Discovering the truth about Mormonism in Britain today
By Michael and Ann Thomas
Alpha/Reachout Trust. 286 pages. £7.99
ISBN 1 898938 32 6
This well-researched evangelical resource book is worth its weight in gold as a response to the fast-growing Mormon faith people meet today. The book is very easy to read and very 'user-friendly'. In an introduction and 25 or so chapters, ordinary folk (just like the authors) will begin to see how and why Mormonism has attracted so many.
The chapters take us through the challenge of Mormon outreach; the way people come to join the Mormon church; its origins, beliefs and practices; arguments against Mormon teaching from both Mormon sources and the Bible; witnessing and sharing with Mormons and how God has worked in the Thomases' lives to make them real Christians.
What is crucial about this book is that (a) it is written from a British and not American perspective, so that it shows us what Mormons are getting up to in OUR roads and towns. Then (b) it shows how ordinary folk are first introduced and attracted to Mormonism, what happens to them and how and what they are taught. Finally, c) it illustrates how people genuinely seeking God became embroiled in the pseudo-Christianity that is Mormonism, but still craved peace, forgiveness and acceptance with God. This resulted in the authors having doubts and looking at what the Bible actually said. Gentle, prayerful Christian support led them to know saving faith in Jesus as a reality.
Most books on Mormonism tend to be rather academic in their analysis of its theology and history. This book complements previous material by updating the reader on Mormon church information and teaching, but also has the added extra of coming from the lived experience of ex-Mormons. It also clearly distinguishes between the ordinary Mormon believer and the specially trained and initiated Mormon missionary.
The book is a must for church fellowships involved in serious evangelism. As I read it, I couldn't but praise God for the way he has dealt with the authors and many others. That prayer is now turning to action as I use the material in each chapter to prepare topics to share with Mormons. May the same burden be felt and shared by my fellow readers!
