5 comments about The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power (Mormon Hierarchy).

1. This is the most outstanding bit of sholarship ever written on the Mormon Church. Quinn may not be a batton twirler, but he sure is a great researcher. It is obvious that he did his best to stick to the facts, and point out their inevitable conclusions.



2. For those who haven't read the book, or at least respond as if they haven't, ought to realize that Quinn wrote previous books BEFORE he was excommunicatedand; the tones in those books are identical to the tone in this book. If there is a bias, it is not because he was excommunicated; he was excommunicated after writing, and that wasn't his choice, just as it wasn't his choice to resign from BYU. His point is not to say Mormonsim is false, or wrong; in the same way that early Christianity (catholicism) had an interesting beginning (very pagan, magical, etc.), it does not have to ruin the religion today -- that depends upon the reader.
   
   Re: The March 9 and 10th "Inaccurate" response isn't much at all. It's not apt, and it proves Quinn's point perfectly. As all scholars or students of any field know, outside perspectives are necessary to a historical study, especially tainted or hidden histories (did Smith not say no man knows my history?). To be brief, inside views are naturally biased; to compare xerox machines to religion only comments on the person making the poor analogy. Current Mormons are not the source for historical Mormonism; they are the source for current Mormonism, for practicing their faith and spreading their beliefs. They are a source for the current beliefs, faith, and testimony of Mormonism, as it is seen today. Most mormons do not want to hear about the troubled, problematic past of their religion; those who do, and are comfortable with it, are chastized. A person within a religion, intimately connected, has great trouble being unbiased and unprejudiced, and in most instances, is impossible; but taking an historical view, over a faith view, presents a more objective, more matter-of-fact view, and thus, more trustworthy. If Quinn had an axe to grind, I'd be more skeptical; however, for the most part, he keeps his polemics mild, unlike FARMS, other apologists and critics of Mormonism (e.g. Albanes).
   
   To see the truth of the historical mormonism requires a temporary suspension of belief, an opening of the eyes to possible alternative views; something difficult for the faithful.



3. 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.



4. 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, Utah Mormon 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".



5. 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.

5 comments about The Infinite Atonement.

1. Mr. Callister carefully lays out the meaning, the purpose and full scope of the atonement in brilliantly written prose. Unlike many religious writers, Mr. Callister is easy to read and understand, although the doctrines of which he speaks are integral to all of Christianity. I have never read a book more powerful on the this subject than The Infinite Atonement. My own copy of the book now sports over a 100 post-it notes on its pages marking noteworthy comment and thought. This is a must have for every Christian on the face of the earth. You won't regret purchasing it.



2. The infinite atonement is the most comprehensive, complex, and saving doctrine, a man can learn. Focus is the key. One could spend their whole life reflecting and pondering about the atonement and its power to save.
   
   The infinite atonement includes an understanding of Christ's suffering, Christ's power over death and sin, Christ love for us, and the possiblity of exaltation. The atonement makes weakness and infirmity bearable because Jesus descendant below all things, overcame all things, and trumphets as Lord of Lord and King of Kings.
   
   I found Callister discussion of the atonement scripturally comprehensive and his sources for doctrinal support familar and solid. Callister instructs the reader to study the atonement and warns against the adversary distractions that remove a person from focusing on the mercy and beauty of the atonement. All doctrines can be measure in terms of relevancy and save capacity by relating the doctrines to the atonement.
   
   I have seen the atonement and testify it is more than a concept. The atonement is the most beautiful and merciful experience in my life and I would not worry about all the scriptural argument relating to the atonement, when you seen the atonement in action, one's life changes because it is glorious and powerful and it transcends the critical mind, it is mercy and compassion. We are the sheep and the Lord is the good sheppard and seek to hear the words of the the good Sheppard by seeing with ones spiritual eyes and listening too the still small voice and feeling with the heart. The atonement will change ones life, if one will seek to understand and become obedient to God's laws.
   
   Callister seemingly expresses many of the emotions associated with the grace of Christ. Callister highlights numerous church leader thoughts relating to the grace of Christ. We learn that Jesus has compassion on the descendants of Adam and is merciful to the children of men. We learn that the suffering in garden of getheseme pressed the Lord with the weight of sin and infirmity until great drops of blood flow from every pore. Everything in the garden bore testimony of the atonement, the symbolism, and the sacrifice of the only begotten.
   
   Christ demonstrated obedience to the will of the father and kept his premortal pledge too be a savior. Jesus is real, he is not a concept, a story, or a myth. Through the atonement, Jesus knows how to succor us in our infirmities. Justice extended credit to the Messiah and many penitent were reconcilled and received forgiveness and eternal life, prior to the garden of getheseme. The atonement bridges the separation between man and God and provides a way home. As in the story of the one leoper out of ten, who returned and worship Jesus, we learn that Jesus connects us to our heavanly home.
   
   Jesus alone suffered the sins of the world. The father's spirit withdrew as the sins pressed against the Savior, Jesus cried out, "Father why hasth thou forsaketh me?". Three times, Jesus requested comfort and support from his disciples and did not receive comfort. The atonement was carried by the Messiah, alone. Jesus suffered the atonement because he loved us, "Greater love hath this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." The great Jehovah completed the will of the Father, defeated Lucifer's evil forces and hordes, and provided everlasting hoping. The atonement grant every man the opportunity too be resurrected, learn between good and evil, and prevail over evil.
   
   The infinite atonement covers the fall of man, redemption through Christ and the saving ordinances, and glory and exaltation.



3. I rarely rate religious books this highly - mostly because I lose interest faster than I should. (I guess my loss of interest says more about me than the subject matter.) I took just under 6 months to read this book, ponder its meaning, and research scriptural and other sources to see if it is correct in its teachings. And after spending a lifetime as a follower and admirer of the carpenter from Nazareth who is the Son of God, I can only say that this book did more for my understanding of the doctrine of the Atonement than any other book short of scripture.
   
   The writing is clear and concise. The author has obviously distilled the study of a lifetime into this volume because it carries quotes from so many disparate sources that would have taken years to accumulate. From his background as a lawyer, the author is uniquely qualified to discuss justice, mercy and other related concepts. His main sources are scriptures - that is the Bible and also scriptures unique to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). C.S. Lewis and Joseph Smith are also two common sources.
   
   The 300 pages of this book contain chapters on why an atonement is needed, what is the nature of the atonement, what it means, and how it was accomplished. The atonement is the central doctrine of Christianity and is so comprehensive and overwhelming in its scope that a guide such as this one is extrememly useful.
   
   And besides the high intellectual content of this work, I found myself pondering over and over again the particularized question, "Considering what a failure I am, how is it possible that a Savior could care enough for me to suffer and die for me?"
   
   I recommend this book highly to anyone.



4. The Infinite Atonement is, hands down, the best book written on the atonement. It includes a compilation of quotes and teachings with extremely important insights regarding this important topic. This is a must read for anyone with a desire to learn more and understand better the doctrine of the atonement.



5. "The Infinite Atonement" gives great, thought provoking insight into the most important religious doctrine of our lives. Many of the chapters are not long, but give a lot to ponder. The scriptural references built into the text are a great feature in addition to all the footnotes.

1 comments about Inspiring Experiences That Build Faith: From the Life and Ministry of Thomas S. Monson.

1. This book is by the new Mormon prophet Thomas S. Monson. It is a wonderful collection of small stories that illustrate the large things that can happen when we believe. Written in his homespun, almost Mayberry voice, it is a warm and comforting book. Each chapter is small, between four and nine paragraphs, so it could work as a daily devotional book or a sourcebook for speaking engagements.
   
   But behind it all it all is the love of this great man, Thomas S. Monson. He shows that faith is not complex, but involves doing small simple things. Small things such as a quick visits to the hospital or a loving note jotted on a small thank you card. He shows us the small things we need to be doing to live right.

4 comments about Holy Temple.

1. This is the defintive book on LDS temples and temple worship. It merits six or seven stars.

   Boyd K. Packer, LDS apostle and educator traces the history, doctrine and function of the LDS temples, temple worship, and temple work. His chapter on symbolism should be memorized! As with the chapter "First and Every Time." This is an essential book (for insiders and ousiders) on understanding what Latter-day Saints belive and understand about the temple.




2. PResdient Boyd K. Packer, acting presdient of the Presdient of the Quorum of the Twelve apostles has written a marvelous book about the temples of the Church opfJEsus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has a very soft and gentle voice whichmakes this book more of a conversation among friends than a stuffy lecture in starched collars.

   He covers the history of the temples, ancient and mordern, but more inportantly ocvers the doctrine, the "Why!" of the temple. We build these temples to preform weddings, since we view marriage as eternal, not a "'till death do you part" affair.

   In California, we have four operating and three under construction, and in Utah there are eleven operating. In the State of New York, we have one operating, and one planned. Overall, we have one hundred seven operating, with ten under construction,and seven announced, for a grand total of one hundred twenty-four.

   Get to know these buildings with this book!




3. Many members will be familiar with this title merely as a pamphlet given to those who are preparing to receive their temple endowments for the first time, and they may not even recognize that the pamphlet they receive is adapted from this text. I read the complete text on my mission, and it gives a comprehensive picture of the temple experience from the beginning of revealed temple ordinances to the ultimate goal of exaltation.
   
   This book does not focus on the specifics of the temple ordinances, but rather it focuses on the ways of being involved in temple worship, from being worthy to enter, to being open to learn from the ceremony, to serving those who have passed beyond. The book also goes into the impact that temple worship should have on our personal lives.
   
   Reading this book gives an entirely new perspective on the temple experience for one who has been through the temple and returns with great frequency. It opens up the next level of participation in temple worship. If you find your temple experience to be stagnating, this book is for you.



4. If you are looking to gain a greater appreciation and understanding for the purpose of LDS temples this is the book for you.

5 comments about Go Forward With Faith: The Biography of Gordon B. Hinckley.

1. Very inspirational. At once shows that a prophet is just a man, yet also shows that Gordon B. Hinkley is no ordinary man. An amazing account of how the Lord prepares a person from the beginning of their life, over the course of many generations, to be his voice on earth and lead his church.



2. Gordon B. Hinckley is an interesting man who has had great influence on the LDS Church. Primarily a marketing guru, the book details the role he played in his early years working with Stephen L. Richards and J. Rueben Clark and others as an up and coming man in the church. He sufficiently impressed his superiors that they called him to be an assistant to the apostles and eventually an apostle.
   
   As a young apostle, Hinckley spent much of his efforts on the missionary program. It appears that he deferred to the elder apostles on matters of doctrine and interestingly played little role in some of the more colorful disputes that took place in the church during the sixties. While Harold B. Lee, Joseph Fielding Smith and Hugh B. Brown were trying to reign in Ezra Taft Benson's crazy political doctrines, Gordon B. Hinckley was apparently a non-entity (no mention of those events in Dew's book).
   
   As a senior apostle, Gordon B. Hinckley had tremendous influence as ailing older Presidents and Apostles relied heavily on him to be essentially the cheif administrative officer of the church. Eventually becoming President himself, Gordon B. Hinckley continued his role as primarily an adminstrator and marketing guru.
   
   Gordon B. Hinckley will not be remembered as someone who made contributions in Mormon doctrine. Sometimes, in the book, you almost sense a Gordon B. Hinckley who doesn't really believe in anything other than the organization. After reading the book, I feel I understand Gordon B. Hinckley as a capable administrator, a loyal member of the organization, but anything but a dynamic leader who actually stands for anything.
   
   I cannot think of a single revelation that Gordon B. Hinckley has made (other than some silly stuff about piercings and tattoos- how's that for earth-shattering). He has spent millions on temples, and has worked tirelessly on public relations pursuits for the church, but an inspired leader? Even with the author's best spin, I don't think so.
   
   Sometime in the future, I look forward to a biography on Gordon B. Hinckley that has the intention of telling his story, not selling his church.



3. This was a wonderful book about the life of President Gordon B. Hinckley's life.
   
   Gordon B. Hinckley's life is the the LDS Church and has been since His call to serve as a missionary.So don't be surprised if it talks a lot about the Chruch and the role that Gordon played in the history of it in the last century.
   
   It's an excellent read and you'll learn much more about this amazing man.



4. What a lovely man, so real and earthy, and how inspiring to read his story!



5. This is a wonderful book- the history, stories and inspirational advice
   from the life of the prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley are motivating and will lift your spirits.

5 comments about Out of the Cocoon: A Young Woman's Courageous Flight from the Grip of a Religious Cult.

1. I read this book and found it very enthralling. It kept me interested from beginning to end. After reading it I was able to pass it along to my neices who, never being JW's were able to understand what we (those of us former JW's) went through. They could understand it in simple language and we shocked and stunned by the simplicity of the book and yet the complications of being a JW. I wholely recommend this book to any and all who are or have left the JW's to understand the simpliest form of abuse that takes place without even knowing it.



