Daniel2 Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) Hi, everyone, Been a while since I've posted, as my life and attention have moved on from many of the topics that I used to engage in on a regular basis here on the board, and my thread today is a far cry from topics that I was once best-known for... I'd like to ask those of you who are devout members of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for book recommendations for books that introduce non-Latter-day Saint working professionals to your Faith, your culture, your philosophies on life and living, your community involvement, politics, charitable outreach and welfare programs, etc. The scope/aim of the type of book(s) I'm looking for are to be included in a lending library at the global company for which I work, at our local SLC-based office, which would be appropriate to share in a professional work environment. One of my company's core values is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion of both our workforce and in service to a global customer base. We advocate reaching across aisles/chasms/differences to better understand one-another, and promote unity while valuing and honoring those characteristics that make us unique. That said, the books I'm looking for need to be fair and balanced. without either slamming Mormonism nor proselytizing on it's behalf. I need a good, solid, LDS-affirming books that introduce non/never-members to Mormonism. While I don't completely discount official publications from The Church itself, I'm not sure something along those lines is appropriate for what I'm looking for (something like "Gospel Essentials" would be a little too... evangelical?, for example). "Mormonism for Dummies" on Amazon looks good, but I'd prefer something with a different title... Just to avoid the implication/stimgma. lol. Anyhoo... all suggestions are welcome, and appreciated. Thanks in advance, Daniel2 Edited March 15, 2022 by Daniel2 3
JustAnAustralian Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 You could probably edit down this offical FAQ to remove anything too preachy https://news-jm.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/mormonism-101#C4 1
Daniel2 Posted March 15, 2022 Author Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) 1 hour ago, JustAnAustralian said: You could probably edit down this offical FAQ to remove anything too preachy https://news-jm.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/mormonism-101#C4 Thanks for the link--I appreciate it! Ideally, I'm trying to find an actual book (or two) that I can add to our on-site "Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion" Lending Library for employees can physically check out. We have a lot of employees that move here out of state, and many have questions about Mormonism, it's people and practices. Hoping to find an inclusive-type primer. Most books I'm finding are either 'preachy' (as you put it ) or 'anti.' Hoping to find something that would be appropriate to include in that workplace that is a good intro to the people, beliefs, and culture in the spirit of fostering goodwill and mutual appreciation and respect among diverse groups. Edited March 15, 2022 by Daniel2
Calm Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 It has been awhile since we handed one out…since we ended up in Utah, but we used to keep these around for friends who had questions and I am not the pushy type so I remember it as having a light touch. But the reality is it has been too long since I read it to remember how preachy it is. https://deseretbook.com/p/our-search-happiness-invitation-understand-church-jesus-christ-latter-day-saints-m-russell-ballard-438? Quote Elder M. Russell Ballard’s book Our Search for Happiness is a simple guide to the basic doctrines of the Church. The book explains concepts like the Atonement, the Apostasy, and the priesthood in language suitable not only for Church members, but also for others who want to learn more. Many personal stories from Elder Ballard’s life and other anecdotes make Our Search for Happiness easy to read and understand. It is one of the few books missionaries are allowed to take with them on their missions. You can find this book at a distribution center or at www.ldscatalog.com (item no. 80870). https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/new-era/2006/01/books-worth-a-look?lang=eng I don’t see it on the Church’s site any more though. 1
pogi Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) I wouldn't see anything wrong with including a Book of Mormon and Bible in the Library...along with the Koran, The Vedas, and Buddhist texts. Edited March 15, 2022 by pogi
CA Steve Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 8 minutes ago, pogi said: I wouldn't see anything wrong with including a Book of Mormon and Bible in the Library...along with the Koran, The Vedas, and Buddhist texts. Which version of the bible should be in the library? Lists of English Bibles
pogi Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 17 minutes ago, CA Steve said: Which version of the bible should be in the library? Lists of English Bibles Maybe 2 or 3 of the more popular versions. No biggie. 2
bluebell Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 I own this book, though it's been years since I've read the entire thing so I may be forgetting some aspects of it, but Getting at the Truth: Responding to Difficult Questions about LDS Belief by Robert L. Millet might be a good one. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Truth-Responding-Difficult-Questions/dp/1590383044 It's written for members but it's written to help members answers questions by nonmembers, and it's set up in a way that you can look up different questions and see what Millet says about the best ways to answer them. Because it's written for members it's not trying to convert anyone. It's more trying to teach members how to explain their beliefs to those who don't agree or don't understand, but without just bearing a testimony or arguing. It's short and very easy to read and covers most of the common questions that we get (things like the Trinity, JS, BOM, etc.)
