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Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple
Imagine what might happen if the solid foundation of what you believe suddenly begins to shake...
That’s exactly what happened to Lisa Brockman, a six-generation Mormon with lineage tracing back to the early church. In college, Lisa found herself challenged to defend her faith, and the beliefs she knew to be true began to unravel. In Out of Zion , Lisa shares her journey of discovering the biblical Jesus and the key conversations that led her from the faith of her ancestors to conversion to Christianity.
If you have reached a place of questioning what you believe, or you long for confidence to share your faith with others, Lisa provides the framework you need to… As you follow the evolution of Lisa’s faith, you will face the same challenge to defend what you believe and, ultimately, learn to share the gospel effectively with others.
That’s exactly what happened to Lisa Brockman, a six-generation Mormon with lineage tracing back to the early church. In college, Lisa found herself challenged to defend her faith, and the beliefs she knew to be true began to unravel. In Out of Zion , Lisa shares her journey of discovering the biblical Jesus and the key conversations that led her from the faith of her ancestors to conversion to Christianity.
If you have reached a place of questioning what you believe, or you long for confidence to share your faith with others, Lisa provides the framework you need to… As you follow the evolution of Lisa’s faith, you will face the same challenge to defend what you believe and, ultimately, learn to share the gospel effectively with others.
208 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2019
26 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Brockman
1 book11 followersAs a child, I hated writing! And writing didn't like me either. My teacher's made that clear. It was dreaded work and required a creativity that seemed to evade me.
I spent my first three years at the University of Utah in the school of business. I wanted to be a restauranteur and a business education made sense. I bounced between every field of business and it all tasted like sand in my mouth.
Then a life-altering encounter changed the trajectory of my life. Down with the business degree! My senior year, I declared communications as my new major--thinking it was all about talking. Those three, five-page essays due every Friday blew my uneducated "talking" theory out of the water. After three semesters of writing hours on end under attentive professors...
I became a writer.
I was raised in a devout Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Utah and believed the Church to be true with all my heart. During my freshman year at the the University of Utah, I began dating a baseball player who called himself a born-again Christian. This relationship catapulted me into a terrifying search I had never envisioned for my life. In my determination to prove the truth of Mormonism, I was introduced to the love and grace of the biblical God. And all I wanted to do was share about this Jesus with others, so I joined the staff of Cru, a global Christian organization. All of the juicy details of my journey are in my book Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.
I was born to question the status quo and have experienced the deep loneliness which accompanies this reality. My desire to be a trustworthy traveling companion and spiritual guide to others led me to become a Spiritual Director through New Way Ministries under Larry Crabb's tutelage. I am passionate about journeying with you through your questions, spiritual highs and lows, and dark nights of the soul.
My hunger to know what I believe and gain a deeper understanding of biblical theology and spiritual growth led me into a two-year certificate program with Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. I am passionate about helping you catch a clearer vision of God and encourage you in your journey of spiritual formation.
I value family and I am crazy about mine. My husband Dennis and I have been blessed with five, spirited children, whom I homeschooled for 13 years--it felt like three lifetimes. Our kids range from 23-15 years of age.
I love beauty and offering you a taste of beauty through hospitality, tantalizing food and deep conversation. So whether you're at my physical table in Orlando--or here at my virtual table (lisabrockman.me)--my desire is to nourish your body and soul.
I spent my first three years at the University of Utah in the school of business. I wanted to be a restauranteur and a business education made sense. I bounced between every field of business and it all tasted like sand in my mouth.
Then a life-altering encounter changed the trajectory of my life. Down with the business degree! My senior year, I declared communications as my new major--thinking it was all about talking. Those three, five-page essays due every Friday blew my uneducated "talking" theory out of the water. After three semesters of writing hours on end under attentive professors...
I became a writer.
I was raised in a devout Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Utah and believed the Church to be true with all my heart. During my freshman year at the the University of Utah, I began dating a baseball player who called himself a born-again Christian. This relationship catapulted me into a terrifying search I had never envisioned for my life. In my determination to prove the truth of Mormonism, I was introduced to the love and grace of the biblical God. And all I wanted to do was share about this Jesus with others, so I joined the staff of Cru, a global Christian organization. All of the juicy details of my journey are in my book Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.
