Baptism of Jesus Books

As someone new to the Reformed faith, infant baptism was a difficult concept for me to grasp, and even more difficult to explain to my non-Reformed friends and family. Rev. Hyde illustrates the correlation between circumcision and baptism in the context of God's covenantal relationship with His people. This book has been pivotal in my understanding of this important concept, and I recommend it highly.

Although I certainly can't claim to have read every book on the subject, I am nevertheless confident that Daniel Hyde's little book "Jesus Loves the Little Children" is the ideal text for introducing the reader to the Reformed doctrine of Infant Baptism. He opens the work with a discussion of the presuppositions we bring to the issue, the commitment to scripture and desire to be faithful that can be found on both sides of the debate, and the need for Christian charity when examining the subject. The author then goes on to lay out a well structured case for the Reformed view of baptism, maintaining this same irenic spirit throughout. The reader will not find any innovative or unique ideas propagated here, but merely a faithful passing on of the historical, confessional teachings of the Reformed churches.

Books defending infant baptism are plentiful. Over the years, many authors have tackled this subject and offered many solid defenses. But this book by United Reformed pastor (in Oceanside, CA) Daniel Hyde is different and the differences make this book worth recommending.

First of all, Pastor Hyde has offered a compilation of the best Biblical arguments for the baptism of the infant children of believers. The arguments are offered concisely but with footnotes and references for those who wish to dig deeper. The skeleton is here, so to speak, but those who wish to see more meat on the bones will not have far to look.

Second, the book presents the Biblical arguments with a sense of church-historical consciousness. Hyde is especially sensitive to the practices and beliefs of the first sixteen centuries of the Christian church. With his references to Reformed liturgies and creeds, he clearly shows that infant baptism has nothing to do with "popery" and everything to do with the apostolic church.

Finally, so far as I know, this is the only book on the subject that deals with the practice of dedication found in some evangelical circles. Pastor Hyde points out that many of the proof-texts used to support dedication are the same texts used to argue for infant baptism. He calls for consistency, but also points out the far greater richness of baptism - a sacrament that speaks of the sovereign grace of a covenant-making God.

This book could profitably be used in situations (i.e. church planting) where God is bringing in people not (yet) convinced of the infant baptism position. It could also be used for those who, having grown up Reformed, have had doubts planted in their minds. If I would make one small suggestion for an improvement it would be the inclusion of the Bible texts with the "Reformed Confessions on Baptism" in Appendix 1. Aside from that small matter, this is an excellent explanation of "why we baptize children."

Author and Pastor Danny Hyde concisely and in a clear manner guides the reader in why we Baptize children.

I've learned a great deal from this book. This important teaching on Infant Baptism and of covenant family and community are fairly new to me and this book not only introduced, but explained Biblically--not by giving just proof texts and stopping there--but carefully putting together, and showing the reader the bigger picture of the whole jigsaw puzzle.

Also, the book gives you the whole enchilada--the important history of infant Baptism, a word to parents, an appendix on the Reformed Confessions and Baptism, and more.

Highly recommended!

I just received my copy of "Jesus Loves the Little Children" and want to give it my highest recommendation. As a pastor, I have long been looking for something that presents the subject of infant baptism in such a way that walks people through the entire reason of why we do what we do. I have often found that books on infant baptism assume too much. They assume that the reader understands "covenant theology," when this is often far from the truth. As a church planter of a rather young church (4 years old) this will be a wonderful tool for me to place in the hands of those who think the Reformed doctrine of infant baptism is nothing more than a holdover from the Roman Catholic Church. To date, this is the best book I have seen that presents our understanding of baptism from a biblical, covenantal, and confessional perspective and also one that is very conversational and easy-to-read. HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!

This work takes up an interesting problem that attaches to the study of catechetical and mystagogical materials of the early Christian period: the reception of the New Testament witnesses to baptismal practice in the post-biblical churches. As McDonnell argues, the common witness of Christians, East and West, early and late, was that accounts of Jesus baptism in the Jordan were preferred as the foundational textual witness over the Pauline tradition of being buried and raised with Christ.

