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The Cultural Evolution Inside of Mormonism
There's a cultural evolution taking place inside of Mormonism.
The evolution of church culture has been something that has needed to happen for a long time. Culture, traditions, oral laws, and the status quo can be a good thing... but it can also be a bad thing.
Do you remember what was happening in Israel around the time that Christ came on to the scene? Israel started to live by their own set of oral laws and traditions, or what we might refer to today as "culture."
The "culture" in Israel when Christ showed up was one of the most judgmental and hypocritical cultures the world had ever seen. It was a very isolated and unaccepting culture.
But Christ showed up and cast a net over all types of people. The Greeks, the Romans, the Samaritans, and every other nation across the globe. His net covered even the worst of repentant sinners.
The only people that were excluded or "damned" were the unrepentant elite, the "scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites" who "strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:23-24).
Christ took the existing covenants and commandments and simplified them. He brought an evolution of love, empathy, and compassion. He built a culture that was geared toward the lowly of heart and revolted against those who spent their lives pointing out the flaws in others. "For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27). The bulk of Israel was living according to their culture and their superstition instead of their religion.
This has been the bane of each and every covenant society, which caused Joseph Smith to say, "What many people call sin is not sin; I do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down." The doctrine of the LDS church doesn't lose people. It's the culture and superstition that causes unnecessary strife.
This book, The Cultural Evolution Inside of Mormonism addresses the changing culture, the unprecedented changes that are taking place in the church, and the historical transparency.
The Table of Contents explains where this book will take
1. More Extended Hands 2. Fewer Wrecking Balls 3. The Cultural Evolution 4. Not Customizing Christ 5. The Three Types of Mormons 6. A Place Where Doubters Are Welcome 7. The Kindness of Christ 8. Embracing Intellectuals and Scholars 9. Change in The Church Comes Slowly For A Reason 10. The Humble Few 11. Millennial Mormons 12. Making Rash Decisions 13. Giving Volunteers A Break 14. Logical Evidence For The Church Is Mounting 15. From Which All Others Are Derived 16. Temple Workers Galore 17. No Other Religion Provides A Better Hope 18. People Throwing The Book of Mormon Out The Window 19. The Bible That Needed To Be Rescued 20. Looking For Just One Reason To Believe 21. Liberal Conservatives 22. Pageantry In The Church 23. Peeling Back Polygamy 24. Looking At Tithing A Little Differently 25. Not Judging Others Sabbath Day Worship 26. The Place For Gays Inside The Church 27. What I Really Believe 28. Why I Love The Church
The evolution of church culture has been something that has needed to happen for a long time. Culture, traditions, oral laws, and the status quo can be a good thing... but it can also be a bad thing.
Do you remember what was happening in Israel around the time that Christ came on to the scene? Israel started to live by their own set of oral laws and traditions, or what we might refer to today as "culture."
The "culture" in Israel when Christ showed up was one of the most judgmental and hypocritical cultures the world had ever seen. It was a very isolated and unaccepting culture.
But Christ showed up and cast a net over all types of people. The Greeks, the Romans, the Samaritans, and every other nation across the globe. His net covered even the worst of repentant sinners.
The only people that were excluded or "damned" were the unrepentant elite, the "scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites" who "strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel" (Matthew 23:23-24).
Christ took the existing covenants and commandments and simplified them. He brought an evolution of love, empathy, and compassion. He built a culture that was geared toward the lowly of heart and revolted against those who spent their lives pointing out the flaws in others. "For ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness" (Matthew 23:27). The bulk of Israel was living according to their culture and their superstition instead of their religion.
This has been the bane of each and every covenant society, which caused Joseph Smith to say, "What many people call sin is not sin; I do many things to break down superstition, and I will break it down." The doctrine of the LDS church doesn't lose people. It's the culture and superstition that causes unnecessary strife.
This book, The Cultural Evolution Inside of Mormonism addresses the changing culture, the unprecedented changes that are taking place in the church, and the historical transparency.
