Book Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Mormonism in Utah Explained
Prof. Stegner has written an objective and informative book on Mormon ideas and how they are practiced in Utah.Although a non-Mormon, his respect for his subjects has rightfully gained their confidence on many topics.Yet, this is not a "white-wash".Mr. Stegner combined history and contemporary practices to provide a very insightful presentation of this intriguing society.

Easy to read and interesting
This book consists of several essays that address various facets of Mormon history and Mormon culture, especially in the West and in Utah, though many of the things Stegner writes about aren't Mormon at all but just take place in predominantly Mormon areas.
The author touches on the interesting Deseret alphabet--a bizarre, phonetic alphabet that Mormon leader Brigham Young tried to get all Mormons to learn--on missing artist-explorer Everett Ruess, on the settlements along the Colorado River, and on the effects Mormon culture had on local Indian tribes.
Stegner seems to really like and admire the Mormons, though he was never one himself, and his book is almost always fair, and at times even loving, to them.
This is an enjoyable read for anyone interested in these parts of the West, particularly in Utah and the Colorado Plateau.It's also well indexed and can be easily used as a reference.It's one of Stegner's best, for sure.

An Easy to Digest Anecdotal History of "Mormon Country"
This book is an easy to read collection of essays and stories about the people and places in "Mormon Country".Stegner has one section of the book that deals exclusively with the Mormons and a second section that focuses in on the "Gentiles", which the name the Mormons give to non-Mormons.

This is the fourth book I've read in recent months dealing with Mormonism (others: Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven", Jack Earley's "Prophet of Death", and Fawn Brodie's excellent biography of Joseph Smith, "No Man Knows My History").I decided to read this book because it was written by Wallace Stegner and because it seemed to me to be a less sensaionalistic and lurid account of Mormon life (both Banner of Heaven and Prophet of Deathdealt with Mormonism and violent crime).

I was not dissapointed, although I can't say that I was particularly impressed, either.

This book takes the form of 28 little stories.As you would expect, some are great and some are merely so-so.I felt like the book served as a good survey of "Mormon Country".Stories like "Arcadian Village", which describes the last gasp of Mormon collectivism and "Chief of the Islands of the Scene", which describes the conversion efforts of Walter Gibson in Hawaii, illuminate aspects of Mormon history that had heretofore escaped me.

Because the book itself was written in the 40's, many of the interviews Stegner conducted consisted of "old timers" talking about events from the late 1800's and early 1900's.This gives the book a "living history" quality that is, in my opinion, it's most outstanding attribute.

Stegner is certainly sympathetic to Mormon society.His story "the Fossil Remains of an Idea", which is a genial account of polygamy in Short Creek (now Colorado City), was shocking in its good natured attitude towards polygamy.That is about the ONLY thing which can be said to be "shocking" about this book.

This is a good background resource for readers interested in pursuing self-study of Mormon society.

Ignore the Judgmental Attitude and Enjoy the History
Mormon country idealizes early Mormon society.Much of this book focuses on the settling, sustaining and future of Mormon country. Once the Mormons were settled in the west, the "Gentiles" caused the Mormons hardships and were unwelcome in their towns.According to this book the Gentile was an intruder to the Mormon way of life.The author, Stegner, documents many unsuccessful attempts the gentiles made to settle in the west and over power the Mormons.Not until the ends of the book were any positive things said about Gentiles, some of who were detrimental influences in the west.In the beginning of the book the bias is strongly towards Mormons.As the reading continues it becomes more difficult to pinpoint Stegners bias.He speaks highly of non Mormons and their contribution to the west.I believe he admired the Mormon way of life, but understood that other ways of life exist that are as equally successful.

I believe that Stegners is bias towards Mormon society.It is clear that he esteems their ability to survive, endure and believe.His writing also shows that he understood that it was not only Mormons who settled the region.He speaks with respect about the endeavors of the gentile and the Mormon in different parts of the book.He has the ability to look at an event objectively and the ability to look at it judgmentally.It all depends upon the issue.The overall goal of the book is to show people to the history of Mormon society by exposing the past.Many Mormon authors would not include the Mountain Meadow massacre in their historical writing.The fact that Stegner did shows that he is objective.The book paints a clear picture of early Mormon life through the eyes of the Mormon.

Mormon Country is an opinioned and colorful depiction of the western history.The author was not trained in history, but he enjoyed and studied it.There are many parts of this book that were offensive, judgmental and ignorant.Other parts had beautiful, nonbiased descriptions of places, events and lives.It was difficult to swallow some of the topics discussed, but overall the book was well done.It is important to Utah history because it presents both small and large events to the reader.Because the book was written in 1942 it represents an old world view of the west.It is beneficial to obtain this point of view because it increases our understanding and awareness of the past events. The difficulties suffered by both Mormons and Gentiles were brought to light.Joining the two perspectives allows the reader to walks away with a new, nonbiased perspective of the western frontier.

Too much tension
Yes, Stegner has a beautiful gift of words.His love for the area is very well described in fun folk lore and historical legends that form Utah's rich heritage and history.Stegner claims to be a historian, giving credit to several other great Utahan and Western historians like Bernard De Voto.

But in his presentation of an attempt to explain the area and its unique people, he conveniently leaves out facts about historical events, like polygamy or tragedies like the Mountain Meadow Massacre.

Stegner is not a member of the church but pretends to be an expert or an authority.This view is misleading and the reader needs to be cautioned to view the book as opinion and satire.Stegner's growing up in the Salt Lake City area, but not being a member of the majority has led to many tensions.His commentary or tensions include his being against the LDS Church organization, which he uses only its nickname, "Mormon," against his love and admiration for what the people in the church have overcome, adjusted to, and have achieved.

Stegner loves the land and unique stories describing the culture, but he is not an authority, knowing everything.He is just one man trying to represent hundreds of thousands, not to mention it was written about 60 years ago, he writes well, but not objectively at all.

This is a collection of stories, which if one know the definition of story knows it isn't always fact, it's stretched.It seems he has taken the most far-fetched or extreme stories to represent a whole of religion and society.The area is unique in many ways, with many tensions in its history.My main point in writing is to point out Stegner's personal bias and tension with the people in the area. ... Read more

Book Description
In this, the first comprehensive survey of Mormon polygamy—from nineteenth-century Ohio to twentieth-century Utah—Richard S. Van Wagoner details with precision and detachment the tumultuous reaction among Mormons and non-Mormons to plural marriage. Drawing heavily on first-hand accounts and recent scholarly research, the author carefully outlines the philosophical underpinnings of the practice, the institutional administration of policies regulating polygamy, the opposition from within and without the church, and the personal trauma often associated with plural marriage.

