Reflections On the Quest for Faith - The Crucible of Doubt

Thoughtful work. Almost enough to make me an optimist. At some level, I'm one who feels guilt when I come up against this crucible. And when I decide that leaders fell short some frustration is added to the guilt. The Givens gently remind me that neither me nor church leaders will ever be free from error nor expected to be. It is worth it to realize that God loves us enough to give us refuge from the storms we create ourselves. And the Church itself, they remind us, has come to own some of its own shortfalls--as in its choice to disavow the rationales used to justify its 100 year old priesthood exclusion policy. The book thus promotes both humility and hope. As with their earlier work, the Givens' presentation remind us of how and why our commitment is to Mormon theology.

I have been waiting for this message for a long time. It's almost as if all the feelings, intuitions, and opinions about Mormonism and my path to worship that I have instinctively felt over the years have been laid with eloquence and beauty upon the pages of this book.
It is this type of loving message that encapsulates the gospel of Jesus Christ. The message is for me, the sort of rational and compassionate philosophical reasoning that I wish to align my life with.
Thank you for this gift, Givens.

I loved this book. The Givenses confront head on the problem of doubt and the crises of faith which many members are facing, and deal with the subject honestly and beautifully and expertly. With quotes from poets, philosophers, and religious writers of all faiths, they address many of the unfortunate cultural attitudes and assumptions about faith which have plagued the church for years and are driving way too many members away. They are proposing a new way of looking at faith in the church which some may find shocking, but to me felt absolutely on target. The very fact that this book is out there, published by Deseret Book, and recommended by general authorities, is a miracle. And a welcome one! Cannot recommend this more highly.

As one who struggles with doubt this was so very much appreciated. The realization that doubt is not only normal but also a healthy part of faith. Rather than feeling like maybe I'm just never going to going to know for sure ,knowing that I am normal is validating.

Simply fantastic! Terryl and Fiona Givens are rapidly becoming the premiere scholars of Mormonism, and are of special worth to anyone who has endured a crisis of faith. I would HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone who has doubts, questions, etc.

A fresh look at the questions surrounding and the need for faith. "The Crucible of Doubt" is artfully written, enlightening, and uplifting. I highly recommend it. It's a book I will choose to read again and again.

While it wasn't perfect, I highly recommend this book to Latter-day Saints. It is more expansive in its thought than most LDS books, makes use of wonderful literature to buttress LDS ideas, and may be helpful to those experiencing doubt in the LDS Church (or religion in general). It is a much easier read than their previous book "The God Who Weeps", but also more enjoyable in my opinion.

It's also worthy noting that this was published by Deseret Book---legitimizing it in the eyes of many church members (though I lament that this seal of approval is needed for many members to consider reading it).

I can't recommend this book highly enough. The compassion and sensitivity with which the Givens address what it means to be a doubter and how to approach life and spirituality in the face of uncertainty made this book a joy to read. I will return to the book again and again, as it is full of wisdom and insights that left almost the entire book in one big highlight!

One of the most important and interesting Church books I've read in many years. I love the candid way in which the Givenses thorny subjects and difficult issues. A must-read for anyone who's struggled through doubts, difficult times, or challenges to faith. Exceptionally well done.

You have to lower your expectations of church leaders and realize that the church does not have a monopoly on truth. If you really want to stay in the church despite your personal beliefs or lack of belief in the Book of Mormon and in church leadership this will enable you to endure church (if you choose). It will not persuade you that the church is true. In the end I feel that while it is a good read and gives me hope and strengthens my faith that there is a Heavenly Father and a Jesus Christ it does not achieve it's aim.

I chose to rate this book so highly because in reflection, I feel enlarged, and motivated. The feelings of growth and certitude have been mine throughout my reading and reflection. The things I have learned strengthen my desire to continue to learn, love, and serve.

This book is inspiring and helped organize many thoughts I have had over the years and by which I have continued my life in the LDS faith. This new paradigm the Givins present, however, still really isn't enough to have a place at the table with other members. As I have found, unless one can "testify about the messenger" as opposed to focusing on the message alone, he or she still remains on the fringes.

This book, however, will give a lot of members who doubt some hope that they can remain in the faith and remain true to their own testimony, even where it might be inconsistent with official Church teachings.

I was given this book by a friend. I promised I would read and proceeded to do so. I found the first few chapters a chore to read in part due to the variety of quotes, poetry and meandering tone. It's a slog of a read and not convincing. Rather it seems to muddy the waters on doctrine and reasons for believing doctrine, and then basically advises to just accept it.

I'll be brief: every page is worth its weight in gold. It is refreshing to read the words of those who take time to think things through. There is no reason for Latter-day Saints to be naive about their beliefs, as the Givens have so eloquently demonstrated.

