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Defending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Reference Guide

Wayne D. Arnett, Redding, California: The Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (FAIR) and Scholarly & Historical Information Exchange for Latter-Day Saints (SHIELDS), 2003, 3.5x8.25" Reference Guide, 48 pages. ISBN: 1893036065

This easy reference guide will fit perfectly into your vest pocket or purse. Defending is directed towards those who:

are truly interested in the basic history and tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ. In particular, it is for those whose previous exposure to the LDS faith has been by way of so-called "anti-Mormon" criticisms.

have a sincere desire to investigate the restored gospel of Jesus Christ by prayerful study, but have insufficient background to readily rebut "anti-Mormon" claims.

are members of the faith seeking help in addressing questions, concerns and criticisms posed by acquaintances, friends and loved ones.

proclaim and perpetrate criticisms of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Contents:

Introduction

Purpose of This Guide

A Few Definitions

Setting The Stage

Why The Critics?

The Strategy

A Little Perspective!

Double Standard?

What Is A Prophet?

To Be A Critic

Doomed?

Cast of Characters

A Common Example

Silver Bullets

A Rare Exception

Faith Is Required

Conclusion

Internet Resources

Suggested References

Notes

Review Excerpts:

"This is an important booklet to read. For only a few dollars it helps you understand various anti-Mormon attacks." --S. Gordon, California, 2004.

"Defending the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a short exposition exploring the methods of the Church's critics, and how to understand, and meet, their challenges. It contains many helpful summaries and definitions, and some good quotations from Church leaders, and even some Church detractors.

As Arnett's booklet notes, anti-Mormonism has been part of the Mormon experience from its inception. Beginning with Joseph Smith's first announcement of his encounter in the Sacred Grove, scoffers and other enemies have tried to discredit both the Church and the Restoration that
forms its foundation.

The tradition of criticism continues unabated. Recent interest in polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and other aspects of Mormon history and practice, have been explored by scholars and journalists, some of whom have misrepresented the events, either by design or by ignorance. Members of the Church are sometimes unprepared to respond to these criticisms.

Arnett does not set out in so brief a work to offer full explanations or extensive histories. He supplies a very good bibliography at the close of the pamphlet; interested readers can utilize these to study further into those areas that are of interest.

Arnett does, however, offer a basic critical apparatus in a non-threatening, accessible format, understandable to most people. Included in the booklet:

~a short glossary of words used by critics, but not always fully understood;

~ a rationale for the existence of critics, and why they persist to this day;

~ an understanding of the role of a Prophet (and a timely caution to members of the Church that they may *overstate* the prophetic gift, and thus contribute to the confusion);

~ a short list of logical fallacies, helpful when you *know* someone isn't making sense, but you can't put your finger on the precise problem;

~ an attempt to categorize the kinds of attacks made by critics;

~ a short list of Internet resources for those who want to learn more.

This is a lot of information, packed into a very small publication. As might be expected, none of the above topics is treated exhaustively, but all are treated fairly and concisely.

Arnett has performed a service for the Church, much as FARMS has in their book, Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon. By taking a large, complex theme, and reducing it to an understandable minimum, Arnett has provided a helpful starting point for Mormons, and others, to meet the critics and defend their faith in an organized and reasonable manner.

I recommend Arnett's pamphlet for those wanting a good beginning to understanding, and answering, the critics. And yes, it's just a beginning. There's yet much to be written." --Jeff Needle, Reviewer, Association for Mormon Letters

Wayne Arnett has a B.A. in Political Science/Latin American Studies and an MPA (Master of Public Administration) from Brigham Young University. A popular speaker, Wayne is a past president of the National Association of College Stores (NACS) and is the author of College Store Journal articles.

Title: Defending The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: A Reference Guide

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