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Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-day Saints
A Proven Resource for Responding to Mormons
Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. For those who have wondered in what specific ways Mormonism differs from the Christian faith, Mormonism 101 provides definitive answers, examining the major tenets of Mormon theology and comparing them with orthodox Christian beliefs. Perfect for students of religion and anyone who wants to have answers when Mormons come calling.
"This volume is the best available for a fair and accurate assessment of the theological claims of Mormonism."--Mark L. Strauss, PhD, professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary San Diego
"Clearly shows the difference between Mormonism and Christianity in a factual way without belittling or demeaning Mormon people. I strongly recommend Mormonism 101 to both Christians and Mormons who really want to understand each other."--Marvin W. Cowan, missionary, Missions Door
"A sophisticated book in plain language that both Mormons and the non-Mormons who love them will find relevant, respectful, closely reasoned, and meticulously documented."--Paul Carden, executive director, The Centers for Apologetics Research (CFAR)
"A well-documented yet readable overview of the LDS religion, including discussion of the Mormon concepts of multiple gods, extra scriptures, secret rituals, and the means to attain eternal life."--Sandra Tanner, Utah Lighthouse Ministry
"An immensely helpful book. Bill and Eric have done an enormous amount of research, and they make key beliefs accessible and understandable."--Sean McDowell, PhD, author, speaker, and professor
Bill McKeever is the founder of Mormonism Research Ministry in El Cajon, California, and the author of Answering Mormons' Questions. Eric Johnson also works with Mormonism Research Ministry. McKeever and Johnson are coauthors of Questions to Ask Your Mormon Friend.
Mormonism is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. For those who have wondered in what specific ways Mormonism differs from the Christian faith, Mormonism 101 provides definitive answers, examining the major tenets of Mormon theology and comparing them with orthodox Christian beliefs. Perfect for students of religion and anyone who wants to have answers when Mormons come calling.
"This volume is the best available for a fair and accurate assessment of the theological claims of Mormonism."--Mark L. Strauss, PhD, professor of New Testament, Bethel Seminary San Diego
"Clearly shows the difference between Mormonism and Christianity in a factual way without belittling or demeaning Mormon people. I strongly recommend Mormonism 101 to both Christians and Mormons who really want to understand each other."--Marvin W. Cowan, missionary, Missions Door
"A sophisticated book in plain language that both Mormons and the non-Mormons who love them will find relevant, respectful, closely reasoned, and meticulously documented."--Paul Carden, executive director, The Centers for Apologetics Research (CFAR)
"A well-documented yet readable overview of the LDS religion, including discussion of the Mormon concepts of multiple gods, extra scriptures, secret rituals, and the means to attain eternal life."--Sandra Tanner, Utah Lighthouse Ministry
"An immensely helpful book. Bill and Eric have done an enormous amount of research, and they make key beliefs accessible and understandable."--Sean McDowell, PhD, author, speaker, and professor
Bill McKeever is the founder of Mormonism Research Ministry in El Cajon, California, and the author of Answering Mormons' Questions. Eric Johnson also works with Mormonism Research Ministry. McKeever and Johnson are coauthors of Questions to Ask Your Mormon Friend.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 29, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 9, 2015
Readable (Not Academic) Introduction to Mormon Beliefs from a Christian Perspective
Mormonism 101 provides an elementary introduction to what the Mormon church officially believes. (The authors recognize that Mormons themselves may not adhere to the Church of Latter Day Saints official doctrine.) The book was decently comprehensive for an introduction.
Each chapter began by naming the topic at hand and then laying out the Mormon's belief on the issue from their primary sources. The second part of the chapters transition in to a comparison against Christianity. The comparison to the Bible/Christianity is because Mormons often claims to be Christian, but just of a different denomination. This book shows how that cannot be - both from a Christian and Mormon perspective.
Positives:
-- each chapter begins by defining some "Mormonese" terms. Usually terms that are used in Christianity, but to which Mormons gives a different definition.
--each chapter ends with three questions to the reader. These are usually in the vein of what if a Mormon asked you X and asks you to back up what you say (intended to spark discussion, if used in a group, or make sure you grasped what the chapter covered
--a final note to summarize the chapter is found after the questions
-- footnotes are at the end of each chapter instead of at the end of the book (which I prefer page-bottom footnotes, chapter-end are leagues preferable to book-end footnotes!)
--end of the book contains an appendix that explains logical fallacies, and gives examples of when the reader has encountered them in the book.