How do you "over-write" a book, you may ask? You use too many literary quotes and allusions. I'm not the first to notice this in this book, but it is distracting and makes it difficult to get at the meat of the arguments in the first part of the book. I found that the book got better as I got deeper into it and the quotes become more focused and useful.

This is an LDS book (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints or Mormon) and uses LDS sources and doctrinal beliefs so extensively that I don't think non-LDS readers would get much out of it other than confusion. On the other hand, I found the doctrinal explanations and conundrums fascinating as a member of that faith. This is not an apologist work that takes areas of controversy and explains them away; rather it is about the process of believing and not believing.

The concept of doubt is currently a much-discussed topic in the LDS culture due to several things such as the ex-communication of a few non-believing members who were organizing against the church (Dehlin, Kelly, Denver Snuffer and others) and a recurrence of various attacks on the doctrine and historicity of the church that come around every few decades. Regarding these attacks, there really isn't anything new and the attacks are rather easily addressed in most cases. However, with the availability of the internet, many members of the LDS faith are exposed to questions and history that they don't know that can reflect poorly or at least raise questions that can become doubt regarding the LDS church if not answered.

These things can be answered fairly easily and have been answered over and over during the nearly 200 year history of the Mormon church. Again, this book isn't answering these questions other than pointing out processes of belief, uncertainty and un-belief.

My main problem is that the whole concept of doubt is not rigorously defined. This problem is not just a problem of this book but occurs in nearly every discussion I have ever seen of faith and doubt in the LDS church. The authors, well-known and well-regarded Terry and Fiona Givens, often discuss questioning or uncertainty as synonyms of doubt and I don't believe they are. This nebulous concept then covers all kinds of attitudes and beliefs that are quite different. For example, being uncertain is, to me, completely different than doubting; not knowing something means that our knowledge is incomplete, our minds are not made up, and we admit with humility that we don't know something; doubt means we have already decided negatively to some extent and are not humbly seeking an answer. I think those are hugely different concepts.

One of the current techniques used by those who oppose the LDS church in varying ways is to claim that questioning is somehow anathema in the LDS church and is what got recent ex-members kicked out of the church. This is absurdly false; these former members taught doctrine not part of the church dogmas and were actively organizing members and others to attack the church and its beliefs. I don't need to go into more detail in this book review but this book could improve by clearly noting the difference between having questions and doubting. They are not the same!

Perhaps I am splitting hairs but I think the LDS scriptures also split that same hair. Doubt is never a good thing scripturally and we are told frequently not to doubt. On the other hand, we are often told to believe. Sometimes that comes easy and sometimes and to some people it does not come easy, but because some have a hard time believing does not mean that we shouldn't believe or at least seek to believe. I, personally, have never had a hard time believing and there is so much support from reason, scripture and spiritual confirmation that I freely admit I just don't understand how you can doubt if you honestly and humbly seek with faith.

The positive goal of this book seems to be to help those with questions, uncertainty or doubt not feel lost and I believe this book does do that to a great extent. Topics such as how to resolve or live with questions, how to deal with imperfect people, and the balance between belief and uncertainty are certainly useful and explored well.

One of my pet peeves found in methodologic books is the use of certain overused terms that have become code for "I know more big words than you". Yes, the word "paradigm" is used here. Etc. I did not find the terms "hermeneutics", "heuristic", "epistemological", "soteriology", or "exegesis" - words that are often used wrongly and when a simple word or term would work better. I'm sure I often use these words incorrectly or lazily also so you'll have to look up their definitions on your own. Anyway I'll put an extra star back on this book just for this.

Overall, 3 stars with the good and bad as outlined. What book would I recommend for that relative who is going off the rails then (which is what I believe most people intend from this book)? I'd start with Shaken Faith Syndrome: Strengthening One's Testimony in the Face of Criticism and Doubt if they have come across standard anti-Mormon websites. Positive websites like FAIR and Interpreter would also be of use. I would avoid the Neil A. Maxwell Institute since it has changed sides and likes to use big words devoid of meaning and context and criticizes believers more than it defends belief. But that's another subject for another day.

Are doubt, uncertainty, and questions the enemies of faith? Is it possible to hold both faith and doubt simultaneously, in a tension that is productive of deeper understanding? Those are two of the several questions that are at the base of this book written to an LDS audience, but with some thoughts that might be of interest to non-Mormon readers as well (if they can tolerate the Mormon-specific language, ideas, and assumptions). The primary requirement for getting something out of this book, however, is not religious affiliation but a willingness to think and, yes, to question—in other words, to approach both faith and doubt in a thoughtful, open-minded, non-judgmental way.

