Mormon Missionaries: An Inside Look at Their Real Message

by Janis Hutchinson

Book Overview

A presentation of the various techniques and strategies used by Mormon missionaries. Based on the author's firsthand experience in Mormonism.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0825428866
• ISBN13: 9780825428869
• Release Date: January 1996
• Publisher: Kregel Publications
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Excellent insight and revelations about Mormonism

When I looked at this book I didn't know what I would get. Maybe a boring story about missionaries or a book of praise for these clean cut kids. But what a surprise! The Mormon Missionaries may be the best general study of Mormonism that I have ever read . . . and I have read many Mormon-related books. The author, an ex-Mormon writer, presents a critique of the Mormon missionaries and of the Mormon `church' in a unique way. Describing a class-room presentation on Mormonism that coincides with a visit by two handsome Mormon elders, Hutchinson logically introduces the reader to the beliefs of this false religion. Reading this heavily researched and documented work is a pleasure. I got caught up in the drama of whether Susan would get sucked up into Mormonism. But beyond the great story line are fantastic insights and revelations about the origins of the Mormon cult. The best parts being the bizarre history of Joseph Smith, and his contradictory stories, false prophecies, and dreams of grandeur. The only slight weakness was the traditional "sacred canopy" view lecture, which I think has a biblical answer, instead of the secular anthropological presumptions. Of interest to many will be the politics of the Mormon church. The founders wanted to literally rule this planet. Aren't they sufficiently satisfied that they are going to have thousands or millions of wives and their own planets?! The dangerous anti-American views of the early Mormons are clearly documented. This text cuts through the clever shiny Mormon propaganda seen on tv and other media. It is a refreshing work, a unique book. The fifty pages of footnotes are a researcher's dream. A valuable tool, a must read for every Christian believer. Fascinating! Highly recommended.

Excellent, thorough, inside information

Far from sounding like a rebellious, "jack Mormon" (those who have been disfellowshiped or excommunicated are often cruelly referred to by Mormons), Janis's knowledgeable and compassionate approach puts one in the classroom, so to speak, in an easy to understand, comfortable, point-by-point page-turner on the missionary message. Some of what she says will sound extreme(Mormons will most certainly find it so, as will their poorly-read and ignorant non-Mormon friends), but they aren't her words, they come directly from the LDS faith, and her footnotes are thorough and backed up by more than one source. The reader may want to keep in mind that the extreme nature doesn't negate the deceptives truths of the faith. Janis goes into the European roots upon which Mormonism is based providing more sources. If one is spiritually thirsty and seeking knowledge about God or considering the Mormon Church, this book will have one turning the pages wide-eyed and finally, rejecting the LDS message just as one would a fairy tale. Ultimately, Janis exposes the folly of the entire faith from the foundation up. I wish the many, many Mormons I know would read this book but they are prevented from reading what is considered "anti-Mormon" literature. As the leadership would say, "The thinking has been done for you." They are lovely people and deserve to know the truth about the faith that hooks them with Christian-sounding terminology for which the LDS meaning of the words is hidden. It is meant to convert and convince until one is in too deeply to pull out. Janis speaks candidly about many of those truths that, even with documentation from reputable sources, the church has sought to suppress from the membership. Those delightful missionaries with their commendable lifestyle are indeed keeping many truths from those they would convert. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

FOOTNOTES ALONE WORTH THE PRICE OF THE BOOK

This book would be in my "top five" in the field. Janis gives excellent summaries of some of the latest research. Europeans did not drop their religious thinking in the "Atlantic salt water" on their way to the New World.Janis Hutchinson boils down the main points of that hefty Tufts University work: REFINERS FIRE. Key Mormon points in their theological outline come from various groups from Europe who settled in America.Janis' footnotes are worth reading just for the interesting tid-bits.Hutchinson's bibliography gives superb choices for anyone doing serious research. If you're doing a college paper--this is the book to make your Inter-library Loan request list from. Books from "both sides" are cited.Written in 'layman's language' this book suggests what books to read at the entry, medium, and advanced levels of research. No other book have I seen has such an open "educator" perspective. Like "wow!"If you are interested in the Mormon 'occult' connection, here it is. If the Masonry tie fascinates you, here it is. If god's physical appearance in LDS perspective intrigues you, here it is. Where did the idea 'you can be as god' begin? Janis has a well thought out answer.

I good introduction for the serious investigator

The book is an excellent way to learn the basics of Mormonism from an ex-Mormon Christian critical (but not "bashing") point of view. The information is conveyed in the form of a novel to make the reading more interesting, much like the novel "Killer Angels" does with the Battle of Gettysburg. The BIG difference here is that the factual sources are documented allowing the serious student to investigate further. These sources are well chosen and well represented and will provide more detail in areas the reader might wish to pursue. Much of the informative portion of the book involves an ex-Mormon teacher teaching students about Mormonism. It's a great class to learn in and, for the reader, the tuition is merely the price of the book.

Mormon missionaries in the neighborhood? A MUST READ!!

Excellant book on the motives of the Mormon missionaries, which is to condemn your religion and to join theirs.This is a MUST READ book for everyone that has missionaries in their neighborhood. Purchase and read before opening your doors.