Mormon Doctrine

The principal doctrines defining Mormonism today often bear little resemblance to those it started out with in the early 1830s. This book shows that these doctrines did not originate in a vacuum but were rather prompted and informed by the religious culture from which Mormonism arose. Early Mormons, like their early Christian and even earlier Israelite predecessors, brought with them their own varied culturally conditioned theological presuppositions (a process of convergence) and only later acquired a more distinctive theological outlook (a process of differentiation). In this first-of-its-kind comprehensive treatment of the development of Mormon theology, Charles Harrell traces the history of Latter-day Saint doctrines from the times of the Old Testament to the present. He describes how Mormonism has carried on the tradition of the biblical authors, early Christians, and later Protestants in reinterpreting scripture to accommodate new theological ideas while attempting to uphold the integrity and authority of the scriptures. In the process, he probes three questions: How did Mormon doctrines develop? What are the scriptural underpinnings of these doctrines? And what do critical scholars make of these same scriptures? In this enlightening study, Harrell systematically peels back the doctrinal accretions of time to provide a fresh new look at Mormon theology. “This Is My Doctrine” will provide those already versed in Mormonism’s theological tradition with a new and richer perspective of Mormon theology. Those unacquainted with Mormonism will gain an appreciation for how Mormon theology fits into the larger Jewish and Christian theological traditions.

"Amazingly enough, Christ is the Jehovah of the Old Testament and the God of Israel. It was Christ who led the nation of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, and it was he who gave and fulfilled the Law of Moses." This book is different from other books about the Latter-day Saints (LDS) in at least two ways. First, it focuses on details of LDS doctrine that are relatively unknown, even to church members. Second, because its purpose is to inform, not persuade, it presents these details in a neutral, unflinching, warts-and-all way. The reader can then decide for him- or herself what to believe. As Jensen states in his Introduction, he wrote the book for three audiences. First, he wrote it for himself. Although he grew up in the church and served a church mission, he was often confused about the more cryptic points of LDS doctrine, of which there are many. For example, if someone had asked him to explain in detail the LDS position on angels, or Jews, or Zion, he knew wouldn't have been able to. So he wrote the book to understand - to "get to the bottom of" - the church's more obscure beliefs and follow the implications to their logical conclusion. Second, he wrote it for non-Mormons who are curious about the religion and seek a book that is unbiased and informative while also being light and readable. Third, he wrote it for members of the church who are fuzzy on the details of the topics discussed in the book and would like to understand them better. The church has always placed great stock in education, especially as it relates to God's plans for us. This book will help educate church members on the finer points of their doctrine - on what one actually believes, or should believe, as a Latter-day Saint. Were Adam and Eve married? Is there a hell of fire and brimstone? Does the earth have a spirit? Does Satan have a body? Who are the Lost 10 Tribes? Where did Noah set off from in his ark? Will animals and plants be resurrected? In this book, you'll find unflinching answers (from the LDS perspective) to those important and interesting questions - and many more.

Winner of a 2004 ECPA Gold Medallion Award! Winner of an Award of Excellence in the 2003 Chicago Book Clinic! What is real? What is truth? What can we know? What should we believe? What should we do and why? Is there a God? Can we know him? Do Christian doctrines make sense? Can we believe in God in the face of evil? These are fundamental questions that any thinking person wants answers to. These are questions that philosophy addresses. And the answers we give to these kinds of questions serve as the the foundation stones for consrtucting any kind of worldview. In Philosophical Foundations for a Christian Worldview J.P. Moreland and William Lane Craig offer a comprehensive introduction to philosophy from a Christian perspective. In their broad sweep they seek to introduce readers to the principal subdisciplines of philosophy, including epistemology, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethics and philosophy of religion. They do so with characteristic clarity and incisiveness. Arguments are clearly outlined, and rival theories are presented with fairness and accuracy. Philosophy, they contend, aids Christians in the tasks of apologetics, polemics and systematic theology. It reflects our having been made in the image of God, helps us to extend biblical teaching into areas not expressly addressed in Scripture, facilitates the spiritual discipline of study, enhances the boldness and self-image of the Christian community, and is requisite to the essential task of integrating faith and learning. Here is a lively and thorough introduction to philosophy for all who want to know reality.