Category: Reviews of LDS Media
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Book Review: The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri
Not everyone likes history, especially Mormon history. But if there is a particular year that ought to be understood for a better comprehension of Mormonism, the year would have to be 1838. For those who have heard of “Gov. Boggs,” the “Salt Sermon,” and the Hahn’s Mill massacre, this is the book that must be…
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Book Review: Mormon Christianity
According to Stephen Webb, a former Protestant-turned-Catholic, Mormonism fits quite nicely under the umbrella of Christianity. All well and good, as many have offered this opinion. So what does the author bring to the table? Very little research and plenty of personal opinion. This and $3.59 will get you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
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A Closer Look at Spencer W. Kimball’s the Miracle of Forgiveness
MRM has produced a new website centered around President Spencer W. Kimball’s book The Miracle of Forgiveness. The url is www.themiracleofforgiveness.com. We have also produced a Kimball million dollar bill (tract) to be used in conjunction with this website. Check out the website and recommend Kimball’s book to every Mormon you know!
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The Definition of Doctrine
It’s only a short article located in the early pages of the July 2014 Ensign magazine, which is the official monthly organ of the LDS Church. But I believe this piece, titled “We Teach by the Power of the Holy Ghost” and found under the unattributed column “What We Believe,” is consistent with what is…
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Book Review: Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling
A book on Joseph Smith written by a Latter-day Saint that we would recommend. Yes, the author does accept more than he should, but overall I think this is an important read for everyone interested in the topic of Mormonism. Find out why.
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Monson’s Wishful Thinking?
In his First Presidency message in the June 2014 issue of Ensign magazine titled, “Hastening the Work,” Mormon President Thomas S. Monson spoke of the “accelerated rate” at which the Church of Jesus Christ is growing. Monson writes: “Do you realize that the restored Church was 98 years old before it had 100 stakes? But…
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In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith (Book Review)
Although many Mormons know that second LDS President Brigham Young was a practicing polygamist, some may not realize that Joseph Smith had many wives as well. When this issue is broached, I have heard it said more than once that we were connocting nothing more than an anti-Mormon lie. What LDS writer Todd Compton does…
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Book Review: The Rise of Mormonism: 1816-1844
Book Review: The Rise of Mormonism: 1816-1844 (Xulon, 1st edition, 2005)By H. Michael MarquardtReviewed by Eric JohnsonNote: Page references are from the 1st edition of this book. An expanded second edition was released in 2013.
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Book Review: Starting at the Finish Line: The Gospel of Grace for Mormons
In the world of Christian apologetics to the LDS community exists a number of books written from several different angles. For author John B. Wallace of Starting at the Finish Line, the target audience for Starting at the Finish Line is clearly marked throughout: those who are current believers in his former religion. Wallace, who is a…
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Book Review: American Crucifixion: The Murder of Joseph Smith and the Fate of the Mormon Church
Boston Globe columnist Alex Beam’s new 2014 book may be very helpful to many readers who may not know very much about Mormonism, let alone the facts surrounding the death of Mormonism’s founder Joseph Smith at the hands of an angry mob at the Carthage Jail in 1844. See the review of American Crucifixion here.
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The Good News of Repentance?
In the December 2013 Ensign, Brian D. Garner of the Church Correlation Department wrote a five-page article titled “The Good News of Repentance” (pp. 40-44). As I was reading this piece—subtitled “There is great joy in heaven whenever we repent in sincerity of heart”—I was struck by what I believe is really the bad news…
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Book Review: Leap of Faith
Leap of Faith By Bob Bennett (Deseret Book, 2009) Reviewed by Eric JohnsonThis review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal (Vol. 33, No. 2, 2010)
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Book Review: On Guard: Defending Your Faith with Reason and Precision
This review first appeared in the Christian Research Journal, volume 34, number 02 (2011).
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Book Review: In Their Own Words: A Collection of Mormon Quotations
I imagine that many people think that Bill McKeever (the founder of Mormonism Research Ministry) and I have photographic memories when we provide many quotations on our Viewpoint on Mormonism podcast at what may seem to be the drop of a hat. While Bill certainly has an incredible memory, we must admit that the vast majority…
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Book Review: Was Joseph Smith an Abusive Husband? A Review of Mormon Enigma
Was Joseph Smith an Abusive Husband? A review of Mormon Enigma By Bill McKeever The following was originally printed in the Sept-Oct 2009 edition of Mormonism Researched. To request a free subscription, please visit here.
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Book Review: Claiming Christ: A Mormon-Evangelical Debate
While I don’t agree with everything McDermott writes, what makes the book worth reading is his articulate, thoughtful theology combined with a cordial attitude.
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Mormonism, the Bible, and God the Father
The January 2014 Ensign magazine includes an edited version of a General Conference talk given in 1986 by (now deceased) Gordon B. Hinckley of Mormonism’s First Presidency. The 2014 “Gospel Classic” is titled, “The Divine Godhead.” In it Mr. Hinckley explains what he believes about God the Father and relates an experience he had while…
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Review of Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple
In 2002, the LDS Church produced a booklet titled Preparing to Enter the Holy Temple. It was written for those who are preparing to go through one of the dozens of Mormons temples located around the world (141 at the time of this writing). What is the LDS leadership telling its people about temples? Does…
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Having it Our Way? (Jeffrey Holland’s 2011 talk at conference)
Having it Our Way? (Jeffrey Holland’s 2011 speech at conference)By Eric JohnsonIn a April 2011 general conference message, LDS Apostle Jeffrey R. Holland made it a point midway through his talk to explain how “the (LDS) Church is not a fast-food outlet; we can’t always have it ‘our way.’” (“An Ensign to the Nations,” Ensign, May…