Book Review: Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants By Steven C. Harper

Feb 2009 Issue

Have you struggled with understanding the Doctrine and Covenants? As a collection of separate and diverse texts, it can be rather daunting to study. After all, it is the only one of the standard works that does not tell its own story.

Making Sense of the Doctrine & Covenants ((Deseret Book, $35.95), addresses this challenge in a creative new way.

Rather than giving a verse-by-verse commentary, author Steven C. Harper provides historically grounded insights into why each revelation was given, what it means, and why it matters for us today. Find out the history behind each revelation, including the question or problem the revelation was given to resolve. Then, see the outcomes of the revelations for individuals and the church.

The book is a perfect tool for Latter-day Saints, as church members will begin studying the Doctrine and Covenants in Sunday School classes in 2009.

“Making Sense of the Doctrine and Covenants is simply the best one-volume commentary on the Doctrine and Covenants,” said Cory Maxwell, director of publishing at Deseret Book. “With Steven Harper’s expertise and his involvement in the Joseph Smith Papers project, he provides reliable and up-to-date perspectives and insights, invaluable historical background, and vital information about the doctrines taught in this standard work—but not so much information that you feel overwhelmed.”