The Five Books I recommend in order.....What do you think?

[Navidad]

In the course of my speaking engagements, I am often asked about the distinct beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and of the unique beliefs of Mennonites. Instead of me (a non-member) trying to highlight my ideas, I generally recommend they read these  five books in this order:

1. The Doctrine and Covenants—This seems to me to be the heart of LDS doctrine and beliefs that are unique and specific (therefore distinct).
2. The General Handbook of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—This seems to me to explain the orthopraxy of the church in real life and practice the best. It seems to me to be the most influential of the five books in the actual life of a typical LDS ward.
3. The Book of Mormon—This seems to me to be the cornerstone document of the church, but not one that is going to teach the reader unique and specific doctrines. It certainly testifies of Jesus Christ, but in a manner that, except for its historical context, is pretty normative in its approach. The history and allegories are interesting, but not definitive in the day-to-day life of the church member in a manner that is different from other Christian groups. 
4. The Bible—This book will not provide its reader with information about the distinct doctrines and beliefs that are unique to the LDS church.

5. (I don't understand why 5 insisted on skipping a line, but I can't seem to correct it.  So 5. The Pearl of Great Price—I find this book to be the least informative of the five in relation to unique and specific LDS beliefs that would be of interest to those who want to learn more. I believe if someone started with this one, they might not move on to reading any of the others. 

So there you have it. My audiences are generally very Catholic with a smattering of Pentecostals. They are very curious about both these Ethno-religious groups who migrated into their country. They, themselves, are not very much into doctrine or orthopraxy. They are mainly students at the university level or people who are interested in the history of Mexico from the early days of the Revolution to the present. I tend to speak on a subject that is not widely taught here in Mexico, that of its religious history, especially as it has impacted northern Mexico via migrants. What do you think about my list? Would you change the order? Answer the questions in some other way? I can't and don't refer them to missionaries for various reasons. Thanks for your input. Best, Navidad

   

 

Edited July 30 by Navidad
clarification

[Calm]

I would add one more, the Gospel Principles manual as it provides a very easy to read coverage of our doctrine, the closest thing we have to a catechism or manual for systematic theology.

This edition trimmed some excess speculation imo and is more dependent on scripture for support than in the past.  Still uses quotes from leaders, but not as much.

Edited July 31 by Calm

[InCognitus]

5 hours ago, Navidad said:

So 5. The Pearl of Great Price—I find this book to be the least informative of the five in relation to unique and specific LDS beliefs that would be of interest to those who want to learn more. I believe if someone started with this one, they might not move on to reading any of the others.

I think the Pearl of Great Price is a great place to start, since the Joseph Smith History is in the Pearl of Great Price and it provides some essential background for the establishment of the church and the origin of the Book of Mormon.  The Pearl of Great Price also includes doctrinal background for some of our unique doctrines like the council in heaven and Jesus being the Chosen one to redeem mankind from the beginning and Satan's rebellion (Moses 4:1-4, Abraham 3:27-28) and man's preexistence with God and Him providing the plan for others to progress (Abraham 3:22-26).  Besides, it's the only book that has pictures too