Reader's Favorite Book Reviews and Award Contest

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite

We Believe by Phillip Graehl is a Christian introduction to membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for readers seeking to understand why Latter-day Saints identify themselves as followers of Jesus Christ. Graehl builds the book around the church’s claim that Christ restored His original church through Joseph Smith, then explains what belonging means within that belief. Using scripture as the basis for discussion, Graehl shows how members understand their relationship with God and why continuing revelation remains part of religious life. That conviction is carried into daily practice, giving the book a path from doctrine into belonging to the church. Questions commonly raised by other Christians are answered within the same framework, presenting Latter-day Saint participation as a commitment to follow Jesus Christ through restored gospel teaching.

Phillip Graehl’s We Believe is a fantastic Christian guide to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I love how naturally Graehl brings his life into religious teaching. The writing is direct and conversational, with instruction fully explained, so each concrete example enters smoothly. Graehl’s discussion of prayer is a perfect example. He recalls reaching thirty-seven having prayed only twice, then describes how, as a physician, he offered morning prayers for the patients he would operate on that day. Graehl also returns to his own life and how he applies his beliefs, describing a time he felt that the Lord was telling him not to enter a boot shop. He enters and buys two undersized pairs, then uses that moment to explain why he believes such impressions should be followed. The reason why I initially picked this book is that, since the Salt Lake Temple is being opened up for the first time in its history to non-LDS members for tours, I have been absolutely fascinated by the faith. Now, having read We Believe, I will visit with a deeper, much more respectful understanding of what I will be seeing. Well written and genuinely accessible, Christian readers curious about Latter-day Saint belief will get a great deal from this.