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When Mormons Doubt: A Way to Save Relationships and Seek a Quality Life
What do you do when your beliefs differ from your spouse, parent, child, sibling, or friend? For many Mormons, these differences can be heartbreaking. This book explores how the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness can save our relationships even when we disagree with those we love.
This book is for: 1) Mormons who want to better understand a family member or friend whose beliefs have changed; 2) Unorthodox or former Mormons who are looking for ways to talk about their transition with believing family members and friends; 3) People who are experiencing a Mormon faith crisis and wondering where to turn.
Instead of focusing on whether people should leave or stay, When Mormons Doubt asserts we have more in common than we might think.
Excerpts from this book can be found at jonogden.com.
This book is for: 1) Mormons who want to better understand a family member or friend whose beliefs have changed; 2) Unorthodox or former Mormons who are looking for ways to talk about their transition with believing family members and friends; 3) People who are experiencing a Mormon faith crisis and wondering where to turn.
Instead of focusing on whether people should leave or stay, When Mormons Doubt asserts we have more in common than we might think.
Excerpts from this book can be found at jonogden.com.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 19, 2016
25 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 1, 2020
The book got great reviews on Amazon, but I still had somewhat low expectations. I was pleasantly surprised. I found myself highlighting a lot of passages and really finding value in its content and perspective. That said, this book is for a fairly narrow audience. Specifically, this book is for:
1. Orthodox Mormons that are close to non-orthodox or former Mormons.
2. Non-orthodox or former Mormons that are close to orthodox Mormons.
This is how Ogden defines the audience of this book anyway. Basically, it's for all parties involved in the spectrum of Mormon belief, and teaches how to better relate to each other. I was skeptical that it could be written for both those in and out of the church at the same time, but I felt like he did a good job at doing so.
This book is about how to help these groups of people better understand one another, and suggests some frameworks for how to improve relationships going forward. Specifically, Ogden uses the pursuit of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth as the primary way for finding common ground and still living a fulfilling life. I enjoyed this approach and it resonated with me.
This book is meant to be an uplifting read, with positive stories from sterotypical Mormon experiences, philosophy, and modern experts. Hey, any book that quotes from Haidt's The Righteous Mind (more than once) is okay by me.
1. Orthodox Mormons that are close to non-orthodox or former Mormons.
2. Non-orthodox or former Mormons that are close to orthodox Mormons.
This is how Ogden defines the audience of this book anyway. Basically, it's for all parties involved in the spectrum of Mormon belief, and teaches how to better relate to each other. I was skeptical that it could be written for both those in and out of the church at the same time, but I felt like he did a good job at doing so.
This book is about how to help these groups of people better understand one another, and suggests some frameworks for how to improve relationships going forward. Specifically, Ogden uses the pursuit of Beauty, Goodness, and Truth as the primary way for finding common ground and still living a fulfilling life. I enjoyed this approach and it resonated with me.
This book is meant to be an uplifting read, with positive stories from sterotypical Mormon experiences, philosophy, and modern experts. Hey, any book that quotes from Haidt's The Righteous Mind (more than once) is okay by me.
August 17, 2016
Relationships can potentially be damaged or discontinued when individuals don't share the same beliefs or when one changes his or her beliefs. Jon Ogden writes on sustaining healthy relationships with family and friends regardless of individual faith in When Mormons Doubt. But more than fostering positive relationships, Ogden writes on living a quality life. He suggests that this is done through a balanced pursuit of beauty, truth, and goodness.
At first glance, this book appears to primarily written for folks in the LDS community–Orthodox, heterodox, and post-Mormons–with family and friends who hold alternative beliefs. However, the book's orientation toward the relatable values of beauty, truth, and goodness help the message transcend Mormonism. People of all religious and secular backgrounds will find a lot of valuable gems from this read.
At first glance, this book appears to primarily written for folks in the LDS community–Orthodox, heterodox, and post-Mormons–with family and friends who hold alternative beliefs. However, the book's orientation toward the relatable values of beauty, truth, and goodness help the message transcend Mormonism. People of all religious and secular backgrounds will find a lot of valuable gems from this read.
