BHodges Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 In my very biased opinion Patrick Mason has written the best book on doubt, faith, and Mormonism to date. It's called Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt. What's especially useful about this book is that it's written for people who have doubts or questions, and also for people who don't, but who need to learn how to understand and worship together with those who do. I'm really excited that Deseret Book partnered with the Institute on it. David Holland, a professor at Harvard Divinity School, had this to say about it: Quote "Patrick Mason has carefully listened to the diverse community of Latter-day Saints. He has heard the love and the faith as well as the bewilderment and the pain. This book is his moving response. His deeply intelligent call to mutual understanding and his compelling invitation to faith and fellowship have had a transformative effect on me." I've been keeping track of reviews here. I'm interested to know if any of you have heard of the book already, if anyone has read it, and if anyone would like a free digital copy. I have 2 digital copies to give away to people on the board here, if they promise to come back and share their thoughts about the book as they read or when they're finished reading. Let me know if you're interested. Disclosure! The book is part of the Living Faith series that I edit for the Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship. 2
Zakuska Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 I wonder if the Apostle Thomas would have approved this book?
consiglieri Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 Dear Blair, I really appreciate the new direction NAMIRS has taken in Mormon Studies. I have already heard of this book from an interview with the author (was it a collaborative interview between A Thoughtful Faith and Mormon Matters?). I also want to add that I think the interviews you do with authors are among the best out there. You have a very pleasant demeanor, ask penetrating and insightful questions, and keep the conversation moving. Congrats! 2
readstoomuch Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 This is an awesome book. I am about a third of the way through it. Available in Kindle and paperback for under 15 bucks. Of the books about faith and doubt out there right now for the LDS market, it is by far the best one (IMO).
BHodges Posted January 20, 2016 Author Posted January 20, 2016 1 hour ago, Zakuska said: I wonder if the Apostle Thomas would have approved this book? Funny you should ask, there's an interlude in the book, a reflection on Thomas, that I quite like. Thanks, consig and reads. Anyone interested in my offer of a digital version of the book? 2
Ginger Snaps Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 6 minutes ago, BHodges said: Funny you should ask, there's an interlude in the book, a reflection on Thomas, that I quite like. Thanks, consig and reads. Anyone interested in my offer of a digital version of the book? I would love a copy!
BHodges Posted January 20, 2016 Author Posted January 20, 2016 7 minutes ago, Ginger Snaps said: I would love a copy! Email me your contact info. Email is Blairhodges at BYU dot edu. One claimed, one to go. 1
volgadon Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 I'd love a review copy, but looks like Daniel already claimed it.
Robert F. Smith Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 Prof. Mason was interviewed (along with some others) January 14, 2016, and I found his penetrating insights about the diverse nature of the Mormon community fully on target (http://radiowest.kuer.org/people/doug-fabrizio ). He needs to be listened to and his books and articles more widely read. That would rid us of much of the nonsense which passes for serious analysis of the Mormons. 1
Tacenda Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) I'm so happy there is a book that can bring the doubter and the faithful together and both can discuss openly. Also very impressed Deseret Bookstores are carrying it. My son gave me a gift card for my birthday there. I really didn't want to run out and use it that quick until now! . Thanks for sharing BHodges! Edited January 20, 2016 by Tacenda 3
Ginger Snaps Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 2 hours ago, BHodges said: Email me your contact info. Email is Blairhodges at BYU dot edu. One claimed, one to go. You have mail Thanks!
Stargazer Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) I've just now ordered this book through Amazon, and am surprised that the Kindle price is nearly as much as the hard copy price! I don't understand this -- the overhead for electronic copies is minimal, so why must the electronic copy cost so darned much! I'd rather buy the hard-copy at that price (and just did), and since the profit on the hard-copy is so much less, it seems that with this price strategy most buyers will get the paperback, and LESS money will be made, not more. Or maybe I don't know a thing about marketing? Well, I think that that much is certain, but still... If you've noticed my signature you've seen that I have some books on offer out there, and believe me when I tell you that if I raise the Kindle price to $3 a pop with either book, sales plummet to around zero. As it is, $0.99 cents and $1.99 doesn't bring in much, either. Maybe my best strategy is to raise the prices to just a bit off the hard-copy! Like Planted. Edited January 20, 2016 by Stargazer
BHodges Posted January 20, 2016 Author Posted January 20, 2016 3 hours ago, Stargazer said: I've just now ordered this book through Amazon, and am surprised that the Kindle price is nearly as much as the hard copy price! I don't understand this -- the overhead for electronic copies is minimal, so why must the electronic copy cost so darned much! I'd rather buy the hard-copy at that price (and just did), and since the profit on the hard-copy is so much less, it seems that with this price strategy most buyers will get the paperback, and LESS money will be made, not more. Or maybe I don't know a thing about marketing? Well, I think that that much is certain, but still... If you've noticed my signature you've seen that I have some books on offer out there, and believe me when I tell you that if I raise the Kindle price to $3 a pop with either book, sales plummet to around zero. As it is, $0.99 cents and $1.99 doesn't bring in much, either. Maybe my best strategy is to raise the prices to just a bit off the hard-copy! Like Planted. DesBk sets the price on this one, though it's still relatively low. Other Maxwell Institute titles are 9.99 through Amazon. You can get a digital copy through Deseret Book's Bookshelf for $9.99 right now, the sale price. It's also available as an audiobook, sale price of $14.99. Funny enough, the narrator is Kirby Heybourne.