It is very clear in the reading of this work that this is an intellectual discussion about the doctrines held by the Church of Latter Day Saints. The tone is completely respectful throughout, no name calling, no bashing, and the authors make it clear they are tackling MormonISM not Mormons (many of whom are their personal friends).
It should be noted that this book is from a Protestant perspective. There are a few doctrines that Catholics and Mormons have similarity on, but even if a Catholic reader of this book were to take issue with those chapters (even though those doctrines aren't intended to address any aspect of Catholicism) the majority of the book should still prove largely helpful in discerning the great ways in which the Church of the Latter Day Saints err - this primarily happens through church leadership drastically changing doctrine over time, showing a doctrine to be taught about inconsistently within their own texts, and even some historical inaccuracies that have now been uncovered.
Overall this is a helpful work, and I recommend it to those seeking to better understand Mormonism, especially from a Christian perspective.
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
Mormonism 101 provides an elementary introduction to what the Mormon church officially believes. (The authors recognize that Mormons themselves may not adhere to the Church of Latter Day Saints official doctrine.) The book was decently comprehensive for an introduction.
Each chapter began by naming the topic at hand and then laying out the Mormon's belief on the issue from their primary sources. The second part of the chapters transition in to a comparison against Christianity. The comparison to the Bible/Christianity is because Mormons often claims to be Christian, but just of a different denomination. This book shows how that cannot be - both from a Christian and Mormon perspective.
Positives:
-- each chapter begins by defining some "Mormonese" terms. Usually terms that are used in Christianity, but to which Mormons gives a different definition.
--each chapter ends with three questions to the reader. These are usually in the vein of what if a Mormon asked you X and asks you to back up what you say (intended to spark discussion, if used in a group, or make sure you grasped what the chapter covered
--a final note to summarize the chapter is found after the questions
-- footnotes are at the end of each chapter instead of at the end of the book (which I prefer page-bottom footnotes, chapter-end are leagues preferable to book-end footnotes!)
--end of the book contains an appendix that explains logical fallacies, and gives examples of when the reader has encountered them in the book.
It is very clear in the reading of this work that this is an intellectual discussion about the doctrines held by the Church of Latter Day Saints. The tone is completely respectful throughout, no name calling, no bashing, and the authors make it clear they are tackling MormonISM not Mormons (many of whom are their personal friends).
It should be noted that this book is from a Protestant perspective. There are a few doctrines that Catholics and Mormons have similarity on, but even if a Catholic reader of this book were to take issue with those chapters (even though those doctrines aren't intended to address any aspect of Catholicism) the majority of the book should still prove largely helpful in discerning the great ways in which the Church of the Latter Day Saints err - this primarily happens through church leadership drastically changing doctrine over time, showing a doctrine to be taught about inconsistently within their own texts, and even some historical inaccuracies that have now been uncovered.
Overall this is a helpful work, and I recommend it to those seeking to better understand Mormonism, especially from a Christian perspective.
I received a complimentary ebook in exchange for my honest review.
April 21, 2012
I'm a little Bias, my dad wrote this book. Having said that I do believe this is a great read for anyone who is wanting to lovingly challenge a Mormon loved one or friend on what they believe and why they believe it. It is also a great read just for those who want to be better prepared when a LDS missionary comes knocking at the door. This book does not bash Mormons. It shows quotes from their own sources and is very accurate to what the LDS church taught and teaches. For more information you can go to www.mrm.org
February 21, 2013
I have been curious to read a book like this since I first heard about some of the more unusual practices and beliefs of the Mormons. I believed that the source of this information was accurate, but I wasn't convinced that it had been presented fairly and in an unbiased fashion. While the author of this book makes no secret of his Christianity, and therefore his belief that the Mormons are wrong, I found his presentation stuck to the facts without exaggerating or sensationalizing the material.
Ideally, I would like to find a similar book written by a devout Mormon to read along with this one.
Ideally, I would like to find a similar book written by a devout Mormon to read along with this one.
October 11, 2017
Decent introduction to Mormon doctrine
Mormonism 101 is not a bad introduction to Mormonism. It does rely heavily on statements of LDS presidents, leaving me to wonder how influential those actually are. The weakest part of the book is the presentation of Christian doctrine. The author typically portrays Christian teaching vary narrowly, misrepresenting the majority of Christians. This makes me uncertain how accurately Mormonism is represented.
