Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
Just so good. I will say I felt frustrated at points when I thought Bushman was pandering too much to the this-is-why-people-think-Mormonism-is-nuts side of things. But it was good and necessary, so I acquiesce. Overall, I thought Bushman did a beautiful job of explaining Mormon doctrines - even putting into words beliefs that I had never articulated. It was lovely. I would most certainly feel comfortable loaning this book to a friend who was interested in learning what we're all about. This was a fabulous overview of Mormonism as a religion - the basic beliefs and practices of its members, as well as the various controversies that Mormonism has faced throughout its (relatively short) history. It's written by a Mormon, but he writes it in a very matter-of-fact way - he presents both sides of the argument (from the standpoint of believers and the standpoint of critics) and then leaves it at that. I would recommend it highly to non-Mormons if they'd like a brief, yet comprehensive, overview of Mormonism, and I'd recommend it to Mormons, too. I kind of wish I had read this in high school - I would have been much more able to answer questions about my faith in a way that makes sense to other people, rather than bumbling over my words or making Mormons sound weirder than we actually are (ha).
What do You think about Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction (2008)?
Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions) by Richard Lyman Bushman (2008)
—sharmaaaradhana
A great overview of the history and beliefs of the Mormon religion(s).
—coco
interesting look at another culture and religion
—anna
