Product Description
When Mike got his dream job as an FBI agent, he never thought he would also be called as an LDS bishop four times! Follow Mike as he recalls his adventures as an FBI agent and inspiration as a bishop. As Mike fought crime and Satan with a pistol in one hand and scriptures in the other, he learned the importance of obedience in both jobs. Filled with surprises and unexpected thrills, and told with humor and ease, Agent Bishop: True Stories from an FBI Agent Moonlighting as a Mormon Bishop is the perfect memoir for the FBI agent in all of us! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Best if what you expect is the memoirs of an FBI agent who is an active Mormon
Mike McPheters is a first time writer, telling the story of his life in the FBI from 1973 until his retirement in 2001, during which time he also served as a bishop in the LDS Church several times. Both of these roles are played up in the advertising for the book, but the main focus within its pages is on the FBI agent. However, a Mormon FBI agent that is living his religion, as McPheters does very actively, is going to have stories to tell that have a spiritual dimension to them, and this book is full of them.

Each chapter contains a story, with accompanying photographs in many cases, as well as some letters and a couple of poems. It is stated at the beginning of the book that real names are used with only a few exceptions.

McPheters was involved in many different assignments throughout his career, starting with catching draft dodgers, then on to stolen car rings, bank robberies, the Jimmy Hoffa case, a kidnapping, the investigation of the shooting of missionaries in Bolivia in 1989, and even the Montana Freemen. He helped catch timber thieves and shut down a meth lab in Oregon, worked with law enforcement on an Indian reservation in Utah, and helped shut down a multi-state telemarketing scam that was targeting senior citizens. Just days after his retirement, he happened to be on a tour in the White House on September 11, 2001 when it was evacuated, and he took the opportunity to go volunteer with relief efforts at the Pentagon.

The most significant religious experience that is mentioned in the book happened in 1983, when he was involved in a shoot-out with some drug smugglers. He writes, "I felt a keen prompting, a still small voice, telling me to put down the shotgun and draw the .38 caliber snub-nosed revolver I packed on my hip." Since this was against his training, he then holstered the revolver and picked up the shotgun again. "The promptings came again, clear and crisp, like the wind rolling off the branches of pine in the nearby forests." They were familiar from his time as a missionary, as a bishop, and as a father. "I knew I must follow them... I began to realize I was on the brink of a decision that would determine whether I lived or died." He then switched back to the revolver. "It was a decision that saved my life." It turned out that he was able to move the revolver and fire it faster than he would have been able to with the shotgun, which enabled him to shoot his attacker quickly enough to avoid being lethally shot himself.

According to the "About the Author" page at the end of the book, McPheters is currently a lecturer for a couple of cruise lines. This may be why the book reads more as a collection of stories that probably flow better spoken than read in a book. There is also repetition in some of the explanations (such as the SWAT stories), and there are some confusing switches back and forth in time in some of the chapters. The placement of the explanation of the church comes a little late in the book as well.

But these minor problems are offset by some very interesting and exciting stories, and the repetition does make it so that it might be possible to skip around in the book, rather than reading it straight through. If you approach the book as the memoirs of an FBI agent who was an active Mormon, rather than expecting it to be about a bishop who happens to be an FBI agent, you won't be disappointed.

No as good as I was hoping for!
I'm so sorry to say this, but I was so excited to read this book that I put in front of many, many others.To me it was extremely repetitive telling basically the same stories over and over just different people.

Very, very little was covered as him being a "bishop".

Sorry to drop the bomb, but I really didn't love this book.

Great stories of true adventures.
I loved the book.Agent McPheters truly lived a life of adventure as an FBI Agent, and his committment to his religion gave him real balance in recognizing the importance of family and friends.It seemed that he was always in the right place at the right time and was often inspired to make just the right decisions to keep safe.After reading the book, the reader almost feels as though McPheters is a personal friend.

Exciting read
Even if you don't have a background in the FBI or the Mormon Church, this is a good book. He covers so many exciting cases, and gives a unique prospective on each one. It is well written and a real page turner.

Lucky
I found that he was a good person. I read the book nervously knowing the potential of disaster was high.Is the intent to kill and the decision not to kill the same?I think it was his job to capture the rapist and let the court and jury decide guilt or innocence.Personal vengeance seems wrong.

How many times when you read about situations, did you say, "lucky", because the danger was high and choices went, in his favor?For example, the two individuals in the car with a shotgun making the decision not to shoot him as he charged the vehicle and his companion too cover behind a vehicle leaving him exposed.There seems to be a discernment ability which kept him alive in these split second moments.He seems to be slightly ahead of the individuals, he captures.He makes the punches just ahead of theirs. Lucky.



... Read more

Product Description
Marjorie G. Johnson presents Book of Mormon stories so children can easily understand them. She also gives a clear overview of many of the book’s sacred stories and themes.

 Lehi and Nephi, King Benjamin, Abinadi, King Noah, Alma, the sons of Mosiah, Captain Moroni, the two thousand sons of Helaman, Samuel the Lamanite, the Lord Jesus Christ, and others come alive in this exciting book, written especially for children. Classic illustrations, carefully drawn by well-known children’s artist Adele Palmer, appeal to our "little ones," and add to the timeless nature of the stories.

"We are glad Heavenly Father gave us the Book of Mormon," the author tells her young readers. "If we read and pray about it, Heavenly Father will let us know that the Book of Mormon is true."

The message and pictures featured in Book of Mormon Stories for Little Children provide an excellent springboard for many teaching moments in enjoyable, inspirational, and motivational settings. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Sweet book for use with small children
The stories are simple and a great way to introduce the Book of Mormon to small children.The pictures are not the best but I bought this as a tool to teach the Book of Mormon to my son and I think it does an excellent job as a bed time story book. ... Read more

Product Description
The classic bestseller on the inner workings of the Mormon Church, "The God Makers" (300,000 copies in print) has been updated and expanded. Cutting through the wholesome image projected by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the book reveals startling truths about the beliefs and practices of Mormonism. "The God Makers" helps prepare people for witnessing to Mormons and encourages Mormons to discover and develop a personal relationship with the biblical Jesus. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (198)

God Maker review
Rec'd the book promptly and in great condition - haven't had a chance to read book yet so can't give review on book yet....

shocked to find out what my neighbors actually believe
I am surrounded by a lot of mormons in my Salt Lake City suburb and I always thought they were nice people and pretty normal. I still think they are nice people, but now I feel sorry for them. I had no idea how screwed up mormons really are. This book exposes the truth behind their ridiculous beliefs and practices. The LDS religion is a complete sham rewritten throughout history to hide the truth. It was founded by a man who would steel other mens wives and con money out of people. This book breaks it all down. I don't know how mormons could ever be happy. As told in the book they never feel worthy of themselves because they are constantly striving for perfection in the view of their church. These people are not christians but they insist they are. Christians only believe in one god! I used to think the temples around town were beautiful. This book describes the rituals that occur in the temples. Now I think the temples are scary after finding out what goes on inside.

Wow!Eye-opening!
Mormon reviewers of the book (which I doubt very much that they've read) call it "lies" and a "screed."

These "reviewer" statements are far from the truth.In fact, the authors deal with the topics in the book lovingly and factually.Spend 15 minutes with google and your Bible, and you'll see that the material in the book is absolutely truthful and cannot be debated.It is simple to contrast the documented words of LDS church leaders with the words of the Bible, and you'll find, as I did, that the LDS church is hoist by its own petard.Their very words convict them.

The level of heresy committed by the LDS church, as documented in the book, is utterly breathtaking.I could hardly put it down, and am still, at this very moment, flabbergasted that seemingly normal, decent people could believe and fall for the doctrine of the LDS church.It most definitely makes me rethink my opinions of individuals such as Glenn Beck and Mitt Romney.

The book is a page-turner and makes for a good Kindle read.Practically from the first page, the shocking, anti-Biblical beliefs of the Mormon church are exposed.As well they should be.The LDS statements in this book are the most egregious form of false prophecy, heresy and occultism that I have ever personally read, even more egregious than the published statements of the Watchtower Society.For that matter, even more egregious than the statements of the church of Satan, because the church of Satan never claimed to be Christian.

book
This book is a very enlightening look at the Mormon religion and what these two men who were Mormon found out about their so called profit of same

Informative to those curious about the LDS church, but basically a screed
Based on the book's title, no one should expect that the book presents an objective review of largely unknown beliefs and practices of the LDS church.A review of closely held LDS beliefs and practices the book does present; but, the presentation is largely a screed and openly antagonistic of the LDS church, to the point that it's style and perspective are distracting.

Also, while the author at times ridicules Mormons and in fact calls them gullible, the author's own beliefs come through loud and clear and many readers will undoubtedly tend to focus critically on the author's theology as much as on LDS theology.

This book's most appreciative audience will be found amongst fundamentalist Christians. Other readers will find the book disrespectful of not only LDS beliefs, but also of those of any non-fundamentalist apocalyptic Christian - clearly, any other kind of Christian is a "Christian" in the author's views.

I rated the book as "I don't like it" because, I don't like it!But, those curious about "secret" LDS beliefs will get something out of it - just look past the messenger and focus on the message relating to the LDS church.

... Read more

Product Description
This book offers techniques for witnessing to Mormons in a non-confrontational, Christian way. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Learning the lingo
I have probably read about every book on evangelizing Mormons out there. This book is by far my favorite on the subject and the one that has helped me most to understand Mormons and be a better witness to them. No book explains the Mormon culture and "Mormonese" better than this one.

Spiritual Titanic
I've read my share of books on Mormonism over the years, having found myself living among the LDS for six years.Looking at their religion forces you to consider what it is about Christianity that makes it distinctly "Christian",and I found the historic Christian faith to be richer and more intensely beautiful than I had formerly known it to be. This book explains the differences.
I have several wonderful Mormon friends and they believe with their whole LIVES that Joseph Smith really was a prophet. They are neither stupid or particularly gullible. I do believe that they are LOST, something Christians should more readily keep in mind. So many books on Mormonism seem to center on efforts to belittle Mormons and their beliefs.This book does neither.It will help you to think of Mormonism as a kind of "spiritual Titanic"...looks like an unsinkable ocean liner...plush, comfortable,but it won't get you to other shore.This book gently reaches out with "rowboat"-style truth. Pay special attention to the portion about "defining terms".The LDS and Christians often share a surface vocabulary but you'll quickly find that certain terms like "grace" and "salvation" mean totally different things to each.
Buy this book, in fact, buy two copies.Give one to your public library.

Informative and Compassionate Good News
Over the past two years, my wife and I have read literally dozens of books about and from the LDS church. This is one of, if not the best I've read.

I appreciate Pastor Cares informative, yet sensitive approach-emphasizing both knowledge and compassion for friends, neighbors and even family members in the LDS church.While many Mormons are great, moral and upright people, they are in bondage to a religious system that demands perfection.Therefore, I also appreciate his caution not to argue theology, especially by "Majoring in the minors," but to share our witness as Christians in God's Law (those demands for perfection that can never be met) and Gospel (God's perfecting unconditional love-grace- in Jesus that has made us perfect by his life, death and resurrection).