At the beginning, the Givenses indicate that one point in writing the book is to encourage readers to lose their preconceptions, their “claustrophobic assumptions,” and go ahead and ask “genuine” questions. It will not necessarily be easy for everyone to embrace questioning, particularly if they have become accustomed to—or worse, dependent on—the lexicon of certainty. As the authors point out, people too often want religion to answer all their questions, solve all their problems, but in fact Christianity is full of questions, ambiguities, and demands to reassess what one thinks. “We expect a road map,” they write, “and we find we have only a compass.” Uncertainty and ambiguity, they point out, are byproducts of our fundamental freedom to make choices, and that freedom, in turn, means that each undertaking, each life, has an indeterminate end. If every question is answered, if every action is commanded, where is freedom? Where is choice?

At times, I felt the book was neither completely successful nor completely coherent. Now and then I felt that the English professor in Terryl Givens was taking over, turning parts of the book into exercises in literary criticism and—dare I say it?—literary name-dropping (to which literary critics are prone), rather than a sustained discussion of doubt. At other times, it read like a series of sermonettes, many of which I appreciated but whose connection to the book’s subject was not always clear. Such was the case with Chapter 3, which is a very nice discussion of the purpose of the Church. Similarly, Chapter 8 is a good essay on an open, ecumenical approach to spirituality and community. I appreciated these and other discussions, but I was left wondering whether I was reading an attempt to create a narrative, or a collection of essays. What ties it all together? I only remembered as I was finishing the book that the authors had actually made clear their aims at the end of the Introduction: “In what follows, we will reexamine a number of paradigms that may make the quest for faith and the path of discipleship more painful and tortuous than it need be.” So perhaps what at times seemed somewhat incoherent was only incoherent because I was looking for a discussion that was held together by something other than the link between each chapter/sermonette and the broad question of doubt. What the authors are really trying to do is to address various attitudes and phenomena that are possible sources of doubt. It should be noted that even though it is intended for a Mormon audience, the book is not just (or even primarily) directed to those who doubt their “testimony” in Mormon terms. Its scope is much broader. It is about doubting God: His justice, wisdom, power. It is theodicy, not therapy.

Certainly a refreshing and hopeful perspective. Were such an approach to religion be adopted more generally among LDSs, staying engaged would be easier. Be warned, the book is very wordy, to the point of tedious at times. The near constant name dropping of dead poets and philosophers became tiresome. I would have appreciated more practicality and less poetry. We are discussing real problems with real consequences. A less abstract handling is also needed.

This is a pretty thin book, about 170 pages. But don't quibble about page count or even price. This is a book you will re-read.

As a bonus, the book production feels "quality" - nice font, book paper, book design, etc.

The book is full of gems such as this one from page 31:

"We feel unmoored if our religion fails to answer all our questions, if it does not resolve our anxious fears, if it does not tie up all loose ends. We want a script, and we find we stand before a blank canvas. We expect a road map, and we find we have only a compass....

"It is curious in this regard that so many critics attribute to religion a kind of facile wish fulfillment, imaginative fairy-tale scenarios that reduce complexity and mystery to easy answers and glib forms of consolation. As any disciple knows who has lived a life of faith thoughtfully, attuned to the rhythms of humanity's travails, to the demands of mercy and unconditional love, and to the call of patient waiting, religion is not the coward's way out of life's difficulties.

"As Flannery O'Connor wrote, 'Religion costs. They think it is a big electric blanket, when of course it's a cross.'

".... As Elder Holland has said, 'Sadly enough, it is a characteristic of our age, that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much: comfortable, smooth gods.'"

I heard with interest in a recent KUER radio interview the authors said the church leaders asked them to write this book, just as with their earlier book The God Who Weeps.

CONTENTS
Introduction: Paradigms and Premises: On Starting Off on the Wrong Foot
1. Of Methods and Maps: The Use and Abuse of Reason
2. On Provocation and Peace: Of Life's Fundamental Incompleteness
3. Of Sadducees and Sacraments: The Role and Function of the Church
4. Of Canons and Cannons: The Use and Abuse of Scripture
5. On Prophecy and Prophets: The Perils of Hero Worship
6. On Declaration and Discipleship: The Ring of Pharaoh
7. Mormons and Monopolies: Holy Persons "Ye Know Not Of"
8. Spirituality and Self-Sufficiency: Find Your Watering Place
9. The Too-Tender Heart: Rethinking Being "Overcome with Evil"
10. Of Silence and Solitude: "Speak, Lord, For Thy Servant Heareth"
11. To the Godless and Guileless: Belief as Risk
Epilogue: Doubt and Discipleship
Notes
Index

I feel that the authors are trying to walk a fine line between the hierarchy of the LDS church on their own personal beliefs. In the end the compromises are loaded with logical fallacies and historical under-the-rug sweeping. I wanted to like the book, but in the end I just couldn't stomach the fallacies masked through well written prose.

To begin, if this book worked for you, then bless you!—and please skip my review.

This is difficult to write, since many people have been helped by this book, and it has gotten great reviews. But,. For me, didn't work. I got through to page 14, felt bogged down, and then skimmed the rest of this book. So take this review in that light.

So what went wrong?

One issue has to do with the page formatting. The long, blocky paragraphs were hard on my eye. Strunk and White advise:

“Enormous blocks of print look formidable to readers, who are often reluctant to tackle them. Therefore, breaking long paragraphs in two, even if it is not necessary to do so for sense, meaning, or logical development, is often a visual help.” (Rule 13).

Secondly, the quotes from literature and philosophy, I felt, choked out the Gospel.

This requires some explanation.

Over the near-two centuries of this dispensation, we have had multifarious rhetorical approaches in sermons. On one end, brethren, such as Joseph Fielding Smith and Bruce R. McConkie would have a solid scriptural exegesis to their preaching.

On the other end, Pres. David O. McKay and Thomas S. Monson have felt free to quote from literature, or works from the popular culture (we all know Monson is a “show-a-holic”). In between, we have B. H. Roberts, or Bruce C. and Marie K. Hafen, who balance both extremes.

Givens and Givens, for the most part, hover between Hafen/Roberts and McKay/Monson, but sometimes veer past McKay/Monson, with layers of lush quotes from the culture.

They are very conversant in literature, reflecting their academic training, and have unquestioned faith and testimony. And if you notice the consonative echos in their chapter titles, you see how a savor for language can be a delightful asset.

And this approach does have merits. Brigham Young taught that the gospel “circumscribes the doctrines of the day, and takes from the right and the left, and brings all truth together in one system, and leaves the chaff to be scattered hither and thither.” (Brigham Young Manual, Ch. 2). And that, I believe, is the reason why they draw so much upon the culture in this thoughtful conversation. As the Hafens, Roberts, Monson, and McKay do in their sermons. They do it because they are supposed to.

But on the other hand, there is are weaknesses to this approach. One is doctrinal purity. Sometimes our cherished quotes from people of good-will who are not of our faith contain problematic hidden assumptions.

For example, C. S. Lewis's famous quote, “Next to the Blessed Sacrament itself, your neighbor is the holiest object presented to your senses.” Pay attention: that quote assumes some form of transubstantiation/real presence, which Latter-day Saints do not believe.

Now, I do not have a specific instance of this in the book, but this is a theoretical concern.

Another tangent, and the one that troubled me, was one of scriptural displacement. Section 84 taught that the reason why certain RMs had problems on their mission (“dark minds”) was because of faithlessness and “treating lightly” the revelations, the Book of Mormon in particular.

Furthermore, this theological negligence—“vanity and unbelief”—brought “the whole church under condemnation.”

Please remember, I am not accusing the Givens of teaching false doctrine (they are not), but I have misgivings about their stylistic approach.

My point is illustrated by a story from Church History. Parley P. Pratt described a meeting in Philadelphia, where Sidney Rigdon preached a sermon from the Bible—which is good in of itself.

But he was followed by Joseph Smith. Pratt said he:

“Arose like a lion about to roar; and being full of the Holy Ghost, spoke in great power, bearing testimony of the visions he had seen, the ministering of angels which he had enjoyed; and how he had found the plates of the Book of Mormon, and translated them by the gift and power of God. He commenced by saying: ‘If nobody else had the courage to testify of so glorious a message from Heaven, and of the finding of so glorious a record, he felt to do it in justice to the people, and leave the event with God.’”

And here was the result:

“The entire congregation were astounded; electrified, as it were, and overwhelmed with the sense of the truth and power by which he spoke, and the wonders which he related. A lasting impression was made; many souls were gathered into the fold. And I bear witness, that he, by his faithful and powerful testimony, cleared his garments of their blood. Multitudes were baptized in Philadelphia and in the regions around.”

You just cannot argue with that approach.

A last concern comes from the index: the Atonement is discussed on pages 5, 41-42, and on 45. I think there was a missed opportunity here. Specifically, the Givens could have spent more time—certainly a whole chapter—discussing how the transformative power of the atonement can turn a skeptic into a saint by drowning doubt into the blood of Christ.

So, I apologize to anyone who has benefited from this book. It just didn't work for me.

Modern life has brought with it a complex worldview. The advent of social media allows us to reinforce connections with friends and family, however it has also created artificial relationships cemented by the free exchange of information. Facts and information ebb and flow in a tide without the restraints of the past.

The sheer volume of worldly opinions bombards the faithful, often causing them to doubt their convictions. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and other religions are not immune to this uncertainty. The Givens have written a volume to address not only different sources of doubt, but how people can resolve their concerns.

A number of topics are discussed relating to how doubts develop and are manifested. The authors describe how logic is not always the best method of evaluating truth, the differences between a church and a religion, and the perils found in worshiping leaders. They wrap it all up with recommendations for living a dedicated life despite our doubts.

In these times of science and technology, we rely heavily on our ability to reason when seeking truth. Peer-reviewed studies and facts often form the focus of our faith. These practices create a shallowness that allows us to form surface beliefs, susceptible to change as new information becomes available. The Givens note that we must learn the appropriate time to apply logic and when we need to learn to listen to our feelings. While many may teach that emotions are whimsical and unreliable, the inward impressions we experience in our spiritual journeys are expressions of the Holy Ghost confirming the reality of God and His will for us.

Confusion and doubt also persist concerning what constitutes a religion and what is a church. Religion involves action, and is a manifestation of what a person does based on his or her beliefs. The Givens identify a church as an institution with two specific purposes, fellowship and ordinances. Churches exist to provide a community in which to worship. This association was geographical in early churches, and that has largely been lost as congregants worship where they will. The localized boundaries of the LDS Church provide unique opportunities to form ward families where service is provided, relationships forged and challenged as we learn to love God as we love each other. Churches also provide us with the opportunity to participate in ordinances such as the Sacrament. Taking part in these sacred rituals help us realize our part in something larger than ourselves and provides hope during the darkest of times.
One area of concern for the authors is the perils of hero worship. There are those who join the LDS Church because of the charisma or example of particular members. They may later develop doubts when viewing others’ feet of clay. The Givens explain that while leaders aren’t perfect, their flaws do not diminish the truthfulness of the LDS Church or the individual’s rightness for a particular calling. God does not want us to idolize others, but to forgive their shortcomings while sustaining and upholding them.

The authors wrap up their work with a discussion of doubt and discipleship. They assert that we can learn to live with faith that has been damaged, or even absent. We can live our lives in a faithful manner by taking the higher road of committing ourselves to show what we love by spending or time and efforts in that area. If we love our neighbors, we will serve them. If we love our families, we will take the time to teach them correct principles. If we love God, we will love His Gospel and appreciate what He has provided for us.

Those who have read and been challenged by the Givens’ previous volume, “The God Who Weeps,” may feel intimidated because of the challenging nature of that material. This book is more accessible, faster to read, and easier to comprehend. While there are many points of view that may be new to even the most experienced Latter-day Saint, each is explained comprehensively in an interesting and logical way. This is not to say that this is a shallow or simple work—there is much meat here, and this volume is one I plan to return to again and again to increase my understanding.

I enjoyed this book even more than the authors’ "The God Who Weeps". I am not aware of any other LDS authors who express themselves so beautifully as do the Givens. Their forte' is integrating scripture, literature, and philosophy while explaining their ideas. I also appreciate that they tackle difficult and uncomfortable topics head on. Here are some of the subjects the "Crucible of Doubt" has helped me explore:

1. How do false assumptions and imperfect paradigms impede revelation and understanding?

2. What are some of the limitations of pure reason alone? How does great art boost the pursuit of Justice, Truth, and Beauty? It’s often said that love is blind, but how does love reveal truth? How can gratitude open a window on reality?

3. How does “knowing everything” characterize spiritual naivete and “not knowing everything” characterize spiritual maturity? Why are complexity, incompleteness and uncertainty so hard to live with?

4. What kind of spiritual dysfunctions can occur if we separate love of God from love of neighbor? What’s the difference between personal holiness and a relationship with God?

5. Why is hero worship so attractive but perilous?

6. Why is it wrong to expect perfect church leaders? How should we respond when leaders fall short?

7. How can expecting perfect Justice be spiritually harmful?

8. The doctrine of the Great Apostasy basically asserts that many vital gospel truths were lost or perverted by religious and political leaders in the millennia following the Savior’s death. What evidence is there that God still spoke to some people during much of that time?

9. What LDS doctrines and practices refute the perception that Mormons claim a monopoly on salvation?

10. In church media, members are typically portrayed with a predictable image (middle class, large unified families, well dressed, clean cut, always smiling, etc.), but many members do not conform to this image. The Givens write that “love is the spark that fires across the chasm of difference, not the plane of sameness.” Why are different life experiences, perspectives, and spiritual gifts (including varying degrees of faith and knowledge) vital to the well-being of the Church?

11. The Givens concede that “to believe is to risk error”. But they state that no one can “escape the burden of faith, within or outside the parameters of religious conviction… Everyone has to believe something. You don’t get to opt out… That we will believe in not in question. The question is what we will believe in, and why.” How do they support this assertion?

12. What do the Givens mean when they say faith is a choice? In the final analysis, what are their reasons for continuing to adhere to the LDS faith?

Written for the believer, as well as the doubter... I repeat, A MUST READ.

Terryl and Fiona, have once again, masterfully and with a knack of, weaving into their writing sources from across the ages. They take from the reservoirs of great thought; inspired composers, writers and artists, sublime poetry, and powerful insights from philosophers of deep thought; to open our minds and hearts, to look at our foundations of belief. They guide us to help remove the pride or guilt of our souls, almost as permission, to be OK with starting anew. The words seem to say, of course you can rebuild a different, more secure foundation... a reset. In other words, change our paradigm... to allow us to understand better how the heart, mind and will of God settles like dew on humanity.

It seems as though, theres a rhetorical question throughout the pages... "How is an all encompassing perfect communication, from Deity, going to be received, translated and understood? But before we answer, we must realize that this communication is perfect and complete from the source but FOREIGN to humanity. When it leaves the heavenly courts, it is interrupted and becomes corrupt, by the weak, simplistic mind, trying desperately to interpret what has been received and then somehow; it needs to be communicated to the world, now through a broken language. Yikes.

They help us see that our duty is to use all resources to help interpret for ourselves what is the will and heart of God. Staring with the Holy Ghost, then the inspired leaders, scripture and every other form, including art, literature, science, music, poetry, theatre, nature, etc. Yet, it seems, we, unfortunately, make up or create idolatrous notions such as, infallible leaders and scriptures, new "doctrines" based on a 200 yr. old US Western culture, someone's personal view or our idea or suggestion; using the "canon" as "a cannon," a weapon to blast our way destroying or hurting many as we go, to support or justify our needs, etc. This ultimately leads to an end of a road, barred because it is filled with disappointment and doubt. We need to realize that God, in-spite of our human condition, will organize the chaotic and create order. These ideas just scratch the surface. The Givens seem to express all their ideas with loving, guileless heart, never condemnation or finger pointing... so much more in the book!

Written, stylistically, as their recent, "The God Who Weeps" (one of the greatest books written describing God, through the lens of the Mormon faith tradition)... "The Crucible of Doubt," reads like poetry. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

This book is ONE OF THE BEST!

I LOVE the caption on the front cover:

"The body of Christ needs its full complement of members--
the devout, the wayward, the uncomfortable, the struggling."

Do you feel as if you fit into one of those descriptions?

But as the jacket says "Questioning is not the problem, after all, the restoration unfolded because a young man asked questions."

Difficulties within the body of the Saints "arise when questions are based on flawed assumptions or incorrect perceptions."

SO MANY amazing thoughts and ideas are contained within these pages...

I will give you a few that really stood out to me:

"The Atonement is not a backup plan in case we happen to fall short in the process; it is the ordained means whereby we gradually become complete and whole."

"We know more than we think, even if we know less than we would like."

"We know that the main purpose of Sabbath observance is to partake of the Lord's Supper. But we sometimes grow frustrated with all the peripherals....What if we saw lessons and talks as connections to the sacrament rather than as unrelated secondary activities?

"We love God by learning to love each other."

"I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking that you be true to the faith you do have.~ Elder Jeffrey Holland."

"Instead of explaining our suffering, God shares it.~ Nicholas Wolterstorff"

This book is FOR EVERYONE!
Those who stand strong in the gospel and those who carry a vessel of doubts.

I really enjoyed this book. I think it shows a point that is often overlooked when the topic of religion comes up: faith is required regardless of the religious stance you take. No side to the religious argument has all of the answers and will require you believe something that you can't quite explain. This is a great book for anyone because we all pass through the crucible of doubt in our own lives. This helps us see that doubting is a natural part of this life, so don't get so hard on yourself if you don't quite have it all figured out. Keep moving forward. This book brought some great peace to my mind regarding my own doubts, even though it did not provide any answers to my questions.

If I could give it 10 stars I would do it in a heartbeat. I purchased this book over two years ago but because of a busy reading and writing schedule I only just got around to reading it. It quickly became my favorite LDS book. Replete with astonishing insight, this book has opened my eyes and answered many of my heart's "guilty" questions. Terryl and Fiona Givens draw wisdom not only from LDS leaders (past and present) but from spiritual leaders throughout the world and throughout history. Comforting re-assurances and testimony-strengthening truth flow from every page. This book is a treasure of insight, intelligence and inspiration!

Although the prose is beautiful, the book falls very short by not addressing any controversial topics head on. And I'm really confused why a book published in 2014 doesn't even address or refer to the essays on the LDS website which started to be published online in 2013.

Example: the topic of the priesthood ban for blacks was briefly brought up on page 74 as "teachings that the Church has abandoned but not fully explained", but the Church's essay "Race and the Priesthood" was never brought up or even referenced. If you read the essay you learn that the priesthood ban was a big mistake. Joseph actually ordained a few blacks to the priesthood, and it was Brigham Young that imposed the ban. It took 130 years and 10 different prophets before the "doctrine" was changed. It took 14 years after the Civil Rights Act before the Church would finally remove the ban. The Lord's Church should have been leading the movement rather than dragging their feet.

Another massive problem in my opinion is that the famous quote (canonized in the Official Declaration 1) by Wilford Woodruff that the Lord will not allow the prophet to lead the Church astray. The issue is brought up and poetically danced around, but this quote is never referenced and this is a hard-coded belief.

If you want a beautifully written book that doesn't directly answer specific issues in any real depth and doesn't reference the LDS essays as a resource then this book is for you!

