Mormonism for Dummies

(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.

Review ====== 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 throug

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!

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!