I Love Mormons
- Theology
- World Religions
- Publisher: Baker Books (Baker Publishing Group)
- Published: 2005
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Publisher's Description
David L. Rowe asserts that many Mormons view Christian witnessing as Bible bashing. What Christians need to understand, he suggests, is that Latter-day Saints are an entirely separate ethnic group with their own history, values, and customs. Evangelizing Mormons can be so much more effective if Christians first know, understand, and respect Mormon heritage. With helpful illustrations and discussions of Mormon values and theology, Rowe calls Christians away from confrontational evangelism and instead suggests active listening and respect as a way to bridge Christian beliefs and Mormon culture. A glossary in the back of the book and discussion questions at the end of each chapter will help readers apply these concepts in their own witnessing experiences. In the end, Christians will be more approachable representatives of Christ.
Endorsements (8)
“For the past thirteen years, I have developed wonderful friendships with a small group of religion professors at Brigham Young University, all members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in good standing. Through extensive conversations I have learned firsthand what they actually believe and teach, what directions the church is heading in the twenty-first century, and how evangelical Christians are generally perceived in LDS circles. When people have asked me for the best resource available for how best to interact with LDS friends today with respect to religious topics, I have told them, ‘The Bridges video series, produced by Salt Lake Seminary.’ Now similar material is even more accessible in this book. A must read for all who care about this topic.”
“Mormonism is an experiential religion. People who want to argue with Mormons about the teachings and the texts of their religion may seriously miss the opportunity to communicate. David Rowe helps readers understand how Mormonism functions as a culture, a way of life, and even as a catalyst for burning-in-the-bosom moments of personal transcendence. Following Rowe’s insights can help readers create points of deep personal contact with Mormons—and the potential for transformation.”
“Dave Rowe not only loves Mormons, he understands that an essential requirement of love is truth telling. He writes candidly about the appeal and burdens of Mormonism, the differences between it and historic Christianity, and our often counterproductive attempts to share our faith with Latter-day Saints. This book should be required reading for all who know Mormons or will soon know Mormons—which is to say, almost everyone. It is written with clarity, practicality, and most of all charity.”
“I have been a serious student of the Mormon Church and Mormon culture for forty-five years. I grew up in the state of Utah, and I ministered as a pastor in Utah for thirty-three years. I have read dozens of books over the years about Mormon history; Mormon theology, beliefs, and practices; and how to witness to or share the gospel with Mormon people. This is the best book I have read on understanding Mormon culture and communicating effectively with Mormon people. David Rowe writes out of decades of experience of living in Utah and interacting with Mormon people. This is not a theoretical treatise, but rather a practical and compassionate approach to living constructively as a Protestant Christian in a setting dominated by Mormon culture.”
“For over a century and a half, evangelicals have written books condemning Mormon belief and practice. Not surprisingly, these books engendered a style of evangelism focused on winning arguments, not people. Dave Rowe has written a new kind of book—one that endeavors to make the Good News actually sound like good news to Mormons. His three decades of ministry in Utah has given him insights into Mormon culture and the Mormon mind-set that are a tremendous help to those who want to reach their Mormon friends.”
“What a fresh, creative approach to sharing the gospel with those of the Latter-day Saints faith! In his delightful narrative style, David encourages encourages the reader to accompany him in his own journey in coming to understand how to relate to Mormons. He demonstrates a key understanding of Mormonism: it is not just another religion, another cult, but a culture. He does this without any compromise to the teachings of historic Christianity but displays a genuine love and respect for Mormons. From my own experience of pastoring a church in Utah for twenty years, I can’t emphasize strongly enough that this is such an important concept to grasp if one is to be effective in relating to them. The questions at the end of each chapter are a great help toward applying these principles to our own situation.”
“Something is wrong with witness when one consistently wins arguments but never souls. The habits of the Mormon heart are not reshaped by confrontation with the gospel but by confession of the gospel. David Rowe teaches us lessons in faithful confession to Mormon culture. Live these lessons, and the lives of those around you will turn Godward.”
“This is a highly commendable example of the apostle Paul’s directive to Timothy, his fellow missionary. In his enlightening discussion of how to witness effectively to Mormons, Dr. Rowe exhibits not only keen logic and detailed knowledge but an irenic spirit and gracious attitude. Here we have missionary apologetics at its best.”
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