A Reason for Faith: Navigating LDS Doctrine and Church History

by Laura Harris Hales

A Reason for Faith was written to do just as the title implies, provide reasons for faith by offering faithful answers to sincere questions. Before the Internet, historical and doctrinal questions not addressed in LDS Church curriculum were mostly found in the scholarly articles of academic journals. This is no longer the case. These topics are now widely debated and discussed online and in other forums. And when members of the LDS Church come across information that is unfamiliar, they may feel surprise, fear, betrayal, or even anger. Laura Harris Hales has assembled a group of respected LDS scholars to offer help in A Reason for Navigating LDS Doctrine and Church History. Together these authors have spent an average of 25 years researching these topics. Their depth of knowledge and faith enables them to share reliable details, perspective, and context to both LDS doctrine and Church history. The information in these essays can begin an exciting process of discovery for readers as they learn from a source they can trust. Each chapter is engaging and thought-provoking, providing an invaluable resource for both the merely curious and the seriously concerned.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, Spirituality, Mormonism, Lds Non Fiction

264 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2016

Reviews

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This selection of essays written by Mormon experts is scholarly and helpful. It takes some of the difficult and complicated issues of the day and looks at them with dispassion, intelligence, and faith. Consider these the Church essays on steroids: scholarly, footnoted, and understandable.

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the prologue of A Reason for Faith, the editor, Laura Hales, lays out the purpose of the book. Members of the church sometimes come across new information in an unfriendly setting that damages their faith. This book is a compilation of articles about many of the topics that are not often discussed in a church or family setting, and can be difficult to understand. They are laid out by scholars in an honest but faithful manner, and while they can’t possibly cover the topics completely in the amount of space given, they are meant to be a springboard for further study where necessary.

The first chapter is by Richard Bushman, on “Joseph Smith and Money Digging.” He recounts the history of scholarship in this area, where it was originally denied by those inside the church due to being based on accounts thought to be unreliable published by critics of the church. As he began his own research, he found evidence that convinced him that Joseph was indeed involved with folk magic and seer stones, and that these things were too common in the 19th century to invalidate Joseph’s prophetic claims or be scandalous. The question still remains as to the extent of his involvement in folk magic, but there is no doubt that he used seer stones. Unfortunately, this is the weakest chapter, as Bushman states that he believes this issue has faded in importance, and that it no longer tends to trip people up or be used by critics. However, I have seen that it is still a common issue and it is still used by those intending to cause doubt. Simply its inclusion in the book reflects this. Those that would seek information on this topic may be put off by Bushman moving it “to the sidelines.” (page 4)

Steven Harper wrote the second chapter, “Remembering the First Vision.” It talks about the different versions of the First Vision account, but from a different angle than has been typical. He uses the science of memory formation to show that “they reflect his growing awareness of its meaning as he transformed sensory impressions into subjective meanings” based on “Joseph’s subjective experience of the original event as well as the ongoing effects of it as manifest in subsequent memories. This approach suggests that Joseph’s first telling of his experience to a Methodist minister shaped the ways in which he told the vision shortly after the event and also over time.” (page 7) Harper goes over each account and explains the science of making memories, consolidating memories, associative retrieval, and rearrangement, and how they could explain the differing accounts. He concludes that “the accounts reveal that he consciously interpreted the experience and discovered meanings in it later that were not available to him when it occurred…. There is no way to show, nor is there necessarily reason to assume, that Joseph’s memories decrease in accuracy or increase in distortion in proportion to their historical distance from the vision itself. It seems best to regard each of them as a new memory, each a creation formed by an original connection of present cues and stored pieces of past experience.” (page 16)

In the third chapter, Brant Gardner discusses “Translating the Book of Mormon.” In doing so, he also gives a good explanation of the folk magic the Smiths and their contemporaries were involved in, and the use of seer stones in that context, much of which was missing in the first chapter. He talks about why placing a seer stone in a hat during the translation process would have made it easier to see, and tackles the criticism that the art used to teach about the translation in church doesn’t seem to be very accurate. He also addresses the issues of changes in the Book of Mormon text and the difference in the title page between the first edition (which listed Joseph Smith as the “author and proprietor”) and now (where he is listed as the translator).

Brant Gardner then addresses “Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon” in chapter 4. He explains what anachronisms are and discusses some of them. In some cases, new scientific and archaeological evidence show that what were once thought to be anachronisms may not actually be such. In many cases, the anachronism is due to the translation; a good translator will use words that are familiar to the reader. An example in the Bible is the mention of candles, which did not exist in biblical times. This also explains why Jacob used the word “adieu.”