The Table of Contents explains where this book will take
1. More Extended Hands 2. Fewer Wrecking Balls 3. The Cultural Evolution 4. Not Customizing Christ 5. The Three Types of Mormons 6. A Place Where Doubters Are Welcome 7. The Kindness of Christ 8. Embracing Intellectuals and Scholars 9. Change in The Church Comes Slowly For A Reason 10. The Humble Few 11. Millennial Mormons 12. Making Rash Decisions 13. Giving Volunteers A Break 14. Logical Evidence For The Church Is Mounting 15. From Which All Others Are Derived 16. Temple Workers Galore 17. No Other Religion Provides A Better Hope 18. People Throwing The Book of Mormon Out The Window 19. The Bible That Needed To Be Rescued 20. Looking For Just One Reason To Believe 21. Liberal Conservatives 22. Pageantry In The Church 23. Peeling Back Polygamy 24. Looking At Tithing A Little Differently 25. Not Judging Others Sabbath Day Worship 26. The Place For Gays Inside The Church 27. What I Really Believe 28. Why I Love The Church
250 pages, Paperback
Published February 9, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 25, 2021
Greg Trimble is a blogger who writes about his faith in Jesus Christ and the gospel. In this book he continues to share his experiences and testimony, with topics that include the power of friendship, the need for more kindness and less judgment, the evolution of love and acceptance, the need to be both stalwart and curious (a malleable knowledge-seeker), making a place for doubters (faith is not either/or, but a journey), the importance of intellectuals in religion, and why change within the church is slow. I appreciated his perspective and admire his searching and sharing. I especially enjoyed hearing about how the gospel and his spiritual experiences living it have changed him for the better and touched both his heart and intellect. I believe the intended focus is to help conservative church members to be more open-minded and progressive. As a more liberal member I didn’t need some of his extra explanations and justifications. Overall, I can tell that his work to live and share his faith has blessed him with some incredible experiences and inspired thoughts.
-“Our Heavenly Father is more liberal in His views and boundless in His mercies and blessings than we are ready to believe or receive.” Joseph Smith
-God guides, rebukes, and corrects his leaders and church “slowly according to the strength and size of the good.” Bruce R. McConkie: “Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young, or President George Q. Cannon, or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world.”
-The first church to take Christ’s name: “It has always seemed miraculous to me that the reformation had been in existence for over 300 years before the time of Joseph Smith and no one thought to name his church after Jesus Christ…Since the time of Joseph Smith others have followed suite, but in some marvelous way the Lord preserved the use of His name until the time of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Christ’s church.” –Ted Callister
-I really appreciated his discussion and perspective on general laws (brings joy) vs exceptional/temporary laws (difficult sacrifice that brings temporary misery)
-His Sabbath rule: “Always make sacrifices that strengthen your relationship with God and with family.”
-We need to broaden our view of the blessings of tithing to things of eternal significance (as opposed to just physical blessings)…Tithing as an investment in something of eternal value
-“Shall we not go on in so great a cause?” Joseph Smith (D&C 128:22)
--After talking to pastors and leaders of a variety of faiths he was left with this prominent question: “Can anyone give me something better than the Mormon church?...Never had anyone offered me a better understanding of God or a logical explanation of various key passages found within the bible.”
-“I’ve incessantly studied other religions and philosophies for years. I’ve looked deeply at agnosticism and atheism and tried to find some semblance of logic in them. I’ve studied every ounce of literature I can get my hands on that is critical to the Mormon faith, and still the validity of the church is logical to me. I’ve searched high and low and haven’t come across anything better…to whom shall I go?...Absolutely nothing I’ve studied satisfies my innate deepest desires and hopes the way that Mormon doctrine does. That has been my experience.”
-“Our Heavenly Father is more liberal in His views and boundless in His mercies and blessings than we are ready to believe or receive.” Joseph Smith
-God guides, rebukes, and corrects his leaders and church “slowly according to the strength and size of the good.” Bruce R. McConkie: “Forget everything that I have said, or what President Brigham Young, or President George Q. Cannon, or whomsoever has said in days past that is contrary to the present revelation. We spoke with a limited understanding and without the light and knowledge that now has come into the world.”
-The first church to take Christ’s name: “It has always seemed miraculous to me that the reformation had been in existence for over 300 years before the time of Joseph Smith and no one thought to name his church after Jesus Christ…Since the time of Joseph Smith others have followed suite, but in some marvelous way the Lord preserved the use of His name until the time of Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Christ’s church.” –Ted Callister
-I really appreciated his discussion and perspective on general laws (brings joy) vs exceptional/temporary laws (difficult sacrifice that brings temporary misery)
-His Sabbath rule: “Always make sacrifices that strengthen your relationship with God and with family.”
