Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace, Katie Langston (Thornbush Press, 2020).
I must confess that I selected this book, because it would provide me with a lay perspective of Mormonism. My knowledge of the Church of Latter Day Saints was very limited. I did know that they were not accepted as “Christian” by the Christian Church. They used Christian words but they had a different theological meaning than for Orthodox Christianity. And, polygamy was a part of their history. I wanted to know more—what it was like to live as a member of the LDS. The book, Sealed, provided me with this and a whole lot more.
I discovered that Mormonism is works righteousness on steroids. They appear to focus their entire lives on being worthy. I can identify with them, even though I am a Christian. Most of us, I think, can. We start off trying to impress our parents and then move on to our friends, teachers, and employers. Eventually we move on to trying to impress God. We may talk about being saved by grace and that grace is a gift, but that is a hard truth to live out in a capitalist, conspicuous consumption world.
Langston writes beautifully about her imprisonment in the “I’m not worthy” life. She relates stories of her struggle to be worthy and to be accepted by the church and by God. Her story of being surprised by grace is one to which we can all relate. Langston’s journey of discovery of a life, both sealed and lived in God’s love and grace, is instructive for every reader.
Learning from Others
I am a biography buff, especially when the story involves a person’s journey of faith. It is fascinating to realize how varied the Spirit’s movement is in our lives. There is so much we can learn about the Holy Spirit and God’s love and grace, from each other. Because of this, I do not hesitate in recommending Langston’s book. I do have one caveat, however. Because of the oppression Langston experienced in the paternal world of Mormonism, women may be better able to identify with the author’s POV. On the other hand, it can be very instructive for men to read about something to which we often go through life completely oblivious.
Sealed is a story to read, with the hope that it will encourage you in your life of faith and the story that you share.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.