Unveiling Grace by Lynn K. WilderUnveiling Grace was a very intriguing book to read. I was first interested in it because I went to school with quite a few Mormon kids, worked for a small, Mormon-owned company, and have also had a several studies with some Mormon missionaries. I felt like I was fairly familiar with Mormon doctrine and was interested to read about a family who had been faithful Mormons for so long (30 years) leaving the LDS church.
Being able to read about the Wilder's family journey into the LDS church was interesting, but I do feel like it may have been worded in places like they were already seeing that they needed to get out. This was probably due to the fact that this book was written after they left the LDS church, but in the middle of the story it almost seemed to me to undermine the credibility of what was a truly devoted Mormon family. (I see the same issue with the subtitle of the book.)
Other than that one minor issue, I felt the book was interesting and easy to read, but more importantly it was truly eye-opening to the real doctrines and practices of the LDS church. The author is respectful when she discusses Mormonism, but still brings the truth to light in an open, honest way. There were things I don't recall ever hearing about their beliefs - major beliefs - and that was not for a lack of trying on my part. I had studied quite a bit about the LDS church so that I could better study with and relate to Mormons, but that study didn't reveal how they talk about a different God than I know as a Christian. A different Jesus. You wouldn't think that things would be so different on a basic level when they read the Bible, but it is.
I think this book would be helpful for many groups of people: current Mormons (if they would read it), anyone who knows someone from the LDS church, and especially those who are looking into joining the LDS church. I highly recommend reading it.
FTC Declaration: The publisher has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book or advanced reading copy through BookSneeze®. This does not change the fact that I will give my honest opinion in my reviews.
2 comments:
Hi Tifany,
It has been a while since I've stopped by to comment, but I always check in to see what you are up to when you put a new post up. I saw your book review today and wanted to leave you a comment. I have never read this book and honestly I probably never will. However, as an active and happy member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also referred to as the Mormon or LDS church) I wanted to let you know what I thought when I read your review.
I found in fascinating to find out that you went to school with and worked with LDS people and that you wanted to learn more about them and what they believed. I think you did the perfect thing in taking up some studies with the missionaries. What better way to find out what someone believes. I'm curious if in any of those studies if you had received a Book of Mormon and if you had read it or if you ever attended one of their church meetings to see what that was like.
I found it interesting that you said that we believe in a different God and a different Jesus than other Christians. I guess it shouldn't be surprising that there are different beliefs among different denominations but what does surprise me is when people say that Mormons believe in a "different" Jesus.
I could understand if they said Mormons believe or worship "differently" than other groups. For example, I would never assert that other Christian groups believe in distinctly different or separate Divine Beings. I would agree that they believe in the same Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; but understand and/or worship them in different ways.
There is a wonderful talk that was given by one of our church leaders that I think words beautifully how we, in our church, believe in and do our best to follow Jesus. We are imperfect and make mistakes but I feel that we sure do our best to try and follow the Savior's example in all that we do and say. Here is the link to that if you are interested: http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/followers-of-christ?lang=eng
Absolutely no pressure here, but I would love to help answer any questions that you may have regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I appreciate your blog post and book review it was very interesting. Thanks Tifany, have a wonderful day! Hugs- Glora
Hi Glora - Thanks (as always) for stopping by my blog!
Yes, we did receive a book of Mormon and also attended a service once.
The thing that this book brought to light is a Mormon belief in a god that is "flesh and bone", had to work his way up (for lack of better words) to God-status. I believe in the eternal God who was never born (always existed and always will exist), who created the universe, and who is the only God that will ever exist. I can't fully explain it, but I do highly recommend that you read the book (Unveiling Grace) to hear it in words and terms you are familiar with.
Again...thanks for stopping by, Glora. Hope you have a great day!
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