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29th out of 163 books
—
185 voters
Our Search for Happiness: An Invitation to Understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
In this, the most recent addition to the approved missionary personal library, Elder M. Russell Ballard explains the Church and LDS beliefs in a clear and inoffensive way. Elder Ballard discusses the Apostasy, the need for the Restoration, the Book of Mormon, the priesthood, the plan of salvation, the Articles of Faith, the Word of Wisdom, temples, missionary work, and ben...more
Paperback, 127 pages
Published
September 28th 2001
by Shadow Mountain
(first published 1993)
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I really like this book for a few reasons.
Likes:
1. It gives more of the LDS world view not just what we believe but why.
2. He gives a more detailed history not just of the Church but of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though the Church is only a hundred or so years old the teachings and authority are much older than that and this is why it is a "restored" Church and not just a regular church.
3. Even if you don't want to read it all the Chapter on the apostasy from Christ's time up until Josep...more
Likes:
1. It gives more of the LDS world view not just what we believe but why.
2. He gives a more detailed history not just of the Church but of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Even though the Church is only a hundred or so years old the teachings and authority are much older than that and this is why it is a "restored" Church and not just a regular church.
3. Even if you don't want to read it all the Chapter on the apostasy from Christ's time up until Josep...more
I really liked that it presented the basic beliefs of the Mormon church to someone who didn't know anything about it. It was a great reminder to me of the basic doctrines and how important it is to share what I believe in a loving way with others. My favorite quote is from page 3: "Our tendency is to mistrust anything that departs from our own perception of normalcy, focusing so much attention on the things that divide us that we lose track of the many things we hold in common that should unite...more
My absolute favorite part in this is Ballard's recounting of his father's sacred experience of being visited by the Savior. Although I know these experiences are usually too sacred to be shared, it was comforting as a young missionary to be reminded that modern prophets do have these visits, such as the one the David B. Haight recollected in General Conference back in 1991 or '92. Since then I have realized that many of the members of the church have these experiences--mission presidents, instit...more
A pretty basic overview of the doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, written by one of its leaders. Elder Ballard tells anecdotes from his life and relates in very conversational terms some of the basic tenets of the church. As a member, I enjoyed getting back to basics and reaffirming my testimony in the Articles of Faith and other things I sometimes take for granted. For someone who isn't a member I think he does a great job of explaining us and our beliefs -- even clea...more
A good book to explain some of the basic beliefs and practices of the LDS (aka Mormon) Church. I can see and I agree with why this is part of what we call the Missionary Reference Library. I think what I enjoyed most was listening to the audio, for it was read by the author and I never tire of listening to the prophets' and apostles' voices.
Definitely recommended to those (especially my friends) who are curious about my beliefs--reason being the point of the book: to help them understand more of...more
Definitely recommended to those (especially my friends) who are curious about my beliefs--reason being the point of the book: to help them understand more of...more
I read this book as part of a challenge issued by our bishop. I am so glad I took the time to read this book. Elder M. Russell Ballard does such a great job explaining the basic principles of the LDS church. I am glad to be reminded of the foundational principles of the gospel. I have an extra copy of the book and can't wait to share the book with someone who is curious about the "Mormon" church!
I recommend this book to anyone who would like to know what I believe in!
I recommend this book to anyone who would like to know what I believe in!
I liked this book because it gave me food for thought. It was recommended to me by some Mormon friends as I was interested in their religion. It has led me to explore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints in more depth. There were places where I had to stop reading in order to contemplate what I read and times when I thought I was not going to finish because of what I read, however it would nag at me and I had to pick it up again. Powerful.
I was angry with some of the things that were going on in my life - then I picked up this book and started reading it. I had read it before on my mission but it had been a long time ago. I enjoyed every chapter of this book. I even learned something new about the gospel. By the time I finished this book, I was in a happier mood and it gave me a new perspective on happiness and life in general. I wasn't angry anymore and made a choice to be happier. :)
Sep 08, 2011
Ryan
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to know what Mormonism is all about.
Recommended to Ryan by:
The Missionary Department
I hadn't read this since my mission and had forgotten what a nice little gem it was. It's a short and candid book, directed at those not familiar with the Latter-Day Saint faith. Elder Ballard shares some great stories and doesn't get too preachy. My favorite part was when he gave his full address and tells the reader he can contact him directly with any questions regarding the church. (I bet his secretary wasn't too happy about that one.)
