by Chris Reeves
Synopsis: Chris shares his observations about recently published books on Mormonism, marriage, and morality. Contact CEI Bookstore/TruthBooks.com for more information.
by Nathan FransonISBN: 978-1-62080-100-0
Azimuth Media, 2017.
136 pages, softback.
Nathan Franson grew up in a Mormon family in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was baptized at the age of eight, and he advanced in his Mormon religion in the traditional way. But, at age 18, he began to question his beliefs and eventually he left the Mormon church. Franson now writes about his departure to help others know more about the Mormon Church and to answer current Mormons who may wonder why he left them. Much of the material that critiques the Mormon Church can be found in other reviews of Mormonism. However, what makes this book special is that it is written by a former Mormon who shows how each of the main Mormon beliefs and practices affected his own life. Franson is careful and fair with his critique. He covers the following main Mormon teachings: their history, the Godhead, the Book of Mormon, offices, and priesthoods, eschatology, LDS prophecies, the Book of Abraham, and the Mormon plan of salvation. Each chapter closes with a Works Cited bibliography showing Franson's research sources. Breaking the Chains is a fascinating read from a first-hand look at Mormonism. It will help equip you to say what needs to be said the next time Mormon "elders" knock on your door.
by Kevin W. RhodesISBN: 978-1-62080-041-6
Hopkins Publishing, 2014.
384 pages, softback.
Kevin Rhodes believes that the key to a happy, godly marriage today depends upon following three basic principles: (1) follow God's plan, (2) follow God's plan, and (3) follow God's plan. Rhodes believes that your marriage can be beautiful if you will follow God's plan. There are many marriage-enrichment manuals on the market today, but Rhodes' book stands out from them all. His approach to this topic is both biblical and personal. He includes numerous personal and practical examples of married couples in each chapter, which help to illustrate his message. Additionally, Rhodes does a good job of covering all the major issues and topics surrounding the subject of marriage in a positive way, and uses biblical principles to do so. The following matters are discussed: the right and wrong reasons for marriage, preparing for marriage, the problem-free marriage, the importance of character, addressing needs biblically, improving communication, the sanctity of marriage, and other key issues. There is also good material in this book that is not found in other books of the same type. For example, Rhodes has a chapter on "Learning to Love: Lessons from the Song of Solomon" as well as three appendices that address matters of sexuality and intimacy in marriage. What God Hath Joined Together is a good book for those who are preparing for marriage because it will help them to develop the right attitudes and acquire information necessary to enter this sacred institution. What God Hath Joined Together is a good book for those who have been married for years because it will help them to identify any marriage problems they might have, offer them biblical solutions, and help them to improve their marriage.
by J.J. Turner, Ph.D.ISBN: 978-1-945127-06-09
Publishing Designs, Inc., 2017.
110 pages, softback.
Teens, Wake Up! is another good workbook in the Wake-Up series by J.J. Turner. In this newest book, Turner reminds teens of who they are in God's sight and why they are here. The author wants teens to be able to face their current challenges by applying two great Bible passages in their lives: Ecclesiastes 12:1 (remember your Creator) and 1 Timothy 4:12 (let no man despise your youth). In this study, teens are introduced to 14 wake-up calls. They will study topics like getting their values right, influence, making wise choices, character, etc. The two lessons on a "Biblical Worldview" are especially good. Each wake-up call lesson contains an in-depth Bible study, application questions, and a real-life story for discussion. These workbooks are very organized and biblically based. They are great for classroom or small-group Bible study. The other good books in this series are Shepherds, Wake Up!, Deacons, Wake Up!, Preachers, Wake Up!, Christians, Wake Up!, and Parents, Wake Up!
Author Bio: Chris preaches for the Warfield Blvd church of Christ in Clarksville, TN. His Bible study website is thegoodteacher.com. He can be reached at chrisreevesmail@gmail.com.