CiVi Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I'm a recent young convert, and my dad is already a little cynical of organized religion, but is definitely more worried about what is going to happen to me now that I'm LDS. (Though he is really nice about it, his views worry that it is cultish, secretive, and will demand a lot from me.) On the bright side, he wants to educate himself about it!!!! He said he will look at/read any resources that I send him. (I believe, however, that the line is drawn at Book of Mormon.) So this is my one chance- or, rather, my couple of chances- to not only relieve his fears, but also to convince him of the validity of my Church (all the reasons sane people would join it). So if you have any scholarly or religious book recommendations, general conference or other talks, or really any resource I can refer him too that would be considered a valid and reasonable source, I'd really appreciate it!In particular, I'm looking for things that don't necessarily go into deeper doctrine (because unless you have the basics down, those can seem pretty outlandish; and why wouldn't they when they are so much greater than us now?), things that humanize the Church, outside (and educated) perspectives that speak positively of the organization of the Church and/or it's members, and things that provide arguments about how this Church is truer/better without going into unique revelation.Thanks so much! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Palerider Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Go to lds.org and look around on the site. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lakumi Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 its a book I believe called Gospel Principles, they gave it to me one dayeasy enough read, nothing to heavy imo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 (edited) I would recommend the booklet titled True to the Faith or the Gospel Principles manual. Also the Mormon.org website. Edited January 16, 2014 by Connie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Folk Prophet Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Gospel Principles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 Give him a link to all our Ensigns and a link to all the General Conference talks on youtube. And a link to the Gospel Principles manual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
applepansy Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 The missionaries have small booklets on the core principles of the gospel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Normandy Posted January 16, 2014 Report Share Posted January 16, 2014 I'd ask your local missionaries for a pamphlet or two to explain basics and a copy of the Gospel Principles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mnn727 Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 The Gospel Principles manual to me is the best tool there is for teaching people what we believe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 The LDS seminaries focus on teaching basic doctrines. Here is their page on the basic doctrines: Basic Doctrines - LDS Seminary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skippy740 Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 The Gospel Principles manual is a good one.Just to throw something else in the mix, I also happen to like "A Marvelous Work and a Wonder" by Le Grand Richards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just_A_Guy Posted January 17, 2014 Report Share Posted January 17, 2014 (edited) How about the Gospel Topics section of LDS.org? Just give him the link and let him wander . . . Edited January 17, 2014 by Just_A_Guy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleWyvern Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 (edited) ^-- stupid Edited January 18, 2014 by LittleWyvern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Apart from what has already been suggested, I'd recommend the book "The God Who Weeps". It's written by a non-Mormon if your dad appreciates that kind of perspective.Terryl Givens is a member of the church. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LittleWyvern Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Well, uh, darn, I feel really stupid now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bytebear Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Deseret Book Mormons: An Open Book Paperback by Anthony SweatI just got this book and am reading it. It's a bit like Mormonism for Dummies, and doesn't shy away from controversial topics. It's sold at Deseret Book and written from an LDS point of view, so I would consider it a good compromise of giving all the nitty-gritty details but from an LDS perspective. It might be useful if your dad thinks you are "hiding" the secret stuff from him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just_A_Guy Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 Well, uh, darn, I feel really stupid now. For some reason, I thought Teryl's wife Fiona (who co-wrote the book) is not a Mormon? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Connie Posted January 18, 2014 Report Share Posted January 18, 2014 For some reason, I thought Teryl's wife Fiona (who co-wrote the book) is not a Mormon?They are both LDS. You can read short biographies of them both at this link: Scholars Terryl and Fiona Givens discuss life, love and their new book, 'The God Who Weeps' | Deseret NewsIt is a really good book. It takes a very unique and interesting approach to explaining LDS theology. It's a good recommendation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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