Challenging Issues in Mormon History July 29 2013

The New York Times recently interviewed Hans Mattsson, a former regional Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, discussing the challenges that he, his wife, and many Mormons face today when encountering new aspects of Mormon history that lead them to question some of the things that they had believed for so long.

For over a decade Greg Kofford Books has sought to publish the most up to date and honest works on Mormon history and thought. We recently published a three volume set by Brian Hales, Joseph Smith’s Polygamy, that transparently discusses every aspect of Joseph Smith’s practice and teachings on polygamy, including the challenging issues of polyandry and adolescent marriages. Brant Gardner’s Gift and Power: Translating the Book of Mormon frankly explores Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones and involvement with folk magic to understand how he translated the Book of Mormon. Charles Harrell’s This Is My Doctrine: The Development of Mormon Theology  details the evolution of Mormon teachings and beliefs from the earliest days of the Restoration through its multiple phases. Hearken O Ye PeopleFire and Sword, and Mormonism in Transition examine key periods of Mormon history, where the actual events prove to be more complicated and robust than the traditional and sometimes official narratives portray them. 

Rather than publishing exposés or devotional works, we strive to be faithful to history. Our books provide a middle ground for anyone interested in Mormon Studies. 

All of these titles are available through Deseret BookBenchmark Books, the Church History Museum, the BYU Bookstore, and other booksellers.