Mormonism 101 is not a bad introduction to Mormonism. It does rely heavily on statements of LDS presidents, leaving me to wonder how influential those actually are. The weakest part of the book is the presentation of Christian doctrine. The author typically portrays Christian teaching vary narrowly, misrepresenting the majority of Christians. This makes me uncertain how accurately Mormonism is represented.
November 28, 2011
Very enlightening. There were facts and doctrines I never suspected were part of the Mormon tradition.
January 26, 2012
Very helpful outline of doctrinal differences between Mormon theology/prophesy and Christianity. Better used as a resource than a straight-through read.
October 19, 2018
This is an amazing resource to learn the doctrine of the LDS faith. Bill did I great job of providing references and quotations to backup his understanding of Mormon teachings. I personally used this book as a source to teach a 5-week series for my church on how to witness to Mormons. My heart is to share with the lost souls of Mormonism about salvation through grace comes from the one true God, His one and only Son and the power of our guide, the Holy Spirit. Thanks for providing this blessing of a resource.
May 22, 2023
Such insight I to mormonism
Crazy religion. I can't believe that supposedly smart people are so blind. If you are a Mormon this is a must read for you.
Crazy religion. I can't believe that supposedly smart people are so blind. If you are a Mormon this is a must read for you.
February 7, 2025
Overall a very useful book going over key differences of Christian and Mormon theology/history.
I think some of his arguments about the use of God/gods (and in his opinion, the nonexistence of other '"gods") could have been strengthened if he was familiar with Dr. Heiser's work.
I think some of his arguments about the use of God/gods (and in his opinion, the nonexistence of other '"gods") could have been strengthened if he was familiar with Dr. Heiser's work.
December 31, 2022
Excellent explanation and critique of Mormon theology, documented from authoritative LDS sources. The authors’ critique of Mormonism was solid, for the most part, but a number of peripheral issues were given too much attention as if to show how weird and bizarre Mormonism is. The core error of Mormonism is its cosmology as laid out by Joseph Smith in his King Follett Discourse a few months before he died. There Smith rejects creation ex nihilo, affirms the eternality of matter and spirit, affirms polytheism, and sees humans as capable of achieving deification. Also key to Mormon soteriology is the doctrine of the three “estates” of all intelligences (souls): the pre-mortal estate (which is eternal in the past), the current mortal probation, and the post-mortal estate. The authors do address Mormon cosmology and soteriology, but it would have been useful to focus on that, show how all the other aspects of Mormonism (temples, ordinances, celestial marriage, etc.) relate to that underlying cosmology. This approach would have the benefit of then showing decisively that Mormonism cannot be viewed as in any sense Christian. They use Christian terminology with vastly different meanings.
July 31, 2015
I was asked several months ago by a ministry colleagu if I had any resources on Mormonism. I really didn't, other than perhaps a chapter in an overview of world religions. It is interesting that I have a number of resources on Atheism and the grower secularism in our country. Yet we've come much closer to electing a committed Mormon as president than we ever have electing a confirmed Atheist. The evangelical Liberty University has had Glenn Beck deliver a commencement address where he took time to describe his experience of faith as a Mormon. Evangelicals are used to cooperating with Mormons on moral issues (i.e. Abortion, traditional marriage) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has major and growing influence on all aspects of our culture. However their vision of God, humanity, the Bible, salvation, and revelation are different from orthodox expressions of the Christian faith
Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter Day Saints is not, as the title implies, a simple overview of basic Mormon beliefs, though that is certainly included. It is a book about how basic Mormon beliefs are wrong and are incompatible with biblical Faith. Authors Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson of the Mormonism Research Ministry have dedicated their lives to engaging Mormons in conversation about the tenants of their faith from an Evangelical Christian perspective. Because they know Mormonism as a dynamic faith led by a living prophet and president, their case against Mormonism makes generous use of documentary evidence, drawn especially from leaders who are central to the Mormon faith.
McKeever and Johnsons book gives a comprehensive overview of Mormonism. They examine the LDS concept of God (the Father, Jesus, and the Trinity), Mormon anthropology (Human preexistence, the secondary state, the fall and apostasy), their scriptures, their concept of salvation, their ordinances and temple practices, and their concept (and content) of Revelation. I appreciated how carefully they built their case on documentary evidence (with extensive endnotes at the end of each chapter). Their purpose in writing, is to be a resource for non-Mormons as they engage in conversation with Mormons.
