Aside from The Book of Mormon, Anthony Sweat’s Mormons- An Open Book is the first book that I would share with someone interested in our faith. With candor, intelligence, and meticulously thorough research the author sets out to give accurate answers to frequently asked questions about our doctrine, our history, and our culture. Sweat’s writing style somehow manages to convey great reverence while engaging the reader in an informal, neighborly, and appropriately humorous manner.
The book makes clever and entertaining use of photographs and visual aids, highlights the “take-home” messages, and provides “Mormyth” sections comparing frequent assumptions and rumors about the Church with facts and truth. Sweat presents our teachings and beliefs and allows them to speak for themselves; he leaves an open invitation to read The Book of Mormon and pray about it, but otherwise doesn’t push.
With our religion so much in the national spotlight, Mormons- An Open Book represents an unprecedented effort to give people accurate information and let them decide for themselves. It is available in bookstores, both LDS and mainstream, across the nation and is a must-read for anyone seeking to be well-informed, members and non-members alike.
Jonathan Decker is the clinical director of Your Family Expert. He is a licensed marriage and family therapist, husband, and father of five. Jonathan earned a masters degree in family therapy from Auburn University as well as a bachelor’s degree in clinical psychology from Brigham Young University. He is an actor, author, and television personality.
