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A review by rayofhope
Joseph Smith and the Mormons by Noah Van Sciver
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
I think every LDS home should have a copy of this book.
One of the struggles facing Members of the Church is Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that we don't talk about the ugliness in our histories, and we don't know how to view prophets as flawed. When people learn about the more difficult parts of church history, it jars them and often ruptures their faith.
This book forced me to look head on at some of the more unknown and uncomfortable aspects of the founding of my religion. It portrays Joseph Smith as very human, complex, and varied. It presents events largely as they are recorded in journals/letters, refraining from offering justifications or condemnations of actions, letting the reader decide for themselves what to think.
It's not always easy to read, but I think it's important for us to know this version of the story, warts and all.
One of the struggles facing Members of the Church is Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is that we don't talk about the ugliness in our histories, and we don't know how to view prophets as flawed. When people learn about the more difficult parts of church history, it jars them and often ruptures their faith.
This book forced me to look head on at some of the more unknown and uncomfortable aspects of the founding of my religion. It portrays Joseph Smith as very human, complex, and varied. It presents events largely as they are recorded in journals/letters, refraining from offering justifications or condemnations of actions, letting the reader decide for themselves what to think.
It's not always easy to read, but I think it's important for us to know this version of the story, warts and all.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, Murder, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Slavery