In general, I agree with their theological convictions and their take on Mormonism. I am an Evangelical pastor and while I respect Mormons for their lifestyle and commitment to mission, I think their concept of God, Jesus and Humanity is deeply flawed and their teachings are problematic. Nevertheless I have trouble with the tone of this book.
When I was in college I remember extended conversations on faith I had with a couple of Muslims. They carried little booklets with them with titles like How to Answer a Bible Thumper which rehearsed the contradictions in the Bible (from a Muslim perspective). Mostly, they demonstrated misunderstanding of my faith, having observed it from the outside. I wonder if there is a similar dynamic related to this book. This is not a sympathetic take on Mormonism. Not even a sympathetic-critical take. This is a critical look at where Mormonism is wrong and occasionally the authors tone bothered me and definitely would bother me if I was a Mormon reader.
That caveat aside, for my purposes, I think this is a helpful resource to have around and will likely refer to when I'm next In conversation with a Mormon. In several places, it helped me clear up some of my own misconceptions of Mormon beliefs and I think it is on point on many of the issues (especially the Mormon concept of God and humanity. I give this four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.
Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter Day Saints is not, as the title implies, a simple overview of basic Mormon beliefs, though that is certainly included. It is a book about how basic Mormon beliefs are wrong and are incompatible with biblical Faith. Authors Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson of the Mormonism Research Ministry have dedicated their lives to engaging Mormons in conversation about the tenants of their faith from an Evangelical Christian perspective. Because they know Mormonism as a dynamic faith led by a living prophet and president, their case against Mormonism makes generous use of documentary evidence, drawn especially from leaders who are central to the Mormon faith.
McKeever and Johnsons book gives a comprehensive overview of Mormonism. They examine the LDS concept of God (the Father, Jesus, and the Trinity), Mormon anthropology (Human preexistence, the secondary state, the fall and apostasy), their scriptures, their concept of salvation, their ordinances and temple practices, and their concept (and content) of Revelation. I appreciated how carefully they built their case on documentary evidence (with extensive endnotes at the end of each chapter). Their purpose in writing, is to be a resource for non-Mormons as they engage in conversation with Mormons.
In general, I agree with their theological convictions and their take on Mormonism. I am an Evangelical pastor and while I respect Mormons for their lifestyle and commitment to mission, I think their concept of God, Jesus and Humanity is deeply flawed and their teachings are problematic. Nevertheless I have trouble with the tone of this book.
When I was in college I remember extended conversations on faith I had with a couple of Muslims. They carried little booklets with them with titles like How to Answer a Bible Thumper which rehearsed the contradictions in the Bible (from a Muslim perspective). Mostly, they demonstrated misunderstanding of my faith, having observed it from the outside. I wonder if there is a similar dynamic related to this book. This is not a sympathetic take on Mormonism. Not even a sympathetic-critical take. This is a critical look at where Mormonism is wrong and occasionally the authors tone bothered me and definitely would bother me if I was a Mormon reader.
That caveat aside, for my purposes, I think this is a helpful resource to have around and will likely refer to when I'm next In conversation with a Mormon. In several places, it helped me clear up some of my own misconceptions of Mormon beliefs and I think it is on point on many of the issues (especially the Mormon concept of God and humanity. I give this four stars.
Notice of material connection: I received this book from Baker Books in exchange for my honest review.
July 22, 2015
When I was a freshman in high school, I was in a class with a few other homeschoolers. We were presenting papers on a certain topic and one of the girls in my class said, "Don't worry, this week I made sure the only holy book I used was the Bible." In an immature aside, I blurted out, "Well, what other 'holy book' could you use?" To which the answer was, "The Book of Mormon."
As a student at Liberty University, I had the (unfortunate) task of listening to Glenn Beck, a Mormon, at one of our convocations. He gave his "testimony" which was a strange amalgamation of Christianese with Mormon principles all intermingled with strong nationalistic ideals. Liberty is not the only traditionally Evangelical institution to have Beck do this. Fellowship Church (an SBC Church pastored by Ed Young) invited him for their "Freedom Experience" and the results weren't much better.
One of the things that makes a lot of sense abut Beck being invited to speak at places like these is that he gets to use phrases like, "We are a Christian nation. Period." As a means to pander to conservative Evangelicals. But what he means and what the Christian right mean are two different things (albeit, equally wrong). Conservative Christians tend to mean that the Founding Fathers were mostly devout Christians and established our nation around biblical values. Glenn Beck might agree with that but he also believes God and George Washington cut some strange covenant that established America as God's chosen people.