-We need to broaden our view of the blessings of tithing to things of eternal significance (as opposed to just physical blessings)…Tithing as an investment in something of eternal value
-“Shall we not go on in so great a cause?” Joseph Smith (D&C 128:22)
--After talking to pastors and leaders of a variety of faiths he was left with this prominent question: “Can anyone give me something better than the Mormon church?...Never had anyone offered me a better understanding of God or a logical explanation of various key passages found within the bible.”
-“I’ve incessantly studied other religions and philosophies for years. I’ve looked deeply at agnosticism and atheism and tried to find some semblance of logic in them. I’ve studied every ounce of literature I can get my hands on that is critical to the Mormon faith, and still the validity of the church is logical to me. I’ve searched high and low and haven’t come across anything better…to whom shall I go?...Absolutely nothing I’ve studied satisfies my innate deepest desires and hopes the way that Mormon doctrine does. That has been my experience.”
January 2, 2021
Everyone, on any part of your journey IN or OUT of the church should give this a read. I love his insights into the difference between the culture (which is very flawed) and the doctrine.
May 24, 2020
There were many things I liked in this book. Here a few things that really stood out to me.
-Are you a fountain or a drain?
-Joseph Smith born day after winter solstice, day it begins to get lighter. Other interesting insights with names too. God has order and works with dates, numbers, and symbols. We probably pass by many of them
-author's mission- he visited many churches and had positive interactions with many. He said to one group who was ready to pounce, can we leave the character of Joseph Smith out of this and focus on his fruits. None of them had known him and it would all be assumptions.
-Speaks of the restoration and how this church follows the patterns of the New Testament- organization, baptism, 3 beings not one as God, etc. Can anyone, does anyone give something better than the church today?
-author talks about when he gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He mentioned that if you don't believe, it's hard to hear others say they know the Book of Mormon is true, but he said he doesn't know how else to say it, he knows it's true. He goes on to explain. I've thought about this many times. The words can seem trite, but when it boils down to it, what else can be said, experience can be shared with words and by the Spirit but not fully transferred. We can have an experience with other's words, but still must seek our own. When I've wanted to throw out trite words of others then gone through a process to find out for myself, I've circled back to what will seem like the same trite words to others.
-A friend told him that if a bomb were dropped on his testimony and it had gone up in flames, the Book of Mormon would be the cockroach that scuttles out of the rubble.
-He lists 10 reasons why the Book of Mormon stands it's ground (not listed here)
-1000 years of laboriously etching the plates was to bring us to Christ, 2 Nephi 25:26
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
-a Pastor he taught used 2 Nephi 2 to teach his congregation about The Fall. It was the best explanation he had heard and he had studied a lot.
-"No wicked man could write the Book of Mormon and no good man would try" quote from Holland's dad
-Joseph Smith said "our Heavenly Father is more liberal in His views and boundless in His blessings than we are willing to believe and receive."
-"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."–Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
-tips for teaching lessons at church, what to do and not do (not listed here)
-plural marriage insights. Scriptures condemn it except in few instances. Christ descended from the house of David which practiced polygamy. There is no doctrine about heaven being polygamous. I am a descendant of polygamy and have gratitude for it on that sense.
-Tithing. Windows of Heaven are open to us when we pay tithing. The church is a window of blessings. We contribute to building of church and temples. These are great blessings beyond what we realize.
-with so many issues in the world we sometimes want to hear a big bold answer in conference, but hear talks about the Sabbath or other topics we've heard many times and tune out. These are exactly what we need though to truly help us.
-Connection with his kids on Sunday-jumping on the trampoline with his kids then laying down on it, they did too, put himself in their element, then could connect with them. Still there are boundaries, they decided no organized sports on Sunday, we often honor our lists rather than the Sabbath, "Sabbath made for you, not you for the Sabbath" scripture. His rule, do what brings you closer to God and family.
-gay man at Cambridge converting to the church, he listens to the doctrine, not the media
-those who don't believe the gospel can't leave it alone
-Are you a fountain or a drain?
-Joseph Smith born day after winter solstice, day it begins to get lighter. Other interesting insights with names too. God has order and works with dates, numbers, and symbols. We probably pass by many of them
-author's mission- he visited many churches and had positive interactions with many. He said to one group who was ready to pounce, can we leave the character of Joseph Smith out of this and focus on his fruits. None of them had known him and it would all be assumptions.
