Thanks to the spread of anti-Mormonism on the Internet, more and more Latter-day Saints are being introduced to criticisms of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The apologetic literature addressing these criticisms is vast and extensive, and stems from decades of research. But this vastness can be overwhelming for the everyday Latter-day Saint who has recently had his/her faith shaken by this or that anti-Mormon criticism. Most simply don't know where to start, and much of it is written by professional scholars in technical language and complex arguments that can be hard to grasp. Too often, the struggling saint just gives up in exasperation in trying to pursue this literature and reconcile his/her faith.
Enter Michael R. Ash and his book, now in it's second edition, "Shaken Faith Syndrome." In this volume, Ash competently regurgitates the best LDS scholarship on issues such as the origins of LDS scripture, the First Vision, Joseph Smith's "magical" practices and money digging, plural marriage, race issues, and more. Ash does this in away that is clear, concise, and easy to understand. Anyone, regardless of their prior exposure to these topics (or lack thereof), will be able to follow along with Ash.
Ash arranges his book in two parts. The first part focuses on dealing with the doubt and dissonance that many experience when they first encounter anti-Mormon claims. Ash helps the reader take a step back and unpack some of the assumptions which form the foundation of many critical claims against the Church. Ash's simple, and sensitive treatment of these issues is fantastic, and an absolute MUST READ for those who are either (a) themselves struggling with anti-Mormon claims, (b) trying to help others who are struggling with such claims, or (c) simply interested in getting more familiar with LDS apologetics. Ash is laying out the framework that much of LDS apologetics uses, and as such provides a great introduction to the discipline as a whole.
In the second part, Ash explores several key criticisms in light of the issues and principles laid out in part one. Once again, this is done in a manner that is both easy to read, and provides an effective introduction to the topics at hand. The fact that these are merely introductions - just primers, if you will, meant to help get you started - should be kept in mind. Ash never acts like any of this is the definitive treatment of that topic, or the last word. For readability, Ash necessarily had to simplify some complex issues, but these chapters will give readers a foundational understanding that will make the more in-depth and technical literature easier to grasp. At the end of each chapter in part two, Ash helpfully provides a list of primary sources that readers can turn to if they wish to explore a topic further. Thus, Ash helps the new and struggling member navigate the extensive scholarship on these issues in a productive way, which should reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed and helpless.
This revised edition updates and expands much of the chapters with new and important scholarship, and also adds a new chapter on the Church and race issues. Overall this new edition is about 60 pages longer than the original. I also noticed that several typos from the previous edition were corrected, and the new cover design is a big improvement. Also improved is the typesetting and font style, making the text much softer on eyes, which in turn creates a more enjoyable reading experience.
All-in-all, Ash provides the best introduction to LDS apologetics and scholarship available, hands down. I have already personally recommended, and even given, copies of this book to friends and family who I thought would benefit, and I heartily recommend it to anyone, whether they are themselves struggling, know others who are struggling, or are just interested in getting into LDS apologetics and scholarship and yet don't know where to start.
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Top reviews from other countries
Stephen Lawrance
Excellent resource.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on September 28, 2016MADEYE
A must for peole whose faith is low
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on October 10, 2015David John Harlow
Answers to faith shaking questions
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on March 16, 2015