It's not just the boisterous voices like Beck that are putting Mormonism in the spotlight. As of 2013, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claimed to have 15 million members around the world. There are many prominent members of American society who are Mormons, 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney being one of the most significant in recent memory.
Thankfully, orthodox Christians aren't left without resources to research Mormonism and test the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's where the book Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson comes in handy. The authors both work for the Mormonism Research Ministry in El Cajon, California and have done phenomenal of research to make the issues at hand clear. The version of the book I got is the revised and expanded one. I'm not sure what the previous editions were like but this one explained different areas of LDS theology and then compared it to orthodox Christian teachings.
This is a great book. I recommend it for all orthodox, American Christians so that they can be better informed. Mormonism isn't going away and Christians need to understand what it is so they can better articulate an answer to it. Of course, it's also necessary for one's library as one doesn't know when a tool like this will be useful.
As a student at Liberty University, I had the (unfortunate) task of listening to Glenn Beck, a Mormon, at one of our convocations. He gave his "testimony" which was a strange amalgamation of Christianese with Mormon principles all intermingled with strong nationalistic ideals. Liberty is not the only traditionally Evangelical institution to have Beck do this. Fellowship Church (an SBC Church pastored by Ed Young) invited him for their "Freedom Experience" and the results weren't much better.
One of the things that makes a lot of sense abut Beck being invited to speak at places like these is that he gets to use phrases like, "We are a Christian nation. Period." As a means to pander to conservative Evangelicals. But what he means and what the Christian right mean are two different things (albeit, equally wrong). Conservative Christians tend to mean that the Founding Fathers were mostly devout Christians and established our nation around biblical values. Glenn Beck might agree with that but he also believes God and George Washington cut some strange covenant that established America as God's chosen people.
It's not just the boisterous voices like Beck that are putting Mormonism in the spotlight. As of 2013, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints claimed to have 15 million members around the world. There are many prominent members of American society who are Mormons, 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney being one of the most significant in recent memory.
Thankfully, orthodox Christians aren't left without resources to research Mormonism and test the claims of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's where the book Mormonism 101 by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson comes in handy. The authors both work for the Mormonism Research Ministry in El Cajon, California and have done phenomenal of research to make the issues at hand clear. The version of the book I got is the revised and expanded one. I'm not sure what the previous editions were like but this one explained different areas of LDS theology and then compared it to orthodox Christian teachings.
This is a great book. I recommend it for all orthodox, American Christians so that they can be better informed. Mormonism isn't going away and Christians need to understand what it is so they can better articulate an answer to it. Of course, it's also necessary for one's library as one doesn't know when a tool like this will be useful.
June 10, 2015
Mormonism 101: Examining the Religion of the Latter-Day Saints by Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson is a book all about the Mormon faith. Though the book is written by Christians, much of the text is an objective presentation of facts. The book is very thorough, and I learned a lot of new details about Mormonism. Mormonism 101 is a good guide as to how Mormonism differs from mainstream Christianity.
The book talks about Mormons’ key beliefs – such as how they view Jesus, the Trinity, and communion – and it also discusses controversial topics in the history of the LDS, such as plural marriage. I found some of the sections of the book to be really fascinating. The authors also provide a history of Mormonism, which was valuable. I don’t believe this book bashes Mormons, but since McKeever and Johnson are Christians, it’s obviously coming from a Christian perspective. After reading this book, someone might wonder what a book written by Mormons analyzing mainstream Christianity woud look like.
At the beginning of each chapter, the authors define different “Mormonese” terms, which was very helpful. Because Christian and Mormon faith have a lot of similarities, Christians will probably find it interesting to compare and contrast the two faiths and how they interpret Bible passages differently. The book is educational, and will definitely spark conversation for the readers.
I received a review copy from Baker Books.
The book talks about Mormons’ key beliefs – such as how they view Jesus, the Trinity, and communion – and it also discusses controversial topics in the history of the LDS, such as plural marriage. I found some of the sections of the book to be really fascinating. The authors also provide a history of Mormonism, which was valuable. I don’t believe this book bashes Mormons, but since McKeever and Johnson are Christians, it’s obviously coming from a Christian perspective. After reading this book, someone might wonder what a book written by Mormons analyzing mainstream Christianity woud look like.
At the beginning of each chapter, the authors define different “Mormonese” terms, which was very helpful. Because Christian and Mormon faith have a lot of similarities, Christians will probably find it interesting to compare and contrast the two faiths and how they interpret Bible passages differently. The book is educational, and will definitely spark conversation for the readers.