Rain Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 4 hours ago, Stargazer said: I've just now ordered this book through Amazon, and am surprised that the Kindle price is nearly as much as the hard copy price! I don't understand this -- the overhead for electronic copies is minimal, so why must the electronic copy cost so darned much! I'd rather buy the hard-copy at that price (and just did), and since the profit on the hard-copy is so much less, it seems that with this price strategy most buyers will get the paperback, and LESS money will be made, not more. Or maybe I don't know a thing about marketing? Well, I think that that much is certain, but still... If you've noticed my signature you've seen that I have some books on offer out there, and believe me when I tell you that if I raise the Kindle price to $3 a pop with either book, sales plummet to around zero. As it is, $0.99 cents and $1.99 doesn't bring in much, either. Maybe my best strategy is to raise the prices to just a bit off the hard-copy! Like Planted. This is common with many Kindle books. Sometimes the Kindle price is even more.
Jeanne Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 (edited) 13 hours ago, Tacenda said: I'm so happy there is a book that can bring the doubter and the faithful together and both can discuss openly. Also very impressed Deseret Bookstores are carrying it. My son gave me a gift card for my birthday there. I really didn't want to run out and use it that quick until now! . Thanks for sharing BHodges! I might get it too.. but hey..if you get it before I do..let me know what you think okay? Thanks! Because I can't afford a lot..and many books I want to read, I want to get something that is really good. I, too, wouid love to see "doubters" included in Deseret Book stores that are not so biased but informative and apt to better understanding. Edited January 20, 2016 by Jeanne 1
BHodges Posted January 20, 2016 Author Posted January 20, 2016 Thanks, Daniel2 and Ginger Snaps. You've got mail. 2
Mystery Meat Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 Interesting concept. I think the book would be a fascinating read. I will look into it. A quick comment, however, if I may. I worry that we take doubt too far, almost to the point of admiration or a badge of honor. To doubt is not the ultimate standard. It is probably a point all of us have to traverse at one point or another (likely lots of times). But if this Church is what we claim it is (and it is) then I fear we may revere doubt too much at the expense of faith and knowledge. I believe that there should be more space for people who doubt, for I myself have been there. Last time I taught Sunday School I openly discussed my faith journey so that others might feel comfortable doing the same. But my point was not that it's okay to doubt (scriptures command us to doubt not) but that faith is superior to incessant doubting. And while I want there to be more space, I don't think that space can or should come at the expense of eternal truths. If someone cannot answer temple recommend questions with confidence, I don't think they should be given them in the name of understanding, even if that means they can't attend or miss family events. Covenants are more important than seeing a fifteen minute ceremony. Compassion, not compromise. 2
consiglieri Posted January 20, 2016 Posted January 20, 2016 16 minutes ago, Mystery Meat said: To doubt is not the ultimate standard. It is probably a point all of us have to traverse at one point or another (likely lots of times). But if this Church is what we claim it is (and it is) then I fear we may revere doubt too much at the expense of faith and knowledge. The unexamined life is not worth living. 4
Tacenda Posted January 21, 2016 Posted January 21, 2016 11 hours ago, Jeanne said: I might get it too.. but hey..if you get it before I do..let me know what you think okay? Thanks! Because I can't afford a lot..and many books I want to read, I want to get something that is really good. I, too, wouid love to see "doubters" included in Deseret Book stores that are not so biased but informative and apt to better understanding. You can borrow mine!
Buckeye Posted January 21, 2016 Posted January 21, 2016 21 hours ago, BHodges said: DesBk sets the price on this one, though it's still relatively low. Other Maxwell Institute titles are 9.99 through Amazon. You can get a digital copy through Deseret Book's Bookshelf for $9.99 right now, the sale price. It's also available as an audiobook, sale price of $14.99. Funny enough, the narrator is Kirby Heybourne. Awesome. Now if only the church could get Kirby's voice as an option for the audio scriptures ... or even better, Rolly.
Jeanne Posted January 21, 2016 Posted January 21, 2016 12 hours ago, Tacenda said: You can borrow mine! Thanks!
cinepro Posted January 21, 2016 Posted January 21, 2016 I attended a fireside last Sunday where Fiona Givens (Teryl's wife) spoke, and she recommended this book. On another note, she made an interesting comment on the subject of "Hero worship", to the point that we should consider not singing "Praise to the Man" anymore.
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