The Great Apostasy by James E. Talmage

9/10

I read this book on my mission back in 2003 or 2004. It is very excellent and detailed. It actually helped me teach more effectively than probably any other book that was not the scriptures.

It basically lays out that Christ's original church fell away and, thus, needed to be brought back again (as explained in the scriptures). Therefore, it is quite harsh on the Catholic church (which is necessary in order to truly show that there was a falling away). The book cites a lot of writings that were made during these early periods that show that the doctrines adopted and the direction of the church was dictated by men and not by the guiding influence of the Savior. It details the history of the Nicene creed which showed how some of the doctrines came to be (e.g. the Trinity, etc.). It also cites the introduction of the man-made doctrines of infant baptism (and thus the parting from baptism by immersion), transubstantiation, indulgences, celibacy, etc.

One of the more interesting parts was a showing of the history of many of the Popes, especially Popes during the dark ages. As Talmage puts it: "The history of the papacy is the condemnation of the Church of Rome." Follows is a crazy history of how some of the Popes came into power and the type of things they did. It is crazy stuff. You would almost think you were reading a Shakespeare play or something.

The book, of course, focuses on the Catholic church because it is the only church (beside the LDS church) that has any claim to actual authority. Talmage points out that all the protestant churches were blatantly founded as man-made churches and do not even attempt to claim any type of authority. So the Catholic church receives the brunt of the apostasy assault. The book ends on a high note by showing that scriptural prophecies have been fulfilled and the gospel has been restored to the earth and Christ's church is again on the earth.

Quotes:

"The strong men who stood for Christ were the first to fall." (i.e. be killed off).

"Ignorance is a fertile soil for evil growths."

The Pearl by John Steinbeck

6/10

I read this short little book probably about six years ago or so. It is classic Steinbeck. If you like Steinbeck, you'll like this book.

It's about this pearl diver who finds this huge pearl. He wants to sell it but everyone quickly gathers that he has this huge valuable pearl. Much of the book deals with greed and covetousness. He struggles to sell it and has quite the journey in attempting to do so. Not to mention his many efforts to protect his pearl and keep it safe. This valuable, coveted pearl ends up bringing quite a bit of suffering and despair to his family. And, lets just say, if you love happy endings, well...lets not give it away.... But it is safe to say that he likely would have wished to have never found that pearl to begin with. It is a fascinating little tale about how we often covet and seek after the things that will not bring us happiness. And actually bring about the opposite.

No quotes this time.