What LDS book should I read now? - Page 4

HiJolly · #31 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mnn727

I can't believe no one has suggested the Work and the Glory series yet.
Historical fiction, but a very good series of books IMHO. It gives a very good history of the Church from the First Vision through the trek west to the SL valley (from an LDS perspective). My only complaint is that the author, Gerald Lund, tried to wrap everything up in the last book and did it too quickly - 3 books worth of material in 1 book (he was called to be a GA and had to finish it before he was sustained).
It follows the story of multiple generations of a fictional family set in Church historical times.

My wife ate these up, but I could only stomach up to the middle of Vol. 2. Ugh!

HiJolly

rockwoodchev · #32 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 10:43 AM

My 2nd gripe about all of these writers, and it started with Lund, is that it really seemed that he just drew out the story so that he could take advantage of the LDS community who felt it was part of required church reading to buy more of his books. He created a trend, and then exploited it fully as he drew this story out...........as..........long...........as....... ...humanly...........possible. The full time, taking advantage of LDS.

Prodigal_Son · #33 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockwoodchev

My 2nd gripe about all of these writers, and it started with Lund, is that it really seemed that he just drew out the story so that he could take advantage of the LDS community who felt it was part of required church reading to buy more of his books. He created a trend, and then exploited it fully as he drew this story out...........as..........long...........as....... ...humanly...........possible. The full time, taking advantage of LDS.

I'd have done the same thing. This was a side job - something extracurricular. Why shouldn't he make money? Good for him. More tithing to the church. It's all good.

If it encourages others to seek their fortunes writing uplifting and edifying material, that's awesome. I'd much rather send my money to them than Hollywood for my entertainment.

CatchTheRedeye · #34 (**permalink**) 10-15-2008, 07:22 PM

Thanks everybody for all of the good ideas. I'm going to read them all except for maybe those Work and Glory books. That's not my thing.

For those who recommended Joseph Smith, A Rough Stone Rolling you were right on. I read it this week and it is outstanding. I think the author, Bushman, tried to be as objective as possible. It was fascinating. He would be the first to admit that nobody can be completely unbiased, but I think he tried to be a true historian first. As a not-Mormon I enjoyed it.

I'm reading the Messiah Series now by Bruce R. McConkie. He sort of sees everything as real black and white, with no grays, but he makes no bones about it. It is interesting.

Somebody mentioned they like the older LDS books and I agree. John A. Widtsoe and James E. Talmage come to mind. Someone else suggested reading different versions of the Bible too and I have, many times. One of my favorite concordances was written by an atheist, Isaac Asimov, and his Guide to the Bible: A Historical Look at the Old and New Testaments. He didn't denigrate the Bible or those who believe it and seemed to really enjoy all the history behind it, from a scientific not faith-based view. It gives a different perspective. He was such a brilliant man.

HiJolly · #35 (**permalink**) 10-16-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatchTheRedeye

For those who recommended Joseph Smith, A Rough Stone Rolling you were right on. I read it this week and it is outstanding. I think the author, Bushman, tried to be as objective as possible. It was fascinating. He would be the first to admit that nobody can be completely unbiased, but I think he tried to be a true historian first. As a not-Mormon I enjoyed it.

Cool!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatchTheRedeye

I'm reading the Messiah Series now by Bruce R. McConkie. He sort of sees everything as real black and white, with no grays, but he makes no bones about it. It is interesting.

Yes, he was very black/or/white. He had a marvelous, loving heart.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatchTheRedeye

Somebody mentioned they like the older LDS books and I agree. John A. Widtsoe and James E. Talmage come to mind. Someone else suggested reading different versions of the Bible too and I have, many times. One of my favorite concordances was written by an atheist, Isaac Asimov, and his Guide to the Bible: A Historical Look at the Old and New Testaments. He didn't denigrate the Bible or those who believe it and seemed to really enjoy all the history behind it, from a scientific not faith-based view. It gives a different perspective. He was such a brilliant man.

From a child I loved his science fiction -- when I read his biology/science books I was absolutely floored. AMAZING! Asimov is one of my favs. of all time.

HiJolly

Elayne · #36 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008, 12:05 PM

You might want to try reading King Arthur, World History, and the Church. (It's just one book.) It compares religion from Adam & Eve, the Israelites, lost tribes, teachings of Christ, the early Christian church, & reformation, with the restoration of the church by Joseph Smith. Just the kind of thing a good agnostic, or anyone else, might enjoy! It is unpublished, but is free to read on my website. The link is on my profile page under Books.

Snow · #37 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatchTheRedeye

I would like some advice from my LDS friends.

I have read the Book of Mormon eight times this last year(not bragging, I just read a lot and read fast) and would have to say it has become one of my favorite books, whether it is fiction or not. I even encourage my friends at the university to read it, not as a missionary, but I tell them it is amazing that a hick in the early 1800's wrote it. Some have taken me up on the challenge. If you want to read my thoughts as an agnostic on reading the book look at my personal belief comment on it.

It has led me to read further so I've read the Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price, Jesus the Christ, Articles of Faith and A Marvelous Work and Wonder. I have read plenty of stuff by un-Mormons.

Any suggestion on good, more recent, LDS books that would help me learn more about church history, Joseph Smith, LDS beliefs and practice?

I have tons of recommendations for you but here's a non-obvious one:

What Jesus Meant by Gary Wills.

Wills in not LDS, rather one of Catholicism's leading intellectuals but the book is stimulating, thought provoking, motivating and more... oh yeah, and it's short.

Amazon.com: What Jesus Meant: Garry Wills: Books

CatchTheRedeye · #38 (**permalink**) 10-19-2008, 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elayne

You might want to try reading King Arthur, World History, and the Church. (It's just one book.) It compares religion from Adam & Eve, the Israelites, lost tribes, teachings of Christ, the early Christian church, & reformation, with the restoration of the church by Joseph Smith. Just the kind of thing a good agnostic, or anyone else, might enjoy! It is unpublished, but is free to read on my website. The link is on my profile page under Books.

Sounds very interesting Elayne, the kind of stuff I like to read. I'll definitely take a look at it.