Customer Reviews

A Marvelous Work and a Wonder

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I read this book a while back and liked it. Although, I must say that I wasn't on the offensive going in as some other reviewers were. I read it for pleasure, not to make suit. I thought the book to be concise and easy to follow, laying out the author's beliefs in a non-obtrusive way. I have since passed it on to several of my friends to read. I would recommend it to others.

Le Grand Richards was an Apostle (the second highest ranking church council in the LDS church) in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He died in the Early 1980's. This is his defintive work. It is one of the only books Mormon Missionaries are allowed to read while they are serving their 1.5 or 2 year missions. The book discusses Mormon beliefs from marriage to temples to what Mormons believe about Heaven and Hell. Anyone investigating the church has not really investigated until they read this book, (other than the Book of Mormon, of course). It is easy to read and powerfully written.

This work of gospel scholarship is pivotal to any legitimate study of Mormonism. Evidently, the Missionary Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints considers this book to be a pivotal one, as well, since it is included in the Missionary Reference Library (a series of reference books which all full-time L.D.S. missionaries are supposed to have).

The fact that this book excites the rage of anti-mormons--I use the term "anti-mormon" to distinguish the bigoted from the civilized non-mormons--only serves to empower the Mormon Cause (in the words of Brigham Young, "Every time you kick Mormonism, you kick it upstairs.")

In general, I will simply state that this book illustrates, in its text, the peerless majesty of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (hereafter, "this Church"). It demonstrates, among other things, that: a.) this Church strictly upholds the doctrines and liturgical procedures set forth in Scripture, including the Bible; b.) this Church has been the means through which God has restored the precepts and powers previously lost to the world, and c.) all of this comes as the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, including Bible prophecy.

One thing in particular that must be borne in mind, I believe, in reading "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder," is the principle of Prophetic Dualism, spoken of in numerous scholarly writings (in and out of the Mormon Church). This principle reminds us that Scripture might be--and often is--fulfilled more than only once. Of course, the general interpretation and overall meaning of a scriptural passage are the same, always. But, the application can vary.

For example, in referring to Isaiah 6:9-10, Jesus said that this passage was "fulfilled" in the multitude which stood hearing Him upon the sea shore (Matthew 13:14-15). This multitude, naturally, was assembled at a sea side in Palestine. And yet, years later, in Acts 28:25-27, the Apostle Paul applied this exact same prophecy of Isaiah to: a.) the unbelievers at Rome (not Palestine!), and b.) those among whom Isaiah ministered (Paul calls them "our fathers").

So, here we have the same prophecy of scripture fulfilled in three different groups of people. Hence, the doctrine of Prophetic Dualism, which must ever be kept in mind when studying "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder". Otherwise, some might rashly object to Legrand Richards' claims that certain prophecies are fulfilled in the Mormon Church, blurting such things as, "Heresy! That passage of scripture has been fulfilled, already!"

But, I digress. Another great feature of this book is its monumental list--in the back--of over 40 principles of truth and doctrine which set the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints apart from all other denominations and religious groups. Many have scoffed at the Mormon Church, asking, in essence, "What's so special about Mormonism? How is it any different from the countless other churches in Christianity?" Well, this list of 40+ points answers that very question most effectively.

One final point. In reading "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder," one must be willing to accept that revelations of knowledge ultimately come not through "flesh and blood"--that is to say, tangible or physical--evidence (Matthew 16:17). It is an evil and adulterous generation which seeks after a physical sign, after all.

To any that would yearn to question those things which God has elected to keep hidden, I will simply say that intellectual curiosity is nothing shameful, as such, "But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes." (2 Timothy 2:23).

Brilliant work that makes concepts some believe to be unexplainable mysteries so clear and even easy to understand. The book is a treasure and everyone should read it if they want to better understand the purpose of life.

I read A Marvelous Work and a Wonder several years after joining the church. I really wish I had the opportunity sooner. It should certainly be recommended to every investigator or new convert. While Richards does not delve into as great of depths as, say, Talmage or Nibley, this book is perfect for starters. It is a quick and easy read with many scripture references. Basically this book outlines basic LDS doctrines and supplies a scriptural basis (mostly Biblical) to support the claims. I found it very inspiring and an essential background for anyone considering a mission.

An LDS classic and must reading for new members or those investigating the Church. A straight-forward look at basic LDS doctrines and beliefs, with plenty of supporting Biblical references.

This is truly an awesome book. It seriously discusses God and the view of God by Christian religions. It is primarily about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A marvelous Work and a Wonder explains the "strange" doctrines of the LDS chruch in depth. It shows that the practices and doctrines of the LDS Church aren't really strange at all...they are like the doctrines of Christ's origional church. This book is for someone who is seriously investagating "mormonism".

I really enjoyed reading this book. The book is complete with a comprehensive dialogue of doctrines. The style of writing includes stories, quotes from leaders, and explanations of modern day prophecy. One of the more interesting aspects of "A Marvelous Work and wonder" is the historical accounting of the translation of the Book of Mormon. "A Marvelous Work and Wonder" challenges the reader to think about the future, as significant events unfold: the establishment of zion, the gathering of House of Israel, a royal army of God, the restoration of lost knowledge, the power of priesthood keys, and the final celestial realm of the earth.

As I read, "A Marvelous Work and Wonder", I kept thinking about how innovative the insights were consider our day is filled with fears of war, plagues, bankrupcy, and moral decade. If we fail as a nation, it will be from the moral decay within, the proliferation of regulations and laws the limit freedom, and centralizing of power. The monopoly forces of evil seem to be moving contrary to the patterns of Heavan, yet in the Book, "A Marvelous Work and Wonder", the Kingdom of God does not die, instead, it endures the transistion and eventual trumphets with the return of the Messiah. The promised Messiah is as important today as he was 2000 plus years ago.

This book has been so beneficial in understanding the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and references bible teachings throughout. I have found it a phenomenal source of biblical information and a wonderful reference for anyone interested in knowing more about the scriptures and how to interpret them.

The book is wonderful. It helps a person understand that a restoration has taken place here on the earth. It is a great missionary book to share with those who have not heard about it yet. Excellent.