Robert F. Smith Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) Matthew Bowman, The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith (NY: Random House, 2012). Bowman is LDS. Stephen H. Webb, Mormon Christianity: What Other Christians Can Learn From the Latter-day Saints (Oxford Univ. Press, 2013). The late Prof Webb was Roman Catholic. Thomas F. O'Dea, The Mormons (Univ of Chicago Press, 1957). The late Prof O'Dea was Roman Catholic. Jan Shipps, Mormonism: The Story of a New Religious Tradition (Univ of Illinois Press, 1985). Prof Shipps is Methodist. Edited March 15, 2022 by Robert F. Smith 4
the narrator Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 34 minutes ago, Robert F. Smith said: Matthew Bowman, The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith (NY: Random House, 2012). Very much this. It should be required reading for missionaries before going out into the field. 2
Popular Post caspianrex Posted March 15, 2022 Popular Post Posted March 15, 2022 I am not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but one book that I found a year or so ago that is quite LDS-affirming and written by a member is Mormons: An Open Book by Anthony Sweat. I find it very accessible, nicely laid out, and written in a friendly style. Its tone doesn't come of as proselytizing, even though the author is a faithful member of the Church. 8
Kenngo1969 Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 @caspianrex, Rex, I think you're a nice guy to have around these parts. It's always nice to cyber-see you. There's only one way to tell for sure, of course, but I have a feeling that we would hit it right off if we were to meet in person. (Heck, you strike me as the kind of guy that is easygoing enough that you'd hit it right off with a lot of people if you were to meet in person! ) Warm Regards and Best Wishes, -Ken 2
caspianrex Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 13 minutes ago, Kenngo1969 said: @caspianrex, Rex, I think you're a nice guy to have around these parts. It's always nice to cyber-see you. There's only one way to tell for sure, of course, but I have a feeling that we would hit it right off if we were to meet in person. (Heck, you strike me as the kind of guy that is easygoing enough that you'd hit it right off with a lot of people if you were to meet in person! ) Warm Regards and Best Wishes, -Ken I do my best! Thanks for the compliment. 2
Popular Post Buckeye Posted March 15, 2022 Popular Post Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) My go to explainer for non-church circles is Bushman’s Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction. A bit dated but cant ask for a more reputable author and it’s very neutral. I use it all the time for work colleagues. https://books.google.com/books/about/Mormonism_A_Very_Short_Introduction.html?id=6m059lR04IoC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&gboemv=1&gbmsitb=1#v=onepage&q&f=false Edited March 15, 2022 by Buckeye 5
mfbukowski Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 6 hours ago, bluebell said: I own this book, though it's been years since I've read the entire thing so I may be forgetting some aspects of it, but Getting at the Truth: Responding to Difficult Questions about LDS Belief by Robert L. Millet might be a good one. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Truth-Responding-Difficult-Questions/dp/1590383044 It's written for members but it's written to help members answers questions by nonmembers, and it's set up in a way that you can look up different questions and see what Millet says about the best ways to answer them. Because it's written for members it's not trying to convert anyone. It's more trying to teach members how to explain their beliefs to those who don't agree or don't understand, but without just bearing a testimony or arguing. It's short and very easy to read and covers most of the common questions that we get (things like the Trinity, JS, BOM, etc.) I don't know this book, but I endorse anything by Millet! 2
rpn Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 Encyclopedia of Mormonism (now available at eom.byu.edu It was writted for a secular audience and published by a secular publisher. (In the 25 years since it was published, we know more about some topics and about history. Saints is a solid history incorporating everything new we know because of the Joseph Smith Paper's Project. What do Mormons Believe by Rex E. Lee 1
Scott Lloyd Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) A five-line thread title? That might not be a record, but I bet it’s close to it. Here’s a suggestion for one that’s more concise: What’s a good, unbiased, introductory book about the Church? Nine words vs. 21. Edited March 15, 2022 by Scott Lloyd 1
bluebell Posted March 15, 2022 Posted March 15, 2022 2 hours ago, mfbukowski said: I don't know this book, but I endorse anything by Millet! I love his stuff too. Jesus Christ, a Sure Foundation is one of my favorites. 2
Popular Post Daniel2 Posted March 16, 2022 Author Popular Post Posted March 16, 2022 (edited) 5 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: A five-line thread title? That might not be a record, but I bet it’s close to it. Here’s a suggestion for one that’s more concise: What’s a good, unbiased, introductory book about the Church? Nine words vs. 21. While I appreciate that I could have been more succinct, virtually two of the five lines encompass the church’s full name. I used it out of respect for the way Church leaders and members have asked us to use the Faith’s full name, so the irony is rich that I’m being called out for brevity’s sake, while I’m simultaneously attempting respectful dialogue in asking for LDS-affirming literature to share with others, even though I’m not LDS. Guess to some, I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t. Thanks, Scott. Edited March 16, 2022 by Daniel2 5
Scott Lloyd Posted March 16, 2022 Posted March 16, 2022 13 minutes ago, Daniel2 said: While I appreciate that I could have been more succinct, virtually two of the five lines encompass the church’s full name. I used it of respect for the way Church leaders and members have asked us to use the Faith’s full name, so the irony is rich that I’m being called out for brevity’s sake, while I simultaneously am attempting respectful dialogue in asking for LDS-affirming literature to share with others, even though I’m not LDS. Guess to some, I’m damned if I do, and damned if I don’t. Thanks, Scott. Church leaders have taught that if the meaning is clear from context, the name may be shortened to “the Church of Jesus Christ,” or simply “the Church.” I submit that on a message board of this nature, the meaning is more than clear from context. On here, I rarely refer to it in any other way than “the Church,” because context makes it obvious what I’m referring to in almost every instance. Besides, the full name can be written out in the OP, if need be, to avoid encumbering the title.
