The Biblical Roots of Mormonism

by Eric Shuster, Charles Sale

Last year, Eric Shuster wrote Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest about his conversion from Catholicism to Mormonism. Now, he and coauthor Charles Sale bring us The Biblical Roots of Mormonism, a discovery of Mormon doctrines as they are revealed in the Bible. Each chapter delves into a specific belief, such as the Godhead, premortal life, and revelation. Quoting hundreds of Old and New Testament passages, the authors show how the Bible alone can sustain Mormon theology and practice. This incredibly well-researched guide provides fresh insights about the Bible as each page reveals a new connection to the Mormon beliefs. Perfect for believers, investigators, and skeptics alike, this book will inspire and astonish as it lays out the biblical foundation of Mormonism.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 8, 2010

About the author

Eric Shuster is the fifth of six children born to George and Patricia Shuster. He is a graduate of Saint Lawrence Catholic College Preparatory School, holds an industrial engineering management degree from San Jose State University, and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Shuster is a veteran of the information technology industry, and is today the President and CEO of IntelliClear Inc., a Colorado-based market research firm. Mr. Shuster is an ardent student of the scriptures and prolific theological writer, whose passion for Christianity and humanitarian service led him to starting the Foundation for Christian Studies (FCS) in 2008. The FCS (www.studychristianity.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the study, teaching, and practice of Christianity in a way that inspires all people, regardless of theological differences, to come together in support of essential Christian values and compassionate service to God’s children across the globe. Mr. Shuster and his wife Marilyn of over 22 years have three children and reside in Colorado where he enjoys writing, community service, and hiking. Mr. Shuster is also a musician and former recording artist. Eric Shuster’s first book, Catholic Roots, Mormon Harvest (Cedar Fort, Inc.) was published in 2009 generating stirring reviews and being heralded as the most comprehensive side-by-side comparison of Catholic and Mormon doctrine to date. Mr. Shuster’s newest release in 2010, The Biblical Roots of Mormonism, was published in 2010 (coauthored by Charles Sale) with equally rousing reviews as the most comprehensive biblical review of Mormon doctrine to date.

Reviews

[Tristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

There has long existed the belief in this world that Mormons don't believe in the Bible. It is true that as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we do talk quite a bit about The Book of Mormon and to some smaller degree The Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price, three pieces of scripture that are unique to us, but we have always revered the Bible as being the word of God. In the new release "The Biblical Roots of Mormonism," we are given the opportunity for three things:

1. To show our friends of other faiths that we do, indeed, believe in the Bible

2. To strengthen our own understanding of the things that are taught in the Bible

3. To come to a greater understanding of just how the Bible is the foundation of our LDS teachings and to see how truly interconnected it is to our other scriptures

I have always been interested in learning more about the gospel, but have never been nor claimed to be a theologian. This book was written at the perfect level for me, intelligent enough to teach me, but not so far over my head that I felt intimidated. Rather, I felt as though I'd been taken by the hand by two kindly Sunday School teachers and taken on an interesting journey through history.

The book uses an interesting format I found particularly helpful. Each chapter is divided into topics - for instance, chapter one is focused on premortal life. We then read the biblical teachings on the subject, with the pertinent verses quoted, and then we read the Mormon understanding of those verses. This format allows the LDS reader to become more familiar with what the Bible says on those topics, and it allows the reader of another faith to understand why we believe the way we do.

I think this book is a valuable resource for any home. Each member should increase their familiarity with the Bible and know how to find the verses within it that are needful to explain our beliefs from a missionary standpoint. Friends of other faiths will find it useful in finding common ground with family members or co-workers who are LDS. Whatever your reason for reading it, you will find your testimony of the life of Christ strengthened and broadened.

[Abby Hansen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very useful as a guide to LDS beliefs but not a serious apologetic defense in any way.

[Jana at ThatArtsyReaderGirl.com · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this as a Goodreads first read and am currently waiting for it to arrive in the mail.

Ok, the book is here and I've started it! Looks interesting!


I love this book! It's so interesting and really puts things into perspective. I'm the kind of person who loves to have the facts laid out in front of them, and that's what this book does.

Each chapter delves into a specific LDS belief, explains it, and backs it up with verses from The Bible. You can read it straight through or in sections if one subject interests you more. I can see it being used in Sunday School lessons or for family home evening. It cross-references and helps you decipher what each verse means as well. I love the organization and the explanation. It's the kind of book that can enrich your knowledge of your own religion and also aide investigators in understanding the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Definitely a keeper!

[Michael Knudsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough compilaiton of the biblical references that support the Mormon interpretation of gospel topics. Not only very interesting to read straight through, but an excellent cross-reference manual to mark your Bible with the connected topics. Christians of other denominations certainly won't always agree with the interpretations the authors make, but that's always been the case with the Bible. If other denominations can't agree with one another, they'll certainly never agree with the LDS position. The authors do a great job establishing their position and bring in every applicable reference from both the Old and New Testaments.

[Tom Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very clear, unbiased and thorough. Obviously well written and user-friendly.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I've always wanted a reference book that shows Mormon theology through Bible verses only.