What emerges is a portrait of polygamy that neither discounts nor exaggerates the historical evidence but presents it as sympathetically as possible in the context of the times. Van Wagoner offers neither condemnation nor apologetics. All relevant contemporary accounts are examined and interpreted , and no period of Mormon history emphasized over another. Even present-day polygamous splinter groups are examined. The result is a systematic view unavailable in studies of isolated periods or repetitions of folklore which disguised the ubiquitous and fascinating story of polygamy as it isreally was. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

The History of the REAL "Big Love"
"Mormon Polygamy:A History" is a scholarly exploration of a topic that HBO gives a dramedy treatment during the summer with its "Big Love". Von Wagoner's book is somewhat drier,and tends to the esoteric for the everyday reader,but it does bring up important points.

When Joseph Smith "revealed" plural marriage,it wasn't an outrigh declaration. At first,he was accused of fooling around with his housekeeper,Fanny Alger. He denied adultery as well as polygamy. Only later did he claim that God had revealed to him that he was to be like the Biblical patriarchs in taking multiple wives. As a sidenote,Sam Brannan,the founder of Calistoga,was originally an LDS missionary in upstate New York;he revealed the "plural marriage" teaching,but was booted out-and sought his fortune in California. Joseph Smith also engaged in polyandrous marriages,marrying women who were already wed to his followers. Current Mormon teaching now frowns on polyandry. In fact,some defenses of early Mormon teaching say that if the purpose of marriage were sexual pleasure,polyandry would be allowed,but since marriage is about progeny,so God "revealed" polygamy.

Von Wagoner does very well with firsthand accounts of polygamous life. He also traces its controversial history to the manifesto banning it and Utah statehood. Unfortunately,he does not go further into the 20th century.A discussion of current Mormon Fundamentalist groups would be helpful.This book could've been livened up with more firsthand accounts,and a discussion of the theology behind it,but it works as a history. It tells the story behind "Big Love."

Very scholarly
Was too scholarly for me, though very detailed and well footnoted historical record.Depends on what you're looking for.If you're just curious and looking for a light read, this isn't it.

A real page-turner of a history book
As a direct descendant of a prominent Mormon pioneer, I thought I knew most of the basic facts about Mormon polygamy.You know, the stuff they teach you in Sunday School and Seminary.Then, about a year ago, I talked to a relative who'd been doing some research on my pioneer ancestor and found that Brigham Young had sent him on a mission to England for the express purpose of preaching polygamy direcly to the Gentiles (non-Mormons) over there, on the assumption that this would be a great way to get Victorian Britons interested in joining the LDS Church.Needless to say, this approach flopped big-time from the get-go, and my ancestor quickly returned to Utah.This curious episode piqued my interest in the history of Mormon polygamy.Might there be some other stuff that wasn't being presented in the modern Mormon lesson manuals?

Well, yes, as a matter of fact.And boatloads of it.Van Wagoner's extensively footnoted book has filled in numerous and enormous gaps in my knowledge -- gaps I didn't even know existed. For example, I'd always thought that the history of Mormon polygamy could be cleanly divided into two periods: pre-Manifesto and post-Manifesto.Wrong.Van Waggoner walks us through half a dozen distinct phases that polygamy has gone through, up to and including the current phase. What's even more interesting is the vast difference in the Church's attitude toward polygamy during these different periods.For example, I had no idea how central polygamy was to Mormon theology during the second half of the 19th century.I didn't know that multiple LDS prophets had declared polygamy to be an absolute prerequisite for achieving the highest state of exaltation in the hereafter, or that polygamy was viewed as an eternal gospel principle that would never again be taken from the earth.Nor did I know anything about the somewhat shady goings-on between the first Manifesto and the second Manifesto.For that matter, I hadn't even heard of the second Manifesto.Nor did I know that most of the modern polygamist sects can trace their existence to the rumored events of a single 24-hour period in the 1880s (several years before the first Manifesto).Nor did I know just how big a political issue Mormon polygamy was at the national level during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And I was quite surprised to learn that a form of polyandry was practiced in the early days of Mormonism, albeit on a very limited basis.

These are but a few of the tidbits that lie in store for the reader of Van Wagoner's book.

Excellent history about polygamy.
Van Wagoner has written the best book chronicling Mormonism practice of polygamy from the time it was first instituted to the when the Mormon Church abandoned the practice, he also goes into modern day polygamists.The author gives an overview of polygamy's beginnings by piecing together the little evidence that exists concerning Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy.He discusses how Smith kept the practice secret from most the church and from the general public.He also touches on the little known practice of polyandry where some of the women Smith married already had existing husbands.The author then goes over the practice in early Utah and the Church's official announcement of the practice in 1852.Van Wagner explores the legal problems the Mormon Church endured during the years of practice.He then explores the reasons behind Church President Wilford Woodruff's decision to publicly announce the end of the practice in 1890.Van Wagoner also explores the Churches secret continuance of the practice between 1890 and 1904 and the final announcement of abandoning the practice in 1904 by Joseph F. Smith.Van Wagoner goes on to discuss Mormon break off groups that have continued to practice polygamy and their belief that Church President John Taylor had a revelation in 1886 saying to never abandon the practice.By reading this book people will more fully understand the history of the practice.

Fascinating!
This book reads somewhat like a textbook, which is probably good when trying to objectively understand historical facts. As a transplant to Utah, I wanted to know more about the history of the state & found this book to be beneficial in adding to my knowledge base. I am not LDS, but I can agree with other reviewers that the book presents an unbiased summary of Mormon history of polygamy. Job well done! ... Read more

Book Description
Senator George Hoar of Massachusetts fired a question at LDS President Joseph F. Smith. Hoar wondered if church members could question the prophet's revelations and still remain in good standing. Smith responded with the example of plural marriage, saying those who doubted the doctrine were not "cut off." But the Senate would soon hear more nuanced accounts--also that some of the church hierarchy continued to secretly promote polygamy after having publicly promised not to. At issue was whether Senator-elect Reed Smoot of Utah was suited for national office given his position as an LDS apostle. Smoot's election resulted in an intense, four-year scrutiny of Mormons beginning in 1904. Paulos has gathered unexpurgated transcripts of the most important verbal exchanges in the hearings and annotated them with behind-the-scenes material, including previously unpublished letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Could have been better
This book is a valuable resource to investigating the transitional period of the LDS church from its cloistered territorial days to the globally focused modern church.While the entire Reed Smoot hearing transcript is available elsewhere, this volume seems to hit the high notes.My reservation only comes from the perplexing manner in which the editor approached some of the footnotes.To his credit, he does a good job of identifying and describing the participants in the hearings.But his footnotes, while generally helpful in providing context, still lack in strength, detail, and (to some extent) correctness.For instance, in describing what the "Endowment House" was, the editor's only citation is to "a graduate-level history" paper that is "privately circulated."(p. 156 .12).This is a weak and strange citation for such a well-researched and well-known piece of history as the Endowment House.Elsewhere he relies on unpublished sources for propositions that are developed more soundly in scholarly publications.

