Customer Reviews

A Thoughtful Faith: Essays on Belief by Mormon Scholars

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I found this book was helpful for me and my friend who question yet still see the virtue in the church. The premise is that there is room in the faith for a good deal of individual thought.

This book, though compiled 45 years ago, is still extremely relevant and helpful to any member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints/ Mormon church that is questioning his/her testimony and/or searching for more answers. Also for anyone braving to leave the tradition of faith handed down to them by generations, but not ready to do so until a proper query has been conducted.

For me, this book brought me relief and enlightenment. I have been a member of the church--a Utah Mormon-- all of my life and have never felt entirely comfortable hashing my concerns about the church, not to mention musings about God and Deity, with anyone except my spouse. Understandably, it isn't appropriate to to do it during Sunday School at church! Neither is it easy to bring it up with family members or friends. For when it comes to doubts or negative feelings toward the church or it's religious pitfalls, it can be uncomfortable bringing it up. Our church is a church of optimism and faith--skepticism and/or perplexing negative feelings aren't easily discussed with many common believers. For me, I have felt uncomfortable for several years with key doubts and issues, and feeling so shaken and upset about them, have not wanted to bring that feeling upon another believer in the church. Nor have I wanted to let anyone down. To my particular questions, I wasn't looking for rosy sunday school answers-- I was looking for open, honest discussion. I have been needing it in order to move forward.

Truly, there are many believers that do not want to or know how to engage in open discussion out of fear of being disobedient or disrespectful, or for fear of making their own faith vulnerable to doubt. And for some lucky followers, faith comes easily to them and they are able to set doubts and contradictions easily aside. Well--not I. I am a bit of a skeptic and an analyzer. Things need to connect in my brain as well as my heart. I understand that faith doesn't always have perfect neurological pathways with facts and reason, nor will it ever, nor should it even, but in my quest for a more steady faith, I need to at least try. God gave me my brain to use, and use it well. For me, my intellect is a very strong proponent of my faith.

Several months back, at a reunion, I discovered this book in a family member's collection. I decided to give it a try-- despite it's old publication date and yellow pages.

In it, I found many positive and helpful writings, from people with questions and confusions much like my own. People of varied backgrounds, but people nonetheless very driven, intellectual, educated, and motivated. People with personal, familial, or professional issues that needed to be addressed. It was nice to see how the answers came about for these individuals.

I laughed, I cried, I felt empowered.

I enjoyed reading this book.