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Religious Revival
Like a Lamb to the Slaughter Part 1: The Early Years offers a fascinating look into the founding of Mormonism, tracing the early life of Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Firstly, I grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and had always been taught about Joseph Smith. Secondly, in a priesthood blessing given to me when I was twelve years old, I was encouraged “to study the life of Joseph Smith, because there are many things in his life, which will help you in yours.”
What were some of the ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of main events in the book is the religious revival that swept Western New York in 1820. The once united Christian churches began to argue amongst themselves, as converts were made, which church should these believers belong. Each faith attempted to prove their teachings to be right, and the others to be wrong. Fourteen-year-old Joseph Smith wanted to join a church, but was confused by the arguments of the religious parties. He took the question in prayer to God; and received a marvellous answer, changing not only his life but those of future millions.
What kind of research did you for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I worked out of the two main historical records: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and History of Joseph Smith by His Mother, Lucy Mack Smith. I also referenced commentaries on the subject.
When will book two be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
I hope to release Like a Lamb to the Slaughter Part 2: Kirtland and Missouri by the end of 2025. Part 2 covers the next stages of Joseph’s life: from 1830-1839. In this period over a thousand believers join the Church. They are called to gather in Kirtland, Ohio; and Missouri. The Old Settlers of Missouri are angered at the “Mormons” invading their homeland; and religiously persecuted them. The Latter-day Saints are driven from the state. In the midst of this, Joseph Smith and other Church leaders are falsely imprisoned; not knowing if they will ever receive a fair trial to clear themselves.
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The night of 26th June 1844, Joseph Smith the Prophet lays awake in Carthage Jail reliving the early years of his life: from his agonizing bone surgery without anesthetic at only seven. To the religious revival in New York in 1820, where Joseph as a youth prayed to God to know which church he should join, that resulted in a Heavenly visitation, changing not only Joseph’s life but future millions. The subsequent religious persecution from ministers of religion, as well as common man, for saying he had seen a vision. And finally organizing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the 6th April 1830, having been given the power and authority of God to do so.
Genuine Faith: Thoughts on James
In Genuine Faith, Edward Cox offers an insightful exploration of the Epistle of James, presenting practical wisdom on living a life of authentic faith. The book dissects the letter’s tenets through a series of thematic chapters, each addressing key aspects such as faith in action, taming the tongue, and the importance of humility. Cox’s approach is accessible and thoughtful, making this ancient text relevant to modern readers seeking to deepen their spiritual journey.
Cox’s writing is engaging and clear, which makes the complex theological concepts within James approachable. One of the book’s strengths is its blend of scholarly insight and practical application. For instance, in the chapter “Faith and Works,” Cox navigates the often-debated topic of faith versus deeds with clarity and nuance, offering a balanced view that highlights the necessity of both. He references Martin Luther’s critique of James as an “epistle of straw” but skillfully counters this by emphasizing the practical outworking of faith that James advocates.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Cox’s writing is his personal connection to the material. His reflections on how James’s verses have impacted his life add a relatable and authentic touch to the book. For example, Cox shares how memorizing the entire book of James influenced his daily decisions and interactions, bringing a unique and personal perspective to his analysis. This personal touch not only enhances the book’s relatability but also encourages readers to consider how they might integrate James’s teachings into their own lives, inspiring them to deepen their faith.
Cox also excels in providing historical and cultural context, which enriches the reader’s understanding of James. In the chapter “Divided Hearts,” he delves into the socio-political environment of early Christian communities and how their struggles mirror our contemporary issues of division and conflict.
Genuine Faith is not just a compelling read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the Epistle of James and its application to daily life. It’s a book that caters to both individual study and group discussions, making it a valuable resource for a wide range of readers. Cox’s thoughtful commentary, combined with his personal anecdotes and historical insights, makes this book a must-have for anyone seeking to live out their faith more genuinely and effectively. Whether you are a seasoned theologian or a curious layperson, Genuine Faith offers a wealth of wisdom that is both timeless and timely. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to deepen their faith journey, no matter their background or study preferences.
Pages: 98 | ISBN : 978-0997132656
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