Some footnotes are plainly wrong.In identifying Francis M. Lyman (p. 159 n. 14), the editor comemnts that his father had been removed from the Quorum of the Twelve for "questioning the doctrine of blood atonement."Elder Lyman did more than that - he was removed for being censured for preaching that Christ's atonement was essentially unnecessary and then not changing his teaching.The whole affair was much more complex than the editor's misleading explanation. I have to wonder if the publisher should not have had a heavier hand in editing.

Also, I felt that the book did not provide enough context to the issue of post-manifesto polygamy.Scholarly studies of the plural marriages performed after the Manifesto are numerous and detailed, but the editor here seemed almost to avoid discussing the issue.Some references to post-manifesto polygamy are in the footnotes, but they by no means treat the issue adequately to understand the context of what was going on.Also, they are found so late in the text that they do not provide context to the testimony of the earlier witnesses, such as Joseph F. Smith.

In the end, what the editor adds to the text is enlightening, but unfulfilling.This book is preferable to reading the cold transcript, but does not do all that it can to flesh out the historical landscape against which the hearings occurred.The book suggests that Mr. Paulos has a good grasp of the historical record, and could have included more to enhance the background of the hearings. ... Read more

Book Description
The Mormon Defenders offers for the first time in print responses to leading Latter-day Saint apologists who argue that theirs is a true Biblical faith. Calling upon top-notch scholarship, The Mormon Defenders demonstrates that the case for a "Biblical" Mormonism is rooted in misinterpretations of the Scriptures. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

A useful answer
Having encountered Mormon apologists and been bemused by their clear misuse of scripture I found this book to be a useful tool in providing answers for their misinterpretations.
I was very interested in J.P. Holding's observation that "the image of God" does not refer to physical likeness, nor even emotional/rational likeness, but rather the capacity to act as God's representative on Earth.
A worthwhile exercise on Holding's part.

Cut above the con-LDS Fare
This book by James Patrick Holding is a cut above the anti-Mormon fare, and Holding deserves kudos for writing in a very respectful style, and, furthermore, not engaging in the typical straw-man arguments offered against "Mormonism," such as the bogus claim that Latter-day Saints believe in legalism, instead hitting the nail on the head by claiming that Latter-day Saint soteriology reflects covenantal nomism.

Notwithstanding, I feel that this text does have a number of flaws contained therein. For instance, his discussion of John 3:3-5 and baptismal regeneration is just one example. Early Christians such as Justin Martyr all understood this pericope as conducive to baptismal regeneration.

Furthermore, as for Acts 2:38, the Greek preposition "eis," whenever followed by a noun in the accusative case (which occurs in this instance) means "into." Thus, contra Holding and his other co-religionists who claim the contrary, Acts 2:38 means that one is baptised *into* a remission of their sins, conducive to LDS belief in baptismal regeneration.

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

Excellent
The biik came is incredibly fast manner, was reasonably priced, and in new condition.Thank you very much for your professionalism.

Lot's of research but too many acrobatics.
I like the tone of the book, as it is not as condescending as many other anti-Mormon books that I have read.That is why I gave it 3 stars.

This general review points out a few weaknesses in the concepts presented http://www.bibleman.net/Mormon_defenders.htm

The downside is that when you look at the BIG picture, how are we supposed to know which ideas were correct and which ones were not while digging through the manuscripts of ancient Christianity.It seems like anyone can find support to a large number of conclusions.

And that is not even mentioning the idea that the scriptures we have may have been copied or translated, maybe even on purpose in some cases. http://www2.ida.net/graphics/shirtail/scriptur.htm

Some of the comments in the book can clearly be shown to have shaky grounds.What I can't get is how the author can do so many literary acrobats in order to interpret certain verses figuratively and at the same time takes literally other verses (such as those rendering his view of the Trinity) that are clearly figurative (John 17).
http://www2.ida.net/graphics/shirtail/paulowen.htm

Finally, I sit and ask myself if any of these people people will ever realize that they need to quit trusting in the flesh for spiritual answers.

The author claims that LDS missionaries will someday start using scholarship for conversion.I think he is wrong.It simply does not work.Nobody can even know if Jesus is the Christ without recieving personal revelation on the matter.Joseph Smith even said "there is no salvation without revelation".That is why Peter was "blessed" in the New Testament.

The "Mormon Defenders" that Holding contends with are far from Mormon missionaries and the church officially and emphatically teaches all to recieve a personal and spiritual confirmation of the truth from God himself and that noone can recieve a testimony for any other person.That is not going to change.

Essential reading for all who might encounter Mormons
This is the first book by J.P. Holding, president of the highly effective Tekton Apologetics Ministry, and I hope it won't be the last.While a lot of books were enough to refute most Mormon missionaries, a new breed of Mormon apologetics has emerged.And although this has not filtered through (even according to the laments of these Mormon apologists), it is essential that Christians are prepared for the strongest arguments they could encounter.

The first chapter deals with one of the most blatant examples of contradiction -- the Mormon concept God being an exalted man.Holding first shows that the Mormon case is wanting, by misunderstanding anthropomorphisms, assuming that theophanies represented God's permanent state, and the unwarranted expansion of the Incarnation that was unique to Christ.Then he presents the biblical case against the Mormon teaching of divine embodiment.

This and all the other chapters end with an important discussion of the Mormon charge that the historical Church has apostatised through Hellenistic philosophy. One important point is much like those who claim our biblical texts are corrupted: OK, produce the *uncorrupted originals* or clear proof of what they said, because a charge of corruption can be sustained only if we can show what the extant texts are corrupted *from*.Similarly, Holding shows that there is not the slightest trace of an allegelly uncorrupt Jewish or early church teaching that looks anything like Mormonism. Conversely, the Jewish historian Josephus and the anti-Jewish Roman historian Tacitus confirm that the Jewish concept of God was one of an eternal Creator of all things.And historic Christianity's conception, in the areas of dispute between Mormonism, is firmly based on the biblical Jewish conception.Also, in some chapters, Holding shows that if anything, any Hellenistic influence would have been in the *opposite* direction to historic Christian doctrines.