Next, Alexander Baugh talks about “The Testimonies of the Book of Mormon Witnesses,” including the three, the eight, and additional witnesses such as Mary Whitmer and some Smith family members who handled the plates but did not see them. Critics have come up with secular explanations, such as mental delusions or even hypnosis, but Baugh points out that there is absolutely no historical evidence of such, and none of the witnesses ever claimed any kind of manipulation, even those that left the church. In fact, it is pointed out that “perhaps their later alienation makes them even more credible witnesses, for no collusion could have withstood their years of separation from the Church and from each other.” (page 55)

“The Restoration of the Priesthood” is the next chapter, written by Ronald Barney. He takes an interesting approach, pointing out that the priesthood authority was received in stages from different personages, rather than Moroni just giving it all to Joseph along with the plates. “If Joseph Smith had made up the stories of his experience with Deity and with other heavenly beings, he could have simplified his claims by reporting that Moroni not only gave him the golden plates but also authorized a church in the latter days. It would have been as believable as any other explanation.” (page 60) “Even the concept of authority, as it was initially understood and later more broadly known as priesthood, crystalized over time in the mind of Joseph Smith through revelation and visitations by angelic beings.” (page 61) The other issue discussed is the lack of publicity sought in relation to the restoration. Discretion is taught in the Book of Mormon, and Joseph himself was advised multiple times to practice it; he also tried to teach it to other church leaders.

Kent Jackson wrote about “Isaiah in the Book of Mormon.” There are multiple theories about the appearance of the King James Version of Isaiah, which some think postdate in part what would have been on the brass plates. He gives three different possibilities for why it appears to be almost a literal transcription. He then tackles the question of authorship, saying that “it must be made clear that multiple-authorship theories for the book of Isaiah have no support from any ancient manuscripts or traditions.” These theories are based on internal clues that some scholars have noticed, but Jackson points out evidences from Isaiah and the Book of Mormon that go against these theories.

Kerry Muhlestein next tackles “The Explanation-Defying Book of Abraham.” He begins with the history of the papyri and then goes on to discuss which papyri were actually translated. Since Facsimile 1 was discovered among the fragments that came to light in 1967, many assumed that the surrounding text should contain the Book of Abraham, but it turned out to translate into a common funerary text. But the Book of Abraham itself “refer[s] to the drawing as being ‘at the beginning’ of the text, which strongly suggests that it was not right next to the text…. Examining similar papyri from the same period reveals a similar pattern.” (page 82) He also points out that witnesses identified a portion of the papyri known as the long roll as the source of the Book of Abraham, which was burned in the Great Chicago Fire. He then discusses several different possibilities for how the translation process may have occurred and then talks about the documents referred to as the Grammar and Alphabet of the Egyptian Language, which does not appear to have been used for the translation process. The facsimiles are further discussed and it is pointed out that Facsimile 1 is actually not a common funerary scene as some claim, and there have been no other instances of it being found next to the Book of Breathings.

In a chapter that is very similar to Don Bradley’s 2011 FAIR conference presentation, he and Mark Ashurst-McGee discuss “Joseph Smith and the Kinderhook Plates.” Some background is given, including the fact that the plates were forgeries. If they were forgeries, and Joseph Smith is said to have translated them, then there is a problem. It is argued that a translation did not actually occur in the way that we think of Joseph translating (“through the gift and power of God”). Instead, a character was identified on the plates that is similar to a character in the Kirtland Egyptian Papers, and the definition given there matches closely with what is reported to have been said about the plates. It is concluded that “many arguments for and against Joseph Smith’s prophetic claims, upon closer examination, turn out to be much more complex than originally framed, or simply fall apart, because they are based on assumptions that turn out to be incorrect.” (page 110)

Brian and Laura Hales cover “The Practice of Polygamy,” which “Joseph Smith concluded…could be a divinely sanctioned practice in 1831, while reviewing the Old Testament accounts about patriarchs who practiced plural marriage.” He began teaching it in 1840, and by 1844 over a hundred men and women had entered into it. The only document we have to try to understand it by is Doctrine and Covenants section 132, which contains three reasons that plural marriage is sometimes sanctioned by God: to multiply and replenish the earth, to provide a trial for the Saints, and as part of the restitution of all things. These are discussed, along with a brief history of the practice from the 1840s until its complete cessation in 1904.