I highly recommend this book to any one who either wants to know more about their neighbors' faith.I especially recommend this book to those who wish to go further and share the hope that is within them in the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Great overview on the LDS religion
There are any number of books that cover the religion of Mormonism, but Cares' is one of the best. He deals with pertinent issues that don't fly over the average layperson's head. In addition he provides specific references that anyone can write into their Bibles (along with other LDS scriptures) in order to become efficient in sharing one's faith. Cares' attitude of "sharing in love" is also appreciated, as it is evident that he has no bone to pick or desires an "anti-Mormon" label. I have only two minor complaints. 1) There are a number of grammatical/ spelling/ layout errors that could easily be cleaned up with a good editor/ proofreader. 2) The book doesn't appear to be on a publisher's current list...this is a timeless piece that somebody ought to pick up. For Christians hoping to have a healthy dialogue with their LDS friends and neighbors, I suggest this as one of the books you purchase.

Excellent Book, A must read!
This is an excellent book for anyone who may not fully understand or are curious about the fundamental Mormon beliefs.The author, then in turn, shows compassionate and thought provoking methods for sharing the truth of the gospel of Jesus with Mormons.Highly recommend!! ... Read more

Product Description
Twice in the final years of his life, Elder Neal A. Maxwell told a grandson of Henry Eyring's, You need to write your grandfather's story. This is that story of Henry Eyring, perhaps the most acclaimed scientist ever to come from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is a book about science and Mormonism, written to be easily understood by newcomers to both subjects. It demonstrates why one of the Church's highest-profile intellectuals was also one of its humblest believers. In fact, this story of Henry Eyring shows how intellect and belief go hand-in-hand and how simple, faithful people can change the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great book about faith and science
Mormon Scientist is a book about the life and faith of Dr. Henry Eyring. He was a renowned scientist and the father of Henry B. Eyring, who is one of the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During his time, most people believed that science and religion were not consistent and would never get along together. Dr. Eyring was a very devoted believer of Jesus Christ. In this book, he shared his unique view of science, his religious beliefs, and the unity and harmony that anyone can find if we open our eyes and minds.
In the book he says, "I have been announced as a student of science. But I also like to think of myself as one who loves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For me there has been no serious difficulty in reconciling the principles of true science with the principles of true religion, for both are concerned with the eternal verities of the universe."His biggest desire was to find and discover more truth, and he believed that all truth comes from God.
The strength of the book is that it is so easy and simple to read, but at the same time so rich with new ideas and wisdoms.However, as I read the book, I notice that in order to explain his characteristics and attributes, many pages are used to introduce his ancestors. This is not as interesting as Henry Eyring's life and contributions.
Overall, this book is well written and will provide new ways of seeing things in your life. Dr. Henry Eyring was truly a man of diligence, humility, and love.In our life, it is so important to open our minds; however, as we gain more worldly recognitions and positions, it becomes harder to listen to others. Dr. Henry Eyring was a professor of Princeton University and still willing to learn from others and recognize his imperfection. There are many things that we can learn from his examples and his accomplishments.In this book, you will enjoy reading his love and passion to learn something new every day.

Brilliant mind, inspired spirit
Henry J. Eyring weaves stories of his grandfathers' (Henry Eyring) youth, education, and lifetime experiences with quotes by Henry Eyring himself, as well as colleagues, friends, and family to create a framework of the scientific and spiritual mind of this renowned scientist.Humorous, heartfelt, faith-promoting and motivating.

Fun Guy, Frump Book
Dr. Henry Eyring was without a doubt one of the most capable and energetic teachers of science from the last century.He was well liked and regarded by all ages and this was no doubt due to his abundant equanimity.I will not bother to sing further praise to him here but one should note he was able to achieve this status primarily with his practice of the science of chemistry.Those of you who do not care much for science can better appreciate Dr. Eyring's achievement.

This book did have a few flaws that a prospective reader may want to know.None of these errors are show-stoppers in my opinion but they do speak of a general lack of thoroughness in the production of this book and so may prove helpful for the those working out whether or not this book is one to buy/read.Lastly, I will not list even half the ones I spotted and no doubt there are others that I missed - just trying to give enough examples to be helpful and not cross the line into "curmudgeon".

The forward is written by a former PhD student of Dr. Eyring and proclaims that Dr. Eyring's earned degrees - Baccalaureate in Mining Engineering (1923); Masters in Metallurgy (1925); PhD in Physical Chemistry(!927) -are "distinctly different".This plain error is unintendedly corrected by the book's author on page 13 but one wonders why neither the author nor the editor(s) caught it here in the forward.One further wonders how a man with a PhD in Physical Chemistry could make such a claim in the first place but since he wrote only the Forward to the book there is no need to go on.

On page 102 the claim is made that Mexican laborers who worked on the Eyring farm in Mexico were paid "five times what they could make working for local `patrons'".Anyone who owns a business, or especially a farm, can see that this statement cannot be taken at face value.Nor can it be read as hyperbole in the context of the book.A family farm in those days (like now) produced commodities and that simple fact severely limits the wages of all involved in the enterprise.A well run farm whose owner is generous could perhaps give wages at 50% over the going rate and give another 50% equivalent pay in-kind (free room to bunk, e.g.) but to pay out wages 500% over the standard is not possible unless the farm produces black-market goods ("hemp farm", e.g.) and I do not suspect the Later Day Saints of being black marketeers.Though they did seemingly run guns for their own protection.

On page 165 the author helps the reader to get a grip on Dr. Eyring's work of Absolute Rate Theory (ART) and how the (then new) Quantum Mechanics fit in to the theory.We are told that in Quantum Theory "very small particles can also act in wave fashion, much like light".This mode of explanation makes it seem as if light is not itself a quantum particle.

I would put this down to bad editing except that later on (page 233) we are presented with (what must be) some of Dr. Eyring's early speculations of the chemistry of the Sun's power.Dr. Eyring is esteemed to be a "profound scholar of the physical sciences" and quoting Dr. Eyring the book says; "We suppose that in order to become hot the sun must accumulate an amount of heat equal to that is gives off in its lifetime.This must be accumulated from its surroundings. . .".

This quote seems to be taken from Dr. Eyring's 1967 autobiography.By the time Dr. Eyring earned his PhD, theoretical physicists had been working on nuclear fission ideas for powering the stars for a couple of decades. Hydrogen-fusion models for the sun were commonplace by the late 1940's and well accepted by the early 1960's.Given his breadth of interest I am not sure why Dr. Eyring was unaware of these newer ideas but I bring this example up because it shows clearly that the books author and editor(s) generally drop the ball on many sorts of issues involving science. . . yet the title for the book is Mormon Scientist.They seem to get the Mormon part largely right.Perhaps Deseret Book should have used a science editor for this project.

On page 232 it says; "Henry spent his lifetime experimenting according to the Savior's direction in John.He lived the principles of the gospel, and he enjoyed the fruits thereof - not only personal peace and happiness, but also personal conviction that the gospel must be true because [as Dr. Eyring said] `it works'".

Funny testimony that."True because it works".By that measure it sure looks like Islam works better - does that make it truer?

Enough said.

Regards,
JS

Einstein and the Mormon.
NOTE: This book is not about the member of the First Presidency, but his father. Notice the name of the author, and you see that "Henry" is a common family name.

It is more than nice to read a non-general authority biography. We see how a normal person goes about living, especially how they spend their wintry days. If anything, Dr. Eyring's life is a good career model to follow. If you are like me, you grow up with the idea (already outdated) that you get a degree in one area, and then you are set for life. Eyring's life shows otherwise. You zigzag, and as his stint at Princeton shows, sometimes life throws you a curveball. Life planning needs to be flexible enough to capitalize on such opportunities.

So how does one go about writing an interesting biography of a scientist, without swamping the reader with a morass of arcane symbols and computations? Henry J. does this by writing around the issue. He mentions in passing about ART, and the 500+ publications (fourteen of which were published posthumously), but he focuses more on the man, his faith. *This is not so much a biography, but a character study.*

For the general Mormon audience, this is sufficient. However, scientific popularizers, such as Carl Sagan (Cosmos) and Stephen Hawking (A Brief History of Time) show that he could have done more. Truman Madsen's slim volume ETERNAL MAN shows that members can, and when presented with the opportunity, want to learn more. A supplementary biography that focuses on his scientific career could be written.

As the title indicates, this biography focuses on the dynamics of "Mormon" and "Scientist." I find it interesting that the question is still being debated, since Church Higher Education goes back to the University of Nauvoo. For us to proceed in academe, we must have some sense of resolution on the issue.

Part of the problem is that most people focus on the divergences. This goes back to Galileo, and even earlier with Socrates. Furthermore, people tend to focus on one, and only one, scientific theory--Evolution. No one asks how DNA affects testimony, or how Genesis 2:20, with Adam naming all animals, affects germ theory (i.e. did he name germs?). So we get bogged down in mud, when we have the sky.

There really is no such thing as "science." There are just various theories in various states of verification. Likewise, there are various religions, with various strengths. When we ask if science conflicts with religion, which apples are we comparing? The question itself needs to be questioned.

This book is mot sequential. As Henry J. makes clear, this is intentional. It is also unfortunate, since it makes for awkward reading. (Remember "Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)"?) In loosing sequentiality, we lose casualty, or Time's Arrow. For example, how did Dr. Eyring's competitiveness (Chapter 5) affect his discussions with Elder Joseph Fielding Smith? (Chapter 2) This may explain what Elder Smith said they could talk when Dr. Eyring was not so excited (p. 63, 175, cf. 206-207).

Speaking of which--, Henry J. does a great job of presenting Dr. Eyring's views on the subject of Earth-age, but does not explain Elder Smith's views on the subject. A page or two could have been devoted to his views, which can be found in the appendix material to BYU's edition of B. H. Roberts's "The truth, the way, the life: An elementary treatise on theology (BYU Studies monographs)" and in "Doctrines of Salvation. Complete Three-Volume Work [3-in-1]. Sermons & Writings of Joseph Fielding Smith.," and in the out-of-print "MAN HIS ORIGIN AND DESTINY." Balance would have been helpful.

Additionally, Henry J. does not evaluate the two ideas. For example, how well does Dr. Eyring's views take Elder Smith's data into account, and vice versa? Christ's turning the water into well-aged wine suggests that something can be miraculously created with an "artificial" aging process. The earth could appear older than it really is, as the wine appeared to be aged when it was in reality just a few minutes old.

And, if the elements are eternal, what exactly are we talking about when we talk about the age of the earth? Again, the question the question.

On the positive side, Henry J. presents how a faithful member and scientist can have a disagreement with the president of the Church on a non-essential. Elder of the Twelve Joseph Fielding Smith became President of the Church Joseph Fielding Smith, who said in the October 1970 conference that what he had "taught and written in the past [he] would teach and write again in the same circumstances." (i.e. He had not changed his mind.) Both expounded their views, disagreed, and left it at that. That is a good model for us to follow.

In disusing this matter, it would have been helpful to point out that LDS scientists, such as Elder Talmage who was a geologist, and Elder Widtsoe who was a chemist, when asked about the age of the earth, would invariable fall back to their academic training. Read Elder Talmage's "The Earth And Man" (found in Mormonism and Evolution: The Authoritative LDS Statements). In it, he cites scientific authority for the bulk of the talk. Elder Smith, who had no background in science, would in turn answer the question by appealing to the scriptures. Keep in mind the significance of this--who is the proper authority in the matter? And how well the scriptures can account for scientific data, and how well science can account for scriptural data.

I heartily recommend the book. There is something in Dr. Eyring's life that can be helpful, to scientist and amateur alike.

The cover perfectly captures the man Henry Eyring. The atom-shaped "O" is pure googie, and the red-and-white color-splash honors Dr. Eyring's stint at the U.

