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Mormonism For Dummies

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I just read a copy of the new _Mormonism For Dummies_. The book is an *excellent* introduction to Mormonism.

About seven or eight months ago I read _The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism_ because I wanted to present an intelligent (hard-core atheistic) non-Mormon friend with a good introduction to and discussion of my religion. That book was a complete dud! It was written in a very naive apologetic tone that entirely avoids any topic that might not sound flattering to the faith, and promptly sanitizes the few unavoidable uncomfortable issues (e.g. polygamy).

This book is precisely the opposite. In a very respectful and Mormon-friendly tone, it tackles just about every thorny subject regarding the faith, providing brief incursions in all sides (and arguments) of each controversial point.

Some of the topics it approaches include questions regarding Book of Mormon historicity and translation, evolution, anti-ERA and anti-SSM campaigns (and tithing money dedicated thereto), same-sex attraction (with internet links to gay-Mormon support groups), Adam-God, 1844 succession crisis, Mormon role (Church and State issues) on 19th century persecution, birth control (recent changes in policy), polygamy (dispelling myths about the practice from both sides, including current practitioners), race issues (including Elijah Abel and Walker Lewis; and current persisting racist beliefs), gender issues (God the Mother, the role of Eve, and women & Priesthood), Mountain Meadows Massacre (even acknowledging some researchers question whether BY ordered it), Mormon approaches to the problem of evil (as related to pre-mortal life and popular beliefs therefrom), historical changes in tithing emphasis (compared to financial conundrums), Word of Wisdom issues (both historical contexts and influences, as well as specific controversies like vanilla extract, cola drinks, and vegetarianism), and even the idiosyncratic practice of praying in the Thee/Thou mode!

Long list? Hence the strength of the book. Naturally, as is typical of the series, the discussions are quick and curt -- as it behooves an introductory tome. I was tickled with the inclusion, along with famous LDS, the Brazilian popular singer Liriel Domiciano, and some very interesting stats that contextualize Church growth as less spectacular as commonly advertised.

All the while presenting the faith and the people on a positive light, never allowing any controversy to detract from the aesthetics of the Mormon religious tradition.

Compared to _The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism_, it's a masterpiece!

I've just bought it for my friend!

I expected this book to be an overly simplistic treatment that would portray the LDS in any number of odd perspectives. However before getting through 5 pages, I was already impressed by the humor and insight it brought to LDS topics. From that point, it only got better.

In the end, the book far exceeded my expectations. It covered LDS theology and history in more depth, more breath, and more candor than I've ever seen in a summary book on Mormonism. The authors handled sensitive topics, such as temple ordinances, with respect while still providing good coverage. They document some of the warts and bruises of LDS history while balancing them with what I felt was very fair treatment. I liked how they melded traditional LDS perspectives with a nice sprinkling of a more open-minded attitude.

I suspect that "LDS ultra-traditionists" might find it a little too light-hearted and candid, while "anti-LDS" would find it too positive toward LDS beliefs. But for someone wanting to know more about Mormonism or its member's practices, this is the best overview I have ever seen. In fact, I took it to my local ward and passed it around to several other LDS members. I think my ward would be changed for the better if they all read it.

Highly recommended!

Review
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Title: Mormonism for Dummies
Author: Jana Reiss and Christopher Bigelow
Publisher: Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Non-fiction
Year Published: 2005
Number of Pages: 365
Binding: Paperback
ISBN: 0-7645-7195-8
Price: $21.99

Reviewed by Jeffrey Needle

I had grand plans for this review. They were, alas, dashed, as a friend pointed me to a review published in the Deseret News, wherein the writer covered pretty much everything I wanted to say. Sigh. He who hesitates...

If you are familiar with the "Dummies" series published by Wiley, you'll know that there are a wide variety of topics covered, from science to math to home improvement to just about anything you can think of. My own previous experience with a Dummies book was with my purchase of "Calculus for Dummies." It turned out to be exactly that - calculus for those who don't mind the frequent, and annoying, side trips of a writer who lacks imagination and feels that cute (yuck) little jokes are absolutely necessary in order for a person to learn mathematics.