Next, Brian Hales talks specifically about “Joseph Smith’s Practice of Plural Marriage,” which starts off similarly to the previous chapter, stating that Joseph knew about the practice as early as 1831, but required some prodding before he was willing to start doing it. Fanny Alger, his first plural wife, is discussed, along with sealings to women that were already married to other men. He argues that the latter sealings were of two types—eternity-only (nonsexual), and time and eternity with special situations (in the case of two of them). The common concerns about how much Emma knew and approved of Joseph’s other wives are discussed, as well as Joseph’s marriages to teenagers. One of the younger teenagers, Helen Mar Kimball, was married to Joseph at the request of her parents and it was likely never consummated. Hales points out that “none of the possible thirty-five plural wives sealed to Joseph Smith ever accused him of abuse or deception—even the seven who left the Church.” (page 137)

Steven Harper then discusses “Freemasonry and the Latter-day Saint Temple Endowment Ceremony.” He tells us about the development of the endowment through the eyes of Heber C. Kimball, who, along with others in Nauvoo, was a Mason. He draws on Greg Kearney’s 2005 FAIR conference presentation that explains how Masonry may have influenced the presentation of the endowment, with the important distinction that it is separate from what is actually being taught. However there were differences, such as allowing women in, which Masonry did not. Also, “Masonic rituals use aprons, door-knockings, and unusual handshakes to foster brotherhood. Bonds are made between men, not between people and God. LDS temple ordinances endow believers with power to regain the presence of God as they make and keep covenants with him… The endowment teaches a divine plan of creation, Fall, and redemption through Christ… The endowment did not simply mimic Masonry.” (page 151)

W. Paul Reeve addresses “Race, the Priesthood, and Temples.” He begins by pointing out that blacks were not originally denied the priesthood, and that there are no known statements from Joseph Smith that would deny them the priesthood or temple blessings. He then argues that the church faced a dilemma where, although most of the members were white, society looked upon them as another race, which led to the church seeking to become more white at the expense of blacks, but then finally reversing course. A section of the chapter is devoted to trying to understand the ban: “How could race-based priesthood and temple restrictions creep into the Church and last for so long? Was Brigham Young speaking for himself in 1852 when he announced the priesthood ban… or for God? If for himself, why would God permit him to do so? If for God, why implement a restriction that violated scriptural notions of equality?” (page 172) Reeve concludes that sometimes God lets us learn from our sad experiences, using the Old Testament prophet Samuel, the lost 116 pages, and the Kirtland Safety Society as examples.

“Finding Lehi in America through DNA Analysis” is the title of a chapter by Ugo Perego. He begins by talking about the assumption many have that the Jaredites, Lehites, and Mulekites came to an empty continent, and therefore all Native Americans today should have DNA that matches that found in the Middle East. He discusses the problems with those assumptions and then talks about what DNA does tell us about Native Americans, how DNA studies are done, and the limitations of the studies. He points out that “it would be impossible to recognize [Lehi’s] DNA even if it survived evolutionary forces and cultural isolation because we don’t know what we are looking for.” (page 186) He concludes by saying that you cannot prove the Book of Mormon true or false through DNA evidence.

Next, Neylan McBaine discusses “Latter-day Saint Women in the Twenty-First Century.” She talks about gender roles and how they’ve changed over the years, yet that change does not seem to be reflected in the church. “The definition of equality recognized by earthly institutions seems not to be the same definition the Lord uses to describe the practices of his kingdom…[, but] all factors do not need to be the same in order for two things, or two people, to be considered of equal worth of value in the Lord’s eyes.” (page 195) She then argues that “men and women actually have more in common than Church rhetoric typically admits,” (page 196) and that males and females both may act with priesthood authority. She then calls for action at the local level to change the perception of the role of women in the church, which I believe goes beyond the scope of this book’s theme. She justifies this through “signs that our leadership is working out what co-leadership might look like in a functional, comprehensive way… The change in age for missionaries signaled a desire to have young women embrace their ecclesiastical authority more completely; the addition of the female general officers’ portraits in the Conference Center and the general conference Ensign suggested these women should be considered by the Church membership to be global leaders and not just figureheads. The change of the general women’s meeting to the general women’s session, now the first session of general conference, evidenced a desire to shore up the ‘equal to but different from’ model in every way, even in semantics and structure. With awareness of and willingness to support co-leadership becoming more apparent at the general church level, it is the responsibility of the membership to assume that same awareness and willingness on the local level.” (page 198) While some of this may be true, it seems to mostly be jumping to conclusions and wishful thinking. Some may end up being disappointed if these things don’t lead to the changes apparently expected.

Ty Mansfield addresses “Homosexuality and the Gospel.” He begins by talking about how complex sexuality is, and that it’s more than just one-dimensional labels. He says “there are many different kinds and qualities of attraction: sexual, romantic, aesthetic, affectional, emotional, and even spiritual… [and] some qualities of attraction are good and even godly, and we should embrace and cultivate them in our lives.” (page 204) He then goes on to say that “there are certainly qualities of attraction or desire that we need to appropriately channel, such as erotic or romantic attraction, but scripture teaches us that our aim should be to ‘bridle’ our passions – not eradicate them… and Church leaders have been more careful to nuance their teachings so members understand more clearly that to feel sexual or romantic attractions is never a sin, even toward the same sex… Only lustful thoughts or behaviors (regardless of the sex they’re directed toward) or sexual expression outside the bounds the Lord has set are considered sinful.” (page 205) He then spends the next ten pages expanding on these ideas, which unfortunately complicates the subject beyond the seeming scope of the book. However, for someone trying to reconcile such desires with living the gospel, the extended discussion may be helpful.