I loved this book for myself, and it would be a great read for anyone who is curious about what Mormons believe. It provides a very simple, straightforward explanation of a religion that many don't know a whole lot about. Like the description notes, it explains LDS beliefs in a very non-offensive way, and I like how he emphasizes how many commonalites are shared with any human being, regardless of his/her religion.
If you really want to know what Mormons are all about...then this is the book to read. It is written by one of the apostles in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so it offers a fresh perspective from a Mormon's point of view. It's also a pretty quick read, so don't think you'll be reading a text book, cause it will actually be more like Reader's Digest.
A concise yet comprehensive book regarding the beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints written by a member of the Quorum of the 12 Apostles. It's intended for explanation and information for those who are not LDS, but still has lots of good information for members of the Church as a reminder of their core beliefs.
This is a fantastic, low key way to find out more about LDS beliefs. I've read it before, and still feel that it does a great job of providing inforamation about what we believe and why we believe it - AND doing it in such a way that it promotes understanding without being preach or condesending.
Not what I was expecting from the title (though, the subtitle clued me in, so it wasn't a total surprise as I read it). However, I found the text a short and simple, yet powerful overview of my faith.
I particularly enjoyed the examples from Elder Ballard's own life and his ending testimony.
I particularly enjoyed the examples from Elder Ballard's own life and his ending testimony.
Elder Ballard's book is a wealth of information. The book is written in a way that bears testimony, and is written to bring people to Christ. The stories and "parables" are excellent in tying the subject material to the understanding of the reader.
I would recommend this book to a friend that is very interested in learning about the Church.
I would recommend this book to a friend that is very interested in learning about the Church.
Great book by Elder M. Russell Ballard and part of the missionary library.
This book basically does a very good job at succinctly summing up the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you want to learn a little more about the Church from the source and aren't feeling up to reading the entire Book of Mormon than this book and Mormon.org are great places to start.
This book basically does a very good job at succinctly summing up the beliefs of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. If you want to learn a little more about the Church from the source and aren't feeling up to reading the entire Book of Mormon than this book and Mormon.org are great places to start.
I loved this book, it is a clear and simple explanation of the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints in a way that shows our desire to understand and be understood, even if the reader chooses not to agree.
A simple introduction to people interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons). A general rundown of basic church beliefs by one of the leaders of the church.
M. Russell Ballard has a conversational and easy to read style. This book is perfect for someone casually interested in the LDS church. He shares some anecdotes from his life that make this worth the read.
I have several of these books at home to pass to friends who may have questions about the beliefs of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Very well laid out and explained.
What a fabulous book to share with someone who has questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It gives a simple declaration of what we as members believe to be true.
Growing up as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints I was always unable to explain my feelings to others. Elder Ballard does a fantastic job of simply explaining principles in a way that would uplift and influence someone not of our faith but that also had a great effect on me.
Used to give this out on my mission. Really awesome fundamental book on LDS doctrine. Great for people who are investigating the church or who are new members and for FHE.
Super easy read, I believe less than 100 pgs. great introduction to the church and what our basic goals, doctrines, and objectives are as members of the LDS church.
This is a good book for those that are not members of the church. It would also be good for a member that is trying to explain what they believe to a non-member.
It is always good to review the doctrinal foundations of your church. However, my favorite parts were the parts quoted from The Book of Mormon itself.
been thinking of giving this book to a few people...
i love m. russell ballard and he does a great job of explaining things--much as i would myself.
i love m. russell ballard and he does a great job of explaining things--much as i would myself.
Sep 18, 2009
Anna
added it
Классная книга!Проста для понимания.В ней нашла много полезных жизненных примеров.
Read this in the mission field. One of the few books approved for our reading outside of the scriptures. I loved it. I probably need to reread it.
I wanted to start re-reading books from my mission. I started with this one probably because it was the shortest.:) I LOVE this book. It is such a great reference for church members! I can't believe it's taken me this long to get back to it!
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M. Russell Ballard was called to be a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Oct. 6, 1985.
He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president...more
More about M. Russell Ballard...
He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president...more
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