If you grew up in a Latter-day Saint household between the 1970s and the early 2010s, you likely saw a specific white or blue spine on the bookshelf. It was ubiquitous. For decades, The Miracle of Forgiveness by Spencer W. Kimball was the gold standard for anyone trying to "get right" with God.
But things have changed. A lot.
Honestly, if you go looking for a brand-new hard copy at a Deseret Book today, you’re probably going to walk away empty-handed. The book that was once handed out like candy to missionaries and engaged couples has effectively been "sunsetted" by the Church. It’s a fascinating, and for some, painful, shift in religious culture.
What Exactly Was the Miracle of Forgiveness?
Spencer W. Kimball wasn't the President of the Church when he wrote it; he was an Apostle. He spent years—basically a decade—counseling people who were struggling with what the Church calls "serious transgression." He saw a lot of pain. He also saw a lot of people who he felt were "rationalizing" their mistakes.
So, he wrote a book. It wasn't light reading.
The book basically functions as a deep, often searing, manual on repentance. Kimball’s tone was famous for being "no-nonsense." He didn't just talk about feeling sorry. He talked about the "strenuous effort" required to truly change. To Kimball, the "miracle" wasn't that forgiveness was easy; it was that it was possible at all, despite how high the bar was set.
The "All or Nothing" Approach
One of the most famous (and debated) parts of the book is Kimball’s insistence that "trying" isn't enough. He famously wrote that to "try" is weak. You don't try to keep a commandment; you either do it or you don't.
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For many, this was the ultimate wake-up call. It gave them a clear, if difficult, path to follow. They felt that Kimball was the "spiritual surgeon" they needed to cut out the cancer of sin.
But for others? It felt like a weight they couldn't carry.
Why the Book is Disappearing in 2026
You won't find an official press release from Salt Lake City saying "We hate this book now." That’s not how it works. Instead, it’s been a slow, quiet fade.
The hardcover went out of print around 2015. The paperback followed. While you can still find the e-book or a used copy for five bucks on eBay, it’s no longer the "official" recommendation for members.
1. The Tone Shift
Modern Church leadership, especially under President Russell M. Nelson, has leaned heavily into a message of "joyful repentance." The focus has shifted from the "sin next to murder" (as Kimball described sexual sin) to the "Gift of Forgiveness" (the title of a newer book by Elder Neil L. Andersen).
Basically, the 1969 "scared straight" vibe doesn't resonate with a 2026 audience that is already struggling with record-high levels of anxiety and scrupulosity.
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2. Outdated Views on Identity
Let's be real: the sections on "sexual deviations" haven't aged well. Kimball’s 1969 perspective linked masturbation to homosexuality and suggested that both were "cures" waiting to happen through enough prayer and willpower.
Current Church policy and the "Gospel Topics" essays have moved away from these specific psychological theories. The Church now acknowledges that same-sex attraction isn't a "choice" and doesn't promote the idea that it can be "cured" through repentance alone. Keeping a book in circulation that contradicts modern policy creates a massive PR and doctrinal headache.
3. The Perfectionism Problem
Psychologists within the LDS community have long pointed to The Miracle of Forgiveness as a primary source of "toxic perfectionism." There’s a line in the book that says "old sins return" if you repeat a mistake.
Imagine you’re twenty years old, you’ve spent a year repenting for something, and you slip up once. According to the book's logic, the "clock resets" and all your old baggage is back on your shoulders. That’s a heavy psychological burden. Many members reported feeling "spiritually broken" rather than healed after reading it.
What Most People Get Wrong About Kimball’s Intent
It is easy to paint Spencer W. Kimball as a fire-and-brimstone character. But if you look at his actual life—the man was known for being incredibly kind and soft-spoken.
His son, Edward L. Kimball, later wrote that his father actually regretted the harsh tone of the book. In 1977, the prophet reportedly told a neighbor, "Sometimes I think I might have been a little too strong about some of the things I wrote."
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He wrote it during the late 60s, a time of massive social upheaval. He was terrified that the world was losing its moral compass. He thought people needed a "sharp" reminder. He wasn't trying to crush people; he was trying to save them from what he saw as a cliff.
Actionable Insights: Should You Still Read It?
If you find a copy in your grandmother’s attic, should you toss it or read it?
- Read for Context, Not as a Manual: If you want to understand the history of LDS culture in the 20th century, it’s essential. It explains why your parents or grandparents think the way they do about certain sins.
- Check the "Shelf Life": If you are currently struggling with your mental health or "religious OCD" (scrupulosity), stay away. Seriously. There are better, more modern resources that offer the same principles without the shame-heavy delivery.
- Balance It Out: If you do read it, pair it with The Divine Gift of Forgiveness by Neil L. Andersen. It’s basically the 21st-century "correction" to Kimball’s work.
- Focus on the Hope: Despite the harshness, the second half of Kimball's book is actually quite beautiful. It focuses on the peace that comes after the struggle. Don't skip the "mercy" chapters just because the "judgment" chapters are loud.
The legacy of The Miracle of Forgiveness is complicated. It helped millions find a sense of discipline and purpose, but it also left a trail of "spiritual casualties" who felt they could never be good enough. In 2026, the "miracle" seems to be that the conversation has evolved into something much more compassionate.
Next Steps for You
If you're looking for a more modern take on these themes that aligns with current Church teachings, look into the General Handbook sections on repentance or pick up Elder Andersen's The Divine Gift of Forgiveness. These sources focus on the same core doctrines but provide a framework better suited for navigating the complexities of modern mental health and personal growth.