December 27, 2017
This book came at the perfect time in my life. It was so healing for me that I ended up giving it as a Christmas gift to two of my family members. Bless you Jon Ogden for understanding the problem of the non-traditional Mormon.
August 5, 2018
Excellent book! Must-read for both orthodox and nonorthodox Mormons, and also post-Mormons. Truth, beauty and goodness are the elements of a full life, and we can pursue this path in or out of the church while still preserving our relationships with others who choose paths different from ours.
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December 27, 2020I've had numerous friends and family leave my faith over the last few years. This can be a heart breaking time for both parties. This book does a great job at humanizing both sides. With clear and honest communication, we can focus on our commonalities instead of our differences.
April 25, 2023
I needed this book so much. Thank you, Jon for writing it. I plan on going through it again and will post a more thorough review later. I love what you’ve done with upliftkids.org, it gives me hope for how to move forward on my own and with my family.
March 6, 2017
Jon Ogden does a great job of organizing a framework or model for a balanced spiritual life. One that respects the intellect as well as the soul. He does this by breaking up the false equivalences that we see in religious community. The main concept is feel good != truth. The objects of a life should be centered around three things, truth, beauty, and goodness.
Truth being accurate depictions of reality. Think science or potentially philosophy.
Beauty being transcendent experience in nature or spiritual life. Think of the fruits of meditation, prayer, reflection, etc.
Goodness being charity and care for one another. Think humanistic effort.
Ogden says, "Intellectual exercise leads us closer to truth. Spiritual exercise leads us closer to beauty. Social exercise leads us closer to goodness."
So, what does this have to do with doubt and Mormonism? Well, Mormonism is going through some growing pains as its history is easier to access and said history does not comport with the history that is/was taught to most members. Also, social changes are causing some dissonance with members as their Church remains conservative while society and inevitably some members move on.
So these pains are causing people to try and figure out who they are and what they believe in and Ogden provides a good model for how to do just that. His model provides people an opportunity to properly look at their own life and what they are seeking after and if the LDS faith is a healthy way of moving forward. He gives good reasons for staying (and stays himself) and also explains why it may not be so healthy for certain individuals.
Understanding and maintaining relationships is a major element of this book. One of the main goals is figuring out how to respect and talk to each other. Something we all need whether it be politics, religion, or who should wash the dishes.
Thanks Jon Ogden for a quick read with powerful effects.
Some of my favorite quotes:
-It turns out that if you strictly define goodness by your worldview, then you will always say that those who abandon it are worse off. You will always view those who leave your tradition in a negative light, as illustrated by the stories above.
- Epicurus therefore advised his fellow citizens not to live for external rewards but to seek abiding happiness, which he referred to as tranquility, or inner peace. He believed that reaching inner peace depends on your ability to follow two rules: Seek pleasure, except where pleasure leads to greater pain. Avoid pain, except where pain leads to greater pleasure.
-Mormonism has also privileged different ideological languages at different times. The religion started with the progressive and libertarian ideals of Joseph Smith, whose visionary worldview broke sharply from traditional religion and even from oppressive state governments. He published new scripture, started new rituals, spoke against political coercion, and boldly proclaimed that we should have all things in common. But all that energy needed organization when Smith died. This is where Brigham Young’s skills became valuable. Young organized the Saints and led them West—a trek that benefited from Young’s insistence on order. The early Saints needed order to survive the plains and settle the rugged Utah landscape. Young excelled at this, as bullheaded as he sometimes was. Ever since Brigham Young, however, Mormonism has doubled down on order—creating unified lesson manuals, worldwide standards of worthiness, and hierarchical structures across the Church. We’ve seen the upsides of order in a heightened sense of community. We’ve also seen the downsides, where those who don’t fit a certain mold feel anxiety and spiritual pain within the religion. To find goodness, we must find the right blend of order, equality, and freedom. For my part, I believe that orthodox Mormons would benefit by holding less tightly to order, while unorthodox Mormons would benefit by holding more tightly to it.
- Taken together, all these lessons point to the conclusion that we need more beauty and less interpretation. Instead of using beautiful experiences as proof that our beliefs are true, it would be better to use them to develop our sense of gratitude and love. Gratitude and love are more than sufficient. It’s also critical to keep in mind that if we discover that some of our beliefs aren’t true, it doesn’t diminish the reality of our beautiful experiences in the least. The experiences were real. We just need to keep in mind that our interpretation of the beautiful experiences were likely colored by our knowledge and desires. We must realize, as Lao Tzu once said, that “the truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.”
