Mormonism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Reviews / Votes

Millet and Hopkin provide an introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), more commonly known as Mormons. Both authors are LDS insiders, so they are in a position to explain this religious movement from within. In 20 thematic chapters, they move readers through the history and theology of Mormonism, from its beginnings with the revelations to Joseph Smith and the early years of the LDS community through the modern Mormon Church, along the way providing a glimpse of the church's ideas about revelation, heaven, and things that are to come. Millet and Hopkin attempt to picture the Mormon religion as a distinctive form of Christianity, a viewpoint common to LDS practitioners but not accepted by most Christian groups. Thus, the book stresses commonalities between the LDS and Christianity rather than differences. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates; graduate students; general readers. * CHOICE * This is a book I have been seeking for a long time. It is a survey of Mormon theology and belief, hitting that sweet spot between the superficial and the doorstop. The suggested readings provide the opportunity to delve deeper. For this Christian, even seeing citations from the Book of Mormon, the D&C and the Pearl of Great Price alongside citations from the scripture that I know is itself an important leap into the Mormon world. The book answers questions I have asked and others I would have asked, had I thought of them. My students will have occasion to appreciate all or parts of this book in future classes. Like most theological traditions in our ever-increasing secular age, Mormonism is often misunderstood, not only by non-Mormons but by some of its adherents as well. For this reason, both detractors and disciples should welcome Millet and Hopkin's clear and gracious account of Mormon beliefs. For those who want an accurate presentation of the current state of LDS doctrine and practice, this is the book for you.