Daniel2 Posted March 16, 2022 Author Posted March 16, 2022 (edited) 6 hours ago, Scott Lloyd said: Church leaders have taught that if the meaning is clear from context, the name may be shortened to “the Church of Jesus Christ,” or simply “the Church.” I submit that on a message board of this nature, the meaning is more than clear from context. On here, I rarely refer to it in any other way than “the Church,” because context makes it obvious what I’m referring to in almost every instance. Besides, the full name can be written out in the OP, if need be, to avoid encumbering the title. Noted… instead of appreciating my attempt to honor the church’s full name, you chose to Pharisaically dig your heels in deeper, thereby proving my previous point. Would have been nice to receive a “thanks for your efforts to honor our preferred name,” and leave it at that, without a lecture on how the length of my title bothers you, and without any meaningful contributions to the topic of the thread itself. Strange that you chose to twice-criticize a former member (who has plenty of reasons to be jaded against “The Church”) who’s instead earnestly seeking suggestions from devout members for good books to introduce their Faith to those who haven’t heard of it before. Doesn’t strike me as a great tactic to advocate on behalf of your Faith or values… but knock yourself out, since it appears that your preferred approach is ‘no good will gestures go unpunished.’ Edited March 16, 2022 by Daniel2 4
Daniel2 Posted March 16, 2022 Author Posted March 16, 2022 10 hours ago, the narrator said: Very much this. It should be required reading for missionaries before going out into the field. Thanks, Robert F Smith and Narrator… looks like a great one. I appreciate the positive contributions/book suggestions from everyone else, as well! 1
mfbukowski Posted March 16, 2022 Posted March 16, 2022 (edited) 4 hours ago, bluebell said: I love his stuff too. Jesus Christ, a Sure Foundation is one of my favorites. He gave a great class at education week last year on Theophanies. You know me, I love accounts of spiritual experiences. Looking forward to this next year! Edited March 16, 2022 by mfbukowski 1
Daniel2 Posted March 21, 2022 Author Posted March 21, 2022 On 3/15/2022 at 1:57 PM, Buckeye said: My go to explainer for non-church circles is Bushman’s Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction. A bit dated but cant ask for a more reputable author and it’s very neutral. I use it all the time for work colleagues. https://books.google.com/books/about/Mormonism_A_Very_Short_Introduction.html?id=6m059lR04IoC&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&hl=en&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&gboemv=1&gbmsitb=1#v=onepage&q&f=false On 3/15/2022 at 12:21 PM, caspianrex said: I am not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but one book that I found a year or so ago that is quite LDS-affirming and written by a member is Mormons: An Open Book by Anthony Sweat. I find it very accessible, nicely laid out, and written in a friendly style. Its tone doesn't come of as proselytizing, even though the author is a faithful member of the Church. Thanks to both of you, Caspianrex and Buckeye! After looking into the many suggestions made in the thread (and thanks again to everyone who contributed), I ended up going with both of your suggestions--"Mormons--An Open Book" and "Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction." Both fit the bill of everything I was looking for in an LDS-affirming book that is a respectful, non-pushy intro for non- and never-members in a corporate setting. Incidentally, I'd never heard of either, so I appreciate your contributions! All the best, Daniel2 4
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