40 Questions about Mormonism - by Kyle Beshears (Paperback)

About the Book

"Many Christians struggle to form an accurate picture of the beliefs, practices, and attraction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 40 Questions About Mormonism addresses how the Mormon faith developed, what it teaches, and how it differs from traditional Christianity. Kyle Beshears draws on years of dialogue with LDS Church members to ask and answer the most pertinent questions for understanding today's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, covering history, sources of authority, doctrines shared with Christianity, unique doctrines, and more. Among the questions addressed are: Is Mormonism just an American religion? How do Latter-day Saints view the Bible? What is the origin of the priesthood? What is the Latter-day Saints' view of Jesus Christ? Why does Mormonism have temples? These historically and biblically insightful answers allow readers to better understand both traditional Christian faith and the distinctive elements of Mormonism. Readers will feel more confident forming friendships with LDS adherents, viewing them as neighbors whom God loves, and witnessing to them as such. Instructor resources are available at 40questions.net"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A Christian exploration of the LDS Church that seeks to understand, not just refute
Many Christians struggle to form an accurate picture of the beliefs, practices, and attraction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 40 Questions About Mormonism addresses how the Mormon faith developed, what it teaches, and how it differs from traditional Christianity.
Author Kyle Beshears draws on years of dialogue with LDS church members to ask and answer the most pertinent questions for understanding today's Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, covering history, sources of authority, doctrines shared with Christianity, unique doctrines, and more. Among the questions addressed, these are included:

• Is Mormonism just an American religion?
• How do Latter-day Saints view the Bible?
• What is the origin of the priesthood?
• What is the Latter-day Saint view of Jesus Christ?
• Why does Mormonism have temples?
• What are concerns Latter-day Saints have about traditional Christianity?

The historically and biblically discerning answers allow readers to better understand both traditional Christian faith and the distinctive elements of Mormonism. Readers will feel more confident forming friendships with LDS adherents, viewing them as neighbors whom God loves and witnessing to them as such. Instructor resources are available at 40questions.net.

Review Quotes

40 Questions About Mormonism is an invaluable resource for Christians, religious scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Its blend of historical analysis, theological comparison, and practical advice makes it a standout work in its field.--Sandra Tanner, Co-founder of Utah Lighthouse Ministry (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

40 Questions About Mormonism makes a strong bid to become the go-to Christian resource on Mormonism. As a long-time pastor in Utah, I appreciate the thoroughness and accuracy of the information it presents as well as its engaging tone. Drawing on the author's admirable grasp of Christian history and biblical theology, as well as his solid research into Latter-day Saint doctrine, history and culture, the book analyzes all the important issues that divide Mormonism from traditional Christianity. It does so, not only with depth and insight, but also with the graciousness and fairness that invites Mormons to listen.--Ross Anderson, Author of Understanding Your Mormon Neighbor (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Beshears is to be congratulated on producing a most helpful volume that is based on first-rate scholarship, mutual respect, and a keen understanding of both the LDS tradition and his own Christian tradition. Incorporating an irenic approach, Beshears makes a good faith effort to describe his LDS dialogue partners and their beliefs in a way that they would not only recognize but perhaps also be hard pressed to improve. At the same time, the author makes clear the numerous ways in which the traditions differ from one another, clearing the ground for respectful and productive conversations. Both those new to the study of Mormonism and those who have studied the topic for years will benefit from this excellent, sincere engagement. Beshears has done a great service for readers of all sorts, and this primer is destined to have a long shelf-life indeed.--John Christopher Thomas, Senior Professor of Biblical Studies, Pentecostal Theological Seminary (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

It is always difficult for someone outside a particular religious movement to understand enough of the ins and outs of that movement to write about it completely accurately, especially when others want to know what is the position, when in fact there is a range of perspectives. It is doubly difficult when that religious movement is not completely other but emerges from various common origins and has become a major rival for converts. Kyle Beshears has nevertheless made an admirable effort in this volume and presented as helpful a set of answers to his forty questions as any traditional Christian has compiled to explain the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as it exists today. Warmly recommended.--Craig L. Blomberg, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament Denver Seminary (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

Kyle Beshears challenges Christians to engage in charitable, winsome, and informed dialogue with Latter-day Saints. His 40 Questions About Mormonism is a lucid primer on Mormon theology and practice. Highly recommended.--John G. Turner, Author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

The product of many years of study and dialogue, 40 Questions About Mormonism is eminently smart, accessible, fair, and generous. I wish I had this book as a Mormon missionary talking to evangelical Christians, so I would better understand their sincere faith and they would better understand mine. As a lifelong member of the LDS Church, it feels good to be seen. As a scholar of Mormonism, I admire Beshears's careful attention to detail and nuance. This marks a new standard for evangelical Christians' study of and pastoral approach to Latter-day Saints.--Patrick Q. Mason, Arrington Chair of Mormon History and Culture, Utah State University (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)

When I first began working as one of Kyle Beshears's editors, he told me he wanted to give Latter-day Saints a fair hearing while also not watering down his own theological commitments as an evangelical Protestant. I think he has succeeded brilliantly. He explains Mormon beliefs, practices, and history with enough respect that LDS readers will not only recognize themselves in these pages but even learn new things about their faith. His fellow evangelicals, too, will come away with a greater appreciation of the key religious differences between themselves and Latter-day Saints, while also finding common ground they never previously suspected.--Jana Riess, Author of The Next Mormons (9/16/2025 12:00:00 AM)