In the last chapter, David Bailey tackles the subject of “Science and Religion: Friends or Foes?” There is a notion that science and religion contradict each other, and a believing scientist has to compartmentalize the two. Bailey shows that such is not the case. He starts out by defining science as “The use of evidence to construct testable explanations and predictions of natural phenomenon, as well as the knowledge generated through this process.” (page 222) Since science cannot prove whether God exists, it cannot possibly conflict with religion. He points out that many misunderstandings come from a belief in biblical inerrancy, but church leaders have taught that the Bible is not meant to be a scientific textbook. He discusses biblical chronology, the age of the earth, and evolution. He then talks about the Big Bang theory and how it actually provides evidences that there is something in control of conditions that make life possible. He discusses the problems with the theory of “God of the gaps,” and that we cannot prove that God exists, and faith is still necessary. “So in the end, religious beliefs cannot be either proven or disproven by science. Individuals are still more likely to find God on their knees, in the soup kitchen, and in living a righteous, productive, and charitable life than in the scientific laboratory.” (page 236)

Overall, this is a great collection of papers covering many of the current topics that can be stumbling blocks. My initial impression was that the book is similar to another recent title from the same publisher, “No Weapon Shall Prosper: New Light on Sensitive Issues,” and there is some overlap, but overall this book is more relevant to common issues people have today. I am a little uncomfortable with the citing of certain books in the endnotes of some chapters; hopefully the references won’t be looked upon as endorsements, since those particular books could lead to further problems. But I will definitely add this to the list of books that I recommend to anyone looking for answers to their questions or concerns.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The antidote for uncertainty is more knowledge and more contemplation." Laura Hales compiled this book in response to her children's questions and concerns over controversial LDS doctrine and history. She asked LDS scholars to summarize their research on specific topics, which they answer with intellect, reason, and faith. This book expanded on explanations I had previously read on the Gospel Topics Essays and Fair Mormon. I appreciated the additional information and references. The best type of learning for me is one that is both intellectually and spiritually stimulating...that touches both my head and my heart. This book, however, is much heavier on the side of reason and intellect, than the spiritual. While this is the purpose of the book, its good to be aware of its focus.

[Darla · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Must Read for All LDS

Kudos to Laura Hales for undertaking this vital project! In recent years I have begun to read many books, articles, and the like that seek to expand the underdeveloped field of LDS apologetics. The mainstream Christians began developing and fine-tuning their "Arguments in Defense of..." centuries ago, but the LDS branch of the Christian faith, young though it may be, has been sorely lacking in this area. By not making fact-based apologetic discussions a serious piece of Sunday School, Seminary, Institute, Devotionals, and even General Conference, the faith that many hold so dear has been losing adherents, largely because of a better organized, better prepared opposition. This has got to change, and change quickly. Books like Hales' represent a step in the right direction. 

Section by section the contributors to Hales' project present clear, concise, well-researched, and thoroughly readable theses on a wide variety of vital contemporary topics. The writers do not shy away from difficult subjects, and they are quick to give readers the assertions and arguments of dissidents and critics, as well as those of the apologetic community, which helps greatly in understanding why some of these topics are or have been controversial. In such a presentation, the curious and concerned are invited to choose for themselves which side of the argument they find most compelling. I didn't feel much, if any, information was deemed too "vexatious" to divulge, and the range of topics covered was quite adequate, though two or three more books on additional issues could easily be written- and I encourage Hales to do so!

For the interested, the following is my reading list of recent years:

The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ

The Holy Bible (particularly the KJV version)

The God Who Weeps, Letter to a Doubter, and Crucible of Doubt, Givens

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus, Spangler and Tverberg

Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling, Bushman

Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt, Mason

Shaken Faith Syndrome and Of Faith and Reason, Ash

LDS.org- Gospel Topics Essays

The Weight of Glory and Mere Christianity, Lewis

Letters to a Young Mormon, Miller

The Rage Against God, Hitchens

LDS Living (website)

A Different Jesus?, Claiming Christ, and The Mormon Faith, Millet

[Carl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beginning in 2013 the LDS church began to release a series of essays addressing the "difficult issues" of church history and doctrine. But the essays are a few pages and aren't really super in-depth, though they contain many good sources among their footnotes for those willing to do a bit more legwork to get into the scholarship on these various topics.

Consider this book the middle ground. Instead of reading a few full-length books and a few different scholarly articles, read one good article written by a relevant scholar in the field. It goes more in-depth than the LDS.org essays, but certainly isn't anything insurmountable to read. That's what this book is, addressing some of these "difficult issues" in more depth without making you drink from the fire hose of decades of Mormon scholarship.