I received a review copy from Baker Books.
February 26, 2008
i personally did not like it since the slogan of this socalled christian religion thou canst see their dark intentions "make the world know that mormonism is worng"
I do believe in the liberty to choose and in the wisdom to lift up others even though what they can choose, but unfortunately for Jeremiah Hancock and Bill they knew us while in the mission field and i think now they learnt that making foolish things like this book won`t lift up anybody specially when we answered every desired question inside the book and gave it back to him to read, ponder and pray, still did not like it so when found me before i finished my mission he pulled me from my shoulder and told me we were gonna be burned as the bible says but guess what? back in 2005 the whole San Diego was burnt BY A BIG ARSON HUMAN CREATED but the mormon temple and its churches, of course that does not included Bill churches and school, but there is a clear scripture that " cualquiera que sacuda el polvo de sus pies en contra de quien no escucha como dice en lucas"... right Bill?? haha
Por que en cuanto lo hiciste a uno de estos mis hermanos mas pequeños a mi lo hiciste ... me entiendes ahora Bill te metiste con sus pequeños como querias que te fuera?
I do believe in the liberty to choose and in the wisdom to lift up others even though what they can choose, but unfortunately for Jeremiah Hancock and Bill they knew us while in the mission field and i think now they learnt that making foolish things like this book won`t lift up anybody specially when we answered every desired question inside the book and gave it back to him to read, ponder and pray, still did not like it so when found me before i finished my mission he pulled me from my shoulder and told me we were gonna be burned as the bible says but guess what? back in 2005 the whole San Diego was burnt BY A BIG ARSON HUMAN CREATED but the mormon temple and its churches, of course that does not included Bill churches and school, but there is a clear scripture that " cualquiera que sacuda el polvo de sus pies en contra de quien no escucha como dice en lucas"... right Bill?? haha
Por que en cuanto lo hiciste a uno de estos mis hermanos mas pequeños a mi lo hiciste ... me entiendes ahora Bill te metiste con sus pequeños como querias que te fuera?
September 5, 2009
This is an anti-mormon book. I probably shouldn't have read it, but I found it at barnes and noble with the cover slashed (probably by a mormon) and got it at a discount as a result. Anyway, I obviously can't recommend it to anyone--not to a skeptic because you really should go to the source of the doctrine to investigate, rather than a biased outsider's critical work. And not recommended to a Mormon because, unless you are terrifically discerning and rather critical, it could be damaging to your faith. Those statements aside, I actually enjoyed the book. Surprisingly, much of their argument against Mormonism is supported by (or rather refuted by, as you might notice) quotes from prophets. Actual quotes. Not chopped up quotes or altered quotes. So they will argue against us, but then put in a quote that they intended to make us look bad, when really the quote completely agrees with our beliefs. There is some misunderstanding. Also, there were things about the church that I simply did not know that I learned here. I was able to verify them later. The last two chapters veer from discussion of doctrine to simply bashing the character of Joseph Smith. I read the first part of these and felt so dirty I just put it down and called it a day.
June 12, 2015
While written by Christians, the book is very objectively written. It sticks to the facts and history of The Church of the Latter Day Saints without degenerating into fashing or name-calling. Mormons often call themselves "Christians" to help connect with people, but this book does show why this label is a stretch at best and an outright false claim at worst. The non-confrontational style is much appreciated, as I am with mormons much of my day at work. I want to be able to clearly state my faith without alienating those I am speaking to.
July 4, 2015
This is an excellent comparison of the teachings of Mormonism and that of the Bible as understood by evangelical Christianity. The authors quote extensively from official LDS documents as well as other sources. Even if one is familiar with the teachings of the Mormon church, this is a good resource as it has several indexes included.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1KBfQdz.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
See my complete review at http://bit.ly/1KBfQdz.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
September 3, 2016
Excellent break down of various aspects of the religion. Good for reference regardless of your personal spiritual beliefs. Author compares Mormonism and Christianity which is especially important since the current (but not always) Mormon belief is that they are one-in-the-same. Clearly depicts where the two are in agreement and where they are in contention.
January 1, 2010
Critique of the LDS movement by a Christian Evangelical.
March 16, 2012
Good general introduction to Mormonism that successfully delineates the significant differences between the Christian faith and Mormon teaching by comparing primary Mormon sources to the Bible.
September 1, 2015
Not quite the unbiased overview I was hoping for, but insightful.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews