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Mormonism For Dummies
Get the facts on temples, tithing, missions, and caffeine
Mormon doctrines, rituals, and history, demystified at last!
Mormonism, or the LDS Church, is one of the world's fastest growing religions. But unless you were raised a Mormon, you probably don't have a clear picture of LDS beliefs and practices. Covering everything from Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon to tithing and family home evening, this friendly guide will get you up to speed in no time.
* How the LDS Church differs from other Christian churches
* What Mormons believe
* What happens in Mormon temples and meetinghouses
* The history of the LDS Church
* LDS debates on race, women, and polygamy
Mormon doctrines, rituals, and history, demystified at last!
Mormonism, or the LDS Church, is one of the world's fastest growing religions. But unless you were raised a Mormon, you probably don't have a clear picture of LDS beliefs and practices. Covering everything from Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon to tithing and family home evening, this friendly guide will get you up to speed in no time.
* How the LDS Church differs from other Christian churches
* What Mormons believe
* What happens in Mormon temples and meetinghouses
* The history of the LDS Church
* LDS debates on race, women, and polygamy
384 pages, Paperback
First published February 25, 2005
54 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Jana Riess
26 books92 followersJana Riess is the author, co-author, or editor of many books, including:
"The Next Mormons: How Millennials Are Changing the LDS Church"
"The Prayer Wheel: A Daily Guide to Renewing Your Faith with a Rediscovered Spiritual Practice"
"Flunking Sainthood: A Year of Breaking the Sabbath, Forgetting to Pray, and Still Loving My Neighbor"
"The Twible: All the Chapters of the Bible in 140 Characters or Less . . . . Now with 68% More Humor!"
She is a senior columnist for Religion News Service and holds degrees in religion from Wellesley College and Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in American religious history from Columbia University. She speaks often to media about issues pertaining to religion in America.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
February 21, 2020
Even though I was raised "Mormon", I don't feel like I know much about the religion nor did I have any idea what made it different from other Christian religions (other than the Godhead vs the Trinity). I think this book did a good job of explaining many of the differences.
One quote I really liked was, "It's been said when Mormons want to talk to God, they pray; and when they want God to talk to them, they read the scriptures."
One quote I really liked was, "It's been said when Mormons want to talk to God, they pray; and when they want God to talk to them, they read the scriptures."
September 14, 2012
As a convert to the church, I felt this book was a great way to fully understand the church. It focuses on not only the religious beliefs, but is able to discuss the differences between culture & church doctrine beliefs, which usually non-members get confused. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the church, especially converts & investigators.
January 24, 2013
Worth reading as long as you are willing to look for the commonalities between your church and the LDS faith. There is much here that when properly understood mirrors mainstream Christianity.
December 1, 2009
I had never read a "dummies" book before and was excited to give one a try. At first I was taken back by the attitude of the book and how it was not very serious and a lot of sarcasm and joking around especially over a serious topic. I went online and looked at a few other "Dummies" books and realized this is the way they are written and this is the style. SO I felt very stupid and read it with much more of a fun way and found it to be quite fun after I got over that phase.
I liked this book. Being a member of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints or "Mormon" myself I approve of this book and think people wondering about the religion could use this as a resource. A few things to keep in mind though but I will get to them later.
Likes:
1. It is well thought through and I like how it does not repeat itself and as they are talking about one subject and another is brought up it just references where in the book you could learn more about that subject but stays on the first one. If they would not have done this the book would be 5 times longer.
2. I liked the order it was written in and how they try to build each chapter on top of the other.
3. I also liked that even though each chapter built on the other you could also read each chapter as a single entity because of the cross references to other chapters if you like to learn more.
4. They stayed pretty true to how I understand the religion as well.
Dislikes:
1. It is long and you must be pretty committed to read the book. I think the Book of Mormon is shorter.
2. They do not talk about any references of where they got their information. I don't know if that is part of the style of a "Dummies" book but I don't like that. It makes the reader either have to believe everything or nothing at all because I can not look up anything they said and there were a number of things I would have liked to look up.
3. They would not say who they were quoting. They say," A leader once said..." What leader? who? was it a general authority or was it a bishop? it makes a big difference who it was and when they said it.
For example: If Gorden B. Hinkley said the quote it makes a big deal if he was a member of the 12 at the time or if he was the President of the Church at the time of saying it. The reason why is because the 12 do not give doctrine, anything they say they take responsibility for themselves (just look at the beginning of any book they write)Their job is just to Testify of Christ. they do give talks in conference and stuff but it needs to be ratified by the president. If the President of the Church says something or writes a book then it is looked at as Church Doctrine so this is why I would like to know who said it and when.
4. Even though they did a good job of giving the Mormon daily living and how we are just as normal as anyone else I do not think they did a good job of giving the LDS world view and why we think the way we do. Though I have to admit that is a hard task to accomplish but I think it can be accomplished.
All and all I thought I think this book is good and using this book and some others and talking to friends and trying out a service or two it is a good reference and can help people understand Mormons better.
I liked this book. Being a member of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints or "Mormon" myself I approve of this book and think people wondering about the religion could use this as a resource. A few things to keep in mind though but I will get to them later.
Likes:
1. It is well thought through and I like how it does not repeat itself and as they are talking about one subject and another is brought up it just references where in the book you could learn more about that subject but stays on the first one. If they would not have done this the book would be 5 times longer.
2. I liked the order it was written in and how they try to build each chapter on top of the other.
3. I also liked that even though each chapter built on the other you could also read each chapter as a single entity because of the cross references to other chapters if you like to learn more.
4. They stayed pretty true to how I understand the religion as well.
Dislikes:
1. It is long and you must be pretty committed to read the book. I think the Book of Mormon is shorter.
2. They do not talk about any references of where they got their information. I don't know if that is part of the style of a "Dummies" book but I don't like that. It makes the reader either have to believe everything or nothing at all because I can not look up anything they said and there were a number of things I would have liked to look up.
3. They would not say who they were quoting. They say," A leader once said..." What leader? who? was it a general authority or was it a bishop? it makes a big difference who it was and when they said it.
For example: If Gorden B. Hinkley said the quote it makes a big deal if he was a member of the 12 at the time or if he was the President of the Church at the time of saying it. The reason why is because the 12 do not give doctrine, anything they say they take responsibility for themselves (just look at the beginning of any book they write)Their job is just to Testify of Christ. they do give talks in conference and stuff but it needs to be ratified by the president. If the President of the Church says something or writes a book then it is looked at as Church Doctrine so this is why I would like to know who said it and when.
4. Even though they did a good job of giving the Mormon daily living and how we are just as normal as anyone else I do not think they did a good job of giving the LDS world view and why we think the way we do. Though I have to admit that is a hard task to accomplish but I think it can be accomplished.
All and all I thought I think this book is good and using this book and some others and talking to friends and trying out a service or two it is a good reference and can help people understand Mormons better.
February 16, 2008
In other hands, this book could have been a disaster, but it's a masterful introduction to Mormonism! Humorous, accurate and fair. I would seriously recommend it as a great starting point for the curious. DISCLOSURE: I am enamored with one of the co-authors, Christopher Bigelow, for launching the hilarious satirical "Sugar Beet" ("The Onion" for Mormons) and I count the other co-author, Jana Riess, as a close friend.
October 21, 2009
After visiting several Mormon sites in Salt Lake City, Utah, on our holidays this year, my husband and I got curious and picked up this book to learn more. The biggest impression I'm taking away from this book is that Mormonism is really, Really, REALLY different from any other self-described Christian form of religion. When Mormons use classic Christian terms such as God, Heavenly Father, Jesus, Messiah, salvation, or sin, they mean something completely different from orthodox Christian understandings of those terms.
As an Anglican Christian, I'm using the same words as they are, but we're not speaking the same language. Particularly striking to me was their different understanding of grace. From my reading of this book, it seems that Mormons believe in the old adage, "God helps those who help themselves" - and particularly those who really try hard to help themselves and largely succeed, by following all the rules in the Mormon Scriptures. Then Jesus fills in the remaining gap that they can't bridge, to successfully create a relationship with God. For those who believe in historic, creedal Christianity - and I count myself among this group - this concept of grace is small indeed, not to mention tiring and even disturbing. For us, it is incorrect to say that God helps those who help themselves, because it implies that we start the journey toward God on our own. Then God's favour is based on our work and goodness. Instead, we might say that God offers his love to all of us, whether we try to help ourselves or not, and whether we accept it or not. By this definition, grace is God's unmerited goodness toward us even when we are hostile to him.
We had a hint of our varying understandings of the same terminology while talking with young Mormon missionaries in Salt Lake City's Temple Square, but we couldn't quite put our finger on it. This excellent book - written by faithful Mormons, so Mormonism is portrayed sympathetically and anti-Mormon caricatures or simplifications are avoided - helped immensely. It is thorough, clear and conversational in tone, and it addresses everything from the LDS Church's understanding of God, to the importance of temples in Mormonism, to why Mormons don't drink caffeinated tea.
I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who is curious about Mormonism, or who has a Mormon family member or friend. One caution I would offer, however, is that the authors tend to oversimplify and sometimes even misunderstand completely the beliefs of orthodox Christians, sometimes claiming long-held Christian positions as unique to Mormonism, such as the idea that babies and children will not be condemned if they die before baptism. Overall, however, this book is an excellent resource, full of additional pointers to other books and websites where Mormonism can be more fully explored.
As an Anglican Christian, I'm using the same words as they are, but we're not speaking the same language. Particularly striking to me was their different understanding of grace. From my reading of this book, it seems that Mormons believe in the old adage, "God helps those who help themselves" - and particularly those who really try hard to help themselves and largely succeed, by following all the rules in the Mormon Scriptures. Then Jesus fills in the remaining gap that they can't bridge, to successfully create a relationship with God. For those who believe in historic, creedal Christianity - and I count myself among this group - this concept of grace is small indeed, not to mention tiring and even disturbing. For us, it is incorrect to say that God helps those who help themselves, because it implies that we start the journey toward God on our own. Then God's favour is based on our work and goodness. Instead, we might say that God offers his love to all of us, whether we try to help ourselves or not, and whether we accept it or not. By this definition, grace is God's unmerited goodness toward us even when we are hostile to him.
We had a hint of our varying understandings of the same terminology while talking with young Mormon missionaries in Salt Lake City's Temple Square, but we couldn't quite put our finger on it. This excellent book - written by faithful Mormons, so Mormonism is portrayed sympathetically and anti-Mormon caricatures or simplifications are avoided - helped immensely. It is thorough, clear and conversational in tone, and it addresses everything from the LDS Church's understanding of God, to the importance of temples in Mormonism, to why Mormons don't drink caffeinated tea.
I would heartily recommend this book to anyone who is curious about Mormonism, or who has a Mormon family member or friend. One caution I would offer, however, is that the authors tend to oversimplify and sometimes even misunderstand completely the beliefs of orthodox Christians, sometimes claiming long-held Christian positions as unique to Mormonism, such as the idea that babies and children will not be condemned if they die before baptism. Overall, however, this book is an excellent resource, full of additional pointers to other books and websites where Mormonism can be more fully explored.
March 22, 2013
I wasn't totally able to read the entire book because I had to return it to the library (I'm one of those wierdos that still uses it). I did read about 80% of it and I really like how the author laid things out. I have several friends that are of the LDS faith. It can be sometimes hard to ask their views and beliefs because unfortunately many people seem really against the Mormon church. After learning about their interpretation of the Bible and their culture, it would be hard for me to feel that way. I found many things about the religion very interesting and so much more open than other religions that follow the teachings from Jesus. I found their view of the Bible stories were closer with mine. I wasn't wanting to take up a missionaries time asking these things for I wasn't looking in joining, but I think it helps me understand people better when I know what gives them fulfillment in life. I will make sure on religions in the future that I want to check out, that I will check if a dummy book exists.
August 31, 2018
Mormon cult danger
A good insight into Mormonism although you can tell it been written by a Mormon who been brainwashed. Doesn't give a complete true image of this dangerous cult. Mormonism totally contradicts Christianity and the bible. Ask people who had there daughters interviewed by Bishops about sex when there only 12 and the 10% income they expect even if your struggling to put food on the table. Not to mention the fact they believe they will become gods rulling over there own plannet. None of this was mentioned in the book of course!!
A good insight into Mormonism although you can tell it been written by a Mormon who been brainwashed. Doesn't give a complete true image of this dangerous cult. Mormonism totally contradicts Christianity and the bible. Ask people who had there daughters interviewed by Bishops about sex when there only 12 and the 10% income they expect even if your struggling to put food on the table. Not to mention the fact they believe they will become gods rulling over there own plannet. None of this was mentioned in the book of course!!