After surveying the gospel witness in the first two chapters, he proceeds into the second and third century witnesses to its reception. Not content with the usual suspects in the early catholic pantheon, McDonnell summarizes the contribution of adoptionists, Arians, and various non-canonical texts (The Gospel of the Hebrews, The Gospel of the Ebionites, and the Odes of Solomon). In the end, it seems that the Pauline witness to have been largely suppressed, not receiving any serious treatment in baptismal or catechetical literature until Origen.

In the final section, McDonnell explores the Trinitarian character of the baptism of Jesus with pastoral eye. If Christian baptism is Trinitarian, the sum total of Christian life is Trinitarian. He is especially concerned that this will inform Christian pneumatology in its personal and experimental dimensions (McConnell is himself a Charismatic Roman Catholic).

Great ARCH book. I use these as a review for Bible lessons. The kids love the rhyming words.

The book jacket's summary of Janet Jensen's debut novel, Don't You Marry The Mormon Boys, describes a story about two people from different backgrounds and belief systems (Andy is mainstream LDS and Louisa was raised in a polygamous fundamentalist community) who fall in love at medical school but face overwhelming obstacles in an effort to be together.

That was the story I was expecting and found myself disappointed with the story I was actually given. Andy and Louisa do, in fact, face these obstacles, but it is never the focus of the story. In fact, were it not for a few flashbacks to medical school, there is no mention of these two main characters together in the same chapter, much less the same plot for the first 200 pages. Andy does his rural, family practice medical thing in Kentucky, which seems a completely unnecessary setting to me (unless the far fetched and wholly irrelevant ending was somehow important to the story of Andy and Louisa's journey....which it is not), and Louisa returns to her polygamous community to realize that her eyes have been changed to the situation around her after eight years of living away from it.

Sure there are a few wistful thoughts, memories and even dreams about the other, but the reason for their attraction, or friendship, is never explained. Andy thought she was beautiful, in spite of her plain, long ankle length dress, and crowning glory long hair, but apparently pursued a relationship with her because she was so smart and he wanted to study with her. (????) The reader is never given any information about Louisa's feelings towards Andy. There is simply an assumption that because she spent time with him, she fell in love with him. The hows and the whys are not worth mentioning, I suppose. Without that development of their relationship for the readers to hold onto, I didn't yearn for these two to be together. As their stories don't actually intersect in the story until page 197, a little yearning would have been nice. But, that doesn't seem to be the point of the book.

The thing I liked most about this novel was Jensen's humanistic portrayal of polygamous families. It's always troubled me that the media, pop culture and even the mainstream LDS church portray them as crazy, mindless followers without any thought or choice about their lifestyle. Jensen shows a side of their families and individuals who honestly believe what they practice, and that they do it for the same reason a lot of us do whatever it is we do - because we think it's what God has commanded us to do. I also appreciated the look inside their culture...from the need to protect themselves from outsiders to the organizations of their households. Considering the current events going on in Texas, it adds a deeper understanding to the story. But, that doesn't seem to be the point of the book either.

It isn't all sunshine, however, and as Louisa's eyes are opened to the real problems of their community (abuse, incest, birth defects, depression) she becomes a target of opposition to the community - particularly to the Council of Brethren, who seem like old, scary, mean men without a compassionate bone in their bodies. Again, this black and white portrayal of the community's leadership seems too clean and villainous to be true. Surely, there are some members who are able to be something other than completely dogmatic. It doesn't matter, though, because, once again, this conflict with Louisa does not seem to be the point of the book.

In the end, I'm not sure what the point is, or was supposed to be. Andy and Louisa seem more like conduits for the author to expound on the quirks and habits of rural Kentucky and polygamy than actual characters. The part of the story where they are actually together and communicating and conflicting only warrants 40 or so pages. Then the story jumps tracks and heads off in an entirely new direction - one I won't mention because it will seem like I am reviewing another book. I felt like it was a different book.

