From the Susquehanna to the Tiber: A Memoir of Conversion from Mormonism to the Roman Catholic Church

by Jeremy Christiansen

Jeremy Christiansen offers an intimate account of life as a faithful—sometimes stumbling—member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Growing up in a small Mormon town, he served as a Mormon missionary for two years in Argentina, raised a young family in the Mormon Church, and served in Mormon leadership positions. But as he grew older, he became unsettled about the principles of his faith, setting him on a long search for God and for truth that would ultimately lead to the Roman Catholic Church. Based on detailed personal journals, this vivid book explores the highly unique approach to religious epistemology found in Mormonism. Although the faith theoretically encourages the use of reason, Mormons' beliefs, in practice, are rooted chiefly in emotion. Christiansen offers singular insight into life within this system—with all its beauties and its limits. Thanks to the subtle workings of Providence, Christiansen discovered Catholicism through the ancient writings of the Church Fathers, who revealed a robust Christian intellectual tradition, and through the mystical glory of her liturgy.

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Theology, Memoir, Nonfiction, Christianity

250 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2022

Reviews

[Jessika Caruso · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book from the perspective of a committed Catholic. My main goal in reading it was to find out more about the Mormon church on a personal and objective level. This book met my expectations, and also strengthened my Catholic faith as most conversion stories tend to do. All the arguments were presented with respect and abundant citation. I would have enjoyed a more personal narrative (i.e. more of how the author’s conversion affected his family and relationships) at times, but I believe the book accomplished its mission and I was edified by it.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Woah, that was crazy... As someone who is absolutely fascinated with learning about the LDS church, this was the best read for me. I learned so much about the doctrinal and historical incongruencies within The Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants. The history of this church is incredibly inconsistent and deeply hidden to its members.
Jeremy Christiansen, an ex-Mormon lawyer, spoke intellectually and thoroughly about his experience as a member of the LDS church while also being so charitable to the church he once identified with. But he really laid out all the secrets of Joseph Smith and the founding of the LDS church.
Although I would've loved it if he had talked more about his eventual conversion into the Catholic faith (he only discussed this in the last 50 pages), I am glad that he took the space to tell his story of his encounter (and eventual exit) from the Mormon church.
This inspired me to meet with the local LDS missionaries to hear their personal experiences in the faith.

[Teaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for Catholics (or anyone else) interested in Mormonism or Mormons interested in why people leave, particularly those who leave for the Catholic. However, it's more a story of leaving Mormonism than entering the Catholic Church (which is covered pretty much just in the last chapter). Christiansen's writing voice is very much that of a lawyer, which can be an asset when prosecuting his case against Mormonism clearly and fairly, but isn't everyone's cup of tea.

[Boho Beannie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and engaging. His telling of his life and faith journey was honest and vulnerable. His catalogue of his dissolution of his Mormon faith and the historical problems he encountered, was very good. He did a good job of highlighting some of the major issues and provided excellent citation for what he brought up. There is more of the intellectual process he went through for or against both faiths than a personal narrative, like so many other books. I greatly appreciate the intellectual and historical arguments he presented.

[Laurel Sowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. Christiansen treats the Mormon tradition with respect (even addressing his choice to use “Mormon” as opposed to “LDS” in the beginning of the book) while telling his story of conversion to Catholicism. I read this as a Catholic wanting to understand why so many people are drawn to Mormonism. This book did just that, as well as make me even more appreciative of being raised in the one true Catholic Faith. Well done!

[Bellamy Oughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christiansen recounts his conversion story in an incredibly candid and tactful manner. His respect for adherents of the LDS faith is apparent throughout the book, and he presents his objections to the LDS faith with an appropriate level of sensitivity that encourages those in similar positions to conduct research for themselves and form their own conclusions.

[Luke Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

1. While Christiansen makes a case for why Mormonism is not true, he does so with respect for it and appreciation for the good he received from it. It's a glimpse into a fascinating religion that few Christians are familiar with.
2. A very engaging read. It's the kind of book you look forward to picking up again the moment you have to put it down.
3. Catholic apologists overlook Mormonism, despite the fact that it is the fastest-growing religion in America. The book helps fill that gap. It offers an understanding of LDS teaching and shows how a Mormon may find their way to the Catholic Church. The LDS understanding of Church authority and hierarchy is one way that Mormons are closer to Catholics than Protestants.
4. Because Christiansen's journey to Catholicism came about largely through an intellectual process, much of the book consists of information from his investigation in to the early history of the Catholic and LDS churches.
5. Aside from its theological discussions, it is also a very enjoyable memoir. The first half of the book is the story of a guy from small-town Utah who falls into the wrong crowd, turns his life around, has an adventure in Argentina, and strives to build a career for himself while raising a family.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a very good book and very informative. Jeremy goes to great lengths to make it clear he has the utmost respect for the average Sunday going Mormon, but he is also equally clear on his strong disagreements with the claims of Joseph Smith and the LDS church. One area of this book in particular that will probably upset some LDS members who read it are his descriptions of the Temple ceremonies. While Jeremy does not spell everything from each ceremony out in depth, he does provide detail than most Mormons would be comfortable with the wider world hearing.

Overall this was a fantastic book, and I recommend it to anyone interested in Mormonism, Catholicism or someone who just wants to read a good book.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and engaging memoir written with great charity and thoughtfulness. He did an excellent job presenting LDS culture, teachings, origins, and references. His experience reading the Church fathers and St. Thomas More was so moving… overall a wonderful book that I hope many LDS members discover.

[Elijah Newcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part apologia pro vita sua, part cursory look at some of the stickier historical facts for Mormons. It reads well, and the personal anecdotes are engaging. I appreciate his attempt to put me in the mind of a Mormon and adopt their epistemology, where a personal emotive experience is how one "knows" religious truths.

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written and engaging book from cover to cover.
St Thomas More, ora pro nobis.

[Cecilia Cicone · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written apologia, but I wish the author would have been willing to share more anecdotes about his conversion to make it a true memoir.

[Medalith Guzman · Rating 4 out of 5]

a must read to Catholics and Mormons!