I didn't find anything particularly novel or interesting in this book, having read many of the books and scholarly articles on the subjects myself, but I found it a great "next step" for those looking to dip their toes into these issues and topics without getting buried under an avalanche of dense scholarship. I'd recommend it to anybody who's jumped into the LDS.org essays but wants just a little bit more.

[Debbie Hull · Rating 5 out of 5]

"My dear young friends we are a question-asking people because we know that inquiry leads to truth. That is the way the Church got its start-from a young man who had questions. In fact, I'm not sure how one can discover truth without asking questions." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I really like how this book is broken down into current controversial topics that may lead someone to question their faith. Usually things all simmer down and truth comes out in the end but sometimes it is nice to be handed a life preserver of information to maintain your faith. This book is much like that. Maybe you are questioning things such as translation of the Book of Mormon, Polygamy, Race and Priesthood, Female role and homosexuality. Ms. Hales has called upon "experts" in these areas who have composed essays to address these issues.

[Wade Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I was looking for.

I enjoyed this book because it was what I was looking for. I wanted a scholar's view for the subjects in this book and that's what I found.

The articles on polygamy and science were superb. I learned fascinating details from the DNA chapter. Each article prompted more questions, but I felt that was the point. I am motivated to continue studying from the Additional Resources section of each chapter.

I walk away with more resolution that the body of knowledge is a vast ocean and I am standing in the shallow end.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot more about controversies regarding the church in this book, and it was helpful for me to be able to read about them through a lens of faith. All of the arguments and explanations are very thought out and make sense to me. As others have said, this book appealed more to reason than to spiritual things, which was fine, but I know I strengthen my testimony much stronger as I prayerfully read the scriptures.

[Becky Roper · Rating 4 out of 5]

"When gospel questions arise, the antidote is more knowledge and more contemplation . . ." This book is a place to find short articles by respected LDS scholars on some of the thornier topics in LDS doctrine. There isn't time to explore these in a church teaching setting, so it falls to the individual to seek further information and make their own conclusions. This is a great jumping off place.

[Seth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn't great if you know much about the topics because a number of the essays were unconvincing, but it would be a great book to read to get a sympathetic introduction to a number of important controversies.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays by people skilled in the field they are writing about.

1. Joseph Smith and Money Digging
2. Remembering the First Vision
3. Translating the Book of Mormon
4. Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon
5. The Testimonies of the Book of Mormon Witnesses
6. The Restoration of the Priesthood
7. Isaiah in the Book of Mormon
8. The Explanation-Defying Book of Abraham
9. Joseph Smith and the Kinderhook Plates
10. The Practice of Polygamy
11. Joseph Smith’s Practice of Plural Marriage
12. Freemasonry and the Latter-day Saint Temple Endowment Ceremony
13. Race, the Priesthood, and Temples
14. Finding Lehi in America through DNA Analysis
15. Latter-day Saint Women in the Twenty-First Century
16. Homosexuality and the Gospel
17. Science and Religion: Friends or Foe’s?

[Bryan Sebesta · Rating 4 out of 5]

A phenomenal survey of difficult issues. The essays on Race and the Priesthood, Homosexuality, and the First Vision were especially illuminating to me in my particular set of circumstances. Not every essay was equal in interest, but that is probably this book's strength--some of the essays will no doubt answer to almost some of everyone's interests, and if I ever have a question or am asked a question, this book will be a sure place for me to. Credit to Laura Hales for bringing together so much faithful scholarship!

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laura Hales hit a home run. This book is excellent. The chapters deal with hard hitting issues in a concise and understandable way. So far this is the best book on the Kinderhook plates I have ever read. Don and Mark's work on this was outstanding. The stuff on Second Isaiah was excellent as well. I just loved this book and am recommending it to anyone with questions on some of the tough stuff in our history. Five stars. This book goes on my "favorites" shelf. Thank you Laura Hales!

[Nathan Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helpful expansion of Church essays, although there is some overlap in content.

