Mormonism: A Guide for the Perplexed

(Hardback)

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Description

Mormonism: A Guide for the Perplexed explains central facets of the Mormon faith and way of life for those wishing to gain a clearer understanding of this rapidly growing world religion. As The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continues to grow in the United States and especially in other countries (with a total membership of over 15 million, more than 50% of which is outside the US), and as theologians and church leaders wrestle with whether Mormonism is in fact a valid expression of modern Christianity, this distinctive religious tradition has become increasingly an object of interest and inquiry. This book is the ideal companion to the study of this perplexing and often misunderstood religion. Covering historical aspects, this guide takes a careful look at the whole of Mormonism, its tenets and practices, as well as providing an insight into a Mormon life.

Reviews

Millet and Hopkin provide an introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as Mormons. Both authors are LDS insiders, so they are in a position to explain this religious movement from within. In 20 thematic chapters, they move readers through the history and theology of Mormonism, from its beginnings with the revelations to Joseph Smith and the early years of the LDS community through the modern Mormon Church, along the way providing a glimpse of the church's ideas about revelation, heaven, and things that are to come. Millet and Hopkin attempt to picture the Mormon religion as a distinctive form of Christianity, a viewpoint common to LDS practitioners but not accepted by most Christian groups. Thus, the book stresses commonalities between the LDS and Christianity rather than differences. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; graduate students; general readers. * CHOICE *
This is a book I have been seeking for a long time. It is a survey of Mormon theology and belief, hitting that sweet spot between the superficial and the doorstop. The suggested readings provide the opportunity to delve deeper. For this Christian, even seeing citations from the Book of Mormon, the D&C and the Pearl of Great Price alongside citations from the scripture that I know is itself an important leap into the Mormon world. The book answers questions I have asked and others I would have asked, had I thought of them. My students will have occasion to appreciate all or parts of this book in future classes. -- Whitney Bodman, Associate Professor of Comparative Religion, Austin Theological Seminary, USA
Like most theological traditions in our ever-increasing secular age, Mormonism is often misunderstood, not only by non-Mormons but by some of its adherents as well. For this reason, both detractors and disciples should welcome Millet and Hopkin's clear and gracious account of Mormon beliefs. For those who want an accurate presentation of the current state of LDS doctrine and practice, this is the book for you. -- Francis J. Beckwith, Professor of Philosophy & Church-State Studies, Baylor University, USA, and co-editor of The New Mormon Challenge (2002)

Author Bio

Robert L. Millet is Coordinator of Religious Outreach and Professor Emeritus of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, USA. Shon D. Hopkin is Assistant Professor of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, USA.