I was born to question the status quo and have experienced the deep loneliness which accompanies this reality. My desire to be a trustworthy traveling companion and spiritual guide to others led me to become a Spiritual Director through New Way Ministries under Larry Crabb's tutelage. I am passionate about journeying with you through your questions, spiritual highs and lows, and dark nights of the soul.
My hunger to know what I believe and gain a deeper understanding of biblical theology and spiritual growth led me into a two-year certificate program with Renovaré Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. I am passionate about helping you catch a clearer vision of God and encourage you in your journey of spiritual formation.
I value family and I am crazy about mine. My husband Dennis and I have been blessed with five, spirited children, whom I homeschooled for 13 years--it felt like three lifetimes. Our kids range from 23-15 years of age.
I love beauty and offering you a taste of beauty through hospitality, tantalizing food and deep conversation. So whether you're at my physical table in Orlando--or here at my virtual table (lisabrockman.me)--my desire is to nourish your body and soul.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
April 22, 2023
Short, sweet and unputdownable. I had a blast listening to this. The author read her own book and I couldn't help but like her. The excitement with which she described not only her Mormon upbringing, but her learning about Christianity bit by bit warmed my soul.
You can tell when someone is a nice person, and for Lisa Brockman it comes through the text. I'm so happy she found herself in biblical Christianity, and I wish her the best.
I'd definitely read something else written by her, if she ever decides to do it, because the writing style is beautiful.
You can tell when someone is a nice person, and for Lisa Brockman it comes through the text. I'm so happy she found herself in biblical Christianity, and I wish her the best.
I'd definitely read something else written by her, if she ever decides to do it, because the writing style is beautiful.
July 15, 2024
This is an autobiographical account of the author's move from Mormonism into biblical Christianity. Her story is well-told and engaging. This book is certainly not a bore. It'll make you grateful for how God worked in her life, as few Mormons ever leave the Mormon religion. However, it's hard to make a wholesale recommendation, as there are times it's left theologically wanting, with regard to my own convictions. The charts in the appendix, though, should be beneficial for those looking to engage a Mormon in conversation for the first time (and serve as a kind of "how to" guide if a Mormon ever knocks on your door).
I liked it a lot, but again, it's hard to rate. I almost gave it five stars, but I winced enough during some portions to move me to four stars. I'd chalk it up to differences in how I might articulate certain theological points, different approaches to evangelism (e.g., she's a bit more subversive and receptor-oriented), being clearer about the exclusivity of salvation by grace through faith, and ecclesiological differences as well (e.g., Lisa eventually became an elder in her Presbyterian church, seen as a kind of newfound freedom from the restrictions placed on women in her Mormon upbringing; yet, this implies that those Christian traditions/denominations who restrict the office of elder to men [i.e., the majority of them] might be doing the same "restricting" as her Mormon leaders).
I liked it a lot, but again, it's hard to rate. I almost gave it five stars, but I winced enough during some portions to move me to four stars. I'd chalk it up to differences in how I might articulate certain theological points, different approaches to evangelism (e.g., she's a bit more subversive and receptor-oriented), being clearer about the exclusivity of salvation by grace through faith, and ecclesiological differences as well (e.g., Lisa eventually became an elder in her Presbyterian church, seen as a kind of newfound freedom from the restrictions placed on women in her Mormon upbringing; yet, this implies that those Christian traditions/denominations who restrict the office of elder to men [i.e., the majority of them] might be doing the same "restricting" as her Mormon leaders).
May 25, 2020
This book tells the story of a young woman who grew up in the Mormon church a.k.a The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints (often abbreviated LDS). The book is not a primarily an apologetic for orthodox Christianity and against Mormonism. By that I mean, that it’s not a heavily argumentative book with scripture quotations showing Mormon Doctrines X, Y, and Z are wrong, there’s no chapter comprehensively defending the doctrine of The Trinity (a doctrine Mormons deny), or a biblical defense of the doctrine of justification by faith alone (also something Mormons deny). There are books out that do that, but this is not one of them. Rather, this book is a story; and a fascinating story at that. I could not put the book down as I continued to read through the pages. It almost felt like I was reading a novel. At the end of every chapter, I was like “I can’t stop now! I gotta find out what happens next!” But it’s not a novel, it’s a true story. I was actually able to read the whole book in an entire day (except for the appendix which I read the following day) because I was just enthrawled with reading this woman's story.