[Jessica Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! This is a must-read for every Latter-day Saint at some point in their lives! As long as you approach it in the right spirit, of course. I really think it's important to be informed of controversial issues in the Church, and honestly seek answers from God, rather than being taken off guard when hearing them from any random source. Some of these issues I'd never even heard of, and others I'd only heard a little bit about, and it was SO helpful to have a few things clarified. Obviously it doesn't answer EVERY question- there are always going to be some things that we have to leave to faith. I'll be honest, there were a few surprises in here for me, and I've been a part of the Church all my life. But at the end of each chapter, I was always left with a peaceful feeling, never uneasiness. Some of the topics about Isaiah and Lamanite DNA were a little over my head, so that might be something I'll need to reread in the future to really understand. But here are some of my favorite things I learned from this book:

1. Joseph Smith was an imperfect human being, but he was still a prophet and a good man! I see the prophet in a different light now, but not a negative one. He seems more real to me now, if that makes any sense. The Lord uses imperfect people to accomplish His work, and He still makes it work somehow. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:
"Except in the case of His only perfect Begotten Son, imperfect people are all God has ever had to work with. That must be terribly frustrating to Him, but He deals with it. So should we. And when you see imperfection, remember that the limitation is not in the divinity of the work."
Joseph Smith had a HUGE responsibility on his shoulders, and did an amazing job, making some mistakes along the way. Those small mistakes shouldn't overshadow the most important things.

2. I LOVED the chapter on gender roles, especially because it's something I've been thinking about a lot lately. We focus so much on men and women being equal, but we sometimes forget exactly what that means. In the world, "equal" tends to mean "exactly the same." But two things can be of equal value & importance without being identical. So it is with men and women- we are different, with different strengths and responsibilities. But we are of equal value, and with equal opportunity. So often I feel like society is trying to make it a competition to see which sex is superior, when it doesn't have to be that way. This is definitely a chapter I want to reread, because it was just SO good. I've never felt inferior in any way, being a woman in the LDS church. On the contrary- I've always been taught I have so much worth and potential. I've been given more leadership opportunities in the Church than in any other aspect of my life. The Church is constantly looking for women to participate in Church leadership more, but never asking us to be exactly like the men, which I absolutely love.

3. Science and religion are NOT mortal enemies. The two of them can work together to enhance our view and appreciation of the world around us. They are both ways to seek for truth. I really believe the more we learn about science and how things work, the more we can just marvel at God's abilities. He is an expert artist, scientist, engineer, etc. Just because "miracles" happen in the scriptures and in our lives, doesn't mean they "defy" the laws of nature. It just means there are some laws of nature we don't understand yet.

I would go into this book with a prayerful attitude and an open heart. But I would definitely go into it! :)

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm largely a logical person so this book was AMAZING. I feel like anyone would gain from reading it. It covers a wide range of 'troublesome' topics within Mormonism and for the most part gives a thorough understanding of the arguments against Mormonism and then turns them over. Some of the topics aren't a straight A-B conflict, but rather misunderstandings or misconceptions or exaggerations of facts so some essays don't quite dig into the anti-Mormon material as much, nor necessarily provide answers. Regardless it was done expertly and concisely. The final essay I think was a great way to end the book, though maybe another final chapter should have been added, which talked about how reason will never be enough to believe in God. Faith over reason is the necessary attribute and that leads to a minor critique of a book of this nature. After 20 chapters of logic-based arguments to help keep the faith, readers may then conclude there will always be logic in religion and to have faith in that. But, of course, faith are things hoped for, not seen. Hoped for suggests we don't yet have, whether that is evidence, explanation, or straight facts. Faith must be in Christ and God first and foremost, and then a book of essays like this will strengthen and defend that faith when attacked in the contrary. Additionally, being rather fond of modern science, I was a little disappointed that a book that turned to a dozen niche experts within mormonism the topic of science vs faith was left to one expert who then covered half a dozen topics across the board. He did it wonderfully, but I wish we could have a companion book or something that delved more with the separate scientific topics that came up. Doing it the way the book did made the reader rely completely on the expert's opinion rather than form personal opinions from the facts.

[Roo Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those concerned with LDS Church history and doctrine, this book is exceptional. Published by the BYU Religious Studies Center, it is a collection of 17 topical essays recently written by scholars.
My favorite two essays are:
1. Race, the Priesthood, and Temples. (W. Paul Reeve)
This essay was fantastic in its historical rigor, and profound inferences regarding the nuanced role of God in directing people (prophets, members, or anyone). A more detailed post regarding this topic can be found at https://www.facebook.com/millennialmo...
2. Science and Religion: Friends or Foes? (David H. Bailey)
As a scientist, I am sensitive to the promulgation of anti-scientific talk within Christianity. Most anti-science quotes, articles, and comments I read derive from ignorance or errant information. This essay is refreshing as it points out the inherent differences between science and religion, and validates how science and religion need not contradict one another.

Two essays that left me wanting:
1. Homosexuality and the Gospel. (Ty Mansfield)
2. Latter-day Saint Women in the Twenty-First Century. (Neylan McBaine)
Unfortunately, I felt like both of these essays were just summaries of the LDS Church’s current viewpoints, and did little to forward the discussion or offer insightful conclusions. Nevertheless, it is hopeful that these topics are getting attention.