July 14, 2013
Loved the humor, the basic approach to explaining so much about Mormonism in simple yet not simplistic terms. Save this to some of our friends who were recent converts. They said they got more out of it as far as understanding their new faith than they did from the gospel essentials classes. I highly recommend it. Besides, Both authors are my friends on Facebook. They write lots of other good stuff.
January 26, 2008
I got this from J's parents, who are Mormon, because I was always asking questions about weird rumors I had heard about Mormons. Helped answer my questions without trying to sell me on the faith.
August 22, 2010
cool book with some great articles (see the section on the quirkiness of the word of wisdom). co-written by a Sunstone-goer. :)
October 3, 2012
Very interesting. Does a great job (I guess...I don't really know how true it is) of explaining Mormonism to non-Mormons.
October 4, 2010
This a good summary of Mormon beliefs and practices written by two conscientious LDS authors. Letting Mormons tell their own story is a relatively recent publishing trend which tends to avoid the errors which frequently creep into works written by critics.
The “For Dummies” series in general is hip and irreverent, and this book is no exception. As insiders, the authors were well able to pepper their text with humor that plays upon Mormon distinctives without mocking or belittling their faith. There are few topics that cannot be discussed with humor, but because there is no consensus on what is too sacred for laughter, the authors’ persistent irreverence may at times strike the pious Mormon as inappropriate. Non-LDS readers are very unlikely to take offense at levity that clearly is not intended to belittle or diminish the faith of Mormon believers in any way.
Aside from some questionable irreverence I have only one criticism of this survey. On several occasions the authors have mingled peculations with authoritative Mormon doctrine. For example, on page 28 the author writes: “[Mormons] consider [Eve] a heroine for making a difficult but correct moral choice, disobeying the lesser law [Thou shalt not partake of the fruit] and sacrificing her own peace and life of ease in the garden ... in order to serve a higher law [Multiply and replenish the earth].”
While it is true that Mormons accept the fall as a necessary step in God’s plan, and do not therefore heap blame upon the woman for being the first to yield to temptation as does orthodox Christianity, it is not doctrine that she heroically, and with knowledge made her choice of a greater good. On the contrary, scripture shows that she was tricked by Satan who appealed to her weakness, not her wisdom. Mormons honor Eve, the mother of all living, not for her wisdom in choosing to fall, but for her righteous acceptance of both the joy and sorrows of mortality, and her great faith in the eventual redemption of all her progeny through the promised savior.
Mormons writers and authorities have over the decades approached the perplexities of the Garden Story with many speculations, including the portrayal of Eve as wise heroine, but these speculations should not be offered as Mormon doctrine.
An even more egregious insertion of non-doctrine is a statement on page 32. After discussing LDS beliefs concerning the post-death world of spirits, the authors write: “Another interesting question is whether unborn premortal spirits can mingle with deceased postmortal sprits. The concept isn’t an official doctrine, but some Mormons believe it happens.” Well some Mormons believe the Lost Ten Tribes live inside the hollow earth, but that doesn’t mean such an odd belief qualifies as Mormonism. This throw away speculation should simply have been thrown away.
While widespread Mormon folk-lore or “street theology” may be fair game in a comprehensive study of Mormonism, obscure beliefs and personal interpretations should not have been mingled with orthodoxy in this introductory survey.
The “For Dummies” series in general is hip and irreverent, and this book is no exception. As insiders, the authors were well able to pepper their text with humor that plays upon Mormon distinctives without mocking or belittling their faith. There are few topics that cannot be discussed with humor, but because there is no consensus on what is too sacred for laughter, the authors’ persistent irreverence may at times strike the pious Mormon as inappropriate. Non-LDS readers are very unlikely to take offense at levity that clearly is not intended to belittle or diminish the faith of Mormon believers in any way.
Aside from some questionable irreverence I have only one criticism of this survey. On several occasions the authors have mingled peculations with authoritative Mormon doctrine. For example, on page 28 the author writes: “[Mormons] consider [Eve] a heroine for making a difficult but correct moral choice, disobeying the lesser law [Thou shalt not partake of the fruit] and sacrificing her own peace and life of ease in the garden ... in order to serve a higher law [Multiply and replenish the earth].”
