What does the Book of Mormon teach? How does it compare to the Bible? Why does this book appeal to many people? Understanding the Book of Mormon addresses these and other questions, guiding readers in an exploration and assessment of the Book of Mormon and offering a Christian response to its teaching.
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From the Publisher
Mormons, or members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, form a growing population in both numbers and influence. Yet few people have more than a passing knowledge of the document that defines and drives this important movement–the Book of Mormon. A former Mormon and an adult convert to Christianity, author Ross Anderson provides a clear summary of the Book of Mormon including its history, teachings, and unique features. Stories from the author and other ex-Mormons illustrate the use of Mormon scripture in the Latter-day Saint church. Anderson gives special attention to how the Book of Mormon relates to Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Bible.With discussion questions to facilitate group use and a focus on providing an accurate portrayal of Mormons beliefs, Understanding the Book of Mormon is an indispensable guide for anyone wishing to become more familiar with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its most formative scripture.
Reviews
Understanding the Book of Mormon packs a lot of information into its slim pages. In addition, its helpful charts, respectfully-treated insights from Mormons, and discussion questions make the information easily accessible. I also appreciated the non-confrontational tone and the author’s own personal experience as he guides Christians through this book which is so emotionally-tied to most LDS believers. —Latayne C. Scott, author of The Mormon Mirage and Latter-day Cipher
I just finished Ross Anderson’s little book Understanding the Book of Mormon: A Quick Christian Guide to the Mormon Holy Book, just published by Zondervan, and find it both helpful and fascinating.
The book is short, 116 very small pages, and is written in a conversational style. Anderson, an evangelical pastor in Utah, lays out the contents of the Book of Mormon, compares the doctrinal content with that in other Mormon holy books, and suggests ways for Christians to dialogue with Mormons.
The most effective part of this book is its fair, honest look at the Book of Mormon, and its loving, respectful tone toward Mormons. I would word things a bit stronger than the author does in a few places, but his overall tone is a needed balance to some of our bombast when it comes to speaking Christ to our neighbors.
Anderson is an ex-Mormon, but he’s an ex-Mormon who loves Christ, not an ex-Mormon who is rebelling against his family. It is obvious in the pages of this little book that Anderson loves his Mormon family members and wants other Christians to learn how to speak to folks like them, with grace and truth.
Anderson advises his fellow Christians on what Mormons hear when we say certain things to them. He tells us why, for instance, bringing up Joseph Smith’s polygamy isn’t the best way to get the gospel to Latter-day Saints.
This book isn’t a comprehensive comparison between Christianity and Mormonism. It’s not necessarilly the book to give to someone weighing becoming a Mormon, or to a Mormon contemplating Christ. But it’s an excellent resource to give to a church member who is in an ongoing conversation with a Latter-day Saint friend or neighbor.–Dr. Russell Moore, Dean of Theology at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.