PS--In regards to Dr. Eyring's conversation with Albert Einstein about dogs, read D&C 77:2-3, and Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 290ff. He grossly fumbled.

A great scientist who was able to reconcile science with religion
Henry Eyring was a hero of mine as a kid growing up in Utah.He was the greatest scientist Utah or Mormonism had ever produced, and he influenced my decision to go into science.In fact, I went to the University of Utah in the late 70's and early 80's and took many undergraduate chemistry classes in the then newly named Eyring building.I never met him personally, but heard a lot of stories about him.

I was excited to read this book and was not disappointed.The true value of this book is the story of how he mixed his faith with science.This is a subject that I have spent a lot of time on recently - meeting with several fellow engineers of various religious persuasions discussing religion, science, and truth.The bottom line is that all truth is from God, and we are encouraged and free to discover it.Revealed religion tends to focus on the plan of salvation, and the scriptures are not meant to be a science textbook.

The book was organized differently than a traditional biography.Part 1 is a summary of his legacy.Part 2 goes into his heritage.Part 3 discusses the many paradoxes in his life.Part 4 is a final testament to his life.

The detail is not as great as many people would like to see for a biography, but I thought the format useful and taught me many important lessons from his life that I could apply to my own.It also gave me a desire to look into more of his writings.

I highly recommend this book, especially for someone who wants a good example of one who successfully reconciled science with religion. ... Read more

Product Description
Organized for fast reference, this text comments on passages from the Book of Mormon and Bible texts to show how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints redefines words to hide a human-centered, polytheistic theology. Verse-by-verse format in canonical order. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

LDS Refuted verse by verse
David Reed (long time cult expert reaching JW's) and John Farkas have furnished the Christian community a concise power-packed resource to help in reaching out to Mormons. If you ever wanted to share your faith to those trapped in the cultic grip of the LDS church, here is an important book to utilize.

The authors explore the false doctrinesof the LDS church and provide the answers from the Bible.
Mormons Answered Verse by Verse is ideal to refute Mormons claims that:
- Men can progress into gods and goddesses
- God the Father is a physical man grown into a god
- Jesus Christ is the sprit brother of Lucifer
- LDS polytheism is real

Reed and Frakas also supply a verse by verse refutation of Mormonism using the Book of Mormon. They teach you many simple but powerful techniques to help reach the LDS people.

There are many more exhaustive studies available, but this is a necessary part of a tool-case for those who witness to cult members inasmuch as it instructs the reader verse by verse.
Presuppositional Apologetics Examines Mormonism: How Van Til's Apologetic Refutes Mormon Theology

A Springboard to Further Research?
Mormons Answered Verse by Verse is an attempt to "refute the misuse of the Bible" (p. 13) by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Written by two evangelical Christians, David Reed and John Farkas, the book reflects their zealous desires to expose the allegedly faulty use of selected biblical passages by Mormons. Mr. Farkas draws his insights from a nine-year membership in the Church, during which time he served as an elders quorum president. Mr. Reed is a former Jehovah's Witness who views Mormonism in a similar light.

This volume contains three general divisions. First, it presents an introduction and three short chapters as a framework for understanding Mormonism. With nothing more than the first two introductory paragraphs, even the casual reader will readily sense the negativism which permeates this paperback. This negative slant continues throughout the introduction and chapter one, both of which examine the historical roots of Mormonism. In chapter two the authors examine the current doctrines (and not so current, i.e., Adam-God theory) of the Latter-day Saints. The third chapter completes the background materials with an overview of Mormon scripture. "Overview," however, might be somewhat euphemistic, as the authors digress quickly into an assault on the Joseph Smith Translation and the authenticity of the Pearl of Great Price.

The second general portion of the book represents the heart of the content. Here, in chapters four through six, the focus turns to a verse-by-verse refutation of the biblical passages Mormons commonly use to support their theology. Chapter four is an attempt by the authors to refute Latter-day Saint interpretation of twenty-one Old Testament passages. Likewise, chapter five treats thirty-four passages from the New Testament with a similar perspective. Then, finally, chapter six discards the putative purpose of this volume and attacks Mormon doctrine on its own turf by analyzing fifteen Book of Mormon verses. The third and final section of this piece concludes with two short chapters. The first chapter outlines how to convert Mormons, and the second, chapter eight, tells about the authors personally and their brush with Mormonism.

The larger issue of this review is the question of scholarly impact. Do these two devotees effectively accomplish their task of scripturally refuting Mormonism? The most probable answer is a split decision, dependent more upon the religious predisposition of the reader than the rhetoric or persuasiveness of this book. For critics of Mormonism, the sheer number of scriptural citations, complete with logical barbs and daggers, promises hours of premeditated superiority and quixotic victories. However, for those loyal to Mormonism, these pages will engender a different response.

This book will present precious little substance for the pro-Mormon audience. It basically attacks biblical Mormonism through the worn-out arguments of polytheism, polygamy, and non-Christian theology. For the assault on the Book of Mormon, the authors flog the issues of biblical plagiarism and archaeological anachronisms. Many of their scriptural explanations, both biblical and Book of Mormon, loop rather quickly back into one or another of these issues. Aside from their specific content concerns, the authors will definitely offend their Latter-day Saint sympathizers with their unabashed use of both spurious and specious logic. For one example, consider their answer to the Mormon use of James 1:5 in the New Testament. This verse admonishes mankind to pray for guidance in areas of uncertainty. Reed and Farkas respond, "He (God) does not expect us to ask him questions that we can answer for ourselves . . . such as, "Should I rob a bank?' or "Is Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs a true story?' and we cannot expect him to give us personal answers to such questions" (p. 101). Their answer borders on the absurd, if not presumptuous, counsel that intelligent Christian students will read this book and, subsequently, have no need to ask God about the truth of Mormonism. In short, Reed and Farkas elevate their intellectual conclusions above and beyond personal feedback from God. Such is the reasoning that devout Mormons will find insulting.

Although this book will mostly serve to segregate its readership, are there any positives that this publication might spawn? In all likelihood a smaller segment of non-LDS readers will find in this volume a springboard for deeper introspection concerning their religious convictions. Jesus himself admonished his followers to "search the scriptures" (John 5:39). Possibly a perusal of these cited passages will encourage all serious Christians to consider their theology more thoughtfully. A second beneficiary might also be the committed Latter-day Saint reader. Too often this group has not wrestled sufficiently with attacks like those advanced by Reed and Farkas on the issues of polygamy, polytheism, and supposedly non-Christian theological frameworks. Consequently, this book might engender some thoughtful study from Latter-day Saint readers even with its deeply bipolar orientation.

In a final challenge, the authors encourage their readership to engage Mormons with the help of a four-letter abbreviation, L.P.P.Q. Their explanation: love, politeness, patience, and quality (p. 125). Perhaps the message behind this acronym represents the real contribution of this paperback, by identifying something that both Mormon critics and sympathizers can finally agree upon.

havent read, but
bottom line mormons, who do you say Jesus Christ is? because your salvation hinges on what you believe about Jesus Christ. My sister is married to a mormon, and i iknow somehwat of it. Peter said that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, do you have any idea what that means? let me ask you, what does the very first commandment say? well, if thats true, and John 1 is true, then who is Jesus Christ? hope this helps.

Anti-Mormon Scriptural eisegesis
This book fails on many counts, not the least the irony that, notwithstanding the claim of the book that "Mormons" wrnch out of context Biblical texts out of context, it is none other than the authors, Farkas and Reed, who engage in scriptural eisegesis.

Of the glaring mistakes is the claim that Jeremiah 1:5 does not support the Latterd-day Saint belief in a pre-mortal life. However, this ignores the Hebrew parrallelism in the verse.

The parallel verbs qadash ("set apart, devote, consecrate") and nathan ("put, set, ordain, give to be, make") in the second and third lines, the verbs yada in the first line conveys not just the sense of "knew" but also "chose." This nuance of the verb is attested in Genesis 18:19 and Amos 3:7. In my judgement, this verse refers to an actual preexistance. Moreover, for ordanination to occur, one must be ordained by hands (see Numbers 27:22-23), so there is no sound hermeneutical reason for the LDS view being controverted.

Clement of Alexandira accepted some form of preexistance based on Jeremiah 1:5:

"But the Lord hath also said in Jeremiah: "Say not that I am a youth: before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee, and before I brought thee out of the womb I sanctified thee." Such allusions prophecy can make to us, destined in the eye of God to faith before the foundation of the world; but now babes, through the recent fulfillment of the will of God, according to which we are born now to calling and salvation" (Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor 1:7, in Ane-Nicean Fathers 2:224).

Other Early Christian sources can be cited, such as Justin Martyr, First Apology 10, in ANF 1:165.

Furthermore, maybe one should ask how Jeremiah was *annointed* a prophet before his existance.

Herbews 7:24 is cited against the Mormon belief that multiple people can hold the Melchizedek Priesthood. However, this ignores recent Biblical scholarship. *Aparabatos* does not mean "untransferable" but "permanent." Such hardly precludes more than Jesus Christ and Melchidedek holding this priesthood. Indeed, non-Mormon scholars believe that more than these two Biblical figures held this Priesthood in antiquity (e.g., Margaret Barker, "The Great High Priest: temple roots for Christain liturgy" from 2003 discusses this).

The arguments offered against the Book of Mormon, too, is flawed. For example, the authors charge that the Liahona represents an anachronism. However, such would have been the case if the Liahona was a *magnetic* compass. It was not. Apart from being composed from a non-magnetic material, the Liahona pointed south-south-east and eastward (e.g., 1 Nephi 17:1), and worked through faith, not magneticism. The use of the word "compass" pre-dates the invention of the magnetic compass, and referred to anything round, getting its name from its use of 260 degrees of arc. As the Liahona was a round object (1 Nephi 16:10), the use of the term "compass" does not represent an anachronism in the Book of Mormon volume, notwithstanding the ignorant protestations of critics of the volume.

I cannot recommend this text, as it contains too many factual errors in the analysis of Biblical texts.

I welcome feedback at Robert.S.Boylan@nuim.ie

Why?!?!?!
Sorry this isn't a review, but what I think about what they are doing:

Why do these people insist on driving members of the church of Jesus Christ away? How would you other Christians feel if people in the world had a job to make you leave yours? Just think about that. And Mormons arn't a cult. Also, if you wanted to find out about a person, do you ask that person, or do you ask a person who only has stereotypes? It makes me sick. ... Read more

Product Description
A Mormon historian traces the evolution of the Latter-day Saints' organizational structure from the original, egalitarian "priesthood of believers" to an elaborately hierarchical institution. Quinn also documents the alterations in the historical record which obscured these developments and analyzes the five presiding quorums of the LDS hierarchy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Awake and Arise
If you are interested in a well researched and documented (over 50% of the pages are notes) history of LDS origins then this is a good book to read.It is not limited to 'faithful history'.

The boring part of the story
"The Mormon Hierarchy" is a two-volume work on the history of Mormonism, written by dissident Mormon D. Michael Quinn. This is the first volume, "Origins of Power". It deals with the time of Joseph Smith and the immediate aftermath. About half of the book consists of notes, references and appendices.

In my opinion, "Origins of Power" is more tedious and less interesting than the second volume, "Extensions of Power", which I have reviewed elsewhere. "Origins" is also a hard read, unless you already know your Mormon history by heart (both the official and the unofficial). I do, but I wouldn't recommend the book to a rookie! I suspect "Origins" is of primary interest to scholars.

