This collection of short stories explores themes rooted in Mormon doctrine and folklore, all centered around the concept of worthiness. Featuring a blend of satire, supernatural intrigue, and the reality of Mormon living, each narrative offers a unique perspective on the challenges and tribulations inherent to life in and around the church.

The clue to the narrative engine is in this book’s title: “Tales of Unworthiness,” three stories crafted by Paul H. Dumm. The pen name for author Scott Stevens—a play on the name Paul H. Dunn—sets the tone for this 103-page book of speculative fiction of Mormon life. A popular speaker during the 70s and 80s, Dunn, an LDS general authority, told many faith-promoting stories about his days playing baseball and his service in World War II. Many were inspired by his stories, and he was in much demand as a speaker. In fact, when I served an LDS mission in New England during the early 80s, it was “Elder Dunn” in whom I confided by letter about my deep angst over how my father, a BYU religion professor, had been publicly savaged by one of Dunn’s own colleagues: Apostle Bruce R. McConkie. The incident was over a book my father had written about developing a personal relationship to Jesus Christ. Read more