If ever there was a literary work that could be deemed an opus, this book would qualify. Truly the author deserves the title of artist as he has crafted a creation that spectacularly addresses the nature of a God in Heaven and His creation of man and Earth.
Realistically, this is no light reading. While the concepts will be familiar to those acquainted with the theological LDS (Mormon) view, the depth and enormity of the research done by the author is at times nearly overwhelming and takes time to process. Readers who have read such works as Articles of Faith by Talmage or works by Cleon Skousen, will feel in familiar territory with Mark Campbell, the author of In The Beginning.
What makes the book enjoyable is that despite it's depth of exploration, it is simple in it's exposition. The author is careful to never lose his reader along the path and takes great care to provide footnotes and definitions.
I look forward to referring back to In The Beginning many times over the years as a reference tool and faith builder in my own spiritual journey.
John Moore
In The Beginning casts a high beam on our Christian past, embraces modern scientific theory, and manages to cover everything created before and from the outset of the Universe. This book could have easily spanned several volumes, but instead is presented in a carefully crafted collection of chapters, that as you read, will challenge all that you know, or think you know. Mark's advanced theology so excellently blends prophetic scripture, holy temple ceremony, and scientific evidence to carry the reader through all of God’s primary creations.
In The Beginning has permanently altered my view of the Cosmos and elevated my beliefs to embrace all that the Holy Scriptures, the LDS Temple, Christian history, and scientific evidence have to offer regarding the purpose and meaning of Life.
In a world where too many misunderstand the scriptural accounts of Creation or read verses out of context, Mark’s book sheds new light on an entangled Christian past, untwists the knots of misunderstanding between faiths, and introduces readers to a Cosmos that includes all of God’s wonder and casts the Universe in a way that all can follow. It is not just what Mark presents in this book that is remarkable, but what will follow when the readers begin to discover connections yet to be discovered.
In The Beginning is a life changing experience!
Don Gunnell
Rubidoux Ward
In The Beginning is not your repurposed volume of religion meets regimental scientific thinking. Mark’s original views of the scriptures, the LDS Temple, our religious heritage and astrophysics is not to be missed.
I am now reading about the Garden and the Fall in a way I never have before. I am so pleasantly surprised by all the new understanding I am finding in the Endowment story. Learning that Adam (and Eve) were given the plan before they were placed into the Garden and therefore the law of justice could be satisfied as they entered as informed and willing participants.
I really love the way that you point out how the Endowment story fills in the gaps of the scriptural accounts and does it by coming to us through the prophet Joseph Smith, to whom the reason for certain details would have been unknown. Again we are given a reason for our testimony of the Restored Gospel to grow and mature.
Thank you Mark, for all of your diligent efforts in "seeing" these things. I am now off to read more of what you have to say about the Garden!
Mark Campbell has a way of presenting a lot of advanced material as though it is just everyday dinner time discussion (and it probably is for highly educated people) but for me, it's like a fire hose being squirted into my brain. Fortunately the materials are sweet and tasty and filled with nutrients that promote higher level thinking and understanding. I feel grateful for the experience.
Mark Campbell, drawing from a deep well of knowledge and understanding in modern sciences, ancient languages, religious history, and Latter-day theology, presents a completely new way of seeing the oldest story known to man, the story of the Creation. Where was the Garden east of Eden? Was man already on Earth when Adam arrived? Did our universe have a beginning and will it have an ending? What is a spirit?
The answers to these questions are just a small sampling of what the reader will find in this book. In The Beginning shines an optimistic light of hope for all mankind in the eternal realms and divine purpose for the many varying settings into which man is born today, most of whom will never receive an opportunity in this life of learning divine truth.
This book is worthy of repeated study and prayerful pondering. The truths I have learned through a lifetime of study and practice as a Latter-day Saint have been added upon gloriously. I recommend this wonderful book to all thoughtful seekers of truth.
James Thomas
Yorba Linda Third Ward