While it is true that Mormons accept the fall as a necessary step in God’s plan, and do not therefore heap blame upon the woman for being the first to yield to temptation as does orthodox Christianity, it is not doctrine that she heroically, and with knowledge made her choice of a greater good. On the contrary, scripture shows that she was tricked by Satan who appealed to her weakness, not her wisdom. Mormons honor Eve, the mother of all living, not for her wisdom in choosing to fall, but for her righteous acceptance of both the joy and sorrows of mortality, and her great faith in the eventual redemption of all her progeny through the promised savior.
Mormons writers and authorities have over the decades approached the perplexities of the Garden Story with many speculations, including the portrayal of Eve as wise heroine, but these speculations should not be offered as Mormon doctrine.
An even more egregious insertion of non-doctrine is a statement on page 32. After discussing LDS beliefs concerning the post-death world of spirits, the authors write: “Another interesting question is whether unborn premortal spirits can mingle with deceased postmortal sprits. The concept isn’t an official doctrine, but some Mormons believe it happens.” Well some Mormons believe the Lost Ten Tribes live inside the hollow earth, but that doesn’t mean such an odd belief qualifies as Mormonism. This throw away speculation should simply have been thrown away.
While widespread Mormon folk-lore or “street theology” may be fair game in a comprehensive study of Mormonism, obscure beliefs and personal interpretations should not have been mingled with orthodoxy in this introductory survey.
April 13, 2018
A quick, easy, interesting--and surprisingly candid--read that explains a lot about the LDS beliefs, culture, and lifestyle. Probably the only way to learn this much without running the risk of having someone show up on the porch step to try to convert someone, which I definitely was not interested in happening. Like most of the "Dummies" series, there's a lot of information in a small space, and the tone is seldom dry or dull.
At least now I'll understand the references and inside jokes made by some of our acquaintances who were (or still are) members.
At least now I'll understand the references and inside jokes made by some of our acquaintances who were (or still are) members.
October 30, 2008
Well that's certainly a lot of information about Mormonism isn't it?
Seriously, a lot of good information - everything you wanted to know about the Church of Latter-Day Saints but were afraid to ask. If you ever wondered about the guys in black suits going door to door offering to talk to you about their church, this is a good book for you.
Seriously, a lot of good information - everything you wanted to know about the Church of Latter-Day Saints but were afraid to ask. If you ever wondered about the guys in black suits going door to door offering to talk to you about their church, this is a good book for you.
March 2, 2009
This book was great. I learned a ton about my own religion. It sparked a few things I'll need to research further, but I was happy with it overall. I'd recommend it to non-members and members as well.
Want to read
December 30, 2009Of course I will be reading this. I love "for dummies" books and whenever there is a topic or subject that interests me, I see if there is a "for dummies" book on it. It is a great book to introduce you to the subject matter.
June 14, 2012
Perfect for someone (me) that knows nothing about the LDS church. Now that I live in Salt Lake City, the information has come in very handy. Written in the typical light-hearted Dummies style, it was a great, easy read.
April 28, 2014
Very informative and easy to read, but very heavily influenced by missionary style teaching. If you wanted to learn more about the faith but didn't want to talk to humans about it, this would be a good book.
December 19, 2016
A comprehensive guide to all things Mormon. Seems to straddle the fence on contentious points as though to report just the facts. Otherwise, a fairly good starting place for people who just want a non-religious introduction to an American religion.
April 3, 2008
Good information, but a bit skewed as this book was written by 2 members of the LDS church, I thought that there were a few omissions.
July 23, 2008
If you want to learn anything about Mormonism, or about religion in America, you should go to Jana Riess. She is the smartest and nicest writer on the topic.
August 27, 2008
Hilarious
January 31, 2009
Decent book, just a light "lossing over" of the basics in the LDS church, but I did learn some stuff...always good.
April 28, 2009
Who would've thought that the "Dummies" series would branch out to religion?! This is a useful guide for the curious.
Read
March 19, 2010great summation of what mormonism teaches and used to teach.
personal library of Elder Josh McGary
personal library of Elder Josh McGary
September 14, 2010
Such a great resource for the new convert.
March 22, 2011
Good intro especially for those of us NOT LDS.
December 4, 2012
Interesting read!
May 12, 2013
good book what tells you about religion. sadly i would never join this because Joesph smith was a liar, con man and People would hire him to find treasures.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews