Listen to the podcasts on this book airing during the week of June 13, 2016 on Viewpoint on Mormonism, click these links: Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5
Also, the MRM store has a special for the three books written by MRM’s Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson: Mormonism 101, Answering Mormons’ Questions, and Mormonism 101 for Teens. Get all three at one low price!
While there are many resources available for adults on the topic of Mormonism from a Christian point of view, nothing has been directed toward Christian teens. Until now. MRM’s Eric Johnson has authored Mormonism 101 for Teens: The Religion of the Latter-day Saints Simplified, a 116-page book that will help make the Mormon religion understandable to teens everywhere. This will answer questions such as “What goes on in an LDS service?” “What do my friends do in the temple called baptism for the dead?” and “What do they do when they go on missions?”
From the Preface
I’m curious. Why did you decide to open the pages to this book? Do you want to gather information to better understand the Mormon religion? Maybe a parent wants you to read it. (Hopefully you’re not being forced!) Or perhaps you want to learn how to win arguments with your Mormon friends or neighbors.
I have to be honest. My hope is that you would read this book because you know people who are Mormon or you have had missionaries knock on your door. In prior encounters, you may have become confused and didn’t really understand what Mormonism teaches. By learning what Mormons believe and how they think, a resource like this can prepare you for these future conversations.
See, if you’re just wanting tips on how to destroy your Mormon “opponent” in debate situations, you’ve picked the wrong resource. (In fact, if this is the main reason why you’ve decided to read, I might suggest just putting this book down because I have not written it for such a purpose.) Some Christians may think that, by shutting down our “opponents,” we win. Actually, this attitude will only cause us (and our message) to lose. It is a different mindset than what is commanded in the Bible. My life verses are 1 Peter 3:15-16:
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (NIV)
Ephesians 4:15 says to “speak the truth” before adding “in love.” Understanding what Mormonism is all about is crucial. But communicating truth with gentleness, respect, and love are not optional ingredients. If your goal is to better share your Christian faith with Mormons, then you’ve made the right choice. May the Lord richly bless you as you read and study!
The Index
(NOTE: There was a printing error in the 1st edition with wrong page numbers listed in the Index. The following are the correct page numbers. This will be corrected in the 2nd edition.)
Introduction 1
Section I: The Worldview of Mormonism 7
Chapter 1: Examining the Language of Mormonism 9
Chapter 2: Examining the Founder of Mormonism 19
Chapter 3: Examining the Attraction of Mormonism 29
Section II: The Doctrines of Mormonism 37
Chapter 4: Examining the God of Mormonism 39
Chapter 5: Examining the Scriptures of Mormonism 48
Chapter 6: Examining the Salvation of Mormonism 56
Section III: The Relationships in Mormonism 69
Chapter 7: Examining the Educational System of Mormonism 71
Chapter 8: Examining the Dating System of Mormonism 83
Chapter 9: Examining the Ways of Sharing Your Faith With Mormons 87
Conclusion: A Final Word to Christian Teens and their Parents 92
Appendices
1: Recognizing Poor Thinking 94
2: What Must a Person Do in Order to Have a Relationship with God? 98
3: 10 Things An Investigator Ought to Consider Before Becoming a Mormon 100
4: 7 Questions Your Mormon Friend May Ask (with responses) 102
5: Why do So Many Mormons Turn to Atheism? 104
Want to See the Introduction to Mormonism 101 for Teens?
Check it out…it gives an idea of the theme of this new resource. Just click here for a preview.
What People are Saying About This Important Resource
“I really enjoyed this book. It was very informational and concise. I learned a whole lot about Mormonism! Your book really helped me when I had a conversation with some of my friends at school. It helped me a lot and all I can say is wow. This is a really great book for teens.” — Sabrina, 13, Utah
“I learned a lot about the Mormon doctrine and things my friends talk about at school make more sense to me now.” — Vivian, 15, Utah
“This is a great and easy read. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about Mormonism (teen or non-teen). I liked that it wasn’t dumbed down. It was understandable but real. All in all, I loved the book and I’m excited to share it with others!” — Moriah, 22, California
“I think this is a great resource for teens and adults as well. It will help us greatly in our mission training before we go to Utah.” — Jeff Clabaugh, Youth Pastor, California
“This book was very informative. It taught me so much more about Mormonism that I never knew about! This will definitely help me with my future contacts with Mormons.” —Andrew, 12, Nevada
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