The chapters all end with a helpful conclusion and key points, but don't skip the meat either!

The second chapter discusses the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation compared to the Mormon teaching of polytheism.The most important part was analysing the New Testament in the historical context of the Wisdom tradition.Here, Wisdom was such an important and eternal aspect of God's nature that it was personified, so it was known as a hypostasis.The New Testament identifies Jesus as this Wisdom of God, equal in *nature* with God while being subordinate in *role* only.Both the Gospels and Epistles have extensive parallels, e.g. Col. 1:16-17 "by him all things were created ... He is before all things and in him all things hold together.Compare Wisdom of Solomon 1:16,7: "for he created all things that they might exist. ... that which holds all things together knows what is said."An extensive endnote also notes the Targumic concept of Memra (word) as another example of Jewish teaching of plurality within the one being of God.Hebrew Christian scholar Dr Arnold Fructenbaum argues strongly that the Johannine Prologue identified Jesus, the Logos (word), as embodying all aspects of the Memra.

Another important application of historical context is the Semitic Totality Concept.This is applied to the criteria for salvation and in particular the Mormon teaching of baptismal regeneration.

Certainly salvation is by grace through faith not by works (Eph. 2:8-9), so baptismal regeneration is wrong.But under the STC, actions and thoughts were so intimately linked that afaith that produced no works was not a saving faith at all.So in reality, we *will* preform works if we are saved, rather than a case of "we *must* perform works to be saved."IOW works are the fruit of justification, not the root.In particular, (water) baptism is what saved people do, not what people DO to be saved.

It is also important to understand the logic of conditional statements.Some Mormons use passages that suggest a judgement based on works, e.g. Rom. 2:5.But the logic is: IF you persist in obeying the Commandments, THEN you will inherit eternal life.But logically, conditional statements do NOT assert the truth of anything, just what happens IF the condition is met.And the whole point in context is that NO ONE, apart from Christ, has fulfilled the condition of perfect obedience.So our salvation depends on God's grace alone through faith.

Other chapters cover the interesting verse on baptism for the dead, once again with cutting-edge scholarship, human pre-existence, and their particular doctrine of men becoming Gods.

My only gripe is not with the author but with the very annoying American practice of putting footnotes at the end of the book (i.e. endnotes), in chapter order.Especially with Holding's extensive teaching in these notes, it is a pain to have to go to another place to find the note, and also make sure I know what chapter I'm on.Footnotes at the bottom of the page are much better.So I request that publishers produce more reader-friendly books, and resist the pathetic excuses "we have always done it that way" or "scholars prefer it like that".FWIW my three books have footnotes at the bottom of the page, and they have sold over half a million copies, so it can be done! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Backstory for the Great Brain

This romance is a great stand alone story! The characters are well-rounded and the turns of phrase are amazing!

It also introduces you to all of the people who arein the Grea Brain series as well.

Excellent book I will read to my children.

Little House on the Prarie ... in Mormon Country
This wonderful book is a perfect mix of the Little House on the Prarie and Great Brain books. What I found the most interesting was the equal treatment of Mormons, Catholics, Methodists, and even Agnostics in frontier Utah. In fact, there are both good and bad examples of each. The overall religious message of the book is that "all religions are but windows in the same church letting in the light of God," which stresses the ideas of tolerance, love, and respect for all people irregardless of their religious beliefs. I highly recommend this book for all people who are fans of Laura Ingalls Wilder and John D. Fitzgerald or even pioneer life and Utah history. Although it's out of print, you can probably find a copy in your local library. For 300 pages, it's a quick read. I have to warn you, though, it'll make you cry in the end. Even I teared up a bit, and I very rarely get emotionally involved in books. I also laughed out loud a few times, too. This book is really special.

Well Written, Little Disappointed
I read the Great Brain series as a kid, and continue to re-read them as an adult. Recently I discovered "Papa Married a Momon" and was not disappointed by Fitzgerald's story telling. But after doing a little online research I was disappointed to find that it is only very loosley based on his life in Utah (i.e. Fitzgerald was born in 1906 and the stories take place in the 1880s-1890s and papa lived until 1937). But I would highly recommend the book, especially if you enjoyed the adventures as told in the great brain series.

John D. Fitzgerald
I have loved every book by John D. Fitzgerald that I was able to get my hands on. All of his books are wonderful but perhaps the best one is Papa Married a Morman. The true story of the Fitzgerald family is uplifting, powerful, and very entertaining. I highly recommend this book to any one who loves history and who loves a good story. The other two books in this serious, Mama's Boarding House, which takes place after Papa Married a Morman, and Uncle Will and the Fitzgerald Curse, which tells the story of Uncle Will from childhood up until the time of the end of silverlode, are also great to read.

Papa Married a Mormon
I found this book at a swap meet--took it home more from the quirky title then anything...and I discovered my favorite book!The story is an easy & non-demanding read with pictures of the family--your unable to set it down!I once lent this book to my Mom, she in turn lent, and so on.The book was returned to me 2 years later, and had visited over 25 homes!! I know of no other book that has had that wide of an appeal, regardless of religious background...a DEFINATE must have! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

A Seminal work on the Book of Mormon
This is indeed a fine book that has been able to stand strong for over 20 years. It offers pioneering insights that have brought the Book of Mormon into new light and have set the trajectory of Book of Mormon studies into a new and exciting arena. Indeed, this is a must for any serious student of the Book of Mormon, and would make for a fine introduction for those interested in Book of Mormon studies.

Some of the amazing insights that Sorenson brings into view in this work is the idea of two separate Cumorah's - something which David Palmer followed up with brilliantly in his book "In Search of Cumorah" - the DNA issue, long before it was up in "Losing a Lost Tribe" and the likes of the same ilk, and the discussion on plants, animals, metals, etc.

So this book is indeed a seminal work and a must for serious students of the Book of Mormon. Absolutely brilliant!