This book is not the be all end all of scrutiny on these subjects. But overall it does an excellent job of bringing together rigorous research, uncovering history, addressing modern concerns, and validating science, all from LDS perspectives. Is there some bias? Of course. But it is hardly avoidable on all of these issues, and most of the essays do a great job of telling an objective perspective.

[Stephan van Velzen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Reason for Faith is one of the best LDS books I've read in a long time. Mormon meetings usually focus on the spiritually edifying topics, which is understandable, but leaves a large gap in church history education. When the children of the editor, Laura Harris Hales, started to research church history, they discovered things they had not previously encountered that shook their testimony. To answer their and other members' questions, Hales compiles a collection of essays from knowledgeable LDS scholars on a wide variety of topics from the Book of Abraham scrolls, to polygamy, to women and the priesthood.

All of these essays were interesting to read, and some, like that on the Kinderhook Plates, were even new to me.

In order for a book like this to work, it's going to have to tackle some serious topics in frankness, leaving no stone unturned. One might want to sugarcoat topics like Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, but that only leaves more space for a reader's faith to be shaken later on.

Fortunately, A Reason for Faith doesn't shy away from such sensitive topics as Brigham Young being racist—as well as Joseph F. Smith, actually. I never quite realized how extremely racist that man was.

In doing so, A Reason for Faith provides a very solid foundation for members of the LDS church interested in learning more about the darker sides of LDS history, or members who have doubts because they discovered something in LDS history or cannot reconcile church policy on homosexuality or emancipation with their personal convictions.

I would definitely recommend A Reason for Faith to all church members.

[Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before even getting to the content I think this book fills an important need. While it's my experience that Mormons are quite well informed about their faith we do seem to lack a certain depth of knowledge on controversial topics. There are likely a wide range of reasons for this superficial knowledge on topics such as translation of the Book of Mormon, polygamy and racially based temple and priesthood restrictions. This book doesn't purport to explore every detail of every possible controversy associated with the church but it does provide an overview of the most high profile controversies. While each chapter has a different author there is a consistency in terms of honesty and faithfulness in the writing. Generally the writing doesn't provide arguments to problems for faith but rather provides possible explanations or interpretations that leaves room for uncertainty - room for the exercise of faith. I have never spent much time looking at the connection between Masons and Mormons and I found that chapter interesting. The chapter about the Book of Abraham was similarly well done. Not that it was poorly written but I was expecting a bit more from the chapter written by Bushman. While I felt the final chapter was well written it is simply too much to try and cover the relationship between science and religion in the few pages that were used. Overall a good read and I can see myself turning to this as a primer if my kids or someone else has particular questions.

[Verona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered about some of the doctrines of the church, especially the unusual ones in our church's history, like polygamy? Do you know the church's position on homosexuality or the big bang theory, or women and the priesthood, or other doctrines? Have you ever considered just exactly how the Book of Mormon was translated or other matters surrounding that book of scripture? This book may be one that could help you in these areas. I admit that after listening to these explanations by competent scholars and experts, I still could not explain clearly in my own words all the answers to these and other questions that are answered in this presentation, but I felt satisfied that the church leaders have answers to these thorny problems, and that we can be assured that all of the oddities surrounding some doctrines do not affect our testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ as restored in these latter days. My own solution as taught by some of our general authorities is to put my questions on a shelf and continue to live the principles of the gospel and to follow the Savior. I am happiest when I do that, and I know those answers will come and all things resolved in a doming day. In the meantime, I will be happy and enjoy books like this one, knowing there are brilliant people out there to help us. In the end, it's personal revelation that speaks to us of truth.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book creates a forum for individuals to be informed of controversial LDS doctrine and church history issues from experts in their fields. It is healthy to have questions and important to turn to good sources for answers. I loved that the chapters had documented resources for additional research. Some of these issues I'd never even heard of, and others I'd only heard a little bit about, and it was helpful to have a few things clarified. Obviously it doesn't answer every question, but it was very enlightening. I bought my own copy if anyone wants to borrow it! It has already helped with a great gospel discussion with my teenager.

The chapters covered include: 1. Joseph Smith and Money Digging 2. Remembering the First Vision, 3. Translating the Book of Mormon, 4. Anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, 5. The Testimonies of the Book of Mormon Witnesses, 6. The Restoration of the Priesthood, 7. Isaiah in the Book of Mormon, 8. The Book of Abraham, 9. Joseph Smith and the Kinderhook Plates, 10. Practice of Polygamy, 11. Joseph Smith's plural marriage, 12. Freemasonry, 13. Race and the Priesthood, 14. Finding Lehi in America with DNA analysis, 15. LDS Women in the 21st century, 16. Homosexuality and the Gospel, 17. Science and Religion

[Chad King · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a collection of thoughtful, well-documented essays covering various historical and theological "faith shaker" issues that pop up from time to time with respect to the Mormon church (a/k/a The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). The essays cover a wide range of questions, including questions about the Book of Mormon translation method, anachronisms in the Book of Mormon, the Book of Abraham, polygamy, racial issues in the church, DNA and the Book of Mormon, women's roles in the church, LGBTQ issues, and science issues such as age of the earth and evolution.