Truth being accurate depictions of reality. Think science or potentially philosophy.
Beauty being transcendent experience in nature or spiritual life. Think of the fruits of meditation, prayer, reflection, etc.
Goodness being charity and care for one another. Think humanistic effort.
Ogden says, "Intellectual exercise leads us closer to truth. Spiritual exercise leads us closer to beauty. Social exercise leads us closer to goodness."
So, what does this have to do with doubt and Mormonism? Well, Mormonism is going through some growing pains as its history is easier to access and said history does not comport with the history that is/was taught to most members. Also, social changes are causing some dissonance with members as their Church remains conservative while society and inevitably some members move on.
So these pains are causing people to try and figure out who they are and what they believe in and Ogden provides a good model for how to do just that. His model provides people an opportunity to properly look at their own life and what they are seeking after and if the LDS faith is a healthy way of moving forward. He gives good reasons for staying (and stays himself) and also explains why it may not be so healthy for certain individuals.
Understanding and maintaining relationships is a major element of this book. One of the main goals is figuring out how to respect and talk to each other. Something we all need whether it be politics, religion, or who should wash the dishes.
Thanks Jon Ogden for a quick read with powerful effects.
Some of my favorite quotes:
-It turns out that if you strictly define goodness by your worldview, then you will always say that those who abandon it are worse off. You will always view those who leave your tradition in a negative light, as illustrated by the stories above.
- Epicurus therefore advised his fellow citizens not to live for external rewards but to seek abiding happiness, which he referred to as tranquility, or inner peace. He believed that reaching inner peace depends on your ability to follow two rules: Seek pleasure, except where pleasure leads to greater pain. Avoid pain, except where pain leads to greater pleasure.
-Mormonism has also privileged different ideological languages at different times. The religion started with the progressive and libertarian ideals of Joseph Smith, whose visionary worldview broke sharply from traditional religion and even from oppressive state governments. He published new scripture, started new rituals, spoke against political coercion, and boldly proclaimed that we should have all things in common. But all that energy needed organization when Smith died. This is where Brigham Young’s skills became valuable. Young organized the Saints and led them West—a trek that benefited from Young’s insistence on order. The early Saints needed order to survive the plains and settle the rugged Utah landscape. Young excelled at this, as bullheaded as he sometimes was. Ever since Brigham Young, however, Mormonism has doubled down on order—creating unified lesson manuals, worldwide standards of worthiness, and hierarchical structures across the Church. We’ve seen the upsides of order in a heightened sense of community. We’ve also seen the downsides, where those who don’t fit a certain mold feel anxiety and spiritual pain within the religion. To find goodness, we must find the right blend of order, equality, and freedom. For my part, I believe that orthodox Mormons would benefit by holding less tightly to order, while unorthodox Mormons would benefit by holding more tightly to it.
- Taken together, all these lessons point to the conclusion that we need more beauty and less interpretation. Instead of using beautiful experiences as proof that our beliefs are true, it would be better to use them to develop our sense of gratitude and love. Gratitude and love are more than sufficient. It’s also critical to keep in mind that if we discover that some of our beliefs aren’t true, it doesn’t diminish the reality of our beautiful experiences in the least. The experiences were real. We just need to keep in mind that our interpretation of the beautiful experiences were likely colored by our knowledge and desires. We must realize, as Lao Tzu once said, that “the truth is not always beautiful, nor beautiful words the truth.”
July 6, 2018
This is a valuable contribution to a new genre of books that have cropped up over the last few years dealing with the faith crisis that some experience in the LDS community. Although, I do not think it is the best in the category I do think it does a very good job in helping people to take a deep breath and learn to be tolerant of those that are at different points in their personal faith journey. This is nothing new but in the era of social media, it has become more visible.
Personally, I feel some level of faith crisis is part of the religious experience and may, in fact, be a necessary step for some. Many of the most admired religious leaders inside and outside of Mormonism have experienced the "dark night of the soul." And we should respect and honor that step in spiritual enlightenment. There is no need to fear doubt for through it we develop a deeper understanding and spirituality.