-Speaks of the restoration and how this church follows the patterns of the New Testament- organization, baptism, 3 beings not one as God, etc. Can anyone, does anyone give something better than the church today?
-author talks about when he gained his testimony of the Book of Mormon. He mentioned that if you don't believe, it's hard to hear others say they know the Book of Mormon is true, but he said he doesn't know how else to say it, he knows it's true. He goes on to explain. I've thought about this many times. The words can seem trite, but when it boils down to it, what else can be said, experience can be shared with words and by the Spirit but not fully transferred. We can have an experience with other's words, but still must seek our own. When I've wanted to throw out trite words of others then gone through a process to find out for myself, I've circled back to what will seem like the same trite words to others.
-A friend told him that if a bomb were dropped on his testimony and it had gone up in flames, the Book of Mormon would be the cockroach that scuttles out of the rubble.
-He lists 10 reasons why the Book of Mormon stands it's ground (not listed here)
-1000 years of laboriously etching the plates was to bring us to Christ, 2 Nephi 25:26
"And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."
-a Pastor he taught used 2 Nephi 2 to teach his congregation about The Fall. It was the best explanation he had heard and he had studied a lot.
-"No wicked man could write the Book of Mormon and no good man would try" quote from Holland's dad
-Joseph Smith said "our Heavenly Father is more liberal in His views and boundless in His blessings than we are willing to believe and receive."
-"If you want to build a ship, don't drum up people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea."–Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
-tips for teaching lessons at church, what to do and not do (not listed here)
-plural marriage insights. Scriptures condemn it except in few instances. Christ descended from the house of David which practiced polygamy. There is no doctrine about heaven being polygamous. I am a descendant of polygamy and have gratitude for it on that sense.
-Tithing. Windows of Heaven are open to us when we pay tithing. The church is a window of blessings. We contribute to building of church and temples. These are great blessings beyond what we realize.
-with so many issues in the world we sometimes want to hear a big bold answer in conference, but hear talks about the Sabbath or other topics we've heard many times and tune out. These are exactly what we need though to truly help us.
-Connection with his kids on Sunday-jumping on the trampoline with his kids then laying down on it, they did too, put himself in their element, then could connect with them. Still there are boundaries, they decided no organized sports on Sunday, we often honor our lists rather than the Sabbath, "Sabbath made for you, not you for the Sabbath" scripture. His rule, do what brings you closer to God and family.
-gay man at Cambridge converting to the church, he listens to the doctrine, not the media
-those who don't believe the gospel can't leave it alone
October 14, 2018
3.5 stars. Some interesting points. Like a collection of his blog posts. But I'm not a huge fan of his writing. I wonder how much longer this book would've been if he used the correct name of the church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ;-)
December 30, 2018
I have to agree with Phoebe's comment, "He writes what I'm thinking".
Well thought out, well researched. Written so that everyone can understand the difference between culture and doctrine.
This book should have been written a long time ago.
I also enjoyed Gregs conversion story.
Well thought out, well researched. Written so that everyone can understand the difference between culture and doctrine.
This book should have been written a long time ago.
I also enjoyed Gregs conversion story.
July 4, 2018
Boy does he hate biologists! This book just wasn’t what I expected. Felt like a bunch of disjointed essays that had little to do with cultural evolution.
September 1, 2018
Trimble starts out with some interesting ideas about the culture within Mormonism but the bulk of this book appears to be blog-length platitudes. Nothing new here but it didn't hurt me to read it.
February 5, 2021
What an excellent way of teaching the difference between doctrine and culture. This was a needed and loved read that I thoroughly enjoyed. I was able to see insight into aspects of my own life shaped more by culture rather than doctrine and the good and bad of that. I was able to look more closely to why testimony is important but that each of us has our own and unique gifts and beliefs we bring to the table. What a beauty that is. How wonderful to be able to look at how things have evolved and why some things have developed the way they have and how to separate it. This was wonderful and I would recommend this book to everyone and will be purchasing my own copy to highlight and add notes and thoughts.
May 4, 2021
Great insights on how we need to progress culturally as members of the Cburch of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This was published in 2017, before Russell M. Nelson became president and brought all the changes we have seen in recent years, and before the recent commotion from political and medical challenges that we have all experienced and witnessed, so it would be interesting to see an updated edition that would include his insights on the past few years.
