Mormons: An Open Book by Anthony Sweat

Mormons: An Open Book

Author: Anthony Sweat

Publisher: Ensign Peak

Published Date: June 26, 2012

Softcover; 246 pages

Genre: Religious Nonficiton

ISBN# 978-1-60908-811-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

With the growth and exposure of Mormonism across the country and world, more and more people are curious about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although most Americans have an opinion about Mormonism, many of them admit they don’t really know what Mormons actually believe. Using scriptures, quotes, facts, engaging visual images, and even some humor, this one-of-a-kind book is designed to openly explain the beliefs, practices, history, and culture or Mormonism. Chapters answer such questions as “Are Mormons Christians?” “What happens inside LDS temples?” and many more. Chapters address topics such as LDS beliefs about marriage and family, the position of women in the Church, and LDS views about politics in America. There are even sections that dispel some common myths and misconceptions about Mormonism.

Written from the perspective of those who know and live the religion, the pages of Mormons: An Open Book invite you to come in, learn about, and better understand a growing body of faith in American and across the world: Mormonism.

Review

Mormons: An Open Book is an informative book, packed with explanations and clarifications as well as gorgeous color graphics and photos inside a pretty, minimalistic cover. I enjoyed reading various articles about my religion as I paged through the book. Most of the information was familiar, but there were a few things that were new even to this lifelong member.

There are three sections to the book, with several articles addressing different topics in each section. I really like the way the information is presented. Mormons: An Open Book is a great reference for those who want to better understand The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Throughout the book the author addresses “Mormyths” and whether these beliefs others have about the Mormons are true or false.

I am glad to have this book to which I can refer curious friends and neighbors. With the national attention the Latter-Day Saints have received due to the upcoming election, having a resource like this is beneficial for every church member with curious friends and loved ones.

The contents of Mormons: An Open Book are listed below, as per the Deseret Book website:

Contents

Author’s Note
Preface
Introduction

PART 1: MORMON BELIEFS
1. Ten Facts to Know When Meeting a Mormon
2. The Message of Mormonism
3. Are Mormons Christian? Latter-day Saints and the Gospel of Jesus Christ
4. What Is the Purpose of Life?
5. LDS Priesthood Authority and Ordinances
6. Mormons and Marriage
7. Mormons and Family
8. What Happens inside LDS Temples?
9. LDS Scriptures and Sources of Truth
10. The Mormon View of the Afterlife

PART 2: MORMON HISTORY
11. The History of the LDS Church in Thirty Seconds
12. The Joseph Smith Story
13. The Book of Mormon
14. Latter-day Prophets
15. Temple Square

PART 3: THE MORMON WAY OF LIFE
16. Mo-cabulary: Understanding Mormon Vernacular
17. What Does It Take to Be a Mormon? LDS Standards
18. Mormons and Sex
19. Mormon Women
20. LDS Teenagers
21. The Organization of LDS Church Congregations
22. A Peek inside a Mormon Worship Service
23. Mormons and Missionary Work
24. Mormons and Money
25. Mormons, Politics, and America
26. The Weird and Wonderful World of Mormon Culture

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