Personally, I feel some level of faith crisis is part of the religious experience and may, in fact, be a necessary step for some. Many of the most admired religious leaders inside and outside of Mormonism have experienced the "dark night of the soul." And we should respect and honor that step in spiritual enlightenment. There is no need to fear doubt for through it we develop a deeper understanding and spirituality.
February 11, 2019
Kumbaya!
”If a religious group thinks it speaks and acts as God commands in all things, this is a failure of reverence. Reverence runs across religions and even outside them through the fabric of any community, however secular”
-Woodruff (Paul, not Wilford)
Thats the tone of the book. Be cool honeybunny! The author is a diplomat from the left laying out his case. But he doesnt strongman the orthodox position. In trying to find common ground he just waters down both sides. Heres some common ground for you - Jesus and Nietzsche both have a distaste for the lukewarm.
“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Thank God for Nietzsche. At least he treats the problem with the seriousness it deserves. There is no sanctification or redemption if there is no God. Only the old myths of our species will stop a kid from diving into internet porn, etc. The secular attempts to replace religion are nothing sandwiches. They have no boundaries, no covenants, no rituals, no art, no meaning. Just politics and games. Of course it works for some people; but at about the same rate as an open polyamorous relationship.
So Mormonism draws a line.
“So long as a man believes in God and has a little faith in the church organization, we nurture and aid that person to continue faithfully as a member of the church though he may not believe all that is revealed.”
-Smith (Joseph F.)
You can be Catholic or Jew-ish on a continuum. But if either an orthodox or a heterodox mormon takes their side seriously, I dont see how the venn diagrams of their belief systems overlap in any meaningful way. Jonathan Haidt lists 5 moral value systems that he argues underlie the liberal-conservative political dimension:
1) Care for Others
2) Justice/equality
3) Loyalty
4) Respect for Authority
5) Purity.
He says conservatives recognize all 5 as worthy of pursuit. Liberals focus on the top 2 (and peaceniks sometimes bring in the 5th one). And thats where we find common ground. But when the stakes are so high: exaltation forever as a family for the righteous believer vs peace on earth goodwill toward men and then the void. Its no contest. We can all agree to be kind (1), but thats where it stops. Justice (2) means damnation for the heretic.
Moroni 7:38
For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
Of course people do get along. There are split couples, split families, and split communities that seem to be ok. I just dont get how. Maybe this book is perfect for me. Maybe my problems with this book illuminate why I felt I had to leave Utah. That I did not know how to hold onto my weak faith in a place where everyone took either belief or non-belief so seriously. And i just don’t know how to straddle those two worlds. So here I am in Seattle where no one argues because they are all high and ideological homogeneity reigns. And I am like, “you idiots, nihilists dont deserve to smile!” Maybe I feel they havent paid the price of all my lifelong, Deified, guilt-ridden, flagellating monologue thats been going on in my head for the last who knows how long, and therefor they dont deserve their happiness? Cuz I should be having that! I’m a good boy! Sounds like i’m a hater. Maybe I cant see the good in the folks across the aisle because I dont see it in myself. More power to those whose love trumps their faith! Everything will fail except love. That includes both hope and faith (Moroni 7:40-47)
”If a religious group thinks it speaks and acts as God commands in all things, this is a failure of reverence. Reverence runs across religions and even outside them through the fabric of any community, however secular”
-Woodruff (Paul, not Wilford)
Thats the tone of the book. Be cool honeybunny! The author is a diplomat from the left laying out his case. But he doesnt strongman the orthodox position. In trying to find common ground he just waters down both sides. Heres some common ground for you - Jesus and Nietzsche both have a distaste for the lukewarm.
“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him. How shall we comfort ourselves, the murderers of all murderers? What was holiest and mightiest of all that the world has yet owned has bled to death under our knives: who will wipe this blood off us? What water is there for us to clean ourselves? What festivals of atonement, what sacred games shall we have to invent? Is not the greatness of this deed too great for us? Must we ourselves not become gods simply to appear worthy of it?”