I had higher hopes for the current volume. I know both authors from their contributions on the Association for Mormon Letters discussion list. I was not disappointed. "Mormonism for Dummies" was one of the best reads I've had in a long time.

Part I is titled "What the Mormon Faith is All About." It includes an easily grasped overview of Mormonism's worldview, with an explanation of the "plan of salvation" from the LDS point of view. Here the reader learns of the pre-existence, the war in heaven, Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, etc. Quite a bit to chomp on if you're new to these concepts! Ideas like eternal marriage and the restoration of the priesthood are also covered.

Part II, "Eternal Rituals and Endless Meetings," covers some of the details of the weekly meeting block, a bit about the Temple and the rituals performed therein, and a glimpse at Church headquarters in Salt Lake City.

Part III, "Holy Books and Sacred History," explains the nature of continuing revelation, the various books of scripture in the LDS Church, and a brief overview of Church history.

Part IV, "Mormonism Today," talks about what it means to be a Mormon in today's world. It includes discussions about stewardship, missionary work, and other aspects of Mormon life.

Part V, "The Part of Tens," is a regular part of each "Dummies" book, offering ten highlights in different areas - for example, ten Mormon historic places to visit, etc.

Now, there are at least two ways to make such a book readable and lively. One way is to plug it with senseless, and often unfunny, comments designed to talk down to the reader. Or, you can approach all this with a sense of balance and a desire to truly educate, using humor and class to enhance the reading experience. Happily, the authors chose the latter.

In fact, a few days before writing this review, I had some visitors in my home. They're here from time to time, always interested in going through my books. The spotted "Mormonism for Dummies" - frankly, I'd spoken about the book over dinner - and were skeptical. When one of them picked up the book and started reading, she just couldn't put it down.

What keeps you turning the pages is the amazing honesty and fair-mindedness of the book. And all this speaks to how Mormon history and life are depicted in books intended for a general audience. Those looking for the consistently positive will have no problem finding books and pamphlets to meet their needs. Similarly, anyone wanting the bad can find enough at the local Christian bookstore, or on the Internet, to satisfy interest. "Mormonism for Dummies" tells the story from the perspective of faithful members of the Church who believe that Mormonism is far more nuanced, more layered, than either extreme will have you believe.

Let's sample a few of the discussions:

Was Jesus Married?

Mormons view marriage as an eternal covenant that all men and women must make in order to be *exalted*, or become like God...In addition, Mormons believe that Jesus Christ set a perfect example in all things. According to this logic, the Savior must've gotten married at some point.

Some early Mormon leaders speculated that the marriage at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine, was actually his own wedding, which would explain why he was trying to be a good host. Additionally, some Mormons believe that Jesus married Mary Magdalene, and had children, and they reject the notion that Magdalene was a reformed whore. However, modern Church leaders pretty much avoid this subject altogether. (p. 47)

Does this accurately reflect Mormon views throughout the years? I think it does.

And this discussion on BYU was amazingly frank:

BYU's mission is to combine the highest-quality secular teaching with religious education to produce eternally well-rounded graduates. Although most of the secular classes are like those at any other university, occasionally professors bring prayer or spiritual perspective into the classroom...

To maintain control over the university, in recent years the Church has increased its oversight of BYU and clamped down on perceived troublemakers. The Church now appoints the university president from among its own General Authorities. LDS professors must hold a current *temple recommend*... and the handful of non-Mormon faculty must abide by similarly high moral standards. From time to time, BYU denies tenure to faculty members not because of inadequate scholarship but because their expressions aren't in harmony with official Church teachings or standards, particularly in the areas of history, anthropology, and literature. As a result, professional agencies have criticized BYU for its lack of academic freedom. (p. 147-8)

Once again, a very fair appraisal of the situation at BYU, in my opinion. And, I think, an excellent example of writing in such a way that each reader may read the text through his or her own lens of experience. The previous paragraph will certainly be read differently by faithful members and by critics.

As I thought through what I would write here, I had a radical idea - every prospective missionary ought to read this book before going on his or her mission. It covers just about everything they may encounter while on their missions - the Mountain Meadows Massacre, polygamy, blacks and the priesthood, etc. And it gives a fair view of these issues, leaving nothing to surprise them.

I was a bit dismayed when the reviewer in the Deseret News suggested the same thing - missionaries ought to read this. And I thought it was my idea!! I'll somehow recover from the blow.

Although seasoned Mormon historians and theologians are not likely to learn much from "Mormonism for Dummies," it nonetheless offers easy to understand, thoroughly balanced, and often amusing explanations for some of the more arcane corners of the religion. Consider the following in the discussion on polygamy, trying to dismiss false notions about the practice:

"Polygamy was all about sex." Not really. In fact, some of the plural marriages contracted in Utah were for *eternity only*, meaning that the wife would be on the man's rolls in heaven, but they would have no earthly rolls in the hay. (p. 224)

I dare you to read that and not smile.

Here's the bottom line, in my opinion: there may have been a time when the general public were not aware of some of Mormonism's beliefs and challenges. For many, all they knew were the Tabernacle Choir and the nicely-dressed missionaries. Today, with the Internet and other media, enemies of the Church have found it easier to attack the Church on many fronts. Missionaries going door to door need to be better prepared to answer the inevitable questions.

I've been entertaining missionaries in my home for years. From time to time they ask questions that are, to be honest, quite startling. They've been told things by some of their contacts, and they are things they've never heard before. I believe it's time to better arm the young men and women who go out and introduce the Church to the world. "Mormonism for Dummies" would be a great beginning.

I loved this book, and highly recommend it.


-----------------------------------
Jeff Needle
Association for Mormon Letters
jeff.needle@general-net.com
jeff.needle@hotpop.com

(Full disclosure: I'm acquainted with Christopher Bigelow and have had friendly correspondence by e-mail with Jana Riess, the authors of this book.) The series title "...for Dummies" really bugs me, especially in this case, because this is not a book for stupid people. It's for intelligent people who don't have all the information they want. The authors of "Mormonism for Dummies" never talk down or condescend to you. Rather, they offer you a full smorgasboard of things you need to know about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons). Like many faith traditions, Mormonism is something you can spend a whole lifetime investigating and never get to the bottom. But Bigelow and Riess, both faithful members, have put together what you could call a mini-encyclopedia that answers most of the questions you could come up with. They cover doctrine, history, and particularly culture, so that by the end of the book you get a vivid sense of just what it must be like to be a Mormon. If you think Mormons are somehow wacky or weird, this book will give you a glimpse of the power and breadth of Mormon thought, and may make you rethink your prejudices. The tone of this book is admirably moderate in its tackling of the many gray areas of Mormon practice, like whether it's OK for Mormons to see R-rated movies, or whether caffeinated sodas are against the health code called the "Word of Wisdom". If you aren't Mormon, this book is an excellent source of information; if you are Mormon this book is still illuminating in that you may find out that some things you thought weren't true really are, or vice versa. This gets my highest recommendation.

I just finished reading this book cover to cover. Although, as with in other Dummies books, it would be reasonable to use this book as a reference book. I have learned a considerable amount about this religion. This five part book is composed of twenty-one chapters.

Part 1: "What the Mormon Faith is All About"
This covers Mormon beliefs and doctrine
Part 2: "Eternal Rituals and endless Meetings"
This covers the organizational structure (like church hierarchy) and functions and ritual practices.
Part 3: "Holy books and Sacred History"
This covers the religious texts that the church bases its religion on. It also explores the origins and history of Mormonism.
Part 4: "Mormonism Today"
This covers current doctrine, practices, missionaries, and controversial issues.
Part 5: "The Part of Ten"
This includes "Ten famous Mormons," "Quick Answers to Ten Common Questions about Mormonism", and "Ten Mormon Places to Visit".

If you want to know more about the individual chapters, I recommended using Amazon's "Search Inside" feature to look at the first few pages.

Jana Riess and Christopher Bigelow are qualified to write to the book. In the book, they both state publicly that they are active members of the Mormon Church. I believe this makes for an informed read. They include many historical facts that I doubt the majority of Mormons know. However, I wish they would have had at least a one non-Mormon contributor. Often times, the book feels like it was officially written by the Mormon Church. They do confront controversies and issues within the Mormon religion, but they are frequently downplayed in the end. It may not be the most appropriate treatment for book under the "Dummies" series.

Overall, however, I am satisfied with this book. At 348 pages, it covers the majority of topics I wanted to know about the Mormon religion. I am much more educated about this new religion today. With the dash of humor and approachably that the Dummies books offer, I will keep this one on my shelf.

Although I consider myself a knowledgeable Latter-day Saint, I simply loved this book! The authors, both active Mormons, provide a detailed yet simple overview of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as a discussion of the Book of Mormon, the Prophet Joseph Smith, what occurs in Latter-day Saint chapels on Sundays, the afterlife according to Mormonism, and so forth.

If anyone is looking to know what "Mormons" believe, this would be a book near the top of my list of recommendations.

I am a Buddhist and my brother is an elder in the LDS Church. Mom was a Unitarian (let this be a warning to all Unitarian moms out there!) Anyway, I didn' t know a lot about Mormon beliefs, so I picked up this book and found it to be very, very informative. When my brother came to visit me, he was amazed at the informed questions I was able to ask, and his eyes really popped when I told him my source was a book called "Mormonism for Dummies!" It even explains about the special underwear!

Speaking of underwear, this book doesn't get into any of the church's dirty laundry, but that's OK - the authors aren't pretending to be objective scholars, here. So, if you're like me and just want to understand what the church teaches, then this is the book for you. Now when those handsome young missionaries from BYU show up at your door, you'll be able to astonish them with more than your home-baked cookies!

We recently were relocated through my husbands employer to Salt Lake City. And I'd known a few mormons. However, I was warned it was "different" down there in Utah. SO I got this book to help me understand a bit. Glad I did. For basic information, this book seems to be very informative. It doesn't have everything (how can it?) The glossary of terms was great. Whenever we'd hear something, we'd immediately look it up. They have a section in there about how a typical Sunday service is held - information which was of no use to us. There is a lot of the history of the religon.

If you're moving to SLC, this is an indispensible tool.

As part of the For Dummies series, this book takes a solid, basic look at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, defining and explaining its unique terms and concepts.

Jana Riess has a PhD in American religious history and serves as the book review editor at Publishers Weekly, and Christopher Bigelow is a writer and editor who formerly worked at the Ensign.

Even someone who has grown up as a member of the church might benefit from the carefully organized sections dealing with history, beliefs and doctrines, statistics, lifestyle, facilities, organizations, practices, culture, humanitarian efforts, and prominent members of the church.

The book is divided into five parts: What the Mormon Faith Is All About, Eternal Rituals and Endless Meetings, Holy Books and Sacred History, Mormonism Today, and The Part of Tens.

This friendly approach is heavily cross-referenced, leading the reader to later (or earlier) discussions on a given or related topic. Sprinkled with icons and numerous lists, the book seems to cover topics in a straightforward, honest way.

I kept hearing on TV that surveys show a lot of people were saying they would not vote for a Mormon for President. Since the Constitution says "no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States," I wondered what in Mormonism could be so extreme that it would cause a large number of people to abandon one of the basic moral principles of our nation and create a religious test for public office.

I read the book from cover to cover. Apparently the religion is less sadistic than many of the world's mainstream religions. I could find nothing that precludes a president being a member of that church, although churchly duties take a lot of time and might interfere. There are extremists in any religion, but my impression from the book is that Mormonism has fewer than most. In choosing a president, Americans have prefered one that puts his country over his religion.

(In the interest of disclosure, I disagree with most of the political views of many Mormons, but the religion doesn't seem to preclude public office and seems, on the whole, to be better than most.)

The book bogs down a bit when it gets to church organization, but that might be because I was more interested in the philosophy than in the structure. I gave it only 4 stars because I got bored near the end.