The Saints of Zion: An Introduction to Mormon Theology

by Travis Kerns

The Saints of Zion  is a fresh look at the history and theology of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although hundreds of books have been published on this topic,  The Saints of Zion  is an attempt to explain Latter-day Saint history and beliefs from their own perspective. Relying heavily on Latter-day Saint sources for exploration and explanation, the work’s purpose is to present Latter-day Saint theology in such a way that Latter-day Saints would see their beliefs represented fairly and accurately. After presenting a short history and exploration of beliefs, the work turns to present an effective evangelistic methodology for reaching Latter-day Saints with the gospel of the New Testament Jesus.
 

Genres: Christian, Mormonism

288 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 2018

Reviews

[Greg Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

An incredibly accessible and enlightening work. Filled with primary sources and block quotes, this text will give the reader a solid sense of what LDS leaders and figures believe(d), in their own words. Indeed, this is perhaps the chief benefit of this book. It helps dispel myths and clarify points of contention.

The book is roughly 95% descriptive and perhaps 5% prescriptive. As such, it pulls its weight as an intro to what Mormons teach and how their system operates.
It would have been helpful to hear more *why* and *how* related to the differences between orthodox Christianity and Mormonism and evangelistic import, respectively. In other words, the reader gets a sense *that* Mormonism differs from orthodox teaching re: trinitarianism and the eternal divinity of Christ, but no guidance is given concerning why the orthodox teaching on the trinity or the incorporeality of God matter as distinguishing Gospel issues. Clearly, this was not the focus of the book, and as such, prudent readers who need more explanation here would do well to read with a systematic theology text open.

I would await eagerly the release of a book on apologetic or evangelistic import from Travis Kerns as a companion to this helpful primer.

[Nate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Informative, but not enough analysis and synthesis of information makes it a bit of a clumsy read.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will become a standard, go-to book for me on the subject. Will work best as a reference tool and should sufficiently equip Christians to engage with Mormons in evangelism. After a basic introduction, Kerns systematically examines what Mormons believe concerning: (1) God (i.e., Father, Son, Spirit, Trinity [or lack thereof], etc.); (2) sacred texts (i.e., their doctrine of revelation or Scripture); (3) how one is saved; (4) history and organization; and (5) an examination of whether or not Mormons are Christians (spoiler alert: they're not).

The main weakness has to do with readability. Kerns doesn't synthesize as near as much as he could have and should have. The book reads much like a reader on Mormonism. Almost every page contains a block quote (or 2 or 3) of several lines each. On the other hand, this proves somewhat beneficial, as we know this book isn't Kerns doing guesswork. He doesn't build strawmen to tear down, as much of the Christian scholarship on Mormonism has done. Rather, he simply presents exactly what Mormon authorities have said, as well as the testimony of their four Scriptures (and their "fifth," the ongoing revelation of the church). He does interact with it some, but for the most part, their quotes speak for themselves in helping the reader to see the true theology behind Mormonism, which reveals it to be a theological cult, one that has diverged from true, historical, traditional, and orthodox Christianity.

[Brit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through a dizzying amount of research, Kerns compiles a stellar look into the beliefs, history, and organization of the LDS Church. I certainly learned from it and benefited from my time spent reading it. I certainly recommend this book for anyone looking to understand more about the LDS Church.

My only issues with the book relate to its presentation. Most of the book is an exhaustive compilation of block quotations. I recognize that Kerns was attempting to create a book on Mormon theology from the perspective of Mormon theologians, and I think his commitment to that endeavor has produced an insightful and valuable tool. That being said, the endless barrage of quotes creates a less-than-engaging and choppy read. Overall, however, I found the book helpful.

[John Damon Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although helpful as a compilation of current Mormon teaching it was largely disappointing that this is the best the lead Southern Baptist missionary to the Mormons had to offer.

It was helpful in that unlike Christianity which maintains there's only ever been one truth, Mormonism and its doctrine of continual Revelation means that it's often very hard to get it what Mormons believe as of now, which is often different than what they believed only a few decades ago. So to have a compilation of Link the quotes of what the church currently teaches rather than the now obsolete teachings from The Book of Mormon, was helpful.

However there was next to no analysis or compelling engagement using Christian theology. What analysis engagement there was was astonishingly elementary and shallow.

[Brandon Elrod · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent primer on LDS theology using primary sources and LDS leaders and scholars. There’s not much here by way of analysis or critique, per se. Kerns simply lays out LDS theology in a systematic way, mainly by quoting significant portions from LDS authors and sources. It’s really helpful as a resource to understand LDS faith and practices.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

The chapter on history and organization (5) should have been the first chapter. It's not particularly engaging. The final chapter ("Are Mormons Christians?") is unsurprising in its brevity. That question is more interesting and requires more of a response than is given here. All the same, helpful.

[Jonathan Maikell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read on the LDS beliefs.

[Zack Hudson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great resource for the Church. Would have appreciated a more exhaustive conclusion in the final chapter.

[Josiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I believe Kerns' work is an authentic attempt to systematically capture Mormon Theology, if not general thought. I would disagree with his approach to methodology. There is no fixed method of engaging people aside from opening your mouth and ears and conversing. Also, his statement, "Evangelicals are usually the ones making [distinctive] claims [of heresy of Mormons claiming to be Christians] in a clarion fashion, and to be fair, they are difficult claims to make because human emotion is involved..." While this can be true, I fundamentally disagree based on the overwhelming evidence of those who have engaged in civil, emotionless conversation regarding facts and printed statements. Sandra Tanner comes to mind as a prime example; a former Mormon herself. Travis' conclusion leaves something to be desired. Especially when he seemingly condones to either throw all of Mormon history and theology in a Mormons face to evangelize or "tear down Latter-day Saint Belief and history" to insert the Gospel of the New Testament Jesus by declaring: "while none of these are necessarily wrong or unbiblical, a lack of gentleness and respect often manifests during these types of presentations." Grammar notwithstanding, Travis seems to go out of his way to acknowledge methodologies that are easily deemed degrading, let alone humiliating, not to mention principally unbiblical (Leviticus 19:18; Matt 7:12). His repetitive quoting of Mormon scholars and lack of analysis in conclusion made the reading far more scientific than necessary. Still, his research is worth noting if only to gain some general picture of a religion that defies any systematic approach based on personal truth.