Of course, Mrs. Brockman does lay out some of the evidence for Christianity and the evidence against Mormonism in chapter 6, which is titled “Exploring The Web”. This evidence is given in the context of a series of Bible Study sessions she had with a boyfriend of hers in college who was a Christian. Before this conversation with Gary (the name of her then-boyfriend), she hadn’t even so much as heard of the doctrine of The Trinity, the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and the doctrine of original sin! She didn’t just reject them, she hadn’t even heard of them before! But through her study of The Bible, she came to embrace them. Her journey involved a Lee Strobel-like period of researching evidence. First, she looked at what The Bible had to say in a compare-and-contrast with what the book of Mormon had to say, and then she looked into the evidence to see which, if either or both, of the two books, are reliable. On Archeological grounds, she found The Bible had much backing while The Book of Mormon wasn’t just lacking in archeological evidence, but the archeological evidence contradicted The Book of Mormon!
But as you go through the book, you find that becoming a Christian wasn’t easy. It cost her. It put strains on the relationships between her and her family, and put a lot of emotional stress on all of them. However, I’m not going to go into too much of this because, like I said, this book is a story, and I make it a point to not give away spoilers. If you want the details, pick up the book yourself.
The end of the book has an appendix that gives you a basic strategy on how to share the gospel with Mormons you may encounter, either when they come to your door or in some other circumstance. I thought this was a very good addition to the book.
Of course, Mrs. Brockman does lay out some of the evidence for Christianity and the evidence against Mormonism in chapter 6, which is titled “Exploring The Web”. This evidence is given in the context of a series of Bible Study sessions she had with a boyfriend of hers in college who was a Christian. Before this conversation with Gary (the name of her then-boyfriend), she hadn’t even so much as heard of the doctrine of The Trinity, the doctrine of justification by faith alone, and the doctrine of original sin! She didn’t just reject them, she hadn’t even heard of them before! But through her study of The Bible, she came to embrace them. Her journey involved a Lee Strobel-like period of researching evidence. First, she looked at what The Bible had to say in a compare-and-contrast with what the book of Mormon had to say, and then she looked into the evidence to see which, if either or both, of the two books, are reliable. On Archeological grounds, she found The Bible had much backing while The Book of Mormon wasn’t just lacking in archeological evidence, but the archeological evidence contradicted The Book of Mormon!
But as you go through the book, you find that becoming a Christian wasn’t easy. It cost her. It put strains on the relationships between her and her family, and put a lot of emotional stress on all of them. However, I’m not going to go into too much of this because, like I said, this book is a story, and I make it a point to not give away spoilers. If you want the details, pick up the book yourself.
The end of the book has an appendix that gives you a basic strategy on how to share the gospel with Mormons you may encounter, either when they come to your door or in some other circumstance. I thought this was a very good addition to the book.
May 7, 2024
I learned tons about the intricacies of the Mormon church, what’s expected of them, the contradictions, and on and on. If you’ve ever wondered how to dialogue with a Mormon elder who knocks on your door, this book is incredibly helpful and practical. Lisa’s posture is so loving & generous and I appreciated the “long game” approach she takes.
November 8, 2021
I found Lisa's story fascinating. I appreciated how she blended her personal story with information about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
September 24, 2019
Out of Zion
Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple
by Lisa Brockman
Harvest House Publishers
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 01 Oct 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Out of Zion through Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley:
Out of Zion is a testimony that rings true to me, having been a former Mormon myself and having experienced some of the very issues Lisa Brockman talks about, from the way many are excluded from events such as weddings because they are not deemed worthy, to the way Children as young at age are expected to obey the doctrines word for word.
Lisa Brockman was a sixth generation Mormon, Her family heritage dated back to the early Mormon Church. But in College Lisa found herself needing to defend her faith, and in doing so the truths she thought she knew began to unravel. Out of Zion shares the authors journey of discovering the Biblical Jesus, not who the Mormon Church says he is, but who the Bible says he is. Lisa shares her journey of discovering the biblical Jesus and the key conversations that led her from the faith of her ancestors to conversion to Christianity.
Having reached that place of questioning myself many years ago, I found myself drawn to this book, and realized that in many ways our testimonies and our conversions to Christ were similar though of course there were differences.
I give Out of Zion five out of five stars, and would recommend it to anyone who has questions about the Mormon Church and what they believe.
Five out of five stars
Happy Reading!
Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple
by Lisa Brockman
Harvest House Publishers
Christian , Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 01 Oct 2019
I am reviewing a copy of Out of Zion through Harvest House Publishers and Netgalley:
Out of Zion is a testimony that rings true to me, having been a former Mormon myself and having experienced some of the very issues Lisa Brockman talks about, from the way many are excluded from events such as weddings because they are not deemed worthy, to the way Children as young at age are expected to obey the doctrines word for word.
Lisa Brockman was a sixth generation Mormon, Her family heritage dated back to the early Mormon Church. But in College Lisa found herself needing to defend her faith, and in doing so the truths she thought she knew began to unravel. Out of Zion shares the authors journey of discovering the Biblical Jesus, not who the Mormon Church says he is, but who the Bible says he is. Lisa shares her journey of discovering the biblical Jesus and the key conversations that led her from the faith of her ancestors to conversion to Christianity.
Having reached that place of questioning myself many years ago, I found myself drawn to this book, and realized that in many ways our testimonies and our conversions to Christ were similar though of course there were differences.
I give Out of Zion five out of five stars, and would recommend it to anyone who has questions about the Mormon Church and what they believe.
Five out of five stars
Happy Reading!
October 4, 2019
"Out of Zion" is a nonfiction book by Lisa Brockman. Lisa was raised a 6th generation Mormon. She learned all the traditions and regulations required as she grew up Mormon. She worked hard at her classes and also was on the tennis team and also attended the Mormon church faithfully. She dated a guy in college who was Christian. She went through a period where she questioned her Mormon beliefs. She had trouble getting her answers. She was not allowed or permitted to question her beliefs. She got some books to help her with her questions. One of the books was Beyond Mormonism. She also attended Campus Crusade for Christ when she was in college. Over time she learned the difference between the Mormon vs Christian beliefs. She shared the differences between Mormonism and Christianity in her book. She also shared how her life was changed. This book is really insightful . It helps the reader understand the Mormon faith. She shared the challenges of walking away from the Mormon faith. I was given this book by the publisher and netgalley to read and review. I am not obligated to write a positive review. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book. I am posting my review on Amazon, netgalley, Goodreads, CBD and my blog.
September 29, 2019
This book was beautifully written! Brockman wrote so personably throughout her story. She writes about her personal story about growing up in the Mormon church, her convictions and how she broke off the chain for Mormonism in her family. One of my favorite things about this book was the honesty and raw reactions of how she struggled for years figuring out what she believed and how this affected her and her family’s relationship. So amazing and beautifully written. It was so encouraging to me, as a believer, to be reminded of why God’s story is real and why Christianity is real. I highly recommend this book to those who are new to their faith and struggling with theological issues, those who are non believers and people who have been believers their entire life. This will be an encouragement to everyone.
October 16, 2019
A Powerful story of Spiritual Transformation— In Out of Zion first time author Lisa Brockman dares greatly in sharing her story of a Mormon upbringing and how her life was radically changed when one person challenged what she previously accepted with truth. This is not an easy “conversion story.” It contains wrestling...and apologetics. The beauty and power of the gospel and Trinitarian theology are beautifully woven throughout Lisa’s account of her spiritual journey. This is a a must-read for all Christians!
September 12, 2021
Great book! The author so clearly articulates her journey of growing up in the Mormon church and then encountering the biblical Jesus during college, and the theological and emotional journey of becoming a follower of Jesus. She does a great job explaining the culture and doctrines of the Mormon church and how they contrast with biblical Christianity. Highly recommend! Yes
August 20, 2019
This was a really thought provoking book, I really enjoyed the authors voice and going on her journey. It was a really complex read.
September 6, 2019
5 stars
Amazing. The journey Lisa took from Mormonism to being a Christian is utterly fascinating and absorbing. I really identified with her and her confusion she felt after learning her lifelong beliefs were a lie. The search, the questioning, the ultimate belief in Jesus is just a fascinating read.
The only thing this book is missing is some sort of update from Gary the man who introduced her to the Jesus of the Bible.
I so highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.
Amazing. The journey Lisa took from Mormonism to being a Christian is utterly fascinating and absorbing. I really identified with her and her confusion she felt after learning her lifelong beliefs were a lie. The search, the questioning, the ultimate belief in Jesus is just a fascinating read.
The only thing this book is missing is some sort of update from Gary the man who introduced her to the Jesus of the Bible.
I so highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. The views given are my own.
September 24, 2019
Excellent and compelling read. Lisa gives a very good window into the life and beliefs of Mormons that is easy to grasp and yet thoughtful and understanding. I had learned some of Mormon theology researching Romney as a presidential candidate but learned much from Lisa’s account (who knew special underwear?). I love a good memoir and as a first book for the author she impressed me with keeping me interested with her story (finished the book in a day). While a Christian, I am not one who reads much of Christian focused books , however Lisa’s account of leaving the Mormon church kept me interested and not bogged down as she contrasted Biblical based Christianity with Mormon /LDS belief and -for me- put her writing on Christianity in the company of a Francis Chan (very relatable and not too complex). A strong point of the book is her relaying the effects of her exit from the Mormon faith on her mother and father- an accounting that she does with much tenderness. Great first book Lisa Brockman. I expect there may be more to come.
January 16, 2023
I couldn’t put this book down! I read it in 4 days because Lisa’s story was so fascinating to me. I am a born again Christian living in Utah with many Mormon friends. This book gave me helpful insight and a better understanding of the traditions and beliefs of the LDS church. It also painted a clear picture of the differences in doctrine between the traditional Christian church and the LDS church. I would highly recommend this book to my Christian friends as well as my Mormon friends!
October 28, 2019
Out Of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple
By: Lisa Brockman
Harvest House Publishers
Christian, Religion and Spirituality
208 Pages
Published date 1 October 2019
#OutOfZion #NetGalley
I gave this book 3.5 stars. It wasn't a bad book and not that hard to read. It is a fairly short just over 200 pages. What I like about this book is it is more of memoir of her struggles with her feelings towards the Mormon church and how she couldn't support the beliefs against her college boyfriend. She went into great details about her struggles. This book has a lot of religious talk and it was okay but not something I really enjoying reading.
I am a Latter Day Saint and was able to relate to some of her issues even though she had some of the facts wrong again this read more like a memoir so I won't fault her for that because this is how she felt.
I somewhat enjoyed reading about how she handle things but then again she used a lot of scriptures in her writing.
I am sorry her family had a hard time excepting her leaving the church. I myself have children who have left the church but I treat them just the same because they are adults and have their life to live.
I am glad that they slowly came around but that she still feels isolated somewhat.
Would I recommend this book maybe depending on how you feel about religion. Again I gave it 3.5 stars so it wasn't bad but wasn't really for me.
By: Lisa Brockman
Harvest House Publishers
Christian, Religion and Spirituality
208 Pages
Published date 1 October 2019
#OutOfZion #NetGalley
I gave this book 3.5 stars. It wasn't a bad book and not that hard to read. It is a fairly short just over 200 pages. What I like about this book is it is more of memoir of her struggles with her feelings towards the Mormon church and how she couldn't support the beliefs against her college boyfriend. She went into great details about her struggles. This book has a lot of religious talk and it was okay but not something I really enjoying reading.
I am a Latter Day Saint and was able to relate to some of her issues even though she had some of the facts wrong again this read more like a memoir so I won't fault her for that because this is how she felt.
I somewhat enjoyed reading about how she handle things but then again she used a lot of scriptures in her writing.
I am sorry her family had a hard time excepting her leaving the church. I myself have children who have left the church but I treat them just the same because they are adults and have their life to live.
I am glad that they slowly came around but that she still feels isolated somewhat.
Would I recommend this book maybe depending on how you feel about religion. Again I gave it 3.5 stars so it wasn't bad but wasn't really for me.
August 17, 2024
Knowing Lisa personally, I can say with confidence that this story was written with truth, authenticity, and bravery. Through each section of dialog in the book, I would say to myself, “Yep, that's exactly how Lisa would have comforted someone there” or “Lisa would have totally responded to someone with gentleness and empathy just like that”. Her writing is a true reflection of who she is. It never puffed up, it didn't run away from hard truths about herself, or paint a picture in an exalting way. It was honest and authentic. It lends readers insight into how terrifying it is for someone to leave the Mormon faith, how disorienting the deconstruction process is, or even how difficult it can be to just simply question. It also beautifully articulated the difference between the Mormon idea of God and God as He is truly revealed in the Bible. I was blown away by how Lisa laid out the false doctrines of Mormonism with such respect and compassion. I don't think I've ever read a book that showed flaws in a belief system with such grace, empathy and kindness. It was so refreshing especially considering todays climate of videos and articles that are all about "owning" or "winning" doctrinal arguments. Jesus is doing great things through Lisa, and I feel privileged to have gained a glimpse into where it all started.
November 23, 2022
I loved Lisa’s story and gave it 5 stars because it was so captivating. Also, seeing my God and his plan for salvation from her perspective (along with the great Bible verses she used!) strengthened my own faith in Biblical Christianity.
I thought her family was amazing….I was surprised by what a brilliant, well-structured machine Mormonism is for producing “ideal people.” My heart ached for the apostates of this faith and their families.
Also, the Mormon way of thinking about wanting-our-earthly-families-to-be-eternal, and being-good-and-godly-to-gain-human-praise-and-approval was relatable and convicting to my own heart as it mirrored my own Pharisaism I acquired growing up in a Baptist church.
HOWEVER, there were a few things about the book that I found unsettling regarding her current Christian theology. She quoted Richard Rohr at the beginning of one of the chapters. She mentioned at one point how God “woos” us to himself. She ended up an elder in her Presbyterian church, so she must be with the liberal Presbyterians 😫 And on her website, she is now a spiritual director. Her Scripture use and description of salvation and Biblical Christianity was solid throughout the book besides the things I just mentioned. I really hope she reads J. Gresham Machen’s “Christianity and Liberalism” or “Mama Bear Apologetics” at some point and hopefully realizes the perils and drift-danger of her possibly-progressive-leaning theology, because I am so SUPER thankful for her, this book and her desire to see others come to a true repentant faith in Christ alone!
I thought her family was amazing….I was surprised by what a brilliant, well-structured machine Mormonism is for producing “ideal people.” My heart ached for the apostates of this faith and their families.
Also, the Mormon way of thinking about wanting-our-earthly-families-to-be-eternal, and being-good-and-godly-to-gain-human-praise-and-approval was relatable and convicting to my own heart as it mirrored my own Pharisaism I acquired growing up in a Baptist church.
HOWEVER, there were a few things about the book that I found unsettling regarding her current Christian theology. She quoted Richard Rohr at the beginning of one of the chapters. She mentioned at one point how God “woos” us to himself. She ended up an elder in her Presbyterian church, so she must be with the liberal Presbyterians 😫 And on her website, she is now a spiritual director. Her Scripture use and description of salvation and Biblical Christianity was solid throughout the book besides the things I just mentioned. I really hope she reads J. Gresham Machen’s “Christianity and Liberalism” or “Mama Bear Apologetics” at some point and hopefully realizes the perils and drift-danger of her possibly-progressive-leaning theology, because I am so SUPER thankful for her, this book and her desire to see others come to a true repentant faith in Christ alone!
October 10, 2019
Lisa Brockman grew up in the Mormon church. She gave her all to it, believed in it with her whole being. And then a boyfriend started asking her questions about how she knew what she believed is true. That long-ago question has led to this new book “Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple.”
With love and compassion, Brockman shares her story of meeting the biblical God and how that changed everything. I did not grow up as a Mormon; I do not currently have Mormon friends, but I LOVED this book and how Brockman shares her life openly and vulnerably, with depth and insight and theology and doctrine. Do you know why you believe what you do? Lisa Brockman does, and she shares it clearly and lovingly throughout the pages. I highly recommend it!
With love and compassion, Brockman shares her story of meeting the biblical God and how that changed everything. I did not grow up as a Mormon; I do not currently have Mormon friends, but I LOVED this book and how Brockman shares her life openly and vulnerably, with depth and insight and theology and doctrine. Do you know why you believe what you do? Lisa Brockman does, and she shares it clearly and lovingly throughout the pages. I highly recommend it!
August 31, 2020
Lisa's writing is captivating, drawing the reader to learn more about her story. She is honest about her quest to know God and explains what she learned as a child in the Mormon Church. She grows in her understanding of faith in college and explains her difficult decision to leave her childhood faith for faith in personal God once she was in college. Lisa's vulnerability takes the reader into the depth of her soul as she navigates what she believes about God and the journey that she continues to know Him more. Lisa's style is not at all preachy, but relatable. While Lisa's story centers on the topic of faith, it is through and through just a well-written memoir that any reader would find fascinating.
March 1, 2020
Out of Zion is a captivating story of one woman’s journey out of the LDS church into a relationship with Jesus-I couldn’t put it down! She writes with such grace and compassion about the people she left behind, and the beliefs they hold to. This gave me a deep understanding of what it’s like to be part of the LDS church, and how Jesus gave Lisa such life and hope by contrast. If you know someone in the LDS church who is questioning their faith, this would be an incredible gift. And if you’re wondering how to understand and love your friends in the LDS church, this is the perfect resource.
August 13, 2022
Lisa is a great writer- after hearing her speak, she writes her story exactly how she shares it out loud. Reading this book feels like sitting across from her and chatting. Her story is both sad and inspiring and I’m so grateful she took the step to share it. Being from Minnesota I knew very little about Mormonism before picking up this book- I feel like I learned a lot and have a new found empathy and compassion for people coming from this faith and cultural context.
December 30, 2023
The writing did not grab me at first, but I learned a lot about the differences between the Biblical Jesus and the Mormon Jesus, which was fascinating. I am amazed at the complicated structure of the mormon plan of salvation which includes a huge emphasis on baptism and getting married in the temple, and the variety of levels in the celestial kingdom. I appreciated the loving tone taken by the author. The writing could have been edited more to be more concise.
March 13, 2020
I couldn't put this book down. With respect and deep compassion, Lisa shares her journey out of the Mormon church, a costly journey that led her to the grace of the gospel and the assurance of eternity with God in heaven. If you have ever been confused by Mormon culture, or if you've wished for a better response to the nice young gentlemen who knock on your front door, this is the book for you.
November 15, 2020
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about how Mormonism is different than mainstream Christianity.
Before reading this, the only thing I knew about Mormons (besides their acceptance of polygamy) was that even though they call themselves Christians and sound like Christians, the meaning behind words aren’t the same.
Before reading this, the only thing I knew about Mormons (besides their acceptance of polygamy) was that even though they call themselves Christians and sound like Christians, the meaning behind words aren’t the same.
May 11, 2021
Couldn’t put it down—4.5 stars rounded up. It bogged a bit towards the end but was overall an amazing book about the spiritual journey of a girl who grew up Mormon and came to Jesus in college. Really clear explanations of Mormon beliefs and their results in the souls of those who believe them, along with ideas for helpfully loving and engaging with Mormons.
October 22, 2019
Profound! A must read for every follower of Jesus Christ.
Lisa words expressing her journey to a relationship with the one true God pierced my heart and soul. Page Turner! Even read it twice already.
Lisa words expressing her journey to a relationship with the one true God pierced my heart and soul. Page Turner! Even read it twice already.
November 14, 2019
This was so good, I really appreciated the level of detail Lisa shares surrounding the beliefs and practices in Mormonism. I’ve read other similar stories/biographies but they don’t address each issue in so much depth while bringing you on the journey with them. Thanks Lisa
December 30, 2019
This book is amazing. It is not only a true story, but the author gives so many good suggestions--more like a coach-about how to dialogue with those of the Mormon faith (and also instructs on how not to do it). I want to read this one again with a highlighter.
January 23, 2021
I listened to the audiobook and her telling her story made it so much more impactful. Hearing her transformation from trying to be worthy to knowing only Jesus can make her worthy was beautiful and very encouraging.
July 12, 2021
I am so grateful for this book! It helped to give me a clearer picture of the Mormon faith... I am so inspired by Lisa, that she told her FULL story: the good, the bad and the ugly. Not many would be so transparent but it was fun and interesting journeying with her. A powerful testimony...
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