Helping the reader see what the Book of Mormon actually says rather than what others claim for it
We all know a lot of things that aren't so.This may because of the way we receive knowledge from others.An individual bit of knowledge might have been garbled in its path to us, it may have always been nonsense, it might have been state of the art understanding that has since been supplanted, or it might be a decent approximation of reality.This book is, I believe, quite important because it is part of a serious effort to let the Book of Mormon speak for itself rather than imposing on it a mix of interpretations that come from certain hopes and guesses about what the Book of Mormon was actually saying without studying it thoroughly.

Sorenson first builds a map based upon the information provided in the book.This does away with the notion of the so-called "continental" view of the range of the Book of Mormon.He then shows us the very complex cultures in Meso-America and how things seem to have been in the centuries the Book of Mormon took place.While I have my own views and interpretations, I admire Sorenson for sticking to what the Book actually says and what the archaeological and anthropological evidence actually shows us.He doesn't try to get to the point of fitting it together and claiming that this is actually that or anything of the sort.That is a trap too many have fallen into over the years and it actually blinds more than it enlightens.

He compares what the Book of Mormon people say about their lives, the culture and its wars with the way the people of that region lived, adapted, and fought.Sorenson shows us how the rising population and the expansion of the Mayan kingdoms put pressure on the large mix of smaller tribes that "filled in the gaps".The author also helps us see quite clearly what was happening at the time of the end of Nephite civilization.This is a very interesting set of insights.

I think this is a terrific book.Yes, Sorenson is a believer (so am I).Still, this book does a very fine job of stating things on the basis of evidence.No, it does not provide a photograph of Lehi and Nephi on the beach holding the Liahona with the boat in the background.However, even if it did, non-believers would find a way to explain it away, and believers would still believe (because the belief comes from something beyond photographs).

The book has many helpful maps, illustrations, and photographs.It also has a very useful index.

Highly recommended.

An excellent anthropological analysis of the Book of Mormon
Notwithstanding the fact I disagree with Sorenson about his views on Quetzecoatl, this book is a MUST for Book of Mormon students as it presents an extremely plausible geographical and cultural setting for the events related in the text of the Book of Mormon. Sorenson discusses how the drumlin in New York is _not_ the Hill Ramah/Cumorah of the Book of Mormon, contrary popular Latter-day Saint belief, metallurgy, plants and animals, distances, cities, and so forth. The fact that such a thing is plausible bodes poorly for the anti-Mormon theory that Smith was a fraud and the Book of Mormon is anexample of 19th centiry fiction.

Continued excellence since 1985.
Dr. Sorenson, along with FARMS, theories the most logical setting for the BoM by keeping its time and changing its space. Not since the discovery of the Joseph Smith Papyri has a LDS work been so penetrating as An Ancient American Setting. This book remains to be the cornerstone of the yet complete scientific translation of the Book of Mormon.

Food for thought!
This book is fun to read.Do not try to read this book as proof of anything, but as a book to help you imagine what the setting for the Book of Mormon *might* have been like.While it does offer evidence and supportof the Book of Mormon's authenticity, it doesn't try to prove anything, butto educate and inspire imagination.I found by reading this book that manyof my own assumptions about the Book of Mormon setting were probably wrong,and that they were just that- my own assumptions.For instance, manypeople assume that the Lehi party landed on a basically deserted continent. But really that isn't implied anywhere in the Book of Mormon.In fact, itmentions several times about others in the land around them; neverthelessthe fact that the scripture is more concerned with their immediate groupthan other tribes causes many, myself included, to assume that they werebasically alone.This book made me rethink a lot of these types ofassumptions, and helped me to associate the characters, traditions, customsand geography of the Book of Mormon with realistic models to betterunderstand what they were all about. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

An excellent beginner's look into Mormonism!
This is the book I read when I first became interested in the LDS church.Rex Lee does a great job of introducing the LDS church to those with little or no knowledge about Mormons (or who want to know if their knowledge is accurate).He presents a basic overview of Mormon beliefs and practices.Contrary to what a previous reviewer said, Mr. Lee was well-versed in the Bible (as most Mormons are) and does not say that Mormons are "just another Protestant sect", since Mormons do not believe they are.This is an excellent resource for the beginner seeking to know more about the LDS church.

Gets you started on the right foot!
Many people have attempted to define the Mormon beliefs. Who could do it better than the president of the Mormon University, BYU?
The first chapter of the book describes the primary difference between the Mormons and other Christian denominations, namely the restoration of the gospel through the modern Prophet Joseph Smith after centuries of apostacy. Many a bible-basher overlooks the need for a restoration of doctrine in the traditional Christian theology. This is because of fear that the Mormons may be right. They will criticise Mormons for not being able to back up their every belief with Bible quotes. Once you understand the notion that the traditional Christian church is based on the philosophies of men and not upon current revelation, you will see, at least from the Mormon perspective, just how inept these bible-bashers are.
Please read the book. If you want to learn more about the Mormons, do not read books by disgruntled ex-Mormons! Do not read books by non-Mormon ministers and scholars. Instead read credible works by active and faithful Mormons. Or visit the church website. Don't be fooled by impostors who's only goal is to defame or seek revenge.

A lawyer looks at his faith.
This is an introductory and survey book on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints written by Rex E. Lee, who had been the United States Solicitor General, and was president of Brigham Young University from 1989-1995, before his death from cancer.

This is a casual and easy read. I read it in about three hours, and I think it gives a great look at what the Saints believe.It is not an official church publication, so the book has a lot of personality and bounce.

I though the chapter on his confirmation-hearing to be Solicitor General was quite interesting.Remembering the Bork and Thomas hearings, these can be very bloody.He was asked about any conflicts of interest between his church and his office as Solicitor General.He said that he was an employee of the United States Government, so that is where his loyalty would lie.He then made a comment that this question should have been settled with Kennedy.A man can be a good president and a good Catholic, so he could be a good Saint and a good Solicitor.

I recommend this book for anyone wanting to learn more about the Church of Jesus Christ.

Look Closely
As a non-mormon looking to increase my knowledge of Mormonism, I was disappointed. Like other works by Mormons I have read,the Bible references were taken totally out of context when they refered to the subject at all. Most of the unusual Mormon practices were not justified with references tothe Bible.This work uses words not in any dictionary and known only toMormons, see in particular the pages on the three levels of heaven. Mr.Lee does not have enough knowledge of the Bible or Christian theology tounderstand the message of the New Testament.For this reason he claimsMormons are just another Protestant sect.This work displays clearly howdifferent Mormons are from Christians. Read this with the Bible in one handand "What Do Mormons Really Believe" in the other.

