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Rating: 
Summary: Beyond Mormonism: And Elder's Story
Review: I really liked this book because the telling was not romanticized in any way. It was of the teller's experiences and feelings, and told of his studies and conversion to and from Mormonism. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone wanting to read a truthful account of one person's experience.
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Summary: Well, I Loved it, But I Wrote It!
Review: I wrote this book sixteeen years ago. It is the story of a miracle that happened in my life. It is all true. Because I have received more than 10,000 letters from people who have read it, I believe it touches a nerve. My story is very much like that of many, many other ex-Mormons.
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Summary: A Story Worth Telling
Review: This book is one excellent (non-doctrinal) approach to understanding something of the attractions and the delusions involved in a genuine American ism. It is not that illuminating for anyone seeking to know the full history or theological foundations of this belief system; that is a tangent neither taken nor attempted by this author, though historical references are inevitably woven into the narrative.'Beyond Mormonism' is autobiographical, written from an earnest insiders experience. We may question his conclusions but there is no room for doubting that they have been honestly reached. The book is a simple, straightforward, fast-paced (as religious writing goes) account dealing with one man's search for meaning and purpose in life ... and, at the risk of giving away the ending, of finding it. Spencer accepted the religion that promises a Celestial Kingdom, becoming an energetic and devout follower, only to find that it ultimately produced confusion, frustration and disappointment; yet, it left him with a heart and a deep affection for the saints he met (and, in one case, married) along the way. It is that affection that recommends this book and sets it apart from others of its genre. The book does open up some of the claims, practices and un-advertised extras of this creed and thus may appeal to someone considering the faith who, perhaps, would like more information than the church has been willing to offer. The author gently turns the inquirer from an emphasis on the church - any church - to the ground of all spiritual truth. The trip is not heavy but heavenly and Elder Spencer is to be congratulated for an unembittered resume of his former faith. (The 1998 edition of the book adds only a prefatory update to some of the characters introduced to us in 1984. Either edition is highly recommended ... to read or to give.)
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