Monday, November 28, 2011

Book Review: Why the Church Is as True as the Gospel by Eugene England


One of the best things about being Marilyn Faulkner's daughter is that you never have to buy books! Her library is better than any book store, and all of the books have these thoughtful comments in the margins. Score! While I was home this week she lent me a few books and yesterday on our drive back to Provo I read "Why the Church Is as True as the Gospel" by Eugene England from cover to cover. It is a series of essays that touch on topics relating to just what the title states, why the Latter-day Saint church as an institution is just as important to our progression as the core doctrine that makes up the gospel we believe. I highly recommend the book to any member of the Latter-day Saint church as well as to those not of our faith looking to understand a Mormon perspective.

Here is my favorite quote, "It is precisely in the struggle to be obedient while maintaining independence, to have faith while being true to reason and evidence, to serve and love in the face of imperfections, even offenses, that we can gain the humility we need to allow divine power to enter our lives in transforming ways. Perhaps the most amazing paradox about the Church is that it literally brings together the divine and human."

I am looking for book suggestions, leave any that have changed your life in the comments below. xoxox 

9 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good one! I just started reading Moonstone which was a suggestion by the one and only Marilyn! I'll let you know how it is.

    Miss you guys! xoxo

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  2. Jordan, she didn't even tell me about it.... How dare she! I'm on it.

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  4. Um ANDREA! Is that quote by the author? or in in one of the essays written from a separate person ... bc seriously, it's AMAZING. And I'd like to post it on my FB, (and share your link :o) and keep it in my quotes file, and maybe one day put it on the wall!! and p.s. have you read The Shack? It's a really good book, and though not totally 100% inline with the Gospel, still shares some amazing Gospel truths.

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  5. This book sounds like exactly what I need to read. Thanks for the suggestion, Andrea and Marilyn! It's a good thing I have you guys!

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  6. Gene England was one of the great people this church has produced. I'm so glad to see another generation of thinking believers find him. His mentor was Lowell Bennion. On your next trip home I'll lend you his essays - something to look forward to!

    England's book and Light in the Wilderness by M Katherine Thomas are my two favorite "think out of the box" church books!

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  7. Mame, you are killing me! I love it. I have not read The Shack but I will put it on my list!

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  8. sounds like a good one, i may need to go get it!

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  9. Andrea - thanks for the book recommendation. I remember hearing about this book a long time ago, but stumbling upon your review couldn't have been more timely. I just ordered it on amazon and I'm seriously considering your mom's other recommendation by M Katherine Thomas.

    A couple of books that come to mind for me: "What the Scriptures Teach about Prosperity" by Michael Wilcox; or a perspective-changing non-religious book called "The Paradox of Choice." Thanks again!

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