Helpful book for non-Mormons
This book provides a quick and helpful summary of the beliefs of the Mormon Church, presented for non-Mormons.It seems to be not interested in convincing you to join the church, but in informing you about the church. As a non-Mormon recently moved to Salt Lake City, I found it veryinteresting and valuable ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Mormon Mother: An Autobiography by Annie Clark Taylor
An interesting account of polygamy in application and as doctrine.Inherently though the story is really that of one of a family and certainly a dysfunctional couple. The heroine is likeable despite her foolishness.The husband would be the antagonist; a narcissist in any time.

very interesting, insights both good and bad on polygamy
Annie Clark Tanner was an admirable person. When I completed reading this book I had a strong desire to call one of her children, if any are still alive. I appreciated the support and understanding she received from herchildren as they became adults. They had a wonderful mother. I am amazed atall she went through for her husband, without bitterness. However, she wasopen about her feelings, which let me know that she was "real".Thank you Annie, for writing about your life and sharing your experiences.

A sincere first-person account of Mormon polygamy
With all of the highly polarized descriptions of Mormon polygamy in the late 1800's, it is refreshing to read an honest first-person account of how "plural marriage" affected everyday life for those involved. Mrs. Tanner's experience was decidedly negative, yet she writes without thebitterness one might expect.A must read for all Mormons, as well asothers interested in US history in that period. ... Read more

Amazon.com
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 CrosbyBook 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (186)

The REAL meaning of this book for me!
My Husband and I both read this book. It was recommended by our therapist. My husband was sexually abused as a child in the Catholic church. He "blocked" out everything through his adult life (an emotional "safety mechanism" if you will, everyone has one) until a traumatic accident brought some of the memories back. The book is not just for "bashing" the Mormon church. There are a few other things in there too. The BIGGEST problem for us is that these men (yes, men NOT god-like figures) in "high places" committed the CRIME of rape, molestation, sodomy, etc. and are STILL in their "high places" within the church! Or, they just get moved around to other churches! I think Martha was basically trying to say to her father "HOW COULD YOU!" AND in her book she tries to also teach people NOT to regard these "Holy Men" as the closest thing to GOD! You'd be surprised at all the skeletons these men have in their closets IF you investigate.
Besides, Martha finally found out that NO ONE needs a "middle man" to talk to God and to become spiritually enlightened. Do it on your own, Martha did!

Great Novel, Facts Spotty at Best, NOT a way to learn truths about Mormon Church!!!
I found this story at once triumphant and sad.This story of sexual abuse and the devastating effects on its victims is well-written and at times funny in a cynical way.I am truly glad that Mrs. Beck has found happiness within or outside of the Mormon church.The real problem I have with the book, are the generalities and flat out falsehoods that are perpetuated about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its members.I can't fathom how such a purported advocate of research and citation could have no references to the outlandish information she puts in the book, not to mention how a person who allegedly grew up in the church could know (or pretend to know) so little about its principles.I have seen first-hand the immediate action taken by church leaders to not only deal with perpetrators of sexual abuse through church channels, but also their immediate report to law enforcement agents.Sorry, there is no great church conspiracy to hide sexual abuse, or to squelch freedom of thought or free agency among its members.

How can we believe anything Martha Beck says?
I am unable to put any stock in what Martha Beck claims, based on her history of being dishonest with herself and others.

At the beginning of this book the author states: "My whole life is shadowed by doubt. The only conviction I embrace absolutely is this: Whatever I believe, I may be wrong" [pg. 6].

Martha Beck and her husband co-authored a book more than a decade ago on how to overcome homosexuality.Both Martha and her husband have since come out publicly and declared that they are in fact gay.

It is interesting to read the newspaper articles where Martha's seven siblings are interviewed regarding the release of this book.All of them say that the claims of abuse are false. The most convincing of these is the younger sister that shared a room and bunk beds with Martha during the years when the abuse allegedly occurred.

I spent several years studying sociology and social work at a liberal university (like Martha).I can perfectly envision the kind of man-hating therapist that helped Martha "uncover" her repressed memories of abuse.I have met many such people.The power of suggestion can seem very real.

Obviously I cannot say beyond all doubt that the abuse did not occur.I only have evidence and experience to go on.

Interesting...
This was an interesting book to read, but one is left with the distinct impression that the author ends up in a place where anything and everything is ok (spiritually) and yet claims to be a Christian.To be a "Christian" means to be a follower of Christ, to live by the Bible, and to live a life reflecting Jesus. Where this woman ends up (in her book) is not at that place, so while she left Mormonism, she did not really find "Christianity"....yet :)

It just isn't true.
There is one simple problem with this book: nearly everyone who could corroborate Martha's account says that it isn't true. Isn't that generally considered the hallmark of a fabrication? ... Read more

Book Description
More than 100,000 copies have been sold of My First Book of Mormon Stories.

Following the all-time bestselling LDS boardbook is this darling companion boardbook , featuring 16 new stories from the Book of Mormon, including "Lehi's Dream," "Alma and Amulek in Prison," "King Lamoni," "Captain Moroni and the Title of Liberty," "Nephi and Lehi," "The Three Nephites."

Your preschool children and grandchildren will delight in these simplified versions of favorite Book of Mormon stories.Author Deanna Buck retells the familiar events in "read-aloud" language that entertains as it teaches.Enhanced by beautiful illustrations, More of My First Book of Mormon Stories will provide ideal teaching moments for families with young children. ... Read more

Book Description
Full-time talk radio host and part-time con-artist Saul Cruz and free-wheeling college student Jerusha Goodman have fallen hard for one another. Problem is, both are tied down in uninspiring relationships to kind but dull people. Since neither is the cheating type, and the thought of dumping their lovestruck sig-o’s cold seems too cruel to fathom, Saul and Jerusha formulate a scam that will allow them to be together. They’ll pretend to be Mormon, suddenly foregoing sex, wine, coffee and R-rated movies, with the goal to irritate their partners away. The switch is easy for Saul, an agnostic, as well as Jerusha, a Jack Mormon who has drifted from the flock, to the chagrin of her nagging mother. Will the ruse be enough to drive away Shannon, Saul’s doting, baby-talking ex-cheerleader girlfriend and Jared, Jerusha’s live-in blue-collar beau? The answer lies in Stormin’ Mormon, a romantic comedy that’s a religious experience. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

this review is brought to you by the church of ladder day saints
phil villarreal really hit a triple with his debut novel, "stormin mormon". in which, a radio dj, saul cruz, falls for a girl who may be the woman of his dreams, jerusha goodman.jerusha is a student at the university of arizona and feels reciprocal attraction for saul.The only problem is they are both in monotonous, boring relationships with people who love them and neither want to cheat.Saul devises a plan where he and jerusha will feign their devoutness to the church of mormon, thus allowing their current significant others to become frustrated and ultimately break off the relationships.This in turn will permit saul and jerusha to date one another free of guilt.

