The Mormon Faith: A New Look at Christianity

Book by Millet, Robert L.

Mention Mormons to many people and immediately an image of a polygamous group adhering to strict dietary regulations (no caffeine, no alcohol) and sending young missionaries out on bicycles comes to mind. To many sociologists of religion, though, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) is a religious phenomenon whose membership by the end of the 21st century could number as high as 265 million. Millet, who teaches religion at Brigham Young University, contends that interest in Mormonism arises out of a desire to know about the theology that underlies Mormon practice. In a series of easy-to-follow essays, Millet examines "what people know least about the Mormons?their theology" by looking into the LDS views of God, scripture, Jesus, the nature and destiny of man, grace and salvation, the sacraments of the church, the church and the priesthood, revelation and eschatology. On the nature of man: "Latter-day Saints do not believe in the depravity of men and women.... Men and women have the choice, the moral agency, to yield either to the persuasions of the world or to the enticings of the Holy Spirit." On the authority of the Bible: "We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly." On the LDS canon: "The LDS canon consists of the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price." On Jesus: "Latter-day Saints teach that the knowledge of a Savior and a plan of salvation have been revealed throughout history, and not simply since the mortal ministry of Jesus of Nazareth." Millet's study ranges far and wide over Mormon history, biblical studies and historical theology and offers a comprehensive introduction for the general reader to Mormon theology.
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