October 19, 2020
Meh. Essentially outdated over what has occurred in the church policy and culture over the last three years or so. Though the critiques herein are common and well-founded. I found the ideas to be more interesting coming from a "true-believing Mormon" rather than someone who has left or is leaving the faith. But, as expected from such a member, some of the ideas were very much lacking in broad empathy. Though, admittedly, many other ideas were extremely liberal.
In the end, I think this is a great run through the cultural ideas brewing inside the religious culture even if many of these ideas have been broadly or even specifically addressed in recent shifts.
In the end, I think this is a great run through the cultural ideas brewing inside the religious culture even if many of these ideas have been broadly or even specifically addressed in recent shifts.
August 12, 2018
This book needs a new title and cover photo--STAT. The inside is full of observations, insights, opinions, but most of all--positivity! That's what's missing from that dreary-looking cover. I'd never heard of Greg Trimble before, but he is an LDS blogger and CEO. The chapters, although disjointed from each other, each address something he has felt or witnessed or experienced. He describes his transformation from a teenage punk surfer with no testimony to a young man who wanted to go on a mission but only with a real testimony of WHY he was going. That's admirable...and brave!
I loved the enthusiasm he has for his testimony and how he arrived at it and I loved the chapter on his approach to the Sabbath day. His style is light, conversational, but full of logic. The logic is his own, so I didn't agree with all of it, but he motivates the reader to be open to the opinions of others and for all of us to just be respectful. That is logic I can support!
This book will not be reviewed on my book site because it is for a very specific audience, but I think it's worth looking over. Because of its format, you can skip a chapter you don't want to read or you can read them out of order. Overall, you feel like you're just sitting in someone's backyard having a conversation about LDS culture--the goods, the not-so-goods, and the greats.
I loved the enthusiasm he has for his testimony and how he arrived at it and I loved the chapter on his approach to the Sabbath day. His style is light, conversational, but full of logic. The logic is his own, so I didn't agree with all of it, but he motivates the reader to be open to the opinions of others and for all of us to just be respectful. That is logic I can support!
This book will not be reviewed on my book site because it is for a very specific audience, but I think it's worth looking over. Because of its format, you can skip a chapter you don't want to read or you can read them out of order. Overall, you feel like you're just sitting in someone's backyard having a conversation about LDS culture--the goods, the not-so-goods, and the greats.
August 11, 2020
I guess the book is a collection of his blog posts. I didn't know that since I don't read his blog. But it makes it easy to go back and review something he had said. Just search his blog.
Anyway, the title seemed a bit odd, but I guess I can see the point he's making. Viewpoints and attitudes within the lay membership of the Church are changing, and mostly for the better.
Yes, he's a true believer. And he's really putting himself out there. So, whether a person chooses to agree with him or not, he should be respected for his courage.
I really appreciated his viewpoints on several items: polygamy, tithing, Sabbath observance, and others.
Highly recommended.
Anyway, the title seemed a bit odd, but I guess I can see the point he's making. Viewpoints and attitudes within the lay membership of the Church are changing, and mostly for the better.
Yes, he's a true believer. And he's really putting himself out there. So, whether a person chooses to agree with him or not, he should be respected for his courage.
I really appreciated his viewpoints on several items: polygamy, tithing, Sabbath observance, and others.
Highly recommended.
April 28, 2018
Maybe 2.5. This appears to be a compilation of his blog posts, many of which don’t have much to do with the title of the book. I like his main premise that he bases the title off of, that the culture of Mormonism could be improved by less judgment and more love. But a lot of the chapters aren’t terribly well thought out and supported or don’t fundamentally address the deeper issues that cause people to have faith crises or leave the church.
March 24, 2021
In a nutshell, the author describes his vision as to what the church (culture, behaviors/attitudes of members, focus of teachings, etc) ought to be like. It's not an account of a cultural evolution that has taken place or is taking place, as the title would suggest. Rather, this was written more as a sort of faith-building book that also prescribes "best practice" behaviors for contemporary LDS members to follow. The author also repeatedly mentions the importance of having humility. Yet, as a reader, I could sense conceited piousness coming from the author as he groups and describes types of people.
