Understanding the Book of Mormon

A Quick Christian Guide to the Mormon Holy Book

By: Ross Anderson

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 2 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

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 Saints 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.

©2011 Zondervan (P)2009 Ross Anderson

Decent Read

What made the experience of listening to Understanding the Book of Mormon the most enjoyable?

The author clearly took time to tell all sides of the story in a manner that non-Mormon's and Mormon's appreciate. A good introduction to an alternative religious view.

Would you recommend Understanding the Book of Mormon to your friends? Why or why not?

I would recommend this book as it gives a fair and high-level view of Mormonism.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The delivery was fairly dry...but, then again, the topic was approached in an academic way. I wouldn't have expected that it read like an action fiction.

Quick & Informative

most Christians know little to nothing about Mormons. As the title indicates this book was relatively quick and informative. The author provided the information and advice in a very kind and gentle way towards Mormons and their views/beliefs of Christianism. I definitely know more now than I did prior to listening to this book.

It is always interesting to me!?

It seems that so many "rocking chair" so called scriptural scholars have all the answers when it comes to the weaknesses of the Book of Mormon. Mr. Anderson insights are in no way original nor are they earth shattering as he either intends or hopes for. At least come up with some originality new insight. This book is just a rehash of what others who have been criticizing since the time of the Prophet Joseph Smith. A typical retread of the same ole' stuff...boring and insulting to one's intelligence.

offensive

Deceptive and offensive. If you are an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, don't waste your time.

Not a book for understanding the book of Mormon. 

This is not a critical reading of the book of Mormon, nor is it in educational book. This is clearly written for evangelical Christians to have talking points available. Should they meet in Mormon discussion their sacred text. The author states things like “I don’t think Mormons can reach salvation“ and has a subsection on “are Mormons Christians“ clearly, these are not appropriate parts of a book with this title. I want my credit back. Unless you are an evangelical Christian you should avoid this one. . And even then just remember that learning about a religions, sacred texts, probably works best as told by the people that hold that text sacred.