Overview

""The Book of Mormon"" stands alongside the Bible as the keystone of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormonism). Translated by the prophet, Joseph Smith, from ancient writings inscribed on golden plates, ""The Book of Mormon"" is an account of people living in the Western Hemisphere in a timeline that parallels that of the Bible. It covers a thousand years of loss, discovery, war, peace and spiritual principles that focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ, outlining a plan for salvation and the responsibilities we must assume to attain it. ""The Book of Mormon"" explores this sacred epic that is cherished by more than twelve million members of the LDS church as the keystone of their faith. Probing the principal themes and historical foundation of this controversial and provocative narrative, Jana Riess focuses on key selections that offer insight into contemporary Mormon beliefs and scriptural emphases, such as the atonement of Christ, the nature of human freedom, the purpose of baptism and the need for repentance from sin. She clarifies the religious, political and historical events that take place in the ancient communities of ""The Book of Mormon"" and their underlying contemporary teachings that serve as the framework for spiritual practices that lie at the core of Mormon life. Now, you can experience this foundational sacred text even if you have no previous knowledge of Mormonism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the key teachings and essential concepts of the Mormon faith tradition, with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that helps to dispel many of the misconceptions that have surrounded ""The Book of Mormon"" since its publication in 1830.

Full Product Details

9781594730764

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is my first encounter with SkyLight Paths. One is struck immediately by the breadth of their publishing, concentrating on various spiritual paths from around the world. The present volume is part of a series titled 'SkyLight Illuminations.' The idea is simple: take a sacred text, present excerpts from the text along with commentary by a writer familiar with the text. The sacred text itself is presented on right-facing pages; commentary appears on the left. A very attractive format, indeed.Other titles in this series include Rumi and Islam, The Gospel of Phillip, The Hebrew Prophets, the Bhagavad Gita, you get the idea The series takes a broad look at religious traditions both east and west, paring down the texts into bite-sized pieces, with commentary by believing scholars. It's a wonderful idea. I'm glad someone has put this into print.Reiss opens the present volume with her personal testimony, a quick look at how she came to belief in the Book of Mormon as sacred scripture and historical record. She offers a helpful recap of how the Book of Mormon has come into prominence since the 1980's with the strong advocacy of Pres. Ezra Taft Benson. It's an interesting historical perspective on the place of the Book of Mormon in the life of the church over the years.Her commentary is pointed and clear. She has a two-fold purpose: first, she wants to tell the story of the Book of Mormon, although large portions are omitted the Jaredites, for example, are nowhere to be seen. But second, and I think more importantly, she links texts from the Book of Mormon to explain and support current and past Mormon belief and lifestyle. Her comments therefore constitute an introduction to Mormon practice and history, touching on such subjects as early Mormon polygamy, the use of water instead of wine in the Sacrament service, etc.So here in one book is an introduction [not] just to the Book of Mormon, but to Mormon belief and practice, offered in clear, easy to understand language. It addresses the many ways in which Mormonism differs from larger Christianity, including a discussion on the doctrine of the unity.At the same time, by its inclusion in the Skylight Illuminations series, it places Mormonism within the larger flow of religious traditions from around the world, dragging Mormonism out of the margins of religious life into the larger stream of spirituality.I gladly recommend this book not so much for members of the Church, but for those interested in getting a first look at both the body and the book. As with Reiss's previous effort Momonsim for Dummies, the current work makes simple some very complex ideas. Members should consider using this book in their personal missionary work.--Jeffrey Needle The Association for Mormon Letters (08/17/2005)

Anyone wishing graceful entry into the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints or at least an explanation of what this fast growing denomination's theology is all about will get it in Jana Reiss' useful introduction to <em>The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained</em> (Skylight Paths, $16.992, 34 pages)</p> The author, who converted to the religion as an adult by reading the <em>Book of Mormon</em> plainly loves the scriptures of the latter-day Saints.</p>--Julia Duin The Washington Times (01/01/2006)

Captures the spirit and gist of the distinctively Mormon scripture at one-tenth its length. Coupled with her informed, discerning, and accessible commentary, Riess's editorial accomplishment is an act of interreligious generosity. Philip Barlow, ThD, author of Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the Latter-day Saints in American Religion The most compelling, fascinating, and gracious approach to the Book of Mormon that I have seen. Transforms dozens of cryptic passages and symbols into powerful messages that make the Mormon story shine with the beauties and mysteries of God s love. Mary Ford-Grabowsky, editor of Spiritual Writings on Mary: Annotated & Explained With her considerable historical and theological knowledge combined with her literary sensibilities, Jana Riess strikes precisely the right balance an astute and sympathetic guide, not an overzealous proselytizer. Her informed and agile glosses help enormously in bringing the text to life. Randall Balmer, PhD, Ann Whitney Olin Professor of American Religion, Barnard College, Columbia University At last, a version of the Book of Mormon that is suitable in both size and content for the classroom. Manages to leave the sense of the whole intact, while commentary provides a simple guide to Latter-day Saint belief. A very useful, even necessary supplement to the study of Mormonism. Kathleen Flake, PhD, assistant professor of American religious history, Vanderbilt Divinity School

Anyone wishing graceful entry into the heart of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints or at least an explanation of what this fast growing denomination's theology is all about will get it in Jana Reiss' useful introduction to The Book of Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained (Skylight Paths, $16.992, 34 pages) The author, who converted to the religion as an adult by reading the Book of Mormon plainly loves the scriptures of the latter-day Saints.--Julia Duin The Washington Times (01/01/2006)

Anyone wishing gracefulentry into the heart of theChurch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - or at least anexplanation of what this fast growingdenomination's theologyis all about - will get it inJana Reiss' useful introductionto the Book of Mormon: SelectionsAnnotated and Explained(Skylight Paths, $16.992, 34 pages) The author, who convertedto the religion as an adult byreading The Book of Mormon plainlyloves the scripturesof the latter-day Saints.--Julia Duin The Washington Times (01/01/2006)

Author Information

Jana Riess earned a PhD in American religious history from Columbia University and a master of divinity degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is the religion book review editor for Publishers Weekly. She is also the author of The Spiritual Traveler: Boston and New England and What Would Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide. Phyllis Tickle, a widely acclaimed expert on religion in America, is the author of more than two dozen books, including the three-part prayer manual The Divine Hours and the memoirs The Shaping of a Life and Prayer Is a Place. She has been a magazine editor, college dean, media commentator and publisher.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available