I was very impressed with the ideas, arguments, and insights that the Givens' presented. They acknowledge and sometimes empathize with the challenges that people experience when their faith clashes with intellectualism, doctrinal dissonance, Mormon culture, long-held but incorrect scriptural interpretations, a loss of spirituality, and perceived offenses. Their book provides a framework and teaches principles that help people navigate through and even grow from these struggles. Sometimes their style of writing was overly eloquent and their sources beyond what even educated people read. Even so, I recommend this book to thoughtful Mormons who seek to better understand and maintain their faith amid doubt.

I am not prone to write reviews but felt a great desire to express my appreciation for such a wonderful book. I first purchased the book on CD and then purchased the written volume and four more sets of CDs to give away. Like many other reviewers, I echo the fact that this book is for all readers because all of us have "doubts" because we all walk by faith. This volume helped me understand why faith is the first principle of the gospel and why it is essential that we understand that faith is our destiny in life, not a perfect knowledge.

The book on CDs is read by Fiona Givens. Her English accent and subtle emotion as a passionate author made listening to the book a wonderful experience. I later purchased the written version because I wanted to more closely review the quotations and sources.

This book is a remedy for so many sources attacking faith; it is destined to be an LDS classic for decades to come.

Well thought out, fully annotated, scholarly and touching treatise on the topic of spiritual doubts. Highly recommend, not just for those having a 'crisis of faith', but for anyone who wants to look at their faith in a new light. Reading this book can bring peace and comfort to those whose loved ones are in turmoil as well.

The answers to most concerns people have about God and Church that cause doubt don't generally fit onto a bumper sticker. This book delves into those issues and those answers much more deeply, thankfully, than the usual Sunday School responses everyone can quote with their eyes closed. It's a well written book, sometimes poetic, always requiring some deep thought on the part of the reader. If people really want to understand their own religion, they need to dive deeper and do some work themselves. This book will help a person to begin to do that. We should never, ever be ignorant or afraid of that we might learn by diving deeper. Milk was never meant to sustain us forever. Eventually we need the meat of the Gospel in order to really grow.

This is a phenomenal book. I was recently asked to list my top ten books of all time and this made it on the list--and I hadn't even finished the book. I know several people who have struggled with a crisis of faith, particularly the 20- and 30-somethings. Terryl and Fiona Givens have written a book the addresses the concerns that I have heard voiced. Their insights are trenchant, their reasoning is sound, and the writing is beautiful. Some issues they hit head on (i.e. B. H. Roberts' disillusionment with the Book of Mormon later in his life); many issues they address the thinking behind the issues. It is refreshingly candid. However, this book is not only for those who have struggled with faith. This book affirms faith for both the believer and the skeptic. This book is thought-provoking, compelling, readable, and life-altering.

I am not prone to write reviews but felt a great desire to express my appreciation for such a wonderful book. I first purchased the book on CD and then purchased the written volume and four more sets of CDs to give away. Like many other reviewers, I echo the fact that this book is for all readers because all of us have "doubts" because we all walk by faith. This volume helped me understand why faith is the first principle of the gospel and why it is essential that we understand that faith is our destiny in life, not a perfect knowledge.

The book on CDs is read by Fiona Givens. Her English accent and subtle emotion as a passionate author made listening to the book a wonderful experience. I later purchased the written version because I wanted to more closely review the quotations and sources.

This book is a remedy for so many sources attacking faith; it is destined to be an LDS classic for decades to come.

Well thought out, fully annotated, scholarly and touching treatise on the topic of spiritual doubts. Highly recommend, not just for those having a 'crisis of faith', but for anyone who wants to look at their faith in a new light. Reading this book can bring peace and comfort to those whose loved ones are in turmoil as well.

The answers to most concerns people have about God and Church that cause doubt don't generally fit onto a bumper sticker. This book delves into those issues and those answers much more deeply, thankfully, than the usual Sunday School responses everyone can quote with their eyes closed. It's a well written book, sometimes poetic, always requiring some deep thought on the part of the reader. If people really want to understand their own religion, they need to dive deeper and do some work themselves. This book will help a person to begin to do that. We should never, ever be ignorant or afraid of that we might learn by diving deeper. Milk was never meant to sustain us forever. Eventually we need the meat of the Gospel in order to really grow.

This is a phenomenal book. I was recently asked to list my top ten books of all time and this made it on the list--and I hadn't even finished the book. I know several people who have struggled with a crisis of faith, particularly the 20- and 30-somethings. Terryl and Fiona Givens have written a book the addresses the concerns that I have heard voiced. Their insights are trenchant, their reasoning is sound, and the writing is beautiful. Some issues they hit head on (i.e. B. H. Roberts' disillusionment with the Book of Mormon later in his life); many issues they address the thinking behind the issues. It is refreshingly candid. However, this book is not only for those who have struggled with faith. This book affirms faith for both the believer and the skeptic. This book is thought-provoking, compelling, readable, and life-altering.

