Can you suggest some books for me?

[Lilac]

As I've said, I'm a mainline Protestant denomination, probably closest to Baptist. I know quite a bit about theology and I've grown up in a Christian home and am raising my kids to be Christians. I enjoy theology and like to read about why people believe what. I'm from NYC so I've also read up on what my neighbors believe. Just for fun. So, in other words, I'm not starting at the beginning.

I've read Rough Stone Rolling (kinda long)
Mormonism for Dummies (light and fun)
I'm reading the BOM (going slowly)

And numerous books that I found in the library. But they were all so old. They were kinda dusty and not very inspiring. Maybe factual but kinda dull.

I also found a nice DVD from the library on the history of the LDS. It was like 8 hours and I watched it all.

I'm interested mostly in the hardcore theology of Mormonism and also the family life/feeling/emotions of being LDS. I have children so I'd like to get feel for the family/practical aspects of it. I like reading about baptisms, sealings, weddings, and such...

I'm hoping if you give me a few titles, I can get them from the library, maybe from another county. Money is tight like it is for everyone so I want to borrow whatever I can.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

"I'm interested mostly in the hardcore theology of Mormonism"

"The Temple and the Cosmos" by Hugh Nibley

[bytebear]

If you are interested in "hardcore theology" I would recommend Jesus the Christ and Articles of Faith, both by James E. Talmage.

The first book goes over essentially every aspect of the life and doctrine of Jesus Christ, from the creation of the world to the second coming. It's chronological and is jam packed with scriptural references that explain every aspect of the role and mission and atonement of Christ.

The second book goes through the 13 articles of faith one at a time and goes into the same scriptural depth explaining what is meant by each point.

I would also recommend getting a copy of Gospel Principles. It's a Sunday School manual that goes over all the basics in an easy to follow lesson format. It's very good for understanding the fundamentals, and cross referencing with the more detailed stuff.


As for finding the books, have you contacted your local ward or branch. I bet you find a lot of resources through them. Even if the church library doesn't have them, if you find an active member in your area, I am sure they have many books they would be happy to lend you.

[Lilac]

I didn't think about asking the ward. That's an idea.

I'd like to read up on my own a bit more. I have four kids and we have changed (protestant) churches so many times. I just want to be a bit more sure of what we are doing before I bring them to church and introduce them to yet another church. Ya know?

Thank you for the suggestions. I will search around and see what we can find.

[mlbrowninwa]

I have read "Mormon America-The Power and the Promise" by Richard N Ostling and Joan K Ostling. The author's are non-members, but I thought most of the book was well done. It's more of an overview I would say. They did their research and report what they found without taking sides. I have also started the above mentioned "Jesus the Christ", so far really good.

[bytebear]

Mormon America is a good overview of the secular nature of the church. It does have some subtle and not so subtle doctrinal and historical errors however, so take it with a grain of salt.

[rameumptom]

You can access many free online magazine and manuals here at the Church's website:
LDS.org - Gospel Library

It includes all the Sunday School manuals for both teachers and students, etc.

[Maya]

How about Shery Dew? She is amazing! Something a bit lighter from real life in between! I also think Ehrman is good and Margareth Barker. You can also go to LDS FAIR Apologetics Homepage (I think it was) The Maxwell institutt and read eseys and stuff from there.

[Elgama]

Chieko N Okazaki is lovely to read, Lighten Up, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, are my 2 favourites - have just noticed one called Being Enough I have yet to read.

She is just so positive

-Charley

[lattelady]

Dear Lilac,
What is "Rough Stone Rolling" about?