The essays are written from a believer's perspective and, in my opinion, each does an admirable job of covering the respective issue it was intended to address. By design these essays are high-level summaries of the issues and answers, and each essay recommends books and other resources if the reader wants to do a deep-dive into a topic

Some essays are more well-written than others, and some topics were more interesting to me than others, but overall it's a good resource for anyone that is looking for answers to questions about Mormon history and beliefs.

4 out of 5 stars.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely helpful book with a faithful but open approach to some of the most controversial topics that members of the LDS church are grappling with today. The book is a collection if papers from various individuals at the forefront of these issues. I consider each chapter a primer from which an individual could delve deeper into the topic (indeed I think each of the contributing authors has written their own book(s) regarding the subjects they address).

Highly recommend this book for those that feel overwhelmed by the thought of trying to look into each of these topics in detail (polygamy, priesthood ban, evolution, translating the Book of Mormon, creation, church history, etc.) since this book is a great place to start and the bibliography provides an excellent list of further sources that can be used to investigate further (although they would be all from the same "side" of the issue).

This will definitely be kept on the shelf as a ready reference.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very informative, but I wouldn't call it enjoyable. It is a compilation of essays by LDS church scholars focused on the most controversial topics of LDS history and doctrine. This is not a favorite subject of mine, but it does touch on every topic that I have ever been asked. I was surprised at how thoroughly each topic was covered, along with references for further reading. I could only read small portions of this book at a time, and then I would need to put it away for a day or two to process what I read. I would only recommend this book to someone who has developed very strong convictions toward the Gospel or who has no convictions at all. It has the potential to either fuel your faith or fuel your doubt. The chapter that was the most meaningful to me was the last chapter "Science and Religion, Friends or Foes?"

[Lauren Mongie · Rating 5 out of 5]

'A Reason for Faith' is the perfect book for the difficult times LDS members find themselves in. It handles what was previously "taboo" or "controversial" for church members in a concise, clear way. The essays provided many answers to subjects I previously had been afraid to research (Kinderhook Plates, rumors about Joseph Smith). This doesn't mean that the book answered every single question I had, but it provided general, official answers for every topic. If you or someone you know is looking for answers on controversial or difficult topics and don't know where to look, this book is an excellent place to start. I'd strongly recommend this for all age groups and for someone that likes a little bit of LDS history.

[Sara B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series of essays that tackle several difficult topics in LDS church history. I felt like most of the topics received a fair coverage-ranging from providing context for historical issues to casting reasonable doubt to a few issues that we just don't know on. A few times it felt like mental gymnastics to explain but overall a good survey of these difficult topics. Covers most of the topics addressed in the gospel topic essays. Some of the topics addressed: gold digging and the Smith family, priesthood restoration, the Book of Abraham, polygamy, the kinderhook plates, science and religion, women and the priesthood and more.

[Cindy Hurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating church history. I love that it helps us to see Joseph Smith and other church leaders as humans and not demi-Gods who are as prone to mistakes as you or I are. I can't say it strengthened or damaged my testimony, but I will say it sparked a deep interest in church history that I've never had before- very refreshing after spending 29 years in the church having the same lessons taught over and over again.

Ultimately I felt the arguments in this book had a tone that the church can't be dis-proven or proven, and that we were never asked to believe or follow the church blindly- but to seek guidance and truth from the Spirit of God through prayer.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a collection of essays by various writers on topics that tend to trip people up with regard to their faith in the LDS church. Most of the topics are ones that I've read about before, but in most every case there were some additional new insights in the essays here. For example, on the subject of race and the priesthood, the writer gives evidence that the early church was derided for being too accepting of other races, which may have been one of the reasons for policies of restriction. The last essay, on science and religion, was one of my favorites, affirming that truth is truth, no matter the source.

[Troy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book answers questions that are asked about the LDS Church and used by those opposed to it. Questions on polygamy, the translation of the BofM, Josephs treasure hunting and his seer stone and others are answered by experts in that filed. I dare say that if people you have chosen to be offended or have listened to those who wish to destroy faith read this book they will realize they were fooled or took offense to quickly.

[Eric Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago. It’s been a while. But from what I can remember the book was very insightful. My favorite chapter had to be Don Bradley’s essay on the Kinderhook Plate’s, follow by w Paul Reeves chapter on race and history of the church. Overall solid research. Definitely recommended for those who are looking for common answer to common objections against the LDS Faith. The book, of course, is apologetic in nature. But that doesn’t take away from its good research.