Thank God for Nietzsche. At least he treats the problem with the seriousness it deserves. There is no sanctification or redemption if there is no God. Only the old myths of our species will stop a kid from diving into internet porn, etc. The secular attempts to replace religion are nothing sandwiches. They have no boundaries, no covenants, no rituals, no art, no meaning. Just politics and games. Of course it works for some people; but at about the same rate as an open polyamorous relationship.
So Mormonism draws a line.
“So long as a man believes in God and has a little faith in the church organization, we nurture and aid that person to continue faithfully as a member of the church though he may not believe all that is revealed.”
-Smith (Joseph F.)
You can be Catholic or Jew-ish on a continuum. But if either an orthodox or a heterodox mormon takes their side seriously, I dont see how the venn diagrams of their belief systems overlap in any meaningful way. Jonathan Haidt lists 5 moral value systems that he argues underlie the liberal-conservative political dimension:
1) Care for Others
2) Justice/equality
3) Loyalty
4) Respect for Authority
5) Purity.
He says conservatives recognize all 5 as worthy of pursuit. Liberals focus on the top 2 (and peaceniks sometimes bring in the 5th one). And thats where we find common ground. But when the stakes are so high: exaltation forever as a family for the righteous believer vs peace on earth goodwill toward men and then the void. Its no contest. We can all agree to be kind (1), but thats where it stops. Justice (2) means damnation for the heretic.
Moroni 7:38
For no man can be saved, according to the words of Christ, save they shall have faith in his name; wherefore, if these things have ceased, then has faith ceased also; and awful is the state of man, for they are as though there had been no redemption made.
Of course people do get along. There are split couples, split families, and split communities that seem to be ok. I just dont get how. Maybe this book is perfect for me. Maybe my problems with this book illuminate why I felt I had to leave Utah. That I did not know how to hold onto my weak faith in a place where everyone took either belief or non-belief so seriously. And i just don’t know how to straddle those two worlds. So here I am in Seattle where no one argues because they are all high and ideological homogeneity reigns. And I am like, “you idiots, nihilists dont deserve to smile!” Maybe I feel they havent paid the price of all my lifelong, Deified, guilt-ridden, flagellating monologue thats been going on in my head for the last who knows how long, and therefor they dont deserve their happiness? Cuz I should be having that! I’m a good boy! Sounds like i’m a hater. Maybe I cant see the good in the folks across the aisle because I dont see it in myself. More power to those whose love trumps their faith! Everything will fail except love. That includes both hope and faith (Moroni 7:40-47)
January 12, 2019
A high level approach to bridging the gap between those in and out of the faith, When Mormons Doubt does a very good job at dissecting some of the issues that often lead to sadness and discord on both sides. My only criticism is that Ogden's big picture approach often leads him in to deeper philosophical and religious waters than he wants to deal with, but he does try to head off those issues with caveats and end notes. And in the end, it's a bit of unfair criticism given he's not writing this for experts but for people like you and me as general guide to help navigate the problems that come from faith transitions. In that regard, it's a solid contribution that I would recommend to those who doubt, those who have left, or those who choose to stay.
April 8, 2021
4.5
There really needs to be 100 more books written on this topic. We're only at the very front end of hearing the stories of folks who make faith choices that differ from family, neighbors, and friends in the notoriously tight-knit LDS culture.
I really appreciated Ogden's approach using the framework of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. There are a couple moments where I think we get a very superficial treatment of broad historical periods and intellectual ideas, but the essential is there for communicating the message intended.
I'll be recommending this book to friends and family who want to see things from a different perspective from someone who cares enough to not be threatening of one's faith or decisions, but who wishes to open space for dialogue and appreciation.
There really needs to be 100 more books written on this topic. We're only at the very front end of hearing the stories of folks who make faith choices that differ from family, neighbors, and friends in the notoriously tight-knit LDS culture.
I really appreciated Ogden's approach using the framework of the Good, the True, and the Beautiful. There are a couple moments where I think we get a very superficial treatment of broad historical periods and intellectual ideas, but the essential is there for communicating the message intended.
I'll be recommending this book to friends and family who want to see things from a different perspective from someone who cares enough to not be threatening of one's faith or decisions, but who wishes to open space for dialogue and appreciation.