Several large sections deal with details concerning the development of the Mormon priesthood. Another chapter expounds on the various factional struggles following Smith's death. The more exciting developments at Nauvoo get comparatively little attention (just one chapter).

Scholarly Mormon-watchers might want to procure both volumes of Quinn's magnum opus, but more casual readers will probably prefer the second volume, "Extensions of Power", which deals with Utah Mormonism from Brigham Young until the 1990's.

Great book by Quinn
Book one from Quinn is great.It puts another angle on early mormonism that doesn't seem to have a slant. It is hard when talking religion and it's origins to not have a bias. If Quinn does, it is not apparent.
This is an enlightenmnet on the develpment of the Power and Authority that is found on every level in the mormon church, great read. Recommend book 2 after reading this one.

Richard Williamson
I left Mormonism in February of 2006. My Wife of 23 years and all five of our children left the Mormon cult at the same time. My wife and I were "married/sealed" in the Odgen, UtahMormon Temple by a General Authority of the Mormon Church. This man was a personal friend. I was a High Priest and former Mormon temple worker. I thought I knew Mormon Doctrine. When I joined FARMS ( Foundation and Research in Mormon Studies) the Brigham Young University "think tank"....what a joke. As I read the FARMS material I began to form accurate critical questions about Mormonism, many more questions evolved than I was getting answers for. I read Dr. Quinns book and my eyes were opened. I began to see way all the nonesense I was being tought really did not make sense when the light of day was placed upon it. Rapidly, I began to see that I had been LIED to by the "BOYZ" in Salt Lake City- The Mormon General Authorities were really nothing more than front men in an organization that is built and sustained upon a vast amount of LIES and fabrications.I once really believed in Mormonism. What a blind fool I was for not checking out the claims of Joe Smith and all the "modern revelations" he so readily got from God. I have read a great number of excellent books on Mormonism. Dr. Quinns is among the best. I was grateful to have the knowledge that clarifed many of the LIES I had been lead to think were truths direct from God's thorne.Shame on me for trusting the LIARS who fraudulently call themselves "Apostles of Jesus Christ". Read this book by Dr. Quinn, be open minded...if you are a Mormon... and you will learn the truth behind the lies of Joe Smith and his "one and only true church".I thank God for Dr. Quinn's courage to write the REAL HISTORY of Mormon Origins!!! The Mormon Church leaders Kicked him out of the Mormon Church because he would not write history the way they wanted it to read....it was too much of an embarassment for them to confront the truth about the lies they keep reciting. Mormonism is in the end really nothing more than a collection of serious lies that have been re-created into a deceptive monster that keeps many millions of souls captive behind the ZION CURTIAN. ( Mormons think they have the real Zion...the place of God). In reality Mormonism is a farce and is a Biblically Anti Chirst Cult that traps people in a very serious web of lies.This book is a must read for the serious seeker of truth about Mormonism and the very deceptive and effective Cult that evolved, mainly from the minds of Joe Smith and Brigham Young. The current crop of top 15 Mormon leaders in Salt Lake City are working overtime to keep this Circus for "$$$$$Soul$" rolling. The only good news in this battle for truth is that their LIES are catching up with them. In large measure thanks must go to credible researchers like Dr.Quinn who are unwilling to cower to the "BOYZ" in Salt Lake City and are unwilling to falsify and convert Mormon lies into "mormon faith promoting truth".

Another Great Book
Everything I have read by D. Michael Quinn has been great.This book lays out the political and social structure of early Mormonism.Where possible the author shows the reasons for changes in the structure.The book will help the reader understand better the early Mormon Church.The book is a balanced review of the historical information.The uncomfortable aspects of Mormonism are discussed.These aspects include Joseph Smith's bank fraud, the Danites, trying to raise an army of 100,000, political ambassador to Russia, distruction of private property, and all of the rest of the history the Mormon Church would like to keep hidden. ... Read more

Product Description
As “Mormon royalty” within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Martha Beck was raised in a home frequented by the Church’s high elders in an existence framed by the strictest code of conduct. As an adult, she moved to the east coast, outside of her Mormon enclave for the first time in her life. When her son was born with Down syndrome, Martha and her husband left their graduate programs at Harvard to return to Utah, where they knew the supportive Mormon community would embrace them.

But when she was hired to teach at Brigham Young University, Martha was troubled by the way the Church’s elders silenced dissidents and masked truths that contradicted its published beliefs. Most troubling of all, she was forced to face her history of sexual abuse by one of the Church’s most prominent authorities. The New York Times bestseller Leaving the Saints chronicles Martha’s decision to sever her relationship with the faith that had cradled her for so long and to confront and forgive the person who betrayed her so deeply.

Leaving the Saints offers a rare glimpse inside one of the world’s most secretive religions while telling a profoundly moving story of personal courage, survival, and the transformative power of spirituality.Amazon.com Review
When graduate student Martha Beck’s son Adam was born with Down syndrome, she and her husband left the chilly halls of Harvard for Utah and the warm, accepting embrace of the Mormon community. Determined to assimilate back into her childhood faith after years of atheism, Beck’s disenchantment resurfaced when censorship from the church heavily influenced the curriculum at Brigham Young University where she taught part-time. More disturbing was Beck’s eventual belief that her father, a virtual celebrity in the Mormon Church, had sexually molested her as a child.

Beck frames her narrative around a conversation with her aged father, dipping in and out of stories of her childhood, marriage, third pregnancy, and teaching. She contrasts her perceptions of the leadership of the institutional church as controlling and patriarchal with stories of the warmth and generosity of her Mormon community. Beck unfolds her search for identity, forgiveness, and a personal faith in competent prose, punctuated with surprising dark humor and glimpses into her anorexia, suicidal obsessions, and alleged abuse. Although she leaves readers with many unanswered questions after the last page is turned, one thing is clear: Beck believes that "no matter how difficult and painful it may be, nothing sounds as good to the soul as the truth." --Cindy Crosby ... Read more

Customer Reviews (210)

A very good book
I am a fan of Martha Beck. I have been reading her articles in O magazine for years and had gotton a lot out of her two life coaching books: Follow Your North Star and Steering by Starlight.She is a generous and insightful author. Leaving the Saints is much more personal and disturbing but I found the account of her self-realization to be such a gift.

Memoir: A synonym for Nonsense
The author, a journalist who has written columns and articles in several women's magazines, is a daughter of the late Hugh Nibley, LDS scholar and professor emeritus at Brigham Young University.She calls the book a "memoir," but in reality it is an obvious attempt to discredit and ridicule the Mormons, their leaders, and their beliefs and practices -- while utilizing little in the way of factual accuracy.

It also contains troubling contradictions in the author's own beliefs.For example, on page 3 she says: "The God to whom I pray is all parts unconditional love, no part vengeance or retribution."On page 194, comparing her belief in God to that of her father, she states: "My God is more amorphous, more of a universal constant, like gravity or magnetism."

In her efforts help readers understand the culture (LDS/Utah) in which she was raised, she continually misrepresents LDS doctrine.For example, in describing Joseph's Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon, she says he used "a magical pair of spectacles" [p. 4]; Joseph Smith and LDS historians have never said such a thing.In describing the contents of the Book of Mormon, she says the "populations...operated mines, smelted metals,...none of which existed in North America prior to their introduction from Europe several centuries after the people described in the Book of Mormon allegedly arrived" [p. 5]. This sweeping revelation by the author flatly contradicts the historical and archaeological evidence of pre-Columbian production of precious metals that even the Smithsonian and National Geographic accept without question.

She offhandedly references a "flyer printed up for Mormon homemakers when I was a girl [that] specified that making cakes from scratch was more likely to result in salvation than whipping up boxed alternatives, which I suppose were by definition devil's food."This is a cute and clever statement, but is a strawman - aimed at placing a ludicrous image in the reader's mind with no basis in fact.

Another example of her wit (minus factual basis) - quoted on the book flyleaf - was that her Temple recommend was a "scrap of paper certifying that I had been thoroughly interviewed by two Mormon leaders to ascertain that my past contained no flirtation with serious sins, such as committing murder or drinking coffee." No LDS priesthood leader in good standing in the Church would ever consider murder and drinking coffee to be of equivalent severity - which is clearly the author's implication.

Another offhanded statement - foisted on the reader as indisputable fact, but with no cited basis - is her description of the LDS view of marriage [p. 13]: "...Mormon couples who wed outside the temple are generally assumed to have fallen prey to devilish lust, probably due to bad parenting."

She also perpetuates and refuels non-Mormons' worst fears - that blood oaths are central to Temple "secret" rites.On page 14, describing her participation in the Temple "initiatory" ritual, she writes: "I won't describe this ritual in detail, because I think maybe I agreed to have my entrails carved out if I ever did such a thing, and there's nothing like a blood oath to put the old kibosh on one's natural chattiness."Those who have undergone the "initiatory" ordinances know that there is no such oath or implied oath - but how could non-Mormons know this?And to add to the mystery (and horror she attempts to depict), she describes the ceremony as involving "muttered incantations."This is patently false and absurd.But is highly effective in leaving horrific impressions with the reader.

The book cover broadcasts that the author wrote a "New York Times bestseller" previous to this book - which clearly speaks for the attraction this book should have for the masses-- but in no way validates her patent falsehoods, half-truths, and innuendos.But then, she never claimed it the book to be factual - it is, after all, a "memoir," and memories don't have to be accurate.

Read this first
Any one believing Beck's book should read this first.
[...]
I have been a member of the Church for 46 years and have read anything and everything I could get my hands on including a fair share of anti-Mormon literature, all of which I have found to be intellectual garbage. Many disagree with what the Church teaches without being "anti." That is their privilege and I respect their belief. Trying to disparage the Church with lies and slander is a different issue.

There is no secret "Mormon mafia" running trying to run around controlling what people believe and think. People inside and outside the Church are welcome to read, discuss and accept or reject. If Church leaders condemned this book, it would be the best advertising Martha Beck could get!

It has been my experience that most people who study the Church with LDS missionaries do not become members of the Church, but usually end their study with positive feelings. Anyone can leave the Church at any time without retribution. The door is always open for their return. Any one buying the notion that men control the women of the Church with an iron hand and the women are subservient do not know LDS women!

Before you buy into Martha Beck's view of the LDS Church, take some time to look deeper into more positive sources.

We should be asking...
We should be asking ourselves why the Mormon Religion/LDS do not want you to leave their church? My ex-husband was a non-practicing Mormon and I was a non-practicing Christian when we got married. After our marriage, he had the missionaries come over for "lessons" at our house to try and get me to convert. Well, I had so many valid questions that were scripturally-based that the missionaries would simply reply, "Let's just get through tonights lesson." Many times they simply change the subject. One night, we watched a video instead of doing our lesson. During a six-week period, we had four different sets of missionaries come to our home. We even had the pleasure of the elders coming over for a visit one day! They wanted to discuss my dis-belief in God. You should have seen the look on their faces when I pulled out my King James Bible and showed them the last page of Revelations. They tried to point out that LDS doctrine was a "new revelation" from God. They never came back and I never converted to LDS. My marriage was a horrific time in my life. My ex was abusive, lied, acted out his sexual immorality and all the while he was backed by the elders and I was condemned on multiple levels. So I go back to my original question... Why do they want to control you so much so that you will not leave? I was taught that if you are a part of the body of Christ, a scripturally accurate church, then you are truly a part of the body of Christ. It is a miracle when anyone leaves the LDS. I thank God that I was never seduced by "their family values" and incredible hypocrisy. Thank you Martha Beck for giving other women hope.

