Know Your Religions: A Comparative Look at Mormonism and the Community of Christ (2)

Know Your Religions #2

by Richard G. Moore

Elder M. Russell Ballard challenged the Latter-day "Get to know your neighbors. Learn about...their views... If our history teaches us nothing else, it should teach us to respect the rights of all people..." Know Your Religions will help it's readers to fulfill that commission. Each author of the respective volumes has spent many years studying and teaching, not only the LDS faith, but also the tenets of the faith and practices of the religious denominations about which they have written. This provocative series examines some of the great religions of the world, taking into account both similarities and differences with Mormonism - refuting common misconceptions, illuminating little-known practices, and exploring the theological underpinnings of the faith under study. Persons not of the LDS faith may be surprised to learn of doctrinal commonalities with the Latt-day Saints, while LDS readers will no doubt be fascinated by the degree to which they have misunderstood their brothers and sisters of other religious persuasions.

230 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Magen · Rating 3 out of 5]

For full disclosure, I am a former member of the LDS church and a current member of Community of Christ.

The information this book offers regarding CofC is more or less accurate. There are a few things that are now outdated. We have more sections of the D&C, we recognize and affirm LGBTQ+ members and support their marriages and ordinations (depending on the country and whether it is something those councils are comfortable with embracing), etc.

Where I think this book falls short is in its objectivity. The author is thorough in explaining how beliefs have changed in CofC, but he doesn't do the same for the LDS church, which comes off as though he's suggesting that CofC just can't handle the high demands of Heavenly Father. For example, he doesn't explain that the WoW was not universally adopted as a temple entry requirement in the LDS faith until the 20th century, or that Joseph Smith Jr was a regular coffee drinker and possibly consumed alcohol (or at least he was open to having a bar in the Nauvoo House). This makes a world of difference when comparing the two churches, because it shows that there was no lofty expectation set in the first place, and CofC didn't necessarily abandon the principle out of corruption. Finally, the author closes with a discussion of challenges for CofC, which comes off as almost a "gotcha" considering he doesn't discuss the failings of the LDS church and where CofC excels over them (In my opinion, such a comparison would do better at encouraging positive ecumenical relationships). CofC is not a perfect church, and it may not last through my lifetime, but that prospect is not a death sentence that our members worry about. We just want to build happy communities and let people know they're awesome.

I understand this is a book intended for LDS audiences, so I can't fault a bias too much because I know that books of this kind are intended to be faith promoting, but it's the lack of self criticism, reflection, and transparency among LDS authors that often leaves me feeling underwhelmed by most books I find in LDS bookstores. I'd only recommend this book to LDS members who want to learn without getting sucked into interacting with CofC members, just keep in mind that it IS biased. At least you can rest assured that a random CofCer vouched for its accuracy. ;)

[Karianne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Debated what to rate this. I did leave the book with a better understanding of Community of Christ so in that sense, I’d give this book a higher rating. The presentation leaves something to be desired. In theory, each major topic is presented, then CoC explained, then LDS explained, then a summary. However this is not upheld. Comparisons between the two are made in the CoC section which meant that sometimes the LDS sections felt incomplete. It also was not uncommon to have new points brought up in the summary. Some things believed by both churches would only have a footnote to the CoC reference. I think this is a helpful book if you are LDS and looking to understand CoC better, but I disagree with the title that it’s a true comparison between the two religions and I feel like someone not familiar with the LDS church will miss some things as information and understanding is often implied or assumed.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Look, the book is really good. It has a balanced, even sympathetic approach to the Community of Christ. Learned a ton. Would recommend highly.

That said, the editing of this book is distracting. Errors everywhere: Even on the back cover! I have enjoyed both books in this series, but they are an embarrassment of sloppy editing. A little pride in your work would help the reading experience.

[Kiana Pulley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know anything about Community of Christ before reading this book. I felt like the author did a good job representing both sides fairly. I came away with a much better understanding of their religion and why they believe what they believe. If you are interested in learning about Community of Christ, this is a great place to start.

[Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good informational book comparing the two religions. Obviously it is written more for an LDS audience as he did not spend as much time elaborating on LDS doctrine. If you are at all interested in knowing the difference between the LDS and RLDS faiths...this is a great place to start.

[Skylar Hatfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well researched. Clear and easy reading. Fair representations of both religions.