I love how the author prepares and discusses some of the areas where one might doubt in an effort to change our perspective of them into a positive light rather than trying to disprove our doubts. It is our responsibility to disprove or to choose how to see our own doubts, but the author truly helps to start us down the right path to mentally clear our way of spiritual blocks and barriers.

I give the Givens my highest praise for this wonderful book. I am not yet finished and I have already gone back and reread chapters (especially the first two). Poignantly written, the book is clear, accessible, and hits at the heart of the some of the most difficult-to-articulate conundrums and realities of being a Latter Day Saint, and does so with grace and an unwavering will to hold true to faith and to Christ.

Beautiful. Perfect. Crystalline. If you have a friend or family member who struggles with their faith, give them this book. If men are that they might have joy, readers are that they might have this book.

I have just started reading the book, and I have some concerns. For some reason I feel that the authors purposely use words, language, and expressions that are out of date and way over my head. I don't think that I am an unintelligent person- I've completed graduate school, but I feel that in an effort to sound more credible they miss the mark on reaching out to those who really struggle. I think that it is a common error of many LDS people to assume that because something sounds intelligent then it must be true.
I do think that the principle discussed in the book are worthwhile and valuable for honest discussion, I just wish that all the unnecessary BS was not present.

The Givens as a writing team get better and better with each book apparently. I thought this one was their best yet. I found myself weeping at times at the insight they give - it answered so many questions I've always wondered. It's the kind of book you want to give to everyone you know. The chapter on "The Role and Function of the Church" was my favorite. I've read it three times now and could read it 100 more times. I can't speak more highly of a book and would suggest it to all people of faith.

My daughter sent me the audio version. I began listening to it without knowing anything about the book or the authors. The discussion is rather deep and challenging to understand, perhaps because of the writing style, as others have noted. But, especially, I did not like the reader on the CD. It was hard to concentrate on the topic, listening to the lady with the British (?) accent. Perhaps a male voice would make it more palatable. I had to turn it off after about 40-50 minutes. Didn't get any further. Perhaps I should try again.

Designed to keep people in the LDS Church after they learn the truth about its history and teachings. The book does not take you through a journey to discover right from wrong or good from bad - it tries to persuade the reader that God actually commanded things people would go to prison for today. For example, the founder of the church to "married" more than two dozen teenage girls and women behind his wife's back and claimed God "commanded it." Some were as young as 14, and several were still married to other men. The LDS Church has admitted this and published essays about polygamy and other issues that have been kept hidden and now cause members to doubt. The church refers to the Book of Mormon as the cornerstone of its faith and has historically claimed it was translated from gold plates. Recently, the church admits it was translated through a rock in a hat. There are many other reasons members and others now doubt this church. Trust your instincts.

A Missionary Couple gave this book to me (an ex-Mormon) to read - I'm sure they thought it would be good to answer any doubts I had. However, I don't have doubts and this book is very wordy and turned me off. Reading this book was a chore not pleasant at all. The constant use of old poets and philosophers was ridiculous and not helpful at all. It made me feel it was way over my head – but the topic isn’t – it was just the way it was written.

According to this book, if I really want to stay in the church despite my personal beliefs - or lack of beliefs – I could come to a place where I would be able to endure church.

This book gives insight on ways to handle doubts and continue to have hope, but I don’t have doubts and I didn’t leave the church until all doubts were gone.

This book is not inspiring to me and this new paradigm that Givins presents isn't enough for me to give up the knowledge I’ve gained from the Bible of who Jesus is.

This book tries to tell members who have doubts that they can remain in the faith and remain true to their own testimony, even where it might be inconsistent with official Church teachings. That is just a crock! And absolutely NOT TRUE - in my opinion!

Terryl Givens, in “The Crucible of Doubt,” states on p. 57, that Joseph Smith “studied German so he could read Luther’s superb translation of the scriptures. He studied Hebrew so he could get closer to the original text of the Old Testament. Notwithstanding his calling as a seer, he labored to understand Egyptian as he worked his way through the papyri that led to his production of the Book of Abraham.” Let’s look at these three statements. First, he mentioned having an old edition of the New Testament in many languages, including German, but we don’t know how much German Joseph Smith actually knew. Second, it is true that for two months in 1836 he studied Hebrew from Joshua Seixas, but his studies and learning don’t appear to have gone much more than the first chapter of Genesis. Third, Givens suggests that Joseph Smith both functioned as a seer as well as worked hard to understand the Egyptian language. In this final statement, we actually have a way to evaluate the accuracy of Joseph Smith’s translation of the papyri with Egyptian hieroglyphics. Robert Ritner’s “Joseph Smith Egyptian Papyri” provides a complete translation of all the available papyri, and there is nothing—and I repeat nothing—that connects with the Book of Abraham, with the name Abraham not even appearing once.