Interesting, but...
I found "Leaving the Saints" to be a very interesting take on a former Mormon's decision to leave her faith and confront her high-ranking father with allegations of child abuse. Beck's descriptions of Mormon practices (special underwear, the requirement of a wife to have a password in order to get into heaven) are spot-on, if slightly dated. Like many religions, Mormonism evolves with the times -hence the ban on polygamy, for example.

What I didn't find interesting about the book:

*Beck's "spiritual journey" - her insistence on talking about "the light," "the power," "the person," etc., was off-putting, as were the references to the camel phase and "The Buddha." She appears to exchange one train of thought/belief for a mish-mash of another and, really, it was boring.

*Her description of this totally wonderful experience in birthing Adam made it seem like he was her first child. Poor Lizzie wasn't a source of inspiration or a channel for Beck's ball o' light; she's barely mentioned until the end of the story.

*Beck's intellectual disdain is familiar and monotonous. At various points, she ridicules her Harvard colleagues who urged her to abort her Down Syndrome baby, then ridicules the Brigham Young University professors. Some passage smacked of intellectual elitism (I have a "real" degree from Harvard, aren't you BYUers lucky to have me teach here?) and others don't ring true (the women's panel near the end of the book just doesn't sound right).

Was Beck abused by her father? It's entirely possible - the LDS world is one of insular protection. Was her phone bugged? Did her mother and siblings acknowledge the abuse and later claim Beck might suffer from mental illness? All of these scenarios are entirely possible, but Beck does herself no favors in focusing on her winding spiritual journey to the great ball of light - which sounds just as ridiculous as Joseph Smith's great plates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Highly recommendable
Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited addresses the question of who wrote the Book of Mormon (i.e., Joseph Smith, his contemporaries, or ancient peoples). I find the book worthy of recommendation on the following basis: (1) Rather than offering a single author's perspective, each subject area is discussed by a capable scholar (fifteen authors for sixteen chapters). (2) The majority of the evidences and arguments provided are satisfactorily sophisticated. (3) The writing and organization of the volume is of admirable quality.

To be expected, the essays in Authorship Revisited manifest bias in favor of the claims of the Book of Mormon. On this note, I recall S. J. Gould's complaint that it is neither practical nor ideal for scholars to reach absolute neutrality. He proposed that "Objectivity must be operationally defined as fair treatment of data, not absence of preference." I find the writers of Authorship Revisited not guilty of violating this standard of objectivity. In fact, where there is uncertainty or weakness in an argument, it is forthrightly acknowledged by the authors.

I recommend John L. Hilton's essay as representative of the quality of most of the other chapters in the book. In Chapter 9, On Verifying Wordprint Studies: Book of Mormon Authorship, Hilton discusses the development of statistical models to identify probable authors where authorship is disputed, and its application to Book of Mormon authorship.

Noel B. Reynolds has commented on the soundness of the wordprinting techniques developed by Hilton, et al.:
During the 1980s John L. Hilton and several associates, some of whom were not Latter-day Saints, formed a group of scientists in Berkeley, California, to develop a more rigorous wordprinting model with which to test the Book of Mormon. Rather than test the frequency of letters or noncontextual words, Hilton's model measures noncontextual word-pattern ratios (such as the percentage of sentences beginning with a and and) using a list of sixty-five ratios first suggested by Scottish forensics specialist A. Q. Morton. Hilton's model also has the distinct advantage of being based on a large body of control author studies, which helped to establish statistical significance; additionally, its more conservative assumptions require the use of authors with at least five thousand words in a text. Hilton's techniques were critically reviewed and accepted by the University of Chicago Press prior to its publication of a recent book that used his model to identify previously unrecognized writings of the seventeenth-century English philosopher Thomas Hobbes.
Donald W. Parry, Daniel C. Peterson, and John W. Welch, Echoes and Evidences of the Book of Mormon, p. 134-135

Hilton's conclusion regarding Book of Mormon Authorship is as follows:
By using a new wordprint measuring methodology which has been verified, we show that it is statistically indefensible to propose Joseph Smith or Oliver Cowdery or Solomon Spaulding as the author of the 30,000 words from the Book of Mormon manuscript texts attributed to Nephi and Alma. Additionally these two Book of Mormon writers have wordprints unique to themselves and measure statistically independent from each other in the same fashion that other uncontested authors do. Therefore, the Book of Mormon measures multiauthored, with authorship consistent to its own internal claims. These results are obtained even though the writings of Nephi and Alma were "translated" by Joseph Smith. We also described control studies of modern language academic translations where, in practice, a single translator can consistently preserve the unique wordprints of the several original authors he has translated (p. 241).

Regarding critical evaluations that sometimes surface regarding the Book of Mormon (and Authorship Revisited for that matter), I am reminded of the experience of Allen E. Bergin, a noted clinical research psychologist and convert to the LDS church:
[For] fifteen years-three at Stanford, one at Wisconsin, and eleven at Columbia-I found some of my keen interests difficult to express... I did have many deep discussions with faculty members and some of their families over the years about my faith and its basis. These discussions were penetrating and mutually respectful. I often identified the Book of Mormon as a powerful evidence in support of the restored gospel. It is a tangible object, observable by the senses. Where did it come from? Was Joseph Smith a prophet? Some were intrigued and investigated to a degree. Very few were convinced. Most were honest enough to acknowledge that they had no answer for the book. These were brilliant and sincere individuals who made their peace with this evidence by choosing an honest course of benign avoidance. When I read contemporary critiques of the Book of Mormon, I am amazed by their inadequacies. Many of the more sophisticated doubters tend to leave it alone lest they risk their reputations against a document inspired by the mind of God.
Susan Easton Black, ed., Expressions of Faith: Testimonies of Latter-day Saint Scholars, p.11-12

It is my opinion that Authorship Revisited gives disbelievers reason to choose "an honest course of benign avoidance", if not reconsider their position altogether. Some of the "inadequacies" of Book of Mormon critiques alluded to by Bergin are made apparent in this book (and notably examined by Louis Midgley in Chapter 5). And indeed, the "brilliance" and/or "sincerity" of individuals is called into question when they relentlessly rail against the Book of Mormon with insistent, but often flawed arguments.

For those interested, Book of Mormon Authorship Revisited has been made publicly available (minus the figures) at http://farms.byu.edu/publications/books/?bookid=41&chapid=

Brilliant...simply brilliant
I loved the many essays that composed this book. Coming from the cream of the crop of Mormon scholarship, Bushman, Nibley, Welch, Tvdtnes, Reynolds, Peterson and many more, these essays give a much needed defense of the authenticity of the Book of Mormon. I say this not because the Book of Mormon needs scholarly backing, I believe that the Book of Mormon proves itself, but because in the past years there have been many books and texts coming out that would be classified as anti-Mormon and more specifically anti-Book of Mormon. Some of those books which I just spoke about are reviewed in this book as well. So this book, which covers everything from the recovery of the Book of Mormon to the Translation process to the many new archaeological findings that indeed vindicate and authenticate the Book of Mormon. I loved the new and fresh approach to the Book of Mormon that these authors employed and concur on many of their conclusions. With wonderful documentation and fantastic research, this book is a must read for anyone who wants the truth about the Book of Mormon and who wishes to escape the many snaring and deceitful books that present half truths as the truth and misrepresent many fine points of the Book of Mormon and the Prophet Joseph Smith. A must read! Five out of five!

Several fine papers addressing aspects of the authorship of The Book of Mormon
Theories about the authorship of "The Book of Mormon" have sprouted ever since the rumors of the books existence reached the public in Palmyra, New York through the present day.It is natural for questions about the book would occur to believers who study the book regularly and it is understandable that non-believers would be interested in the various stories that have been concocted to explain the origins of the book.

This fine book is a series of papers by Latter-day Saint scholars addressing various aspects of the origins of the book.The papers are grouped into four parts:1) The Nineteenth-Century Origins of the Book of Mormon, 2) The Logical Structure of the Authorship Debate, 3) Letting the Text Speak for Itself, 4) Locating the Book of Mormon Geographically and Culturally.Each of the parts includes a brief introduction by the editor.

I enjoyed this book tremendously and found the logical approaches taken to these issues quite interesting and that they opened my own study of the scripture to new insights and approaches to understanding what I was reading.The first group takes us through what we really know about Joseph obtaining and translating the plates and then publishing the book.Those who reject the book usually take one aspect of the story or another, but when the whole story is taken together, it becomes their attacks bounce off the truth.

The second part takes a look at the various theories of alternative origins for the book than Joseph's translating it or even writing it himself.Whom did he plagiarize (he didn't)?If Joseph made it up, does it contain the qualities of a fiction?

The third part is my favorite, it helps those of us who are believers and have received so much "knowledge" about The Book of Mormon from many sources, that we don't realize what we are imposing on what the book actually says.These papers help remove some of the scales from our eyes so we can see what the scripture says for itself.Very enlightening and energizing.

The fourth part looks closely at Lehi's journey with what we know from modern archaeology, how the culture as described in The Book of Mormon lines up with Mesoamerican culture, and how the discussions of warfare in the book match what we know of warfare among the civilizations in the geographical areas under discussion.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in broadening their understanding of The Book of Mormon or for anyone who has had questions raised in their mind about the authorship of this scripture.Of course, only the Spirit can confirm the truth of the book in a way that will provide faith.However, prayerful study can also yield deeper insights and allow more meaning to flow out of the book and into our souls.

Highly Reccomended!!!
This is a great book, it answers many of the questions put forth by anti-mormons about the book of mormon, goes into word print analysis, book of mormon translation, populations, coming forth of the book of mormon, the witnesses, the text, chiasmus, etc...after reading this book it leaves you with only one conclusion, Joseph Smith nor anyone in 1820-30's could have possibly wrote the book of mormon, and the only reasonable conclusion, translated by the gift and power of God!!! I would reccommend reading this book along with the Book of Mormon and praying to know the truth!!!!

Highly recommended book on Book of Mormon Evidences
This is perhaps one of the best books on the Book of Mormon I have ever read. Apart from being an absolute must on the shelves of every LDS bookshelf, this collection of well-researched essays provides overwhelming evidence that critics cannot honestly ignore or nit-pick against as they have for years now.

Examples of what is discussed are as follows -

A brief analysis and discussion of the geography of 1 Nephi 16 and 17 in the Book of Mormon and the discoveries of plausible locations for Nahom and Bountiful in the Ababian Peninsula that, on its own, disprove that theory that Joseph Smith or anyone else from 1830 authored the Book of Mormon

How the Book of Mormon can plauibly be understood as an ancient Mesoamerican text, with it fitting perfectly into the cultural milleau of that age and locality

Book of Mormon warfare and how it provides stong evidence for its ancient roots, as no modern author (Joseph Smith) could have based it on what he would have known in his enviornment

The authentic Semitic nature of the text as a result of the strong presence of chiasmus and other forms of Hebraic poetry that permeate the text

I have only scratched the surface with thei synopsis. This book is a must-read for anyone, LDS or otherwise, to understand the evidence supporting the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon volume. ... Read more

Product Description
With over 140 million copies in print, and serving as the principal proselytizing tool of one of the world's fastest growing faiths, the Book of Mormon is undoubtedly one of the most influential religious texts produced in the western world. Written by Terryl Givens, a leading authority on Mormonism, this compact volume offers the only concise, accessible introduction to this extraordinary work.
Givens examines the Book of Mormon first and foremost in terms of the claims that its narrators make for its historical genesis, its purpose as a sacred text, and its meaning for an audience which shifts over the course of the history it unfolds. The author traces five governing themes in particular--revelation, Christ, Zion, scripture, and covenant--and analyzes the Book's central doctrines and teachings. Some of these resonate with familiar nineteenth-century religious preoccupations; others consist of radical and unexpected takes on topics from the fall of Man to Christ's mortal ministries and the meaning of atonement. Givens also provides samples of a cast of characters that number in the hundreds, and analyzes representative passages from a work that encompasses tragedy, poetry, sermons, visions, family histories and military chronicles. Finally, this introduction surveys the contested origins and production of a work held by millions to be scripture, and reviews the scholarly debates that address questions of the record's historicity.
Here then is an accessible guide to what is, by any measure, an indispensable key to understanding Mormonism. But it is also an introduction to a compelling and complex text that is too often overshadowed by the controversies that surround it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Book lives up to its title
This is a suprisingly well comprised introduction to the Book of Mormon (BOM) in consice format. Here you will basically find all you need to know prior to reading the book itself. Actually this work also summarizes the meatiest parts of the book while explaining its red threads. Givens has managed to produce a easily understood, simple work for a wide audience on a highly controversial book which is often debated - but seldom read. Terry L. Givens, is, apart from being a professor of literature and religion at U of R, himself a LDS scholar. As such he is biased, of course, so you won't have the critical perspective of the fantastic claims which the BOM makes. The author will also make a case for the similarities between some of the passages in BOM with the biblical book of Jeremiah and a few other notices that would be in favor of the BOM as an inspired work. However, this does not hinder the book from being quiet objective in its outlook. Also included are remarks of the importance and influence of the BOM within the LDS church itself, where we learn that it has not always been as emphasized as it appears to be now.

An Amazing Achievement
This truly is an amazing little book.Terryl Givens does a fine job of pulling off what seems to be an impossible task --summarizing the Book of Mormon in a little book of about 130 pages.But he makes it look easy as he identifies themes, highlights key passages, offers sharp little insights, and even finds time to mention some of the criticisms and problems that the Book of Mormon has faced since its inception.Naturally, given the short space allotted him, Givens at times seems to be rushing, and you find yourself wishing he had been able to take more time to expound upon his insights.If you find yourself thinking this, then you might consider reading his more expansive book, "By the Hand of Mormon."As the author of a book about the Book of Mormon myself (Pearls from the Plates: Reading and Responding to the Book of Mormon), I am humbled but lifted by Givens's achievement.Whether you are a scholar of the Book of Mormon or just someone curious about what it is actually all about, you will find something of interest and edification in this pithy little publication.

Honest, brief review of the Book of Mormon
In a few brief pages Terryl Givens presents the views of a well respected scholar who has actually read the Book of Mormon...a book whose origins and contents are debated vociferously by many critics who have never read it. It is refreshing, informative, enlightening and portable.It would be the perfect gift for someone sincerely searching for truth about what Mormons really believe. I bought, read and have given as gifts three copies and will buy more. Thank you, Amazon, for alerting me to this book and others in the Oxford scholarly series.

Excellent Introduction to the Book of Mormon
Terryl Givens, a highly regarded English professor at the University of Richmond and one of the finest Book of Mormon scholars, has written this brief introduction to the Book of Mormon for the Oxford University Press very short introduction series.The beauty of this book is that it is accessible at several different levels.It is highly accessible to anyone without any prior knowledge of the Book of Mormon.So it serves its introductory purpose quite well. But it also brings new insights or well-stated insights that might not be quite new to those well-versed in the Book of Mormon.Anyone interested in the Book of Mormon or Mormonism would be well-advised to read this fine, intelligent, beautifully crafted, and well-balanced book.
Also recommended:"The Koran:A Very Short Introduction" by Michael Cook. ... Read more

Product Description
Explore the lives, circumstances, and choices of women in the Book of Mormon in this upliftingand inspiring volume that illustrates the parallels between the lives of the women ofthe Book of Mormon and LDS women today. With new insights on practically every page,author Heather B. Moore explores the written and unwritten stories of the prominent womenin the Book of Mormon, taking familiar material and providing vivid details aboutfamily dynamics, domestic practices, and other aspects of daily life. By exploring historicand cultural contexts to the situations of women like Sariah, Abish, Eve, Mary, and thefaithful mothers of the stripling warriors, you will peek beneath the surface of the scripturalaccounts to better understand both the righteous women of the Book of Mormon, andthe women who didn't use their agency wisely. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Inspirational and Fantastic
I read this amazing book in one weekend; writing my review took some time because life got in the way, but I shouldn't have let it, because this book was fantastic and a must-read for anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of the role of women in our ancient times.

The first thing I noticed the author did a fantastic job of, was in pointing out the similarities of these women of our history to modern women; nurturing, caring, religious, sensitive, faithful, devoted, enduring, among many others. I felt stronger and more proud of being a woman after reading of the likeness between myself and these powerful women.

Another trait I noticed of many of the women that was brought out, was how so many of them turned to the Lord in times of need. It is humbling to know that when I go to the Lord on bended knee, I am not weak--quite the opposite--as the author shows us with these women.

I also appreciated the extensive and deep research Heather did while writing the book. The knowledge presented shows a true love of the art of this author; she is an insightful and knowledgeable author, and it shines through in her writing.

The book takes you through several women's lives that are mentioned in the Book of Mormon, whether mentioned briefly or in depth. Heather shows us the connections, testimonies, strengths, and identities of these women and how we can apply their experiences to our own lives. The subtitle, Insights & Inspirations, is appropriate in how I was able to see just that. It gave me insight into what these women endured and inspired me to become a better woman. Their trials may have been different than mine, but our faith and devotion remains the same. Thank you, Heather, for writing a book that pulls so closely to the hearts of so many women.

inspiring!
In Heather Moore's book, Women of the Book of Mormon, we are allowed glimpses into the lives of all the women who were mentioned throughout the entire Book of Mormon.We learn about the twenty-four Lamanite women who were taken captive by Amulon and his band when they were found dancing by the river. We learn of Abish, King Lamoni's wife, and of our first mother, Eve. Much of what is written in this book is background on the lives of the women from that time period. We learn about the daily work they had to do, the value they had in society, and the importance of the faith they taught to their children.

Heather's previous books show the possible trials and faith of the women of the scriptures, which has been one of the many reasons I have found myself drawn to her writings. What was fun with this book going over the intimate implications of these women was the comfort women gain from other women. In a very real way, we need each other. We need those examples of faith to carry us through times that are too difficult for us to handle alone.

I found it interesting how Sariah gained comfort going through her trials by leaning on the faith of other women mentioned in the scriptures. I especially liked the reference to that mother we all share, Eve. It never occurred to me to think of the pain she had as mother raising Cain and then losing him to the jealousy and hatred he had for his brother. Heather points out that not all of us grow up with a mother who teaches the belief in Christ, but that we all share our first mother who stands as a supreme example to all of us.

There is an astounding amount of research put into this book and it's obvious Heather as meticulous at crafting each segment.

A quote from the back cover:

Explore the lives, circumstances, and choices of women in the Book of Mormon in this uplifting and inspiring volume that illustrates the parallel between the lives of the women of the Book of Mormon and LDS women today. With new insights on practically every page, author Heather B. Moore explores the written and unwritten stories of the prominent women in the Book of Mormon--taking familiar material and providing vivid details about family dynamics, domestic practices, and other aspects of daily life. By applying historical and cultural contexts to the situations of women like Sariah, Abish, Eve, Mary and the faithful mothers of the stripling warriors, you will peek beneath the surface of the scriptural accounts to better understand both the righteous women of the Book of Mormon--and the women who didn't use their agency wisely.

I recommend this book to any who desire a better understanding of what it might have been like to have been a woman throughout the ages of scriptural history. I walked away from reading this book edified and expanded in my knowledge, and appreciate the opportunity to have read it.
... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

An incredibly valuable story.
Steven is amazingly honest in sharing his life with us as readers and ultimately showing us, that no matter what happens in life, if we can personally take responsibility for our life and choices, we can quit being a victim and start turning our lives around.We have so many possibilities if we can get out of the victim mentality.

Sincere, Poignant and Uplifting
"Confessions of a Mormon Boy" is human, it is sad, painful, and yet reaffirming, enlightening and ultimately uplifting. Gay Latter-day Saints, as do Gay people in general, face difficult choices in life, but one choice they do not face is to be who they are. Gay Saints and Gays in general are born this way; what to do about and with it is the journey of a lifetime, one that is spiritual, emotional, moral and most genuinely human. Brother Fales, thank you for your honesty. God bless you; you inspire.

Inspiring Story
An inspiring story of how a Mormon man comes out, and eventually makes peace with who he is.

Heart-felt Story of a Gay Man Born into a Mormon Family
Steven Fales was born into a typical mormon family in Utah, but realized at a young age that he is gay. The Mormon church (the Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints) teaches that homosexuality is a disease, and Fales at first bought into that nonsense without question. He tried the Church's "reorientation" therapies, got married at a young age and quickly fathered two children.

Of course, everyone suffered as a result. The marriage ended in divorce, and Fales was excommunicated. Fales' life went into a tailspin, but he managed to pull himself out and come to grips with the circumstances of his life. That's the story in a nutshell, a rather remarkable one at that.

Fales' one-man play tells his life story (so far, he is still a relatively young man)in an honest and direct manner. He does not "trash" the Mormon Church. Quite to the contrary, he goes out of his way to mention the good qualities of the Mormon culture -- hard work, charity, treating others well (as far as their religion will allow).

This book consists mostly of the script of the play. While the script is, of course, written for a performance, it is quite readable as a book. It is also quite short.

If you do not know much about the Mormons, Confessions will give you a small and incomplete introduction. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith provides another very worthwhile but equally incomplete look at Mormons, focusing on some the nuttiest of the lot. For a far more complete look at the Church of Later Day Saints, read Mormon America: The Power and the Promise.

Words of another Mormon boy
While it is not the right, or authority of any one member of the LDS church to judge another human being all Latter Day Saints accept the responsibility of upholding the commandments and doctrine of God.
As a member of the church I have never met anyone that condemns another person because they are Gay. And any situation that involves someone being excommunicated is treated with great care nor is that person looked down on by others.

Gays have been persecuted and abused for their life style and treated as something less than human. It's tragic and it's wrong. I'm happy to see changes for the better being made. Yet while gays are finding progress being made; some great, some small; there is still areas which are not subject to public popularity, or anything else and one of them is the commandments and doctrine of God. It's common to see people, organizations, and institutions bend under pressure if their views or policies become unpopular. God does not change His laws because something is unpopular. It is up to us to accept His laws and live by them.

I can't understand, but only imagine, a small part of the pain and sufferinga person must feel to be excommunicated. It's human nature to be angry at anything or anyone who is associated with the church because of that.
On the other hand it is unfair of one reviewer to say, "... his church that was quick to rid itself of a human life." That judgment of the church is not only cruel but short sighted. The LDS church does not throw away human lives nor are they "bigoted". As you speak or write those words you hang those labels around the necks of more than 12 million Mormons and everyone that hears or sees your words will think of them when someone says they're Mormon. If you are gay and have been struggling against the rumors, lies, and stereotypes spread by others, you can easily comprehend how damaging a few disparaging words can be. Yet, you use the same practice on us that you have been fighting against. So, along with the litany of other misconceptions Latter Day Saints must deal with you now add "bigot" and antipathy to it.