May 28, 2020
Great book for its target audience
This book’s stated target audience is people who have become disillusioned with Mormonism and friends and relatives of those people who can’t conceive of why their friend or relative has done this and who fear their friends & relatives are not good people anymore. I am the former of those 2 audiences and my counterpart has yet to even acknowledge that I sent them this book and will probably never read it. But I’m still glad I read it because many parts of this book talk about how you can still have relationships with people who disagree with you and that is a more and more needed skill nowadays. There have been some missing pieces for me after leaving Mormonism and reading this has helped me discover precisely what they were and how I might get them back to feel more balanced as a person. It was well-thought-out and well written.
This book’s stated target audience is people who have become disillusioned with Mormonism and friends and relatives of those people who can’t conceive of why their friend or relative has done this and who fear their friends & relatives are not good people anymore. I am the former of those 2 audiences and my counterpart has yet to even acknowledge that I sent them this book and will probably never read it. But I’m still glad I read it because many parts of this book talk about how you can still have relationships with people who disagree with you and that is a more and more needed skill nowadays. There have been some missing pieces for me after leaving Mormonism and reading this has helped me discover precisely what they were and how I might get them back to feel more balanced as a person. It was well-thought-out and well written.
June 5, 2021
The church provides little in resources for those navigating a faith journey and even less on how to preserve relationships between orthodox and non-orthodox or post Mormons. I've read several books lately trying to better support both sides of thought and most fall a little flat, but I was surprised how engaging this book.
It provides some solid ideas about empathetic conversations and finding connection through remaining values when beliefs have shifted. Worth a read for both the orthodox and non-orthodox who are willing to listen to repair and /or grow relationships with those they love who may have different views.
It provides some solid ideas about empathetic conversations and finding connection through remaining values when beliefs have shifted. Worth a read for both the orthodox and non-orthodox who are willing to listen to repair and /or grow relationships with those they love who may have different views.
August 22, 2021
I listened to this with my believing dad on a road trip. We really enjoyed the first half. It sparked great conversation and gave both of us a lot to think about. The second half was not good for bridge-building. It's right around the chapter called "Truth II" that it seems to go completely off the rails and attacks the truth claims directly. Ogden might defend this choice by saying that the believer needs to understand where the doubter is coming from, but I think the way he handles it causes divides rather than bridging them. If you're hoping to read this with someone you love who believes, read just the first half with them and the second half on your own time.
October 25, 2017
This book was an excellent read. It flows nicely and could probably be read in two or three sittings. It's a great reference material as well and a good, non-confrontational jumping off point for anyone looking for understanding on either side of the fence.
There's so many helpful ideas and advice. It's a book that I would recommend to anyone. Some of the prose was a little clunky but the way the book ties together in the end is excellent.
There's so many helpful ideas and advice. It's a book that I would recommend to anyone. Some of the prose was a little clunky but the way the book ties together in the end is excellent.
June 12, 2020
Jon Ogden is a colleague of mine at work. Talked to him beforehand and then read his book - very impressed. We can all do better at understanding each other and being more open minded to different opinions, no matter our religious affiliation or activity level in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This book is a great first step toward that, and a quick, thought-provoking read to boot.
December 27, 2020
I've read a number of Mormon "faith crisis"-type books, and this is different from the rest, for sure. Loved Ogden's approach of trying to bridge the gap, by helping those on either side of the faith paradigm to possibly be able to understand each other and, more importantly, to continue their relationships regardless. And the idea of focusing on truth, beauty and goodness is amazingly simple, yet extraordinarily profound to evaluate and view life's experiences.
July 3, 2023
When Mormons doubt really spoke to my current understanding of spirituality and organized religion. It is a gentle book that offers suggestions on how to connect with those on different spiritual paths by finding common ground within the realms of truth, beauty, and goodness. A recommended read for those inside the LDS church, outside the LDS church, or somewhere in between.
May 18, 2017
Great book on how to find common ground with anyone through the ideals of truth, beauty, and goodness. It is written with the expectation that the reader has some experience with Mormonism, but that is not required to get a lot of this book.
April 24, 2018
When the student is ready the teacher appears. I wasn't ready for this the first time. But apparently e time was now. Highly suggest for anyone in this precarious, painful and sometimes exhilarating transition.
