Mormons in Transition

Book Reviews Page

Reviews of a broad range of books by LDS and non-LDS authors on Mormonism-related topics.

Book Reviews

Mormon America: The Power and the Promise

by Richard N. & Joan K. Ostling — The Mormon Church desires acceptance as a mainstream Christian Church, but do they deserve to be considered part of the broader Christian community? Perhaps the best general introduction to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints available today.

Claiming Christ and Bridging the Divide: A Double Review

Robert Bowman examines recent LDS-evangelical dialogue, and looks at two of the main books that engage it; Claiming Christ, by Robert L. Millet and Gerald R. McDermott, and Bridging the Divide, by Robert L. Millet and Gregory C. V. Johnson.

The Joseph Smith Revelations: Text & Commentary

by Michael Marquardt — A collection and study of the original texts of Joseph Smith's revelations. Includes historical background and changes made to the revelations, as well as commentary on the significance of the alterations by contemporaries of Smith and Marquardt himself. Revelations are arranged chronologically and thoroughly documented.

The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power

by D. Michael Quinn — Perhaps the most important new book on Mormon history since Fawn Brodie's 1945 landmark biography of Joseph Smith.

New Mormon Challenge: Responding to the Latest Defenses of a Fast-Growing Movement

Beckwith, Mosser and Owen, Zondervan, 2002, 535 pages — A compilation of essays by top evangelical scholars who apply the expertise of their field to related Mormon claims and defenses.

Archaeology

The Bible vs The Book of Mormon

The first sentence in the introduction to the Book of Mormon claims, “The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible.” Is the Book of Mormon an authentic ancient scripture? Is the Book of Mormon supported by the evidence of archaeology, as the Bible is?

Quest for the Gold Plates: Thomas Stuart Ferguson's Archaeological Search for the Book of Mormon

by Stan Larson — A candid yet even-handed survey of Book of Mormon archaeology, told through the career of one of its most ardent 20th century champions.

Lamanite DNA

DNA vs. the Book of Mormon

This documentary accurately presents the consensus of the scientific community that northern Asia — not Israel — is the place of origin of the Native American Indians.

The Refiner's Fire: The Making of Mormon Cosmology

by John L. Brooke — This book examines the evidence that the esoteric philosophical lore of "hermeticism" was a major influence on Joseph Smith's religious ideas. The author teaches history at Tufts University.

Book Reviews on Mormon Polygamy

Joseph Smith's UNCENSORED Diaries

Joseph's teaching regarding women and the priesthood, the Word of Wisdom, celestial marriage and other matters — without the "faith-promoting" veneer.

Mormon Enigma

Joseph Smith's sexual involvement with girls as young as 14 has been carefully documented by contemporary Mormon historians Linda King Newell & Valeen Tippetts Avery in this award-winning book.

In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith

In this definitive book, Mormon scholar Todd Compton offers a calmly crafted, thoroughly documented look at Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy.

The Sixth of Seven Wives: Escape from Modern Day Polygamy

Mary Mackert’s story of being a polygamous wife.

Cracks in The Da Vinci Code

The author's claims that his novel is based on accurate scholarship don't hold up to scrutiny.

Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons

Mark J. Cares — Written to help Christians effectively communicate the historic Gospel of Jesus Christ to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).

Born-Again Mormon: Moving Toward Christian Authenticity

by Shawn McCraney

by Leslie Reynolds — While pursuing her Master’s degree in Christian studies at Regent College, the author had the opportunity to interview a number of Mormons, some currently involved in the church (of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), some in the process of transitioning out and a few who have left the church. This book relates the results of those interviews as well as giving valuable insights to the non-Mormon reader.

Out of the Cults and into the Church

by Janis Hutchison — A culmination of Hutchinson’s master’s thesis, as well as a product of the many lessons she learned first-hand during her years of struggling to replace her formerly held Mormon worldview with a biblical one.

Book of Mormon Text

New Approaches to the Book of Mormon: Explorations in Critical Methodology

Brent Metcalfe, ed.— Ten contemporary Mormon writers grapple with challenges to the authenticity of the Book of Mormon.

Studies of the Book of Mormon by B. H. Roberts

The long-suppressed work of Mormon General Authority B. H. Roberts, who in his later years came to question the historicity of the Book of Mormon, after a life-time as its greatest apologist.

History

Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith

by John Krakauer, 2003, 373 pages — True story of Dan and Ron Lafferty, two Fundamentalist Latter-day Saint brothers who murdered their sister-in-law and her baby claiming they got a revelation from God to kill them. Insightful look at the Mormon and FLDS views of revelations and the dangers of revelation that is not open to critique or reason.

A Gathering of Saints

by Robert Lindsey — This gripping book is the best overall telling of the Hofmann forgery / murders story. It provides a candid look at the involvement of high ranking Mormon leaders in the purchasing and suppressing of documents deemed threatening to the Mormon Church.

An Insider's View of Mormon Origins

by Grant H. Palmer — The word “Insider” in the title reflects his thirty-four years of experience as an Institute Director for the Church Educational System (CES); however, throughout the eight chapters Palmer challenges the many traditional claims that inspire members of the Mormon Church.