I can not speak with the understanding or knowledge of what it's like to live in this world as a gay person. Yet I do posses the understanding and knowledge that someone who is gay is a living, breathing person; a human being and just as everyone on the face of this earth they earn respect and courtesy on the merits of their individual actions. All human beings are Gods children and His laws and commandments are the same for every one of us. It is the responsibilty of each individual to either ignore or abide bythem. ... Read more

Product Description
A New Edition of a classic volume on a vital subject for our day. Originally published in 1990, this volume has gone through different editions and printings, but is presently unavailable.In typically thorough White-style brother James sends 17 Letters to a fictitious Mormon Elder addresses such topics as the following:WHAT IS TRUTH?ERRORS IN GOD'S WORD?THE DOCTRINE OF GOD: ONE GOD OR MANY?ELOHIM AND JEHOVAH: ONE GODLATTER-DAY REVELATION?FURTHER TESTS OF JOSEPH SMITH, THE "PROPHET"MEET THE AWESOME GOD OF THE BIBLE ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Divide and Conquer
Divide and conquer a tactic the devil knows well. When the world seeks to isolate,
marginalize and return Christians to the catacombs to worshiping in secret, the author, as well as, those involved in his ministry are useful idiots to that end.

Mormonism Patiently Defeated
When Greek scholar James R. White's "Letters To A Mormon Elder" was published in 1993, it helped bring depth and patience to Christian outreach to Mormons. Now White, an established public debater, is a leading Christian apologist and public defender of biblical Christianity. And in this volume he offers a series of personal letters written to a fictional Mormon elder. He doesn't build up men made of straw in order to knock them down with weak arguments, but provides extensive Mormon documented sources asserting their bizarre views and then proceeds to systematically rebut them.

White offers precision and compassion in refuting many of the anti-biblical LDS doctrines. White starts his refutation by upholding the Bible as the infallible word of God. He states that "the Lord Jesus believed that the scriptures were truly and really the words of God" (p. 22). Thus one who desires to deny the perfect character of scripture has a dispute with Jesus. White argues for that the Bible is "fully trustworthy" and "fully accurate" (p. 23).

As a Greek scholar, White advocates his position marvelously by using the Greek text (p. 25-29) as he makes the clear distinction between transmission and translation (The LDS church/Missionaries often confuses the two). White also controverts the notion that there are errors in the original manuscripts and that the Greek manuscripts we have are untrustworthy (p. 35-44).

In a conversational outline he contends against the Mormon doctrines of a plurality of gods, men becoming gods, and the progressing of the heavenly Father into a god. One of the best chapters is: The proper distinction between Elohim and Jehovah (the LDS at its birth lacked any Hebrew or Greek scholars so they fell into many strange and uncouth errors including the idea that Elohim and Jehovah were different beings).

I own countless books which refute the errors of the LDS church and this is one of the most excellent and congruous. It is unique due to its conversational format given by an outstanding Greek scholar.

For a unique philosophical and biblical refutation of Mormonism see my book:
Presuppositional Apologetics Examines Mormonism: How Van Til's Apologetic Refutes Mormon Theology Christian Philosophical truth examines Mormonism)

The Real Exchange!!!
I was searching for a civil debate between a Mormon/Evangelical after reading "How Wide the Divide?" (highly recommended) when I stumbled upon this book by White.
While searching for this book I found an actual exchange between White and a BYU Professor here:
http://www.shields-research.org/Critics/A-O_Min.htm

I was a little disappointed.White was able to handle the fake mormon quite easily in his book but such was not the case in real life.In fact White gives up the debate with the BYU professor in one of the most one-sided exchanges I have ever witnessed between two "experts".If you're looking for a fiction book, you might like Letters to a Mormon Elder.If you want non-fiction, check out the email exchange and see for yourself how inept White's arguments really are.

If you are a Christian and serious about debating Mormons - read Carl Mosser and Paul Owen.If you are a WWE fan and a Christian, read James White.

My favorite book on Mormonism
I have amassed a rather large library on the subject of mormonism (over 300 books, articles, dvd's, and videos), and this book was so incredibly helpful for actually talking to missionaries.
James White is a brilliant Theologian. In this book he wonderfully presents arguments that a real missionary would have, and then explains things to him biblically.I learned so much about Orthodox Christian Theology from this book.
If you are a person who is looking for resources to better understand your Christian faith, then this is the book for you.Even if you have no interest in Mormonism, it will help you understand difficult topics such as predestination, election, salvation, and eternal security.
Everyone should own a copy of this book.

We old-school Baptists can learn from this book too!
I loved this book!I am about to read it through again for what may well be the tenth time.There is a wealth of literary material out there written by Christian apologeticists exposing the heresies and dangers of the Mormon faith, but Dr. White's book stands alone in one important respect:it is much more caring and constructive in nature.
As a product of Independent Fundamental Baptist upbringing, I have been warned extensively about the "evil teachings" of the Latter Day Saints Church.Looking back, I almost feel as I were being conditioned to fear - and maybe even hate - all Mormons.I didn't question it at the time (maybe I should have) but is that a truly Christ-like attitude?If a Mormon missionary knocks on my door, am I supposed to shove my open Bible in his face and shout an angry tirade in defense of my faith?I think many of an upbringing similar to mine may feel that way, but "Letters to a Mormon Elder" helped me see it all in a different light.Jesus taught us to love our enemies, and that attitude is seen strongly in this book.Dr. White is sure of his faith, which is essential to anyone who would criticize another's beliefs.His tone can get just a tad harsh when examining the fallacies of Mormon scripture and the teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, but when referring to actual people, i.e. those who have chosen the Latter-Day Saints Church, there is nothing but love and concern for them.This should be the attitude of every Bible-believeing Christian who encounters those of differing faiths.Hence this book can be a valuable learning tool not just for Mormons, but for us old-school Bible thumpers, too.Dr. James White has set a fine example for us. ... Read more

Product Description
The second edition of Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon is an all new presentation of the original LDS bestseller, featuring numerous developments and discoveries of the last twenty years regarding Mesoamerica and the Book of Mormon. The text discusses the correlation of Stela 31 at Tikal as it relates to the decisive battle at Cumorah, a comparison of the Maya name Mormon with the Nahuatl name Tehuantepec, the discovery of the name of the Jaredite King Kish, including his date and place of birth, a comparison of Mesoamerican written languages and two high civilizations with the languages and civilizations of the Nephites and Jaredites, and much more. This exhaustively-researched, full-color publication includes numerous photographs and more than 140 maps that correlate Book of Mormon sites with current Mesoamerican geography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

An Encyclopedic Tome. Essential Addition to any LDS Library.
This is by far the most comprehensive and authoritative book of its kind.I recently purchased the 2nd edition, which is a substantial update to an already phenomenal resource.A quick side-note, although it will probably already be clear to anyone interested in reading this book's reviews, I want to be sure that the reviewer (Mike Smith) who gave this book a crass "1" rating is properly denounced as either an ignoramus, a sophist, a prevaricator or a provocateur--or perhaps a dazzling potpourri of all the above.Despite his claims, this book is exactly what it purports to be--an exploration, not proof positive, of the features and locations of 'Book of Mormon' lands.In fact, it is refreshingly candid about the limitations of its proposals, and even cautions against confusing the "heart-burns" that often accompany Mormon myths and unfounded religious perceptions with the genuine swellings of the Spirit.Any Mormon library--personal or professional--is incomplete without this tome on its shelves.Further, that same library would require at least half a dozen "lesser" books to even resemble the comprehensiveness of this exhaustive--albeit hefty--single volume.The work of Joseph and Blake Allen is without doubt a prodigious, and important, addition to 'Book of Mormon' scholarship.

Newer Addition Should Be Out This Month
Greatest book written thus far on the subject, at least untill the second edition comes out. The new addition should be out any day. Most other authors who write on this subject quote this book. It has been and maybe still is used as a text book for a Book of Mormon archeology class at BYU. The new addition coming out will be a must have. It's around 900 pages with over 300 color photos.

I Really love it
A great introduction to Book of Mormon geography.Has a complete map of BOM lands, and the entire book is a well-researched discussion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Must Read Book
This book was the most revealing book I've ever read. It showed me in a factual way the truth about the Book of Mormon. I encourage anyone seeking the truth to read this book. It is written in an unbiased way. It leaves you to make your own conclusion. It just presents the facts.

A Unique Approach to an Unusual Subject
Not a lot of people know about Solomon Spaulding and his book "Manuscript Story," a romantic account of native Americans who were in fact the lost tribes of Israel, or so the story goes. The authors of this book, while sometimes a bit over-the-top in their zeal to debunk the source of the Book of Mormon nonetheless do a good job of documenting some facts and some speculations. This tome is a good one for the shelf of anyone interested in Mormon or mainstream Christian apologetics. The price is rather low and good copies can yet be found.

If you are interested in this theory
If you are interested in this theory, you ought to read the original Spaulding manuscript, and compare for yourself.Don't trust the author of some book to determine your eternal future. If you don't want to be a mormon, that is your choice, but decide for yourself. (...)

An incredible culmination of the facts.
I have been studying with Mormons for the past eight months.It was veryhard at first to see through the "armor" of their beliefs."Who Really Wrote the Book of Mormon" is a great book which givesundeniable evidence to the origin of the Book of Mormon.Mormon claims andthe inability to supply sufficent evidence to back up those claims iseasily understood after reading this book.You might also like to read,"Mormons, How to Witness to Them", by John Farkas & DavidReed.Please continue to pray for the Mormon believers that they will seekthe truth.

Best debunking of Mormonism. Gives perspective on others.
When I challenged a Christian minister that Mormonism had as much proof as Christianity, he gave me a copy of this book. He was right. Mormonism never looked the same to me after reading it. (I wish I had seen a similar book on Christianity then!)This book is an excellent short summary of arguments against the assertions of Mormons. For those interested in origins or a possible sequence of events explaining how Mormonism came about, this book provides an excellent foundation.Davis' central theory that the BOM (Book of Mormon) was adapted from a manuscript stolen from Solomon Spaulding has been rejected for poor reasons by many researchers, and is often not even mentioned by other authors. I found this book comparable to the single book best analyzing the origin of Judaism written by Sigmund Frued, Moses and Monotheism; or the one best book on the origins of Christianity,The Dead Sea Scrolls, by John Allegro.

Compare this book with The God Makers, by Ed Decker and Dave Hunt.Their book is mingled with much pro-Christianity proselytizing.Davis, Scales and Cowdry give plenty of specifics which can be checked, and in a short book outline enough information to give people locked into Mormon beliefs solid points to begin breaking away, without advancing the cause of a competing religion. This book would make an excellent gift to an individual or a library.Now out of print, if enough orders come in, it would be an excellent candidate for reprinting, perhaps as a series of specific debunkings of major religions.It would fit in well with Ibn Warraq's recently published volume on Islam. ... Read more

Product Description
During the millenia of man's existence, notable father-and-son teams have undertaken works of monumental importance. On the American continent, such a team was Mormon and Moroni.