I guess I feel mostly disappointed because I didn't get the story I was promised. I didn't get Andy and Louisa's story. Not really.

Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys Review

The characters Ms. Jensen has so intricately and skillfully drawn simply leap off the page and into the mental eye of the reader. There were many of them whom I would dearly like to know in actuality and be judged a friend by those people.

The story-telling is clear and fully rounded, with subtle hints but no revelation of what's to come in pages ahead until the resolution. We see the situations from the viewpoints of multiple people and can even, as readers, get our own selves in an emotional conundrum as to how things might or should be handled and resolved. The issues and emotions are delicately interwoven tissue papers of humanity and the consequences of beliefs and actions are far-reaching and of vital import.

The history of the Mormon church and the issue of polygamy has obviously been painstakingly researched (the history I have read regarding polygamy bears this out); and while a major thread of the novel, it only adds to and enriches the tension and the questions the reader has as to what will happen to the protagonists and all those around them also to be deeply affected by events.

I purchased seven copies of this novel; one for me and the others for friends and public libraries as gifts. One of these friends called to express her excitement and enjoyment saying, "I was hooked by page one and could not put the book down. I laughed tears and cried tears." She summed up my own feelings exactly and her day was made when I explained that hopefully, there is to be a sequel.

D.T. Enloe
Wisconsin, USA
2/25/08

Genre: Fiction

Title: Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys

Author: Janet Kay Jensen

Louisa Martin knew she was very privileged to be in medical school. Being from a lifestyle of polygamy, few girls had ever had the chance to do anything like this, but her clan needed medical people who understood and would follow their belief system. Medical school had been incredible and Louisa did very well, but there was Andy, a young Mormon man whose family was mainstream and didn't follow the same lifestyle. -Two different cultures that neither could accept; a love that was doomed to fail.

Andy went to Kentucky to develop a practice and learned to love the country and its inhabitants. Louisa returned to her community to begin her practice but there she found abuse, illness and deformity. How could she have not seen these before? Try as she might, she could not change the way of things and had to decide to accept or reject her old way of life. Throughout their trials, neither could forget the other. Then circumstance pulls them together, while family and culture force them apart.

Throughout this beautifully written book, winds the thread of acceptance; acceptance of differing cultures, beliefs and lifestyles. Author, Janet Kay Jensen brings her characters to life and makes them feel like our neighbors. We can feel their uncertainties, fears and joys. We travel through their days like a friend. Mother, wife, member of the Author's Guild and winner of several awards for her writing, Janet Kay Jensen has given the readership of America an exceptionally well written, charming story of adventure, love and acceptance. I look forward to her future endeavors.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

Janet's debut novel proves to be a brilliant piece of work with all its characters well depicted and its story masterfully crafted. One word of caution: Do not expect to be bored!

"Don't You Marry the Mormon Boys" is not your typical LDS/Christian romance; it is a piece of fiction that not only focuses on a wonderful plot and convincing characters, it is also a novel that finds victory in its use of words. Janet beautifully-composed sentences read poetically and are measured with intricate details and care. Although the relationship between the two lead characters is the driving force of the story, the real core of the novel lies in the underlying theme that continues to play masterfully between the lines--the true meaning of family, love, redemption and fogiveness. It is not a story about a group of Mormons; on the contrary, it is about a group of ordinary people who happen to be of the Mormon faith. Janet plays with her theme wittily, teasing the reader with traditional tales and urban myths about Mormons and polygamistsm. I will not expose the plot here for everyone; it will only take away the pleasure of your reading. Instead, I will tell you this: if this novel were to be a movie, it will definitely be Oscar-worthy. A literary fiction at its best, perhaps the best contemporary LDS fiction in years. I would read and reread a certain passage just to savor it before moving on to the next best passage. Janet is a promising writer who will undoubtedly break into the general market in no time. And this is a promise.

