The central message of this book is the message declared by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since its beginning. Joseph Smith, the ...
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Feb 01, 2009
Scott
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Easy read, I tried to wait and read it with the class, but wanted to get it over with. It was a very informative read, but I I think that it still is vary basic. A lot of the info I'm skeptical about after my Utah history class that tore those Mormon myths to pieces. Especially the frozen river, the crickets, and the plentifulness of the SLC valley. I think it's good for people with a limited knowledge of the history of the church. I liked the random facts and stories about the presidents and t
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Jan 02, 2010
Heather
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A wonderful concise overview of the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, beginning with Joseph Smith's experience in 1820 that led to the Restoration of the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Of course there is much more to every story and many more stories to tell, but this book really helped me gain a deeper appreciation for those faithful prophets and saints who came before. Their examples of faith in the midst of adversity and persecution strenghten my faith and
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Nov 17, 2011
David
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I read this curious about the history of the Mormon church. This book has a primary purpose and that's to make the Mormon church look as good as possible, it never really felt trustworthy for any facts, I'd have to look up other accounts on everything presented. Plus they skipped most controversial subjects such as the Mountain Meadows massacre (in Utah apparently all the Mormons did was help each other and outside groups such as the Indians). They did mention Polygamy which Joseph Smith was d
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Oct 06, 2009
Sheree
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I really enjoyed this book. As I was waiting outside this morning for the bus in 40 degree weather and freezing my toes because I had sandals on, I thought about the pioneers and all they suffered and endured. My 10 minutes was nothing compared to them walking barefoot on freezing ground. It really increased my appreciation for what they did so we could have the gospel today. Like Elder Holland said on Sunday, you know the gospel is true because no one would do something like that otherwise. We
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Aug 04, 2009
Tiana
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I was quite amazed at how gripping this book was to me. Its a very simple history of how the LDS church began, and follows the travels and movements of the early latter day saints. Unlike many religious books, this one does not focus on spiritual upliftment, but really is just a simple historical book of facts. With this said however, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the book filled me with a surprising sense of love for those around me and a broader understanding of the pure Christan gos
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Aug 08, 2010
Zinger
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This is a really quick and basic history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The book moves along quickly and has a brief summary of what each of the Presidents of the Church focused on during their time of service. If one is really interested in this topic there are many other books that have much more details and information, but that kind of detail is not the purpose of the book.
Sep 26, 2010
Magila
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totally worth a quick read. this was meant to replace 'a truth restored' in the mormon basic beliefs canon. if you are wondering who that 'joe smith' guy is than you can start here, with this ca 150 pg book. the only reason it's not getting a higher rating is because it's not particularly riveting... it's just a good down and dirty history of lds people.
Jun 21, 2010
Holly
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This is pretty basic book about the history of the church, like the title says. If you want more detail, you will have to read other things. This is a great overview for people who do not know much about the LDS church, but also for members who want a basic knowledge of our history. I would recommend reading the book for that reason.
Jan 12, 2012
Karen
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I thought this brief history of the church was very well done. Great to read for yourself, or offer to someone who wants a better understanding of the modern restoration of the gospel, and how the church has progressed to this point.
Jul 01, 2009
Amanda
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This was my first church read...started reading it for gospel doctrine lesson, and fell in love with it. It made me feel like I have a lot to be thankful for and that there is purpose to our trials.
May 13, 2009
Andrew
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It is very informative, almost like a long pamphlet. It is all about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so if you want to know a thing or two about "Mormons" read on!
Jan 06, 2009
Mary Jane
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It is great LDS Church history. It is very positive, where it could be negative. In the sense that the Church was abandoned/rejected by a government sworn to respect religion.
Jun 10, 2009
Austin
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I liked the book, it was informative. I liked the stories of all the different prophets of the Church. It had a lot of interesting stories about early members of the Church
Mar 01, 2009
Cindy
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This is a really basic history of the LDS Church to the (almost) present day. Not a lot of detail except in the first chapters about Joseph Smith. But a great beginning place for new members or for those curious about the Church.
Sep 28, 2009
Jeanne
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I began reading this to find a story about the pioneers--I was amazed that such a little book would have so many specific incidents and prominent stories, along with the general history. Well written and well worth the read.
Sep 09, 2009
Stephen
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A great quick overview of the history of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ in the latter days.
Jan 27, 2009
barbie
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such a good book to read when learning about the basic history of the church. I loved it.
Oct 05, 2011
Nancy
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It's a good basic over veiw of the early church. I read it for our Gospel Doctrine class.
Nov 20, 2008
Crazy Uncle Ryan
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This is an excellent, brief introduction to the history and teachings of The Church.
Mar 26, 2009
Kelly
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I really liked this book. It is a good overview of our church history. it does not cover any given time period or contraversial aspect. I can not imagine giving up everything, like to pioneers did. There stead fast testimonies, wrok ethica is inspiring. I found it was interesting about the different leadership styles, personalites and what each president had accomplished. It still amazes me how big we have grown and all that has been accomplished.
May 05, 2009
Maribel
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This is indeed a BRIEF history. Not much detail but still a good overview of what in reality is a very complicated and inspiring history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jun 03, 2011
Rebekah
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I read this book for a stake challenge in preparation for Pioneer Day. From Joseph Smith through all the Presidents of the Church ending with Gordon B. Hinckley, I loved the little tid bits and odd facts from each of their lives. The early saints sure endured a lot and the growth of the Church is very drastic. It was neat how this book is set up like a time line so I could see the Church's progress and growth with membership numbers, # of temples, # of missionaries serving, etc. It is very b
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