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The Latter-day Saint Experience in America (The American Religious Experience)

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So the real question when it comes to any book about the Latter Day Saints, or Mormons, is 'how biased is this going to be?" In most books, there are two extremes- either they are written by members of the church, largely for other members or with a missionary purpose, or they are written by people who are strongly against the church, often disaffected former members. Happily, it is my opinion that this book fall under neither category, although it is probably more pro than con. An interesting read, laid out by thematic sections as well as chronological, the book explains basic history, beliefs, and explores controversies both historical and present-day. There are some black and white photographs and a very interesting appendix with a glossary, timeline, and mini-biographies of important church figures. This would be perfect for someone who wants to find out about what it means to be a "Mormon" without worrying about author bias or agenda. A little bit pricey, but definitely a top rate read.

Professor Givens, in his prior books on Mormonism, Viper on the Hearth (concerning the media depcition of Mormonism) and By the Hand of Mormon (a ground-breaking analysis of what the Book of Mormon means and has meant to the latter-day Saints themselves), has brought a mature scholarship and honesty to his scholarly analysis. In his new book on Mormons and their place in American religious history, Givens provides a straightforward account that is refreshingly accurate rather than serving any polemical purpose either pro or con the tenets of the Latter-day Saints. Even the best and most well-intentioned non-Mormon scholars simply have a hard time accurately depicting how the Mormons understand themselves and their history. Givens has given a sober account that sticks to the basics that a novice to Mormon studies would want to know but does not distort in the effort to simplify. It tells you what Mormons believe without telling you that you should either believe or disbelieve those things. Non-Mormon reporters who want to write about the current political controversy over the presidential candidacy of Mitt Romney should read this book so they have a more accurate understanding of what Romney actually believes, rather than quoting the wildly inaccurate and pejorative poppycock that is the stock in trade of professional anti-Mormons who sell their junk to the gullible, itching ears of certain Christian and secular audiences, both of whom rebel at the announcement by Mormons that the heavens are open again and God again speaks to mankind. Both groups, for their own reasons, would rather not hear what God thinks of them and their interpretations of the Bible or their rejection of it.

Mormons are pretty ordinary people, and their religious claims are not in substance any more far fetched than the basic claims of Christianity that a man was actually a divine being who suffered for the sins of all mankind and was brought back to life in a resurrected body. In fact, if you accept the New Testament, accepting what Mormons claim Jesus did is certainly not outside the realm of his powers as depicted in holy writ. There are parallels in early Christian, pre-creedal belief for just about every aspect of Mormon belief that has been criticized as outre. This is especially true of the Mormon idea that the ultimate potential for mankind is to become like God in the eternities. That is a teaching that has a Greek name (theosis) because it has been a tenet maintained through 2,000 years by the Orthodox churches, even while the Western churches abandoned that doctrine. Many other books on Mormon belief cannot resist ridiculing it on every page. This book informs the reader without telling you what to think.

This is an excellent book. Very well written with a lot of interesting facts regarding the history, teaching, and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. While it may seem a little expensive at first glance, I found it to be well worth it for the contents of the book. Terryl Givens does a thorough job of explaining the beginnings and rise of the Mormon Church. I find this a solid source as a "go to" for information regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will prove to be a worthwhile read for both members and non-members wanting to learn more about this growing worldwide Church and an excellent single-volume reference book.

Latter-day Saint Experience is one in a series of titles on religious communities in America, edited by Philip Goff.

Givens became a leading figure in Mormon studies with his Viper on the Hearth--a study of literary anti-Mormonism--and then with By the Hand of Mormon, which is the most complete, candid study of the entire range of issues raised by the Book of Mormon currently in print. (Both books were published by Oxford University Press.)

He has now published another outstanding book--a thoughtful, insightful, well-documented account of the Church of Jesus Christ in its American setting. Virtually all crucial and controversial issues receive careful attention in this fine book. It can be warmly recommended to those curious about the faith of Latter-day Saints and their community.

An exellent textbook for classes in American Religion.

There is one suggestion in the discusasion about the Fall of Eve. Givens accurately describes one view held by many but there is an alternative. I John 3:4 says "sin is the transgression of the law." Partaking of the fruit was required for becoming mortal but following Satan instead of God was not necessary. Waiting for further instructions from God would have brought the same results but following Satan is not a good precedent.
Breaking one commandment to keep another is also not right nor good unless and until God tells one to. It is a matter of timing- doing the right thing at the wrong time was still wrong and is a common ploy of Satan.