Nominated in 2007 as a finalist in USA Book News in the Religious Fiction category, Janet Kay Jensen's Don't You Marry The Mormon Boys narrates the story of two medical students who meet and fall in love while both are attending the University of Utah.
However, there is one big problem, Andy McBride is of the Mormon faith while Louisa Martin was born and brought up in a strict polygamous community.
After graduation and a painful break-up caused by their seemingly irreconcilable differences, the couple pursue different paths.

Andy, after several years of medical training, winds up with his dog, Eliza R. Snow, in the rural town of Hawthorn Valley, Kentucky where he is received with open arms, as the town is in dire need of a family doctor. Louisa, on the other hand, follows her idealistic dreams and returns to her hometown of Gabriel's Landing, Utah.

Although the two continue to experience strong feelings towards each other, it would appear that there is little hope that they will ever again reunite and marry.
In order to accomplish this feat, Louisa would have to abandon her dream of bringing modern medical practices to Gabriel's Landing and leave her polygamous community.

Further complicating matters is that Andy's father Cole is an Assistant Attorney General in Utah who has been assigned to prosecute several polygamy cases, and he is not too thrilled with Andy's choice of a girlfriend and possible future wife.

As Louisa settles into her new position of family doctor in Gabriel's Landing, her idealism is soon shattered when she discovers the community's dark side where women and children have been abused by their husbands and fathers and that there is an unusual number of stillbirths and birth defects. As she states, "Gabriel's Landing was not the peaceful, harmonious community she had always imagined, though members of her family continued to be, as far as she could tell, kind and loving to each other."

Thrown into the saga is the Council of Brothers decision obliging Louise to marry John Olsen who already has five wives and thirty children. Furthermore, Olsen is only a few years younger than Louisa's father Joshua. Upon being notified of the Council's decision, Joshua is unyielding in his refusal to permit the marriage and openly challenges their decision by informing the brothers that she cannot marry a man whom she does not love.

Louisa also finds herself in a great deal of hot water when she is summoned before the same Council and questioned if she counselled her patients about contraception, birth defects and depression. Her reply was that to answer the question would be to defy doctor-patient confidentiality, something she was not prepared to do. When she tries to explain the problem of marrying close relatives, she is rebuked and informed that the community does not need outsiders to meddle into their affairs for it is only the will of God that they must obey and no one else. Louisa, who causes quite a media stir, is forced to leave the community she loved and moves to Salt Lake City.

Andy discovers that practicing medicine in a small town is not exactly something he had envisaged particularly when he is called upon to treat an unwed pregnant teenager, who was badly beaten by her drunken father, Bo Rawlins. As Andy is soon to learn, his kindness towards the teenager and her brother will eventually result in some very harrowing experiences between himself and Bo, someone who doesn't appreciate outsiders intruding in his family affairs.

Janet Kay Jensen is a writer of enormous talent, skill, and quite knowledgeable as she sheds light on Mormonism and polygamous communities which she skilfully interweaves into her story.

She also has a gift of descriptive prose, stirring up a sense of presence and emotion.
Particularly striking is the small slice of life of a country doctor that rings so true, and when reading about Andy, it brought back my own childhood memories when my father would tell me how he began his medical practice in 1925 in a small village in Quebec.

Moreover, all of the supporting characters carry out important plot functions and it is here where Jensen is at her best, capturing wisps of their thoughts and emotions.
Louisa's father Joshua effectively playing the "fight role" when he stands up to the Council of Brothers with his fiery reactions to their dictatorial behavior. The mean Bo Rawlins seeking revenge, and Miss. Carolina with her herbal remedies and down-to-earth advice that startles Andy and even perhaps makes him a believer in alternative medicine.

This is one compelling novel you won't want to miss.

Norm Goldman, Publisher & Editor Bookpleasures

Fantastic read. Amy, this is excellent for those who need to know that others go through what they go through --- and are VICTORIOUS. God is REAL!

