An inside look at the foundational sacred
text of one of
the world’s youngest and fastest
growing religions
The Book of Mormon stands alongside the Bible as the keystone of The
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS
Church/Mormonism). Translated by the prophet Joseph Smith from
ancient writings inscribed on golden plates, the Book of Mormon is
an account of people living in the Western Hemisphere in a
timeline that parallels that of the Bible. It covers a thousand
years of loss, discovery, war, peace, and spiritual principles
that focus on the teachings of Jesus Christ, outlining a plan
for salvation and the responsibilities we must assume to attain
it.
The Book of
Mormon: Selections Annotated & Explained explores this sacred epic that is cherished by more
than twelve million members of the LDS church as the keystone
of their faith. Probing the principal themes and historical
foundation of this controversial and provocative narrative,
Jana Riess focuses on key selections that offer insight into
contemporary Mormon beliefs and scriptural emphases, such as
the atonement of Christ, the nature of human freedom, the
purpose of baptism, and the need for repentance from sin. She
clarifies the religious, political, and historical events that
take place in the ancient communities of the Book of Mormon and
their underlying contemporary teachings that serve as the
framework for spiritual practices that lie at the core of
Mormon life.
Now you can experience this foundational
sacred text even if you have no previous knowledge of
Mormonism. This SkyLight Illuminations edition presents the key
teachings and essential concepts of the Mormon faith tradition
with insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that helps to dispel
many of the misconceptions that have surrounded the Book of Mormon since
its publication in 1830.
“Captures the spirit and gist of the
distinctively Mormon scripture at one-tenth its length. Coupled
with her informed, discerning, and accessible commentary,
Riess’s editorial accomplishment is an act of
interreligious generosity.”
—Philip
Barlow, ThD, author of Mormons and the Bible: The Place of the
Latter-day Saints in American Religion
“The most compelling, fascinating,
and gracious approach to the Book of Mormon that I have seen.
Transforms dozens of cryptic passages and symbols into powerful
messages that make the Mormon story shine with the beauties and
mysteries of God’s love.”
—Mary
Ford-Grabowsky, editor of Spiritual Writings on Mary: Annotated &
Explained
“With her considerable historical
and theological knowledge combined with her literary
sensibilities, Jana Riess strikes precisely the right
balance—an astute and sympathetic guide, not an
overzealous proselytizer. Her informed and agile glosses help
enormously in bringing the text to life.”
—Randall
Balmer, PhD, Ann Whitney Olin
Professor of American Religion, Barnard College, Columbia
University
“At last, a version of the Book of
Mormon that is suitable in both size and content for the
classroom.… Manages to leave the sense of the whole
intact, while commentary provides a simple guide to Latter-day
Saint belief. A very useful, even necessary supplement to the
study of Mormonism.”
—Kathleen
Flake, PhD, assistant professor of
American religious history, Vanderbilt Divinity School
Jana Riess
earned a PhD in American religious history from Columbia
University and a master of divinity degree from Princeton
Theological Seminary. She is the religion book review editor
for Publishers Weekly. She is also the author of The Spiritual Traveler: Boston and New England and What Would
Buffy Do? The Vampire Slayer as Spiritual Guide.
Phyllis Tickle,
a widely acclaimed expert on religion in America, is the author
of more than two dozen books, including the three-part prayer
manual The Divine Hours and the memoirs The
Shaping of a Life and Prayer Is a Place. She
has been a magazine editor, college dean, media commentator,
and publisher.