The Lives and Travels of Mormon & Moroni is the culmination of a 24 year effort of research in history and archeaology. The findings are astounding. Jerry L. Ainsworth takes the reader on an incredible journey as he pieces together the amazing lives of two remarkable men. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Fast shipping and good quality
The product was sent as agreed and received in the promised condition. I am a happy costumer :)

- Joakim

The Genre of Mormon Fiction
The genesis of Mormon fiction begins with Joseph Smith's THE BOOK OF MORMON (BOM) which was intended to support Smith financially, just as earlier Smith's ventures into the pretensions of seeing gold buried under the surfance of the earth.Both were miserable financial failures.What then evolved was the creation of a new religion which Smith used to dupe his followers and which he used to gain all types of powers over those who unquestionably worshipped his every word.Since that time, there have been numerous attempts to validate every word of the BOM by the selective use of some small detail which apparently to them is evidence of a Judeo-Christian civilization (the Nephites) in either Central or North America.What all of these works fail to mention is that there is no credible evidence of such a civilization in the Americas.One can always find a similarity or two which are in common with many societies but when one looks at the huge amount of differences between the Nephites and the Mayas, one can only logically come to the conclusion that there is no shared heritage.Just look at the different styles of writing between Hebrew and/or Egyptian and the hieroglyphs of the Mayas.They share nothing in common.The Mayas believed in over one hundred gods.Where is the influence of Jesus Christ who according to the BOM came to this continent after his alleged resurrection?There is also no DNA evidence of Hebrew ancestry in the Mayan people.The Mayas kept records in stone of their achievements and they certainly would have celebrated the greatest military victory in 385 AD if they had indeed destroyed the Nephites.

Jerry Ainsworth who is an expert in public health is out of his league when it comes to the archaeology of the Mayas.He claims that he has found the Lehi of the BOM in the Mayan friezes and columns on which is found the name of a noble who was called Jawbone.He assumes that since the place name of Lehi is found in Israel and which means jawbone, the same is true of the Maya.Lehi in Israel was called after the fairy tale of Samson who killed 1000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey.What Ainsworth fails to tell us is that there were several nobles who lived in Chichen Itza during the 800s AD and were called Jawbone, Double Jawbone, and Jawbone-Fan.Now if there were indeed a Lehi as the ancestor of the Mayas, this founder should have a name which sounds close to Lehi.In actual fact, the Mayan word for Jawbone is "ya ja wa" and does not even come anywhere near the sound of Lehi.I would suggest that the good doctor quit wasting his time trying to prove a work of fiction to be a historical document.If he wants to find Mormon and Moroni, he should look around the area of Palmyra and Manchester, New York where Smith wrote the BOM or better yet, he should visit the river Lehigh in Pennsylvania where Joseph Smith met his future wife, Emma, in Harmony, Pennsylvania, which is north of the Lehigh River.

This book brings Book of Mormon characters to life!
I was completely fascinated with the first three quarters of this well-written and beautifully illustrated book because I believe the Book of Mormon to be true but was a bit confused about where it all played out in the Americas.

No more - Jerry Ainsworth brought all that right down to earth - this man KNOWS what he is writing about - he has BEEN there - time and time again, walking in places where he has proven to me that Mormon and his son Moroni walked some 1400 years before the latter appeared again as a resurrected being in upstate New York to show young Joseph Smith where he had buried a sacred record of the early inhabitants of the Americas - a second witness, next to the Bible, of Jesus Christ who had appeared to them after his own death and resurrection in biblical lands.

But oh what a treat as I moved into the last part of the book and thrilled page after page, chills running through my body, as Ainsworth seemed to bring to life Mormon and his son Moroni, two ancient American prophets I had learned to love from my reading of the Book of Mormon, but hadn't really come to know as human beings like myself.

That has changed now. I recommend this wonderful book "The Lives and Travels of Mormon & Moroni" by Jerry L. Ainsworth, published by PeaceMakers Publishing, as an essential supplement to everyone who thinks he or she is familiar with The Book of Mormon and its people.

Marcel Demas

Throughly Researched
Both Mormon and Moroni have intrigued me ever since I first learned about them as a little child.I'm somewhat fimular with the Mayan culture and the ledgens in southern Utah so this book was very interesting to me.Thefirst 150 or so pages lays the ground work in understanding the land andculture where Mormon and Moroni lived in 300-400 AD.The rest of the bookgets in to the nitty gritty of exactly where Mormon & Moroni traveled. Much of this is infured from how the auther interpets scriptures in theBook of Moromn inconjuction with older maps.The book is very thoughtprovoking and well written. Jerry did an excellant job researching, plushis many years of first hand experance gives him valuable insight on thesubject, which he passes on to the reader.This is a good book for thosewho want a greater insight into the Nephite/Mayan nation that existed uponthe Americas. ... Read more

Product Description

Covers the Mormon view of the Bible, the Book of Mormonorigins. Stresses the importance of the Trinity, salvation by grace not works,and more.

Customer Reviews (64)

What a sad way to make a living.
If you are looking to be offended you will find it...any day, any time, any where. Clearly this book is for that flock.
Personally I do not CARE what ANYONE BELIEVES or Does Not Believe, that is their business and has ZERO impact on where...I...am going. It seems to me that Mr. Rhodes doesn't have a very good grasp of himself if he would waste his time trying to influence others by writing about how to get rid of people...of any religion, race or creed, of which we all can figure out on our own. (Unless you are a complete idiot, which, I am fairly certain Mr. Rhodes is.) Think for yourself people. Do your OWN research into things before bashing other people, meet a few Mormons, go to the Church. And for that matter...Catholics, Protestants, whatever religion you think you might like, check them ALL out, decide where you belong without an idiots advice. This man implies we are all stupid and need his help...now ask yourself, how stupid ARE YOU? If you gave this guy more than one star...there's your answer!

Good Job Mr. Rhodes
Wow, looks like Rhodes has found a way to make a good living by bashing others and stirring up controversy.Those who credit his work know nothing about Mormon teachings or the Book of Mormon since many of the things he brings out as true are out of context and completely false. On the other hand, those who use just a little intelligence can easily decipher his motives and quickly see his errors.Therefore I say Good job Mr. Rhodes, you reveal yourself very well, biases, ignorance, stupidity and all..........but I bet you make a good buck doing it, you smart devil you.

Hmm...?
Revelation comes from God - and therefore is very difficult for humans to understand. Explaining behavoiur of people dialed into revelation of Christs Attonement is almost impossible for those in it to explain (ask any saved Baptist Christian).Someone outside looking in? - Even from a neutral (read researcher/scolastic) reference point explaining God's revelation would be impossible.

Isen't it worth gleaning even a tiny ray of understanding of revelationfrom the Mormons, thier unique claim- modern direct communication with God and angels, i.e divine revelation?Anyone that has looked at ancient Hebrew or Egyptian scolastic word history, trying to understand Moses' "revelation", is stupified (as am I) trying to understand "revelation".So why not at least try to understanda few concepts from someone that claims current (read "modern language, not eytemology opaque") explanations. These bits or rays of light are in themselves very sparse in Mormonism, it takes years of reading and praying (remember this is a divine quest). Though gleaning can be somewhat reqarding.

The price?Ahh... real study and prayer leads to two linked - and dangerous - conditions. One is knowledge about revelation, the other is joining the Mormons mission(from God, very specific).The Mormon calling is simply one of offering baptism to the dead - all 50 billion of them, in Christs' (Mormon) temples.This baptism, for Christ, in temples for all the worlds population is for everyone, but doing it is for the few who seek revelation, and God does not need everyone to do this mission. But lo, personal inspiration (read mini-revelation) results! Hence the word "inspire" eytemology is influence or animate with an idea or purpose, and in+spire - to breath in spirit - i.e. ADAM being "breathed" to "life".So why not seek being "in breathed" with Gods spirit? The danger lies in becomming all consummed (read leaving money and the world to baptize for Christ in the Mormon temples), but is that really all that bad?I can think of worse.

Ancillary, confusing hinky stuff?Of course looking at people in revelation can be extreemly confusing - especially to those standing in the middle of a tornado. Dorothy was quite confused standing in her house in the tornado.Mormons are daunted - those outside are clueless; but this book attempts to explain, what they could never understand.The book has no foundation other than outside observation ( which could be minimally usefull to describe the sociology).The damage of reading it far outwheighs benefit.At best is establishes notions (eyt. "notion" -> incomplete distraction affixed) but probably lays bad cement, which is very hard to walk on or move. Don't read this confusion.

There is no quick start to understanding revelation - but the Mormons in the child state are leaps ahead and should be gleaned - forget this book.

Nothing here that will make sense to a Mormon
While I welcome accurate criticism, this book falls far from the tree. If you are a Protestant or Catholic wanting to convert Mormons to your brand of Christianity, using this book will really make you look dumb. Anyone that has been to LDS Sunday school or skimmed the Standard Words (King James edition of the Holy Bible - Old & New Testaments, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) will think someone asking these questions is brain washed and you won't get anywhere with them. This book is clearly to keep Protestant flocks from looking too far outside their own world, not for getting LDS Christians to move away from their faith.

reality is hard to accept for many cult members
i can see why this book received high praises from many outside of the cult related beliefs like the mormon/scientology...this book was reviewed highly by several Theologists' at two Ivy School institutions.

Many of the believers in this cult of course will condemn this book since they have no understanding outside of what they are told. The mainstream beliefs such as Christians/Jewish believers all see this "wanna be" mainstream Christian belief (mormon),however, they will never be a mainstream Christian belief no matter how much they try to change their name adding Jesus...Although I feel sorry for these loss souls....most of us never will see them anything but a cult. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a companion volume to Bible Stories for Young Latter-Day Saints written by the same author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

What do the Mormons, the Shakers, and the Oneida Perfectionists have in common?
The answer is quite a lot, according to historian Lawrence Foster, a member of the history faculty at Georgia Tech, a former president of the Mormon History Association, and a longstanding friend and colleague in the study of the Mormon past. Foster begins his discussion of the marriage practices of these three groups by focusing on the larger milieu of antebellum American society. During that era virtually all of the institutions of humankind received serious scrutiny and some alteration. The most obvious example was the abolition of slavery in much of the Western World; of course it came to an end in the United States only because of the radical realignment of political power coming through the Civil War. But other institutions such as marriage and family patterns also found their critics and experimenters abounded. Some of those alterations led to the creation of the Victorian family so elegantly described in a succession of books on the subject such as in "Cradle of the Middle Class: The Family in Oneida County, New York, 1790-1865" (Cambridge University Press, 1981) by Mary P. Ryan.

This book explores Mormon plural marriage, Shaker celibacy, and Oneida Perfectionist group marriage as it originated and evolved in the nineteenth century. Foster treats these experiments in marriage and family not as aberrations from a well=established norm, but as legitimate permutations of the reform impulse of the era. Each of these groups was founded by a charismatic leader, and Foster spends considerable energe probing the mind of Josepm Smith, ann Lee, and John Humphery Noyes. In the process he substantially illuminates the groups he focuses on, helps explain their marriage practices, and draws interesting comparisons between them. In this latter regard, especially, Foster's concluding chapter is a welcome addition to the literature, addressing such issues as the role of women in these various groups, the concept of religious authority and power and who has it and why, and family and childrearing practices. Foster takes a heavily anthropological approach toward his work, and theories ranging from Arnold Van Gennep to Victor Turner abound. He is intrigued by rituals, and by "rites of passage" ceremonial practices.

This is an exceptionally fine study that holds a central place in the historiogtraphy of the Mormon religion. Enjoy! ... Read more