Author Amy Hammond Hagberg wanted to help teens--her own and others--answer questions about God, including the big question: "How do you know he's real?"

Hagberg wrote to sports stars, recording artists and other celebrities, asking them to reflect on their life experiences and share how the reality of God was making a difference to them personally and professionally. The responses she received--from NBA players, Christian musicians, 'American Idol' contestants and others--are honest, revealing, and often compelling.

The resulting book is a collection of celebrity essays: mini-bios that focus on the reality of God in the midst of media attention, success and failure, and broken relationships. Contributors include Dwight Howard of the Orlando Magic basketball team, quarterback David Carr of the Houston Texans, and popular Christian recording artist Clay Crosse.

Some of the interviews are especially helpful for Hagberg's original target readers: teens. Among these, Chrissy Conway of 'Zoe Girl' talks about her parents' divorce, the party scene, and the twists and turns along her personal career path in ways that connect with teens and with anyone who has ever considered attempting a career in music.

Hagberg is a gifted and skilled writer who keeps readers turning the pages as she unpacks celebrity affirmations of the presence of God in their lives. A great gift book for readers from teens through Gen X, but the stories here will interest readers of any age!

Note: Reviewer Dr. David Frisbie is an author and Executive Director of The Center for Marriage & Family Studies in Del Mar, California.

Armchair Interviews says: Anything that can help teens understand their role in living a good life is good.

This is an ideal book to give to people who have questions about becoming a Christian, and who love sports and music celebrities.

44 extreme sports and music celebrities tell their stories in this book, from Jonny Lang (recording artist), to Barlow Girl (rock group), Kimiko Soldati (Olympic diving), CJ Hobgood (surfer), Dwight Howard (NBA player, Orlando Magic), Mick Hannah (downhill mountain bike racer), Jimmie McGuire (professional motocross rider) and more.

They share hard times they faced, how they became Christians and how their paths are more joyful due to their faith. Being a Green Bay Packer fan I turned to Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila's story of growing up in South Central Los Angeles with a tough background, a Muslim dad and a Christian mom, and how his becoming a Christian led to his current happy family life and NFL career. Christian Hosoi, professional skateboarder, after serious drug problems, is now leading a skateboarding ministry.

The two page "God's Road Map" at the end of each celebrity's story contains perceptive questions and Scriptures. Sports and music lovers will enjoy this book, and it can even be a "past watchful dragons book" that will steer doubting people on a new clear path.

God Unplugged by Ammy Hagberg was very interesting. It is 403 pages long and was published in 2006 by Destiny Image. In the story top athletes, musicians, and also stars tell how god helped them get where they wanted to be and changed their lives.
In the story there were 44 celebrity reflections on true life experiences with god. Many of these celebrities have been extremely low in their lives and god has pulled them out of them. Also in some cases they have had no luck in there lives and finally achieved their goals after they gave there lives god. All of these people believe that god has either given them opportunities or even the strength to work through where they were to get to where they want to be.
I thought that this was a good book. I enjoyed reading it and seeing how god has changed all of these people's lives. The strengths of this book are that it has top named celebrities that people actually want to read about. The weakness of this book is that there is nothing to find out nest so you don't have a reason to keep reading. I did like how god actually gave them the strength to continue and succeed in life. The writing was very boring to me, but I liked the idea.
The book gave a lasting effect on me because I have a saint Christopher necklace that my grandma gave to me before she passed away and that keeps me safe when I race motorcross. So, I think that god has a great power on us. I would recommend this book, it will make you think.

Truly, this, and the book before this, are really awesome books!
** Why?
Because they give some very good insights into other peoples way to God. Not only that, if you don't know the Bible inside and out (and even if you do, actually!), there are quotations from the Bible explaining the why and hows, depending on the story of the person interviewed.
All this, with Amy Hagbergs very nice way of writing (down to earth serious mixed with a nice blend of humor) makes this book a pleasure to read!
Personally, I strongly recommend this book to everyone. It might be those who Seek, or those who have found, it doesn't matter, in my opinion! :)

Great book stressing the importance of the name of Jesus Christ. Sadly Mr.Ingle (a book reviewer) has to write, "Most Oneness pastors I have met are very uneducated and not very biblically trained." Review the book Mr. Ingle, don't libel pastor's you don't know & I doubt you've met most of them. Your statement is very revealing of the education that you've received.