this, the first of hopefully many novels from phil villareal, is an absolute addiction.the hilariously realistic dialogue, feels like it was pulled out of the my very own head.i highly recommend, this very relatable book to everyone who is literate; and am anxiously awaiting phil's follow up. ... Read more

Book Description
Never before has the wide array of Mormon family history sources been gathered into one comprehensive and easy-to-use guide. In A Guide to Mormon Family History Sources, author, professor, and lecturer Kip Sperry explains electronic databases, websites, microfilm collections, indexed, and more, all relating to the Latter-day Saint family history. Whether you are taking your first step into your Latter-day Saint ancestry, your fiftieth, or your five-hundredth, A Guide to Mormon Family History Sources will lead you to something new. ... Read more

Product Description
1920 Edition. An Account Written by The Hand of Mormon upon Plate taken from the Plates of Nephi. ... Read more

Product Description
Children's Book of Mormon Picture Book If you think children ages three and up should help more around the house, complain less while doing it, and have the courage to always choose the right, then this book is a must-have! Who’s Your Hero? teaches young children about heroic examples from the Book of Mormon, but even more: At the end of each scripture story, children will learn a timely, heroic lesson for today. For example, Ammon loves to do chores around the house (just like he loved helping King Lamoni with his horses), and Nephi doesn’t complain when it’s time to go to bed (just like he didn’t complain when his father Lehi asked him to do hard things). Family home evening ideas and activities are also featured. Who’s Your Hero? is ideal for starting children early on to love the Book of Mormon! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Love it!
I love these books! I own both volumes, and I actually really enjoy the illustrations.I know they are "busy", but I have "serious" LDS books for my kids, it's nice to have fun ones that they are totally excited about.I love to look in detail at the pictures, because there are so many interesting things in the illustrations (for adults).I love how he keeps characters looking the same in different stories.For example, he shows Alma, as a young man, being converted by the words of Abinadi, and in a different story, he shows Alma praying for his son, Alma the Younger.This time, Alma is an old man, but he wears the same outfit he wore when he was young, and he looks like the same character,but older.This makes it easier for kids to understand how the stories and characters in the Book of Mormon intertwine.This happens with a few other characters too.Overall, I would absolutely recommend these books!

Great story-- bizzare illustrations
OK- we LOVE this book- we love how it gives the scriptural account and then truly applies it to our children.It is great!BUT.... the illustrations are so over the top, and so out of control, it really DISTRACTS from the book :(The author is a caracacture artist, and so it seems weird to recommend that on the next book in the series, he use a different illustrator-- but that is what I am reccomending!I would much prefer to see illustrations that weren't so busy- so visually assaulting-- and illustations that reflected the beauty of the message in this book (and yes, I understand that this is supposed to be a "fun" book for kids-- but it was so busy for my children, and the eyes were drawn SO big on the people, that my kids kept thinking that all the people were either MAD or SCARED!).I am so glad that my children havea book that teaches them that ancient prophet's teachings truly do apply to them, and they can make choices in their lives that show that they follow the prophets!...But I will still be hoping that the illustrations are calmer in the next volume! ... Read more

Book Description
From ample archeological evidence, it appears the lands of western and central New York were once populated by ancient civilizations.The question that must be asked is--did they belong to the Nephites and Jaredites?Since the Book of Mormon clearly details the demise of two mighty nations in the territory of Cumorah, we can only surmise that the artifacts found in that region were left by those whose history is contained within the Book of Mormon.However, in order to successfully locate the individual territories described within the scriptures, which verify that hese lands were indeed populated by the Book of Mormon people, we must first go back in time to an era when primeval forests and great inland seas filled the land from one end to the other.Only by reconstructing the ancient setting can we hope to locate the lost lands of the Nephites and Jaredites.Even though much of the water that once filled the territory has long since receded from the land, m! uch water still remains--including the beautiful Finger Lakes which are the last remnants of that era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Thought Provoking
The author does a fascinating job of making a case that the events in the Book of Mormon took place in what is now the northeastern United States. Ultimately, however, it is unconvincing. Among the major weaknesses of her theory is that the little hill where the LDS church holds its pageants is the great hill Cumorah described by Moroni and others. She also does not provide continuity in how the Nephites and Lamanites both ended up in that area of North America. After landing in the warm tropical climate of Mesoamerica, it's unlikely that the Jaredites, Mulekites, Nephites and Lamanites would have all ended up in the same location over that much of a stretch of time and in such an inhospitable climate. The author claims it was warmer anciently; however, the Vikings and others who reached the shores of the New World before Columbus found that they could not successfully colonize this area. Even the colony in Jamestown in 1607 perished. In short, I can't see much of a reason for the Book of Mormon peoples to colonize in New England when they could (and did) colonize the beautiful tropics of Mexico near the Yucatán. Sorenson, Clark and others have put together far more credible Book of Mormon geographical models. Olive's work has done much to actually refute her own theories, and that alone is valuable.

Fantastic
This book is well researched. Mrs. Olive has done a great job of backing up her theory with maps, artifacts and research. The book is well written and easy to understand.

If knowing where the Book Of Mormon stories actually occured is important to you, this is a good book to read.

She does an excellent job of giving her reasons why she believes the Book of Mormon did not occur in South America as is commonly believed by many in the LDS Church.

Very Good.

