"PLANTED: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt," by Patrick Q. Mason, Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Education and Deseret Book, $15.99, 218 pages (nf)
"Planted: Belief and Belonging in an Age of Doubt" is for those with questions and doubts about their religious beliefs and those who love the questioners and want to help them.
Author Patrick Q. Mason, the Howard W. Hunter Chair in Mormon Studies at Claremont Graduate University in Claremont, California, focuses primarily on members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and doubts that they may face on a daily basis.
In "Planted," he uses a conversational narrative to provide guidance, instruction and insight.
Mason points to areas of Mormon doctrine, theology and history along with other doubts and questions that may leave a member of the LDS Church questioning his or her testimony.
Mason offers reassurances that having doubts and questions doesn’t make an individual a “bad member” of the LDS Church. He supports questions to the extent of reminding and encouraging questioners to remain faithful through their personal struggles as they seek answers.
One of the primary goals Mason has with "Planted" is to teach readers how to provide support, assurance and especially love to those with doubts and questions. Mason goes into detail that the generic answers of “read your scriptures and say your prayers” are not acceptable for those who are struggling and can hinder the relationship. He offers more appropriate responses.
Mason discourages members from leaving the LDS Church during times of spiritual crisis. In "Planted," he encourages the fostering of an environment where faith, doubt, difference and charity can coexist.
Micah Klug graduated with a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University-Idaho. She currently lives with her family in Utah. Her website is www.MicahKlug.com. Twitter: MicahKlug