to post spoilers, but Wilder's story was very, very fascinating, and I'm thankful to God to have the opportunity to read this story. We share similar tales. Like Wilder, the missionaries approached me, or, I found them, at a time where I was really questioning Christianity, and everything they said just made sense to me at the time. Unlike the author and her family, I'm still very passionate and devout to my faith to Christ, within the bounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, this story was not as 'viciously Anti-Mormon' as I was anticipating it to be. I really admire Wilder's honesty, and courage to do what she did -- pick up her entire life and walk into a new direction. Although her journey has taken her away from the faith that I have come to grow and love, I appreciate and look up to her as someone I can think about when considering my own choices for my own spiritual path. A highly recommended book for anyone interested in how to be a better person of Faith. I will definitely look at myself and how I view God and Jesus Christ a lot differently as a result of this tale.
No, I'm totally kidding. I will admit this was a book that got an emotional charge out of me -- however it was not one of disappointment. Instead, some of what Wilder had to go through as a Latter-day Saint was outraging to me. I don't want to post spoilers, but Wilder's story was very, very fascinating, and I'm thankful to God to have the opportunity to read this story. We share similar tales. Like Wilder, the missionaries approached me, or, I found them, at a time where I was really questioning Christianity, and everything they said just made sense to me at the time. Unlike the author and her family, I'm still very passionate and devout to my faith to Christ, within the bounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, this story was not as 'viciously Anti-Mormon' as I was anticipating it to be. I really admire Wilder's honesty, and courage to do what she did -- pick up her entire life and walk into a new direction. Although her journey has taken her away from the faith that I have come to grow and love, I appreciate and look up to her as someone I can think about when considering my own choices for my own spiritual path. A highly recommended book for anyone interested in how to be a better person of Faith. I will definitely look at myself and how I view God and Jesus Christ a lot differently as a result of this tale.
July 23, 2018
A remarkable true story of how a family steeped in Mormonism for 30 years read the New Testament and saw the difference between their Mormon Christ and the biblical Jesus. The writer Lynn Wilder was a BYU professor whose husband was a high priest in their temple. While on his 2-year mission, their youngest son found Jesus and his life was changed. Because of his decision to leave the church and follow Jesus, Lynn went through a time of deep grief. Their eternal family had suffered a loss. Finally choosing to follow their son’s admonition to read the New Testament, Lynn and her husband Michael began to see where their religion was false, and they were overcome with hunger to learn more of what Jesus said in the Bible. Deciding to leave the Mormon church was an excruciatingly difficult process that took years to complete, but their love and hunger for Jesus won the spiritual battle that faced them.
The book is not only the fascinating story of the Wilder family, but it is also a good resource for the contrast between Mormonism and Christianity, the Mormon meaning of terms that sound Christian but mean something completely different, and a list of organizations with a mission to reach Mormons for Jesus. Unveiling Grace is now a part of our library.
The book is not only the fascinating story of the Wilder family, but it is also a good resource for the contrast between Mormonism and Christianity, the Mormon meaning of terms that sound Christian but mean something completely different, and a list of organizations with a mission to reach Mormons for Jesus. Unveiling Grace is now a part of our library.
October 25, 2013
I was mostly interested to read this for an insiders view of LDS doctrine and practice, and I think she handled it pretty neutrally. Didn't find the conversion narrative particularly striking. Last two chapters are pretty tedious.
I wasn't provided a copy of this book by the publisher, I checked it out of the library like a regular schmo.
I wasn't provided a copy of this book by the publisher, I checked it out of the library like a regular schmo.
April 2, 2016
I have studied a little about Mormonism but had no idea about the full extent of this "church." This book opened my to its false teaching and requirements necessary to work your way to salvation. Mormonism is not a form of Christianity. Whatever you believe in, Lynn makes this perfectly clear as she shares her personal story in a very well documented format that would make it difficult to doubt.
March 15, 2017
Eye Opening
My pastor's wife recommended this book and she was right, it is excellent. Having several Mormon friends, this gives me an understanding of what they believe and why it is not true Christianity, though they claim it is. This woman's story points to the power of the True God of the Bible.
My pastor's wife recommended this book and she was right, it is excellent. Having several Mormon friends, this gives me an understanding of what they believe and why it is not true Christianity, though they claim it is. This woman's story points to the power of the True God of the Bible.
October 26, 2018
Great testimony of how Jesus saved Lynn and her family! I do think it could have been edited more thoroughly for clarity and brevity. Also, I wasn’t sure about her use of “the Dancer of grace” as a name for God. Overall, super helpful and encouraging! Great resource for preparing to love and reach out to Mormons!
May 15, 2019
Wow!!! Outstanding book from a woman whose heart aches for souls deceived by and trapped in the Mormon church. Her tone is so gentle and kind, but she does not hold back the warnings.
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