June 20, 2018
Highly recommend this book for anyone who is trying to relate to someone in a different place than they are...no matter which side you are on! I love his framework (Truth, Beauty, Goodness) for finding common ground in everything.
June 21, 2020
I recommend this book to every member of the LDS church. Ogden brings up some very good points about how to be more accepting and loving of those who choose differently and also validates those who have chosen to leave.
October 6, 2022
Excellent book that everyone who is LDS needs to read. Especially if you want to have quality relationships with others who think different than you, and find peace that they might not be choosing what you believe.
March 28, 2018
It’s a balanced dance of truth, beauty, and goodness. An interesting read.
September 1, 2018
Compassionate and thoughtful.
October 23, 2021
Solid book for someone learning how to navigate my own doubts with Mormonism and balance the believers and non believers in my life.
February 1, 2021
This is a great book for active Mormons with a loved one that left the church or former Mormons who aren't sure where they fit in anymore. It shows that we have more in common with each other- even if religion isn't one of them- than we think.
July 13, 2017
Beautiful book. Important for Mormons or really any religious person. Whether you or someone you know is doubting or completely left the church this book outlines a great approach to life, relationships, and building a quality of life through balancing truth, beauty, and goodness in your life.
October 3, 2016
Great book.
Short enough to read in a day, accessible enough for almost anyone to understand, and real enough to be appreciated and needed by Ogden's 3 target audiences.
If you're a fairly mainstream Mormon, this book will give you some easy- to- digest principles to help you understand why someone you care about has left the Church. However, it does also contain some scholarly details about Church and Bible history that may be gritty, but needn't damage your testimony.
If you're an unorthodox Mormon, this book will help you get on the same page and speak the same "language" as those who honestly are trying to understand your distance from orthodoxy.
If you're a former Mormon, this book will give you some solid steps on how to dissolve the bitterness and misery that so stereotypically afflict those who have left, in regards to their interactions with believers.
Ogden does not encourage the reader to stay, not leave, but rather to seek truth, beauty, and goodness, wherever that takes us.
4 stars for excellent delivery and timeliness.
Some formatting issues, but I may have an advance copy. Occasionally, a paragraph or section may seem a bit out of place or tangentially but not directly related.
Once or twice, I wasn't sure what direction a section was headed, but I couldn't tell you now what sections they were.
Recommended to: anyone in the groups mentioned above.
Short enough to read in a day, accessible enough for almost anyone to understand, and real enough to be appreciated and needed by Ogden's 3 target audiences.
If you're a fairly mainstream Mormon, this book will give you some easy- to- digest principles to help you understand why someone you care about has left the Church. However, it does also contain some scholarly details about Church and Bible history that may be gritty, but needn't damage your testimony.
If you're an unorthodox Mormon, this book will help you get on the same page and speak the same "language" as those who honestly are trying to understand your distance from orthodoxy.
If you're a former Mormon, this book will give you some solid steps on how to dissolve the bitterness and misery that so stereotypically afflict those who have left, in regards to their interactions with believers.
Ogden does not encourage the reader to stay, not leave, but rather to seek truth, beauty, and goodness, wherever that takes us.
4 stars for excellent delivery and timeliness.
Some formatting issues, but I may have an advance copy. Occasionally, a paragraph or section may seem a bit out of place or tangentially but not directly related.
Once or twice, I wasn't sure what direction a section was headed, but I couldn't tell you now what sections they were.
Recommended to: anyone in the groups mentioned above.
December 2, 2016
Ogden presents a wonderful approach to relationships and religious seeking with the paradigm of truth-goodness-beauty; I found many of his insights helpful. As an orthodox member watching friends and family deal with doubt, this is a needed and timely work. The personal scenarios he describes are highly accurate and relevant. A couple concerns: it's rather disingenuous that you never learn where the author stands on his own orthodoxy; the scriptural concerns he presented about Christ's divinity and a panoply of spiritual experiences outside of organized religion led me to assume that he is no longer believing LDS. I also felt that a discussion of temple/covenants/Book of Mormon would have added to the book, as those are important issues with long-reaching ramifications to consider in these situations.
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