What disappointed me most was how the author writes degradingly about academics and scientists and the work they do. He describes them as people who are actively (and maliciously) trying to disprove a divine creator/God. He also paints them as prideful, hypocritical people who support crazy and contradicting theories and whose work is not authentic. As an LDS person who works in academia and has a background in natural sciences, I can confidently say that this author’s view on these people and their work is inaccurate. He doesn't provide sources for these claims either. Above all, these assumptions are plain disrespectful. This type of uninformed, condescending attitude makes it impossible for LDS people to TRULY understand and befriend people with different beliefs. It’s a barrier for LDS people to be accepting of others and also to being accepted themselves. To be fair, this attitude towards academics and scientists (and science in general) is somewhat prevalent within other religious groups, not just LDS. It’s just extremely disappointing to me that this LDS author is teaching these kinds of ideas.
So these were just a couple problematic aspects of this book that I noticed. There were more, but I don’t have the time to go on about it in this review. I feel overall let down by the book as an LDS reader. I can’t recommend it. If there ever is a radical positive cultural change within Mormonism, the ideas and attitudes promoted in this book will not be helpful in bringing it about.
What disappointed me most was how the author writes degradingly about academics and scientists and the work they do. He describes them as people who are actively (and maliciously) trying to disprove a divine creator/God. He also paints them as prideful, hypocritical people who support crazy and contradicting theories and whose work is not authentic. As an LDS person who works in academia and has a background in natural sciences, I can confidently say that this author’s view on these people and their work is inaccurate. He doesn't provide sources for these claims either. Above all, these assumptions are plain disrespectful. This type of uninformed, condescending attitude makes it impossible for LDS people to TRULY understand and befriend people with different beliefs. It’s a barrier for LDS people to be accepting of others and also to being accepted themselves. To be fair, this attitude towards academics and scientists (and science in general) is somewhat prevalent within other religious groups, not just LDS. It’s just extremely disappointing to me that this LDS author is teaching these kinds of ideas.
So these were just a couple problematic aspects of this book that I noticed. There were more, but I don’t have the time to go on about it in this review. I feel overall let down by the book as an LDS reader. I can’t recommend it. If there ever is a radical positive cultural change within Mormonism, the ideas and attitudes promoted in this book will not be helpful in bringing it about.
July 26, 2018
I have wanted to read this for a while and I am so glad I did! I have read articles by Greg before and I enjoy his style. I think he shares an important voice that the Mormon culture needs today. I think self-evaluation is a necessary step in progressing. It requires an open mind and the ability to listen to others and their perspectives (both sides need to be respectful). Greg doesn’t try to change any doctrine in this book, he only shares his observations and experiences and how that has influenced his testimony. I really appreciate what he says and feel like he does it in an non-offensive way- even if you don’t agree. I found it very thought-provoking and insightful and will continue to think about what I’ve read. Some highlights for me were:
His comparison of our culture today to that of the Jews when Christ lived, his “three types of Mormons” which I mostly agreed with, his chapters on teaching, the Book of Mormon, polygamy, tithing, and Sabbath day observance- he covers a lot!
I see this as him sharing his experiences, asking us to look more closely at our own experiences, and then make corrections and improvements together.
His comparison of our culture today to that of the Jews when Christ lived, his “three types of Mormons” which I mostly agreed with, his chapters on teaching, the Book of Mormon, polygamy, tithing, and Sabbath day observance- he covers a lot!
I see this as him sharing his experiences, asking us to look more closely at our own experiences, and then make corrections and improvements together.
May 24, 2018
A good read for active, disaffected, or non-Mormons.
I oftentimes have trouble communicating my private, sacred-to-me beliefs in a concise, fluent way. The main reason I bought the book is because, from reading Greg Trimble’s blogs, he writes what I’m thinking. He just says it a lot better!
The author writes in an easy-to-read format what he believes is happening in the year 2018 in Mormon culture ....and he’s right. I especially loved the chapter on “three types of Mormons”. Nailed it. He sites prophets and scripture to share his beliefs.
I oftentimes have trouble communicating my private, sacred-to-me beliefs in a concise, fluent way. The main reason I bought the book is because, from reading Greg Trimble’s blogs, he writes what I’m thinking. He just says it a lot better!
The author writes in an easy-to-read format what he believes is happening in the year 2018 in Mormon culture ....and he’s right. I especially loved the chapter on “three types of Mormons”. Nailed it. He sites prophets and scripture to share his beliefs.
