'Dummies' book engaging, accurate

"Mormonism for Dummies" isn't a joke. It's a well-written and very accurate overview of the LDS Church — in an independent style.

The book, another in the continuing series of "For dummies: best-selling books for beginners," begins as strongly as it could — quoting the LDS Church's "Articles of Faith" and the "Threefold mission of the church."

My first concern about this book was accuracy. Yet, that doesn't appear to be much of a problem. Written by who Wiley Publishing describes as "two practicing Mormons," it is on the mark with doctrines and practices.

While it does mention some deep doctrines, it stops well short of trying to solve any mysteries.

My second fear was that the book would be too LDS-oriented and lose non-LDS readers with certain terminology. However, Jan Shipps, professor emeritus of history and religious studies at Indiana University-Purdue University, a well-known LDS expert who isn't LDS, did a technical review for the book.

There's also a "terms to know" listing and a tendency to assume readers have no background, except this book, on the church. Written in a refreshing style that won't confuse members of other faiths, this book presents what may be one of the best overall views of the LDS faith out there.

Laced with some humor, the book is definitely engaging, but there are some phrases that may offend some LDS Church members.

For example: "The Head Honcho: God the Father" and "Second Mate: Christ the Son" might raise the eyebrows of some.

There are also a few outlandish comments, followed by a "just kidding" afterward. And headings such as "Survival of the Smartest: Mormons and Education"; "Evolution or evil-ution?"; and "Mormon Karma: The Premortal Life" add a light touch to standard LDS subjects.

Included in the book are some deep doctrines — "Mother in Heaven," "Was Christ married?" and the identity of the Holy Ghost. None of these questions is really answered, though.

There are also plenty of controversial subjects in the book — polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Sunstone and more. Again, few judgments are made.

For LDS readers, it can serve as a catalyst to examine personal beliefs and practices, to better decide their convictions as well as diligence in living their faith. "How do you measure up?" is a key question active church members may wrestle with as they read day-to-day Mormon practices listed in the book.

For prospective full-time LDS missionaries, this would be a nice book to cram with before entering the field. It examines controversial subjects in a way that will get young people thinking without telling them what to think.

The book does stress that it is an "unofficial" look at the church.

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