I Love Mormons: A New Way to Share Christ with Latter-day Saints

by David L. Rowe

David L. Rowe asserts that many Mormons view Christian witnessing as Bible bashing. What Christians need to understand, he suggests, is that Latter-day Saints are an entirely separate ethnic group with their own history, values, and customs. Evangelizing Mormons can be so much more effective if Christians first know, understand, and respect Mormon heritage.

With helpful illustrations and discussions of Mormon values and theology, Rowe calls Christians away from confrontational evangelism and instead suggests active listening and respect as a way to bridge Christian beliefs and Mormon culture. A glossary in the back of the book and discussion questions at the end of each chapter will help readers apply these concepts in their own witnessing experiences. In the end, Christians will be more approachable representatives of Christ.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Religion, Mormonism, Evangelism, Cults

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[Eri Cole · Rating 3 out of 5]

As somebody who has attended a number of Christian churches, I've always had an interesting time watching LDS people and non LDS people interact. The way the author presents the LDS culture to "Gentiles", so they can use that knowledge to convert Mormons to Christ, amused me. His examples of how being genuine and understanding with Mormons, and how that wooed them away and turned them to Christ, reeked of self congratulation, chapter after chapter. It puts me off after awhile. I did think he presented Mormon culture in an understandable light for anyone who lives outside of Utah. I only found a few inaccuracies, and most of his insights into the cultural aspects of Mormonism were on target. I also liked the way he made correlations between things Mormons say and things other Christians say, and other differences. This is useful not only for other Christians to understand Mormons, it shines light into a mysterious world for most LDS Christians. They don't know much about other churches. I like the fact that I could give this book to any Christian friend I had, LDS or non LDS, and have them gain a better understanding of others. I don't like the repeated theme that Mormons aren't Christians and don't know their Savior. I know an awful lot of Mormons who would take umbrage with that insinuation.

[Joshua Reichard · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly love the heart behind this book. Rowe seeks to help believers quell their preconceived notions about Mormons so that they will actually love them and reach them for Christ.
What I didn’t enjoy about the boom was he spent too much time giving examples and stories about his life and failed to help me learn about Mormonism.
Even his chapter on speaking their language was lacking in that all he said was what he said in previous chapters, be kind, love them, and be gentle. That is not the Mormon language that is merely being a believer.
I understand more times then not Christians Bible bash left and right and don’t even know how to love. But what would have been helpful is to spend more time talking about Mormonism and about the heart behind their faith. Not make sure you ask them their first name, if you don’t do that then did say you need to check your own faith.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emphasizes the importance of treating them as people and getting to know them, rather than arguing about doctrine and trying to prove them wrong.
"Truth must be experienced, not just expressed"

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

S1V1L1

[Magda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful, fair, and highly readable. It’d be interesting to see an updated version… and nice to have a reduction in the use of exclamation marks.

[Jed Wyse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good intro into understanding the Mormon theology.

[Doug · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond serving as a primer for understanding Mormons, this book reviews the distinctive acts of faith in Jesus Christ-the life change, the freshness of a vital relationship with God, the privilege and right to call God "Abba, Father." This book can be used alone or as a companion study to a video training series, "Bridges: Helping Mormons Discover God's Grace," available from Salt Lake Theological Seminary (www.slts.edu).

Overall, Rowe's message for interacting with everyday Mormons is needed, the anecdotes are clear, and the wealth of experience that Rowe and his colleagues have gained is a treasure that we can freely dip into and learn from. -- M. J. Wooten, Christian Book Previews.com

This is a must read in my opinion for ministering in Utah. I have learned from this that having a relational and unique understanding of Mormons as individuals who have a significant impact by the meta narrative of their culture, but carry tons of diversity in thought and belief in Doctrine and Practice.

[David Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the only book if you want to learn about how to love the LDS as an evangelical/orthodox Christian without being offensive or squishy. Rowe backs up his words with deeds, and tells/writes a great story/book. Start here. There is a lot of crap out there on this topic. I love Mormons is the cream.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book that is not mean spirited but is still informative about the LDS faith. They do not pull punches and yet do not land any under the belt.



I highly recommend this book for anyone who has a desire to better understand the Mormon faith in a way that leads them to have honest and respectful conversations and not just argue theology over them.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on how to witness to Mormons as persons made in the image of God. The author rightly critiques our evangelical to treat Mormons as "two-dimensional" cutouts who simply need to hear their errors refuted, and challenges us to lovingly share the gospel with people, some of whom happen to be Mormons.

[Anna Gheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great read for any Christian seeking a deeper understanding of LDS culture! This book goes a long way towards helping traditional Christians learn to effectively share their faith with Mormon neighbors.

[Angie Libert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised to read a book by a traditional Christian that did not disrespect Mormons. This is a rare experience and I hope that the heart of this book penetrates the hearts of more Christians who believe it is there job to "evangelize" Mormons.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

well, the title pretty much says it all but what a catchy title indeed. so glad the library bought this upon my request! (hehehe.)

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating. I learned so much that I didn't know about the Mormon faith/culture.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different, refreshing, approach to ministry to Mormons, focuses on operating out of genuine love, not the desire to win an argument. It inspires me every time I read it!

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was interesting and I really liked it at the time I read it. My thoughts on the subject as well as my perspectives on the subject have shifted and I can't necessarily say I'd recommend it.

[Douglass Healey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great way to learn we should love and never fight with our mormon neighbors.

[V Lynn McCabe Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent book on sharing Jesus humbly and gracefully with anyone who is from a different culture