An introduction to the core beliefs and theological structure of the Mormon church, first published in 2003.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world. Highly visible, yet a mystery in terms of its core beliefs and theological structure, this timely book provides an important introduction to the basic history, doctrines and practices of The LDS - the 'Mormon' Church. Particular emphasis is given to sacred texts and prophecies as well as to the crucial Temple rituals of endowments, marriage and baptism. Written by a non-Mormon, it seeks to describe Mormonism in ways that non-Mormons can understand.The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world. Highly visible, yet a mystery in terms of its core beliefs and theological structure, this timely book provides an important introduction to the basic history, doctrines and practices of The LDS - the 'Mormon' Church. Particular emphasis is given to sacred texts and prophecies as well as to the crucial Temple rituals of endowments, marriage and baptism. Written by a non-Mormon, it seeks to describe Mormonism in ways that non-Mormons can understand.Although one of the fastest growing religious movements in the world, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints remains a mystery in terms of its core beliefs and theological structure. This timely book provides an important introduction to the basic history, doctrines and practices of The LDS--the Mormon Church. Emphasizing sacred texts and prophecies as well as the crucial Temple rituals of endowments, marriage and baptism, it is written by a non-believer, who describes Mormonism in ways that non-Mormons can understand.Introduction; 1. The birth and growth of Mormonism; 2. Prophets and texts; 3. Divine-human transformations; 4. Death, faith and eternity; 5. Organization and leaders; 6. Ethics, atonement and agency; 7. Priesthood, stake and familSz