Bernard is the most prolific writer within the Oneness Pentecostal camp and by far he is their most educated. Most Oneness pastors I have met are very uneducated and not very biblically trained.

This book reflects the Oneness position that one must be baptized in water, by immersion, in Jesus' name ONLY for salvation. Of course, in the Oneness theological position, this still does not constitute salvation but is part of the "steps" of salvation. After being baptized in Jesus' name only, one must still be baptized in the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues or one is not a Christian.

Therefore, argues Bernard, those who are not baptized in Jesus' name only and who have not received the Holy Ghost with the evidence of speaking in tongues, are lost. Ironically, this means that the Oneness movement (that begain in 1914) are the only Christians alive today and for nearly 2000 years, the Church was in the dark concerning the truth of salvation. Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Wesley, Charles Spurgeon, D.L Moody, Peter Cartwright, A.W. Tozer, Jonathan Edwards, and many others are lost and in hell for not being baptized in Jesus' name only and they did not biblically receive the Holy Ghost (or so the logic goes).

This book deals with manily water baptism (baptismal regeneration) and argues against the traditional Trinitarian formula found in Matthew 28:19.

This excellent examination of a primary Christian doctrine dispells misconceptions and resolves controversies. What is the meaning of "calling on the name of the Lord"? What IS "the name of the Lord"? Above all, David Bernard places proper emphasis on the name of Jesus Christ, and reveals emphasis on the ineffible name within in the early church. Every one interested in essentials of the Christian faith should read this book.

What is so special about the name of Jesus? Isn't it just another name. This book will show you the significance of the name of Jesus. The meaning of the name, the power in the name, when and why we should use that name. The only name given among men whereby we must be saved

I've thought for the longest time that someone needs to update Mormon Doctrine. Not the doctrinal-scriptural areas, but we have had so many changes in Church Government since it was last revised in 1979 that the entries on such things as Assistants to the Twelve are mere historical curiosities.

There have been several attempts to come out with similar books. One was The LDS Reference Encyclopedia vols. I and II. Then there was The Encyclopedia of Mormonism in 1992. Sadly, time has overcome some aspects of these books so that they are out of date in some non-doctrinal areas.

(Keep in mind this is a good thing--The Church is guided by revelation, so since updates are an occupational and theological hazard. Article of Faith #9)

So this new book by David Ridges is an attempt to fills this gap caused by the march of time.

PLUSES

This book has several pluses. Of course, its "up to dateness" is paramount. His entries on Area Authority Seventies and the Acting President of the Twelve are superb. And there are the cluster of entries relating to AIDS and Same Gender Attraction are great assists. These issues were not Hot-Buttons back when Elder McConkie was writing or the Encyclopedia of Mormonism was published.

The entries on symbolism and the Salt Lake Temple symbolism were wonderful surprises. Since there is so much anti-Mormon spin on the symbols, having a quick reference is like an ace in the hole. Ditto for the entries on proclamations of the Church.

And his entries on Jesus Christ, the Atonement, Joseph Smith, and the Signs of the Times are majestic.


MINUSES

However, there are some minuses. First, Ridges does not explain why we should turn to his book over Mormon Doctrine. This is the "Justify the existence of your project" question. Does anyone care? Ridges is one of these theologians whose brain runs in book-lengths. But a person buying the book would not know that.

Ridge cites scriptures, but compared to McConkie, it is very scant. Another concern is that some of the entries are cut-and-pastes of the entries in `The Encyclopedia of Mormonism' or `True To The Faith.' This redundant material is a negative: we've already read it before. Of course we learn by repetition, but as Thomas Aquinas noted, frequent repetition can bring weariness and confusion to the minds of students (A Shorter Summa: The Essential Philosophical Passages of Saint Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica. Rote repetition makes the gospel boring. There is another way: President Joseph Fielding Smith taught, "old and familiar subjects may be dressed in new clothes; they need not always be presented in the self-same way." (The way to perfection)

Some entries are puzzling. There is one for Harold B. Lee and for Joseph Smith (under J, not S), but none for the rest of the presidents of the Church. Not even for Brigham Young! And the entries on Covenants and Gospel Covenants should be merged.

The euthanasia entry is too compact: "The so-called `mercy killing' of someone who is terminally ill. The Church does not condone this practice." But why doesn't the Church condone euthanasia? Ridges should have cited D&C 59:6 "Thou shalt not . . . kill, nor do anything like unto it." And then cite `Answers to gospel questions: The classic collection in one volume' 4:132ff, for extended reasons. As it stands, we are just remembering the various positions of the Church. But we need to know the doctrine behind the positions.

Another quirky entry is on illiteracy: "Not being able to read or write. Adam and Eve were literate and taught their children to read and write." But why is literacy important for the gospel? Look at the Mulekites (Omni 1:17-18). Plus he should have referenced the Relief Society literacy Program using the Book of Mormon.

The entry on the Relief Society did not include the Relied Society Declaration, even though he included The Family and Testimony of Christ proclamations in their appropriate entries.

There are stylistic questions, too. Most of the entries are quick slugs of information. But there and there, Ridges will write "We will quote from `True To The Faith' for additional information . . ." (p. 2). Encyclopedic entries do not use pronouns. Write, "`True To The Faith' says . . ." which eliminates six words.

ODDBALL

I have a few oddball comments. One of the criticisms of `Mormon Doctrine' is the title: If member of the Seventy and later the Twelve is not constitutionally empowered to lay down doctrine for the Church, then a fortiori the secretary to the General Sunday School Presidency is also not constitutionally empowered to lay down doctrine for the Church.

(Then again, what else would you call this book?)

There are entries on Temple Square, The Tabernacle Organ, and the International Genealogy Index. These are not really beliefs or doctrines, but mere Mormonalia. Of course, neither is the Lost 116 Pages, but it does have a bearing on the nature of the Book of Mormon and the historical basis for Sections 3 and 10 and Words of Mormon 1:7.

Lastly, books like this benefit the authors more than they benefit the readers. This book is, in essence, Ridges's Final Exam from all of his scriptural commentary books. I am eager to see how his systematic analysis of the gospel will enhance his studies.

BOTTOM LINE:

I would recommend this book, but read it in context. Start with the Conference Ensign, the Bible Dictionary and `True To The Faith.' Then read `Mormon Doctrine' and `Encyclopedia of Joseph Smith's Teachings' and the `Teachings Of' book for the current prophet. Then get `Mormon Beliefs and Doctrines Made Easier' as part of your third-tier studies. Remember, this books strength is its "up to dateness," so for the hot issues, you might go to this book first.

Disclaimer: David Ridges and I (Consider My Servant Job) have the same publisher. I did not receive a review copy, but had to buy my own.

This book is specifically geared to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, whose members are baptized at the age of 8. It is a beautiful book and I am buying it for my daughter. Lots of room for pictures and thoughts from the special day.

I was disappointed with this book. I expected a keepsake for an infant's baptism, but this book was more suitable for an eight year old who has taken classes and is just being baptised. There were few illustrations and bland coloring. There was also no special page to acknowledge Godparents. I returned it.

This book is so horribly written that at times I had to wonder if the author suffered from some sort serious mental illness that inhibited any attempt at a rational discussion let alone a consistent sentence. It's so awful, in fact, that I almost feel bad criticizing the "effort." But in the end, I have to admit that this book is nothing more than the rants of an uncreative lunatic.