At last - Someone with common sense
After reading many of the books published by groups like "FARMS" who without prejudice invent outlandish and obsurd scenarios to support their theories, Phyllis has compiled a book that not only speaks to the heart through the spirit, but also supports her premises with fact and common sense.Each and every chapter of her book is based on the one fact we have ...THE BOOK OF MORMON.Nowhere does she fabricate ideas to support her own theories, but relies on scriptural references and architectural proof. At last... someone who truly understands the scriptures for what they are, simple and beautiful, ... Read more

Book Description
Do you know?
* What happened to the stone box that held the gold plates?
* There were once two other sacred buildings scheduled to be built in Kirtland?
* Which apostle died before he knew he had been called to the Quorum of the Twelve?
* Why Relief Society Meetings were suspended for 23 years?
* The name of the Indian chief who consecrated all of his tribe's property to the Church?
* Who was ordained an apostle at age eleven?
* How Teddy Roosevelt tried to help the Saints?
* Plus hundreds more interesting facts from LDS Church history! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Search for Knowledge and American History
I have always enjoyed history It seems in this day and time I find myself having little patience for a boring instructor. Mr Givens is the kind of teacher that can make you realize how truly interesting history can be with its unusual and little known facts. In our fast paced life Its wonderful to find a Instructor that can give us the discovered Facts in such a way to make history fun and intriguing! Mr Givens has done a wonderful job. I found this book to be very enjoyable satisfying and Interesting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Valuable Research into the Restoration of the Priesthood
Members of the Mormon Priesthood (virtually all men and boys in the church) are familiarwith the visit to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist wherein they received the priesthood and authority to baptize from the angelic visitor. Less clear is the restoration of the higher priesthood with the "keys" to the saving ordinances of the church. For example, we don't know the date that Peter, James, and John restored the authority to bestow the holy ghost as practiced in the New Testament.

Gregory Prince shows that the development of the Mormon Priesthood was a process, not an event. There were several visitations and ordinations. In fact, the higher priesthood--the Melchezidek--was more accurately restored by Elijha, in the sense that the Prophet Joseph received more keys from Elijha than from Peter, James, and John.

Likewise, we see that the offices of the Priesthood were revealed and put into practice over time. Section 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants didn't suddenly appear with the outlines of a perfect organization. Questions of precedence were worked out through further revelations over time.

From the beginning the Mormon Priesthood was bestowed upon all men (and some boys) in the fledgling church. It was a gift and a source of power for every man, just as it is today. Women, too, recieved this "power from on high" to bless the sick and to perform washings and annointings in the temple. The author shows that although Women recieved "power from on high" they were not ordained to any priesthood offices, and neither was Joseph inclined to do so at any time in the future.

The research in this book is exact and comprehensive. The book has a dry tone and sparse style. It sticks to the facts, and is true to it's thesis. A good resource for anyone who wants to understand in more depth how we got this all-important doctrine and resource. It is remarkable that one can read the revelations, statements, and diary entries in this book and visit any Mormon church on Sunday and see the very same offices, keys, and organization practiced 170 years later.

This book is primarily of interest to members of the LDS church, but it is also a good historical reference that may be of assistance to researchers.

An impressive result of research into the development of Mormon priesthood
This book covers the history and progression of the restoration of the priesthood and associated ordinances.

LDS author Gregory Prince apparently spent 8 years scanning more than a half million pages of research to produce this work on early Mormon priesthood development. The focus of this book is to chronologically organise early developments as they were written, not necessarily as they reportedly occurred. As a typical example, the term "Melchizedek Priesthood" did not exist within Mormonism until 1835, but in referring to earlier events, people who wrote after 1835 tended to use that term retroactively.

Prince shows that authority and priesthood were concepts that developed gradually, not as instant "restorations" but as ideas that acquired definition and evolution as time passed: "All the while the structure of higher and lower priesthoods fluctuated in response to pragmatic needs. Priests were needed to perform ordinances, teachers to lead congregations, bishops to manage church assets, and elders to proselytize - responsibilities which would be redistributed repeatedly throughout Smith's fourteen-year ministry."

While occasionally the author supplies his own interpretation on what he is quoting, he generally allows the reader to make their own assessment of the quoted historical record.

This is an impressive result of thorough research which I highly recommended.
... Read more

Book Description
Ask an evangelical and a Mormon what the other believes, and you may get many opinions, not all of them accurate. Ask professors Gerald McDermott and Robert Millet to discuss their beliefs, and you get a frank, informative comparison of both. Though sometimes on opposite poles, these scholars and close friends are determined to model love and respect despite serious theological differences. In a debate format, the authors focus on the person and role of Jesus while exploring such issues as authority for faith and practice, whether Mormons are Christians, the elements of salvation, and the church and its sacraments. Used for a class series, small group resource, or devotional reflection, this volume will give thoughtful readers of all persuasions a greater understanding of two significant outlooks on faith. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

light shining through
Mcdermott concedes that MC has been falsely persecuting the LDS for over a century. The three points he continues to dispute however are the nature of God, creation out of nothing, and modern authorized revelation.

First Mcdermott uses Old testament scripture to support the hellenized Nicence God.What he misunderstands about these scriptures is that nations surrounding Israel at the time worshiped various Gods but they were not the true God. Thus Moses, along with other prophets, would teach and warn there is but one God and no others beside him.

Mcdremottdisregards numerous biblical verses that testify that God and Jesus are distinct beings with bodies. Jesus claimed that the father is greater the he, Stephen saw Christ on the right hand of God, God proclaiming that he is well pleased with his son, The great intercesssory pray, Jesus ascending to heaven in front of the disciples and the angels proclamation he will return in like manner, the significance of the resurrection, legion desiring bodies of swine to no body. etc. McDermott calls these plain and simple statments divine mysteries. But if such simple and plain language is a mystery, then what is to stop the whole bible from being viewed in this light. This reminds one of the broad way Christ warned of. That MC represents an anything goes as long as Christ is mentioned form of worship is easily dicernable. The danger is that MC worships a false God fashioned by Greek philosophers which keeps man in the dark. It refuses him lasting peace in this world and the obtaining of eternal life in the next.


Light (truth) is shining in darkness and the darkness rejects the light because its works are dark. These works are adhereing to false traditions, and the preaching for fame and fortune.It is the same obstacle Christ and his followers had to confront. Modern and ancient parallels are strikingly similar.

MC rejects the need for modern apostles and prophets (revelation) but the early church was built and maintained upon the rock of revelation. New apostles were ordained when a vacancy arose. If divine revelation ceases to flow through ordained individuals, Christ's church cannot exist. Whatamazes is that with the abundant evidence provided, MC continues to prefer darkness and keep souls from the light. The LDS church is a warning to MC and the world that it needs to repent and prepare for the return of Christ. The LDS church is going forth in the spirit and power of Elias. Elias has returned and restored these keys.Like Moses pleading with Israel to look upon the serpent and live, the LDS plead with the world to look and partake of the restoration and live.

Slowly, the truth is coming out -- and it's not good news for Evangelicals or Fundamentalists
Brazos Press in Grand Rapids, Michigan - which describes itself as "faithful to the wide and deep embrace of God, publishing out of and to all the major streams of the historic Christian tradition," has produced the latest entry in the respectful dialogue now taking place between some members of the Church of Jesus