Elder Ballard Continuation of Our Search for Happiness

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 · 7,332 ratings  · 177 reviews

Start your review of Our Search for Happiness: An Invitation to Understand the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

I liked this book because it gave me food for thought. It was recommended to me by some Mormon friends as I was interested in their religion. It has led me to explore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day-Saints in more depth. There were places where I had to stop reading in order to contemplate what I read and times when I thought I was not going to finish because of what I read, however it would nag at me and I had to pick it up again. Powerful.

Jul 11, 2022 Connie rated it really liked it

This little gem of classic LDS literature was written nearly 30 years ago by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles specifically for non-members as a means to improve understanding of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He specifies in his introduction that this was not written to convert anyone but to help those outside the faith understand us better. The focus is on the doctrine and explaining it in the most basic and concise terms. You will not find any tre This little gem of classic LDS literature was written nearly 30 years ago by a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles specifically for non-members as a means to improve understanding of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He specifies in his introduction that this was not written to convert anyone but to help those outside the faith understand us better. The focus is on the doctrine and explaining it in the most basic and concise terms. You will not find any treatment here of the sensational controversial issues surrounding the church, which is perhaps why this short book has garnered so little attention. But if you'd like a simple understanding of the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, then this is a great resource that doesn't take too long to read. ...more

Aug 02, 2017 Jamie rated it really liked it

I really enjoy learning about different Faiths. Over the last couple of years I have made many friends who are Mormon. I admittedly do not know very much about the Mormon faith. A dear friend who is LDS has been answering my questions and sent me this book. It has been a great help in understanding her beliefs and the religion better.

Jan 29, 2020 Colin Milon rated it really liked it

Terrific overview of what it means to be LDS. Delightful insights and reads like a conversation.

Aug 15, 2020 Rashae rated it it was amazing

I read this book as a full time missionary and it changed the course of my entire mission and the direction of my life. Fabulous book about what makes us truly happy.

Dec 12, 2008 Scott rated it really liked it

My absolute favorite part in this is Ballard's recounting of his father's sacred experience of being visited by the Savior. Although I know these experiences are usually too sacred to be shared, it was comforting as a young missionary to be reminded that modern prophets do have these visits, such as the one the David B. Haight recollected in General Conference back in 1991 or '92. Since then I have realized that many of the members of the church have these experiences--mission presidents, instit My absolute favorite part in this is Ballard's recounting of his father's sacred experience of being visited by the Savior. Although I know these experiences are usually too sacred to be shared, it was comforting as a young missionary to be reminded that modern prophets do have these visits, such as the one the David B. Haight recollected in General Conference back in 1991 or '92. Since then I have realized that many of the members of the church have these experiences--mission presidents, institute directors, Sunday School teachers--there is no Church callng that is a prerequisite, only worthiness and the Lord's will. ...more

Jul 25, 2015 Linda Hart rated it it was amazing

A basic practical introduction to the beliefs and practices of the LDS church (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, aka the Mormons), for members and nonmembers alike. A quick, pleasant read with some stories and principles that will stick with you regardless of your religious persuasion. A good book for non-Mormons who only want to know what we believe but have no particular interest in converting. Easy read.

Jul 10, 2015 LeeAnn rated it it was amazing

Next to the scriptures, this little gem of a book is probably the most profound and concise explanation of beliefs held by Latter-Day Saints. It's explanations are simple, clear, and carry with them a unique sense of truth. I recommend this to everyone, whether they only seek to understand their Mormon neighbors, coworkers, and friends or are struggling to find the meaning to life. Next to the scriptures, this little gem of a book is probably the most profound and concise explanation of beliefs held by Latter-Day Saints. It's explanations are simple, clear, and carry with them a unique sense of truth. I recommend this to everyone, whether they only seek to understand their Mormon neighbors, coworkers, and friends or are struggling to find the meaning to life. ...more

Dec 01, 2015 Tiffany rated it it was amazing

I highly recommend this book to anyone wondering about the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you are to study a faith, it is best to learn about it from its' members, rather than those who mock it. I highly recommend this book to anyone wondering about the basic beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. If you are to study a faith, it is best to learn about it from its' members, rather than those who mock it. ...more

Easy to understand why we feel sometimes unhappy! :)

This book provides fair insight into what makes the LDS church different from others. Highly recommended for anyone to read, LDS or not.

