The Complete Idiot's Guide to Understanding Mormonism

by Drew Williams

Book Overview

From its founding in pioneer times to the present day, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has been both mysterious and misunderstood-with some Protestant faiths not even recognizing the Mormons as Christians. This fascinating guide debunks the myths of Mormonism and reveals its history, faith, and culture.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0028644913
• ISBN13: 9780028644912
• Release Date: June 2003
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 7.4" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

pretty good book

helped me understand a few things in my faith

Life changing read!

It's hard for me to believe that the people who rated this book 1 or 2 stars have even read it! What an amazing book! Unlike many books on Mormonism- this was actually written by a member of the church. If you want a factual history and explanation of the LDS church this is the book for you, it summarizes the doctrine of the church and answers questions about common misconception about the faith. I bought this book 2 years ago to answer some questions I had about an LDS guy I was dating, I had always known the textbook history of the church that they teach in world religions classes but this really opened my eyes to the concept of a restored church of Christ. How amazing, this book prompted me to ask more questions, contact missionaries and decide to baptized. I have given this book to my family to help them understand my faith as well as to others who are investigating the church, and it has been well received. Buying this book was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I read the book AND these reviews. Wow . . .

I don't think I can remember a time when I have read something that caused such polarity in people. On the one hand, you have readers who absolutely loved this book (I wonder how many readers who loved this actually don't know about this forum), and then there is a handfuil of people who don't, for whatever reasons. If the author were a money-oriented person, both extremes would breed a fine source for marketing purposes. (I chuckled when I saw one reader needing to get his last word in on the author's general response to his negativity. But after reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that its content does the very thing that Idiot's Guides are meant to do: provide basic insight into a topic, using friendly, light voice, tickling issues, rather than tackling them. That's the point. And while there may be some people who think this book doesn't effectively "defend" Mormonism, let me say this: I have a friend in Texas who is the son of a practicing minister, and it was this book that inspired him to not only question his own spiritual integrity, it actually explained Mormon principles in a way that led to his conversion to Mormonism. Needless to say, he gave up all that his father had designed for him, is now shunned by his family for the new faith this book introduced to him. I'd say that's a mighty powerful influence--even for an Idiot's Guide. What better tribute to pay somebody?

I converted because of this book!

I bought this book after a close friend converted. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down! I'm still shocked that I finally found the answers to questions I've had my entire life. I wasn't looking to convert. I was only trying to be open-minded for my friend. This book explains the faith in a clear, easy-to-follow way that I am so greatful for. Which makes me wonder if the reviewers below even read the same book that I did! If you want to understand this faith, buy this book. Thank you so much Mr. Williams for writing this book. You will probably never know how many lives you've touched.

An Amazingly Informative book

For anyone who has ever wondered about this religion, Drew Willias has created an amazing book that truly explains the history and beliefs of Mormonism--an often misunderstood religion. I recommend this to anyone--Mormon or not--who's interested in learning more about how LDS practices.