November 8, 2018
Thoughtful and well intended, not to mention uncannily accurate.
I’m not familiar with his blog or any other writings he may have done. Nevertheless I enjoyed this book as he pinpoints some important concepts in the church. Some good and some needing correction. His accuracy in naming things that are now being officially addressed by the leaders of the church is amazing.
An enjoyable read! Well written with some modern verbiage thrown in with tremendous testimony. All leading to an easy book to read and ultimately to say “Amen”!
I’m not familiar with his blog or any other writings he may have done. Nevertheless I enjoyed this book as he pinpoints some important concepts in the church. Some good and some needing correction. His accuracy in naming things that are now being officially addressed by the leaders of the church is amazing.
An enjoyable read! Well written with some modern verbiage thrown in with tremendous testimony. All leading to an easy book to read and ultimately to say “Amen”!
January 14, 2020
Great read for those who want to understand
This book was uplifting and interesting to read. The author testified of many truths and also successfully explained why many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints choose to stay, despite historical or cultural idiosyncrasies. Can things improve within the culture of the church? Yes! And I love the chapter on teaching. (Please stop apologizing for being unprepared or freaking out that the time is almost up!)
There were a few minor typos.
This book was uplifting and interesting to read. The author testified of many truths and also successfully explained why many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints choose to stay, despite historical or cultural idiosyncrasies. Can things improve within the culture of the church? Yes! And I love the chapter on teaching. (Please stop apologizing for being unprepared or freaking out that the time is almost up!)
There were a few minor typos.
August 8, 2019
I felt like the title was something of a misnomer, but that being said I really enjoyed reading it and liked it very much. Greg Trimble is a blogger and it appears to me that this book is a collection of his blogs. His observations are very down-to-earth and makes me proud of my religion. Great explanations for hard topics like same-sex attraction and polygamy. The overall feeling of the book is very positive and that we could all do with a little more love and kindness for others.
March 23, 2021
This was a fantastic book. I found myself yelling out, YES and AMEN often as I went through the book. I wish more people understood what Greg explains in his book and lived more Christlike and less judgmental. I often remind myself that the church is true, the culture and people in it are broken.This book was a breath of fresh air.
August 8, 2021
I am hopeful that those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will one day share similar thoughts as are expressed in this book. Time to move on from traditions, boxes, or programs and become more Christlike in our endeavors. Let us not forget that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect and living in every way…it is the imperfect people that are not.
March 2, 2022
A loose collection of essays that were each interesting. Opinion pieces are valuable in the ongoing culture discussion in the church, but none of these offered definitive support for a cultural evolution.
Taken collectively they didn't support the title of the book. I was hoping for some concrete examples and research, not an anthology of blog posts.
Taken collectively they didn't support the title of the book. I was hoping for some concrete examples and research, not an anthology of blog posts.
March 30, 2018
A Beautiful Book
Greg is a very thoughtful and engaging author. Each chapter is full of wisdom and thought provoking ideas. He is right that Mormonism is a life altering experience. The book is an easy read without heavy doctrinal orthodoxy.
Frank Thornton
Greg is a very thoughtful and engaging author. Each chapter is full of wisdom and thought provoking ideas. He is right that Mormonism is a life altering experience. The book is an easy read without heavy doctrinal orthodoxy.
Frank Thornton
August 11, 2019
Great read. Gave me a lot to ponder. A different perspective on topics I have thought about quite often.
Great read. Gave me a lot to ponder. A different perspective on topics I have thought about quite often. Thank you.
Great read. Gave me a lot to ponder. A different perspective on topics I have thought about quite often. Thank you.
May 14, 2022
Listened to audio. I enjoy Greg’s social media posts—always challenging traditional beliefs and thinking and getting me to think with an open mind. This book is no different. It addresses doubt, temples, relationships, sabbath day worship, gays, polygamy, hope, tithing, testimony, etc.
June 14, 2018
All very good and insightful.
September 3, 2018
For those who enjoy studying changes in cultures, Gregg Trimble's observations of the evolution of a religion are enlightening and thoughtful.
August 26, 2019
Really heart felt and thought out. I recommend it
October 13, 2019
Blogger turned novelist.
Humble, sincere, well thought out. Somewhat different take on a number of "Mormon" issues.
Humble, sincere, well thought out. Somewhat different take on a number of "Mormon" issues.
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