Offenders for a Word

by Daniel C. Peterson, Stephen D. Ricks

This book reveals the tactics many anti-Mormons employ in attacking the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In clear, straightforward terms, the authors explain the true beliefs of the church and how to see through the word games that critics use to attack it.

Offenders for a Word answers critics' objections to Latter-day Saint beliefs regarding the Godhead, polygamy, salvation by grace and works, eternal progression, the premortal existence, the role of the Prophet Joseph Smith, the nature of the Holy Ghost, and much more.

Genres: Church, Religion, Lds

255 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-researched rebuttal to the claims of anti-Mormons that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints somehow doesn't deserve to be considered a "Christian" church. Investigates the assertions upon which that claim is based one by one, demolishing each through a look at the history of the Christian church(es) through the centuries.

[Christopher Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Offenders for a Word followed on the heels of Stephen Robinson's book on the same subject, Are Mormons Christians? Still, even readers of Robinson's treatise will find Peterson and Ricks' contribution to the topic extremely valuable. They bring a wealth of new information and insights to the table, and provide copious documentation for their assertions. Along the way they poke fun at their anti-Mormon critics. The humor in the book is fairly innocuous, and actually makes this otherwise very scholarly treatise highly enjoyable to read.

The authors begin their book by recounting some of the more outrageous anti-Mormon characterizations of the Mormon faith. We learn, among other things, that Mormonism is "Satanic", "demonic", "Christ-denying", and "a fountain of slime". Such outrageous accusations, of course, hardly need refuting; Peterson and Ricks nevertheless systematically demolish every one. By the end of the book they have demonstrated beyond any reasonable doubt that Mormons are neither unchristian nor a "cult". While I didn't agree with every point they made in the book, my objections amount to a few pithy historical or doctrinal points that really don't have any bearing on its primary message. In the end, I cannot withhold my hearty recommendation.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should be titled “Are Mormons Christian, or are they a Cult?,” but I think that title is taken. Daniel Peterson is an excellent scholar, and is very knowledgeable about anti-Mormon writings. I have read several pieces of his F.A.R.M.S. research, and generally have enjoyed them. But this is not a pleasant read unless you are obsessive and very scholarly. I don't mind the pugnacious attitude much because many of the anti-Mormon writers there refuted truly are deserving of little respect. Nonetheless, this is classical bashing with little effort made to persuade, or acknowledge the full dimension of legitimate disagreements. Stephen Robinson’s book “Are Mormons Christians?” is a better, if less scholarly shot at informing LDS about many of the petty salvos being levied against them.

On the other hand, this book does have a very attractive cover picture of Lehi's dream, by Greg Olsen.

[Sher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from reading this book that I was not previously aware of. The premise is to show the inane absurdity of the claim that members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are not Christians. To say that Mormons are not Christians is about the most un-Christian thing I can think of. I know Christ would consider them Christians. That is good enough for me.

This book takes each point that creditable (in some ways) critics have with calling Mormons "Christians." It is thoroughly researched, and is about as well done as a book of this nature can be. Please, put this argument to rest once and for all. Why does it matter so much to people how another religion views the Savior if those people are striving to be Christlike to the best of their abilities? We should rejoice with one another in the magnanimity of Christ, and not argue about ridiculous points. I would like to ask those critics if they are really that insecure.

[Eric Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, of course, is not meant for all audiences. It's mainly directed to critics of the Mormon faith and to Mormons themselves. Mr. Peterson is not only a scholar of Islamic and Arabic studies, but he also demonstrates a very impressive slate of knowledge packed into this short book defending the Mormon faith.

I have not only been thoroughly convinced that Mormonism is a bonafide Christian religion, but I have also learned a lot about history and cultures in the mean time while also being exposed to the change of definitions many Christians change in order to define Mormonism as a "non-Christian cult". It's a powerful thing to control the dictionary. And many Anti-Mormons will gladly, without blushing, change the very definition of the meaning of the word Christian and the word cult without properly informing their readers that they are doing so.

Dr. Peterson, in plain and understandable terms, exposes such tactics of the Anti-Mormon authors.

[Matthew Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Peterson's style and beleive this to be a fabulous book. It provides a soundly constructed argucment against the accusation that LDS Christians (members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons) are not Christians. Using sources which most Evangelical Christians would find acceptable they present a strong case for doing away with the rather pejorative terms which have been applied to LDS Christianity in recent years including the classic "cult."

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both authors of this book are associated with FARMS at BYU. They discuss the tactics of anti-Mormons and the word games they often use to twist meanings and make simple doctrines seem confusing. The topics covered include the Godhead/Trinity, polygamy, grace versus works, eternal progression, the premortal world, Joseph Smith and the Holy Ghost.

[Jonathan Waite · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this book a while ago. Daniel Peterson is the best "Mormon bulldog" at defending the faith. I admire his ability to wade through the contentious issues anti-Mormons throw out in a fairly objective way without letting emotions carry him away.