Along the lines of finding out more about religion in general and Mormonism specifically, I recently read Under the Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer. The LDS church seems to be up in arms about the book. You can read their official response here and some more reviews here.
Although I found the book fascinating, I have to admit it is pretty one sided. And while admitting that fascination isn’t always a good thing, it did keep me turning the pages. Richard L. Evans, a Professor of Religious Understanding at Brigham Young University, wrote a clear bit of comment on the trouble with a riveting story that isn’t broad enough to cover all the angles in his conclusion:
“This is like asking someone: Would you like to understand Catholicism today? Then study carefully the atrocities of the Crusades and the horrors of the Inquisition. Or: Would you like to gain a better insight into the minds and feelings of German people today? Then read Mein Kampf and become a serious student of Adolph Hitler. Or: Would you like a deeper glimpse into the hearts of Lutherans today? Then be certain to study the anti-Semitic writings of Martin Luther. Or: Would you care to better understand where Southern Baptists are coming from? Then simply read the many sermons of Baptist preachers in the Civil War who utilized biblical passages to justify the practice of slavery.
However, anything that gets so much backlash has to be based on some truth.
Being raised ‘in the faith’, I thought I knew the basic church history. There were things in this book that I wasn’t aware of. Whether they are true or not, I don’t know yet. But I like to look at all the sides of the issue before making up my mind. And while the church doesn’t deny that polygamy was at one time fully endorsed by the prophet, it now says it’s not.
Which do I like better: thinking that God once said, “Hey, all you men should have 17 wives.” or that He said, “Have 17 wives. Ok, wait. No. Don’t do that anymore.” or that He said, “You shouldn’t practice polygamy.” and the church did anyway. Any way you slice it, I think it stinks.