The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

"The Vitality of Mormonism: Brief Essays on Distinctive Doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints" by James E. Talmage is a series of essays that shine light on the main beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early 1900s. The book works to clear up confusion about the religion, presenting a detailed look at its teachings, stressing important beliefs like the characteristics of God, Jesus Christ’s importance, and how crucial it is to be obedient in order to be saved. It starts with a preface explaining why it's so important to understand the religion beyond common stereotypes. Talmage writes about the Church's history, covering its strength even when faced with hate and problems; he introduces essential beliefs, like the eternal nature of God, the need for a savior, and how important individual choice is in how humans are saved; this creates the tone for a more thoughtful study of each of these ideas in the essays that follow as the book attempts to give better understanding of the Latter-day Saint faith's special characteristics.