Welcome to today’s stop on B. Jay Gladwell’s blog tour. I posted an interview with Mr. Gladwell yesterday. Today, it’s the review!
This book sets out to give fellow Christians a primer on the basic tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Gladwell was raised as a Christian and joined the Mormon Church in his twenties. Partly in response to his family’s and others’ initial repulsion to the Mormons, he wrote this book. (I should disclose here that I am a Mormon.)
The book generally accomplishes what it sets out to do: it explains the basic tenets of the Mormon religion in a conversational tone. However, I was put off quite a bit by the lack of research and references. Though the Bible and the rest of the Mormon scriptures are quoted and cited, there is very little outside research. Many times, as I was reading, I wondered where Gladwell found a particular fact. Since the purpose of the book is to help people understand the Mormons better, I was disappointed with the lack of helpful references. I also found some of the claims he makes about the general perception of the Mormon Church to be a little presumptuous and, again, without foundation.
Despite some misgivings, I think this book would give someone with at least a little knowledge about the Mormon faith a good overview of the religion. I would recommend though, that it be read and then discussed with someone of the Mormon faith.
What’s Wrong with Mormons? by B. Jay Gladwell 
Buy What’s Wrong With Mormons?
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It seems that opinions taught as fact is often how misunderstandings begin about anything. It also seems citing plausible sources would very important and influential to a book set on changing some of the perceptions of Mormonism, no?
Hm, you would think that outside references would certainly help his cause, but I have yet to read the book so I won’t make any judgments.
Thank you for hosting Jay on his virtual tour.
The comment Jessica made to a lack of references is somewhat misleading. When asked for clarification she said, “I probably should have been more specific. I was principally referring to your claims in the first chapter that Mormons are generally admired and liked for our morals and our humanitarian service and then disliked for our actual beliefs. In my experience, not many people are aware of the humanitarian service or our other activities. Like, for instance, your mother, who just condemned the lot without any actual knowledge of morals or humanitarian service or our actual beliefs. I would have liked to see some support of those claims. ”
My reply was, “Actually, out in the “mission field” (i.e., outside of Utah) people who have experienced natural disasters are well aware of our humanitarian services. Hurricane prone South Florida is a perfect example. Such is the case just about anywhere else in the world where natural disasters have struck. Victims of hurricanes and earthquakes are very familiar with the Mormons in the yellow shirts! As grateful as they are, they still don’t think too highly of our teachings.”
So the original comment in the book came from first-hand experience, not a previous source. The book is about my personal experiences. Anything other than my experiences were referenced. Just visit the book’s Web site, there you can see two indexes–subject and scripture for hundreds of references.
I think the statement that Mormons are ‘universally’ known for humanitarian aide, and other similar statements are pretty unfounded. Over the last 5 years, I’ve lived in 3 countries outside of the US. In two of those countries, I didn’t come across a single person who knew of the Mormon religion, nor it’s humanitarian efforts. And those in the third country mostly only knew that it’s a fundamentally American church with an somewhat embarrassing history in polygamy. Perhaps those that have directly received aide from the LDS church are aware of their efforts, but I think most people (in the USA that is) just associate Mormons with plural marriage, Jell-o, huge families, and Salt Lake City.
But here’s to hoping perceptions can change, cause Mormons are bitchin’!
Blake: Thanks for sharing your experiences. I, too, think we still have a long way to go in improving general perceptions of the Mormons and the Mormon Church. For example, I think we should distance ourselves from Jell-O as much as possible! :)
JM: I’m a big fan of references!
Mr. Gladwell: To be fair, my response that you posted above was far narrower in scope than you let on. I was specifically responding to your request for support for my statement that “I also found some of the claims he makes about the general perception of the Mormon Church to be a little presumptuous and, again, without foundation.”
That being said, it is my view that the whole book lacks many appropriate references. I appreciate that the book cited scriptures (and I specifically acknowledged this in my review), but the book made numerous broad conclusions that were left completely unsupported. I find your above explanation to be extremely unsatisfactory and ultimately supportive of the complaints in my review. You say that you didn’t have to cite anything because it’s “about my personal experiences.” But, for example, you broadly assert as fact that the general population admires Mormons for their humanitarian contributions yet abhors the Mormon teachings. You provide absolutely no support for this theory – not even your own experiences.
My review reflects my honest opinion of this book. My readers can decide for themselves should they choose to read it.
Jessica your reviews are pathetic. I suggest you focus on your life rather than the judging of any other peoples books. At 25 your life experiences are minimal and it shows in your comments.
Mr. Gladwell (“Jay”): An ad hominem attack, eh? I should have guessed.
Jessica, I did NOT make the post dated 08.27.08 at 11:38 pm and I do not know who did.
Although I disagree with your opinion, I fully support your right to have it and to post it on your own Web site.
Jay Gladwell
I know this is an old post, but after reading your meme, I was motivated to read this again. I’m particularly disturbed that this author chose to show his bad attitude and sour grapes so openly. It’s not what I wish to show the world – especially coming from someone promoting himself as a mouthpiece for my religion. Once again, shame, shame.
Annette, two items:
First, do you honestly think I was responsible for the post from 08.27.08 at 11:38 pm?
Second, I have never claimed to be “a mouthpiece” for the Church. I was simply sharing my experiences and observations, no more, no less.
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