Aug 21, 2017 Sunny Leete rated it it was amazing

Excellent book for someone looking to understand the Mormon Faith.

Dec 21, 2020 Laurel rated it it was ok

I read this when I was Mormon. At the time, I liked it, because it affirmed my existing beliefs. I was also told to use it as a missionary tool to convert non-members into members. Unfortunately it doesn't address any of the more sinister aspects of the church of the past and/or present: racism, homophobia, murders, polygamy and predatory behavior, whitewashing history, gaslighting members and ex-members, hoarded $100B, etc.

Read this book if you want to know what Mormons think about themselves.

I read this when I was Mormon. At the time, I liked it, because it affirmed my existing beliefs. I was also told to use it as a missionary tool to convert non-members into members. Unfortunately it doesn't address any of the more sinister aspects of the church of the past and/or present: racism, homophobia, murders, polygamy and predatory behavior, whitewashing history, gaslighting members and ex-members, hoarded $100B, etc.

Read this book if you want to know what Mormons think about themselves. It's not an accurate portrayal of the church, but it is an accurate portrayal of what the current members know and think about their church.

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What a great perspective and view on our lives, the plan of God, and the Restoration.

Synopsis: This book serves as an introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, written by an apostle of that Church. Elder Ballard discusses the beliefs that members of the Mormon Church have in regards to the apostasy, the restoration of the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, the plan of salvation, the Articles of Faith and missionary work.

My Review: This book is a near perfect introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It should be required reading for member

Synopsis: This book serves as an introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, written by an apostle of that Church. Elder Ballard discusses the beliefs that members of the Mormon Church have in regards to the apostasy, the restoration of the Gospel, the Book of Mormon, the plan of salvation, the Articles of Faith and missionary work.

My Review: This book is a near perfect introduction to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It should be required reading for members and anybody in the media who is attempting to write an unbiased article about the Church.

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I really liked that it presented the basic beliefs of the Mormon church to someone who didn't know anything about it. It was a great reminder to me of the basic doctrines and how important it is to share what I believe in a loving way with others. My favorite quote is from page 3: "Our tendency is to mistrust anything that departs from our own perception of normalcy, focusing so much attention on the things that divide us that we lose track of the many things we hold in common that should unite I really liked that it presented the basic beliefs of the Mormon church to someone who didn't know anything about it. It was a great reminder to me of the basic doctrines and how important it is to share what I believe in a loving way with others. My favorite quote is from page 3: "Our tendency is to mistrust anything that departs from our own perception of normalcy, focusing so much attention on the things that divide us that we lose track of the many things we hold in common that should unite us." That quote was a good reminder to me look for the things I have in common with others instead of the differences. It was an uplifting and inspiring read. ...more

Jul 17, 2019 Bettie rated it it was amazing

What a great read for anyone curious about LDS religious beliefs or current members. Brother Ballard says everything so eloquently. Some parts I loved...
I continue to believe that faith-real faith, whole-souled and unshakable-can be as important to a healthy, balanced life as a sturdy anchor to a ship bound for the open seas.
You can never look at yourself in the same way if you know that you are a child of God and that he knows you, loves you, and cares about you. And you can never look at othe What a great read for anyone curious about LDS religious beliefs or current members. Brother Ballard says everything so eloquently. Some parts I loved...
I continue to believe that faith-real faith, whole-souled and unshakable-can be as important to a healthy, balanced life as a sturdy anchor to a ship bound for the open seas.
You can never look at yourself in the same way if you know that you are a child of God and that he knows you, loves you, and cares about you. And you can never look at others dispassionately if you know that they are your eternal brothers and sisters who, like you, are here on earth trying to learn and grow through mortal experiences, both good and bad ...more

Jul 20, 2008 Robert Snyder rated it really liked it

A great read for both those who do and do not belong to the LDS religion. Elder M. Russell Ballard does a marvelous job of explaining the doctrines of the LDS religion so that one who has never heard of the faith can understand its many intricacies. On the other hand, one who is a life-long member can still learn things that they did not know about before.

Aug 21, 2017 Addy rated it it was amazing

This is an excellent book portraying why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe what they believe in a way that is understandable to the general public. I like how it doesn't push the readers to believe what we believe, but simply increases understanding, thus promoting peace and love between different belief systems. This is an excellent book portraying why members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints believe what they believe in a way that is understandable to the general public. I like how it doesn't push the readers to believe what we believe, but simply increases understanding, thus promoting peace and love between different belief systems. ...more

Aug 05, 2020 Tami rated it really liked it

I've had this lovely little book stashed on my book shelf for some time when I finally decided to read it. I love Elder Ballard's writing style - down to earth and genuine. I could hear his voice when he shared personal stories. Just warms my heart. If anyone is interested in what we believe this gem is perfect. I've had this lovely little book stashed on my book shelf for some time when I finally decided to read it. I love Elder Ballard's writing style - down to earth and genuine. I could hear his voice when he shared personal stories. Just warms my heart. If anyone is interested in what we believe this gem is perfect. ...more

Oct 30, 2009 Katy rated it really liked it

Not what I was expecting from the title (though, the subtitle clued me in, so it wasn't a total surprise as I read it). However, I found the text a short and simple, yet powerful overview of my faith.

I particularly enjoyed the examples from Elder Ballard's own life and his ending testimony.

Not what I was expecting from the title (though, the subtitle clued me in, so it wasn't a total surprise as I read it). However, I found the text a short and simple, yet powerful overview of my faith.

I particularly enjoyed the examples from Elder Ballard's own life and his ending testimony.

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Dec 20, 2013 Brig rated it really liked it

This is a great book for someone trying to get a basic understanding of Mormon beliefs. Written for individuals who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons), the book does a good job of summing up our beliefs and explaining why we believe what we do.

Oct 23, 2019 Alisa Perez rated it it was amazing

Love it! I'd recommend this book to anyone, it explains the doctrine of our church so clearly and also why we have that doctrine. I love his writing style too, he's so friendly and fun it's like visiting with a friend. :) Love it! I'd recommend this book to anyone, it explains the doctrine of our church so clearly and also why we have that doctrine. I love his writing style too, he's so friendly and fun it's like visiting with a friend. :) ...more

Jul 09, 2019 Deborah rated it it was amazing

This is a simple and conversational explanation of what members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) believe.

This is a new book to the missionary library.

Honest, I felt that it was easy to follow along. I understood everything that was spoken of and loved the examples given. The simple truths are the best. This book was humble and very knowledgeable, I would highly recommend it to readers of all faith. For someone who has been a member but still had questions, this book answered them very simply and honestly.

I am interested in reading more books by this author. He has a way of writing that is easy to follow

Dec 02, 2019 Cindy rated it liked it

This is intended for individuals who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as an introductory to the religion. It is a fairly comprehensive volume but I feel that it is an overwhelming amount of doctrine for most.

Slightly dated due to recent changes but an excellent introduction to the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints since October 6, 1985. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018.

He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counsel

President M. Russell Ballard has served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter–day Saints since October 6, 1985. He was set apart as Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by President Russell M. Nelson on January 14, 2018.

He was born to Melvin R. and Geraldine Smith Ballard. He attended the University of Utah. He served as a counselor to the president of the British Mission. He has been a bishop twice and a high councilor in two stakes. In 1974, he was called as president of the Canada Toronto Mission, where he was serving when he was called to the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1976. He served as a member of the Presidency of the First Quorum of the Seventy from Feb. 21, 1980, to Oct. 6, 1985.

Prior to his call as a General Authority, Elder Ballard had interests in automotive, real estate, and investment businesses. He has served on many civic committees and boards. He is the author of two books.

He married Barbara Bowen in the Salt Lake Temple Aug. 28, 1951. They have two sons, five daughters and forty grandchildren.

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In literature, the term "Gothic" is a notoriously slippery designation. Ask a dozen English professors what it means, and you'll get a dozen...

"But when considered from the unique perspective of eternity, fame and popularity aren't nearly as important as loving and being loved; status doesn't mean much when compared to service; and acquiring spiritual knowledge is infinitely more meaningful than acquiring an excess of wealth." — 1 likes

"Honey, we may not have much money or the other things that some people think are so important. But I have a feeling that of the four men on that plane, I was the happiest and, in a way, the richest. I have blessings that money simply cannot buy. And I have the satisfaction of knowing that the things that are most important to me—you, our family, and my love of God—can endure forever." — 0 likes

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