2. I can't say enough about this book. Admittedly the child abuse Brenda describes is sometimes very disturbing to read but what makes it disturbing is that it actually happened and was condoned by this religious group. Chapter 1 starts out with a graphic story that Brenda wrote called, All Alone in the World. You might think her writing isn't good, but that's because she was only 12 when she wrote Chapter 1. The rest of the book is so wonderfully written...Brenda is a remarkable story-teller. I truly felt like I was in her shoes. I felt her pain, confusion, guilt, fear, joyful triumphs. You may think this sounds like a totally depressing book but it's actually quite light-hearted and funny. It contains a lot of Brenda's off-beat humor and many inspiring quotes. Sometimes I laughed and sometimes I cried.
   
   Out of the Cocoon shows how Brenda's mom, a normal all-American Methodist Sunday school teacher could be swept up in the destructive rules imposed by the Jehova Witnesses and how those rules could ultimately sever her family ties forever.
   
   Brenda's book is about so much more than growing up in a cult though. She talks about being a single mom and struggling to survive, feeling vulnerable and alone and rejected by those she loved, being in a bad relationship because she was afraid to be all alone. Every teenager and adult in America should read this book because it helps the reader understand how our childhood so dramatically affects our choices once we become adults. Very insightful!
   
   The message is clear that if you think you're too strong-willed or smart to ever become a member of a harmful group or cult, you have probably just moved one step closer to becoming one. Don't believe your family is safe like her mom did. She thought Jehova Witness seemed so nice when they offered a free study but this is how they trapped Brenda's family into joining them. I was SHOCKED to learn that they even have a door-to-door quota to meet and have to turn in how much time they spend talking to people when they go to people's doors. Then they become downright cruel and shun their own children if they don't want to be a member of their church! Unbelievable!
   
   I highly, highly recommend that you read this book because it could prevent you from losing your child or parent someday. As a parent myself, I feel fortunate that I can share this knowledge with my family. I have a cousin who is a Jehova Witness and now I understand why she became so distant from me when she joined this church.
   
   Bravo to Brenda for being so courageous and saving/helping others through her story!!



3. Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (1/08)
   
   "Out of the Cocoon: A Young Woman's Courageous Flight from the Grip of a Religious Cult" by Brenda Lee is a memoir chronicling the author's escape from the binding hold that the Jehovah Witness religion had on her family and life and the consequences that met her afterward. When Brenda was a young girl, Jehovah's Witnesses visited her Pennsylvania home with their literature and talked her family into doing a free bible study. That one knock on the door would forever change Brenda's life and her relationship with her family. Her mother became immersed in the Jehovah beliefs and decided that the whole family would be baptized as Jehovah's Witnesses. Brenda's father refused and was the only one not baptized although he did attend the meetings at Kingdom Hall.
   
   Jehovah's Witnesses have a very rigid belief system without any room to bend. Growing up in the Jehovah faith was very traumatic for Brenda as she found herself isolated from the rest of her classmates. She could not celebrate the events they celebrated, participate in school activities, or date. Also, as a Jehovah's Witness you cannot be friends with or associate with people who are not of the same faith as you. To top all of it off she even had teachers who abused her because of her religion.
   
   When she finally came of age she escaped to live with a cousin that she had never met in Colorado and tried to start her life anew by breaking free from the holds that the religion had on her. However, her insecurities fostered from being isolated and ostracized as a child followed her into adulthood and there were consequences that followed.
   
   Unfortunately in the Jehovah faith once someone leaves the religion they cannot be associated with anymore by those still in the faith. This even applies to family members. So in a sense by leaving the religion she also lost her family, all except for her father (he was not baptized into the faith). After trying to "save her" and failing, they would not talk to her anymore and essentially they cut her out of their life.
   
   While I understand that the Jehovah faith did have a huge effect on the author's life it seems that she blames everything that goes wrong on that premise which I find a little bit unbelievable. There are other factors involved that cause things to turn out the way that they do. I do understand her anger but in some cases it seems that it is misdirected.
   
   All in all, the book is a very engaging and a fast read! I read all 238 pages from start to finish in one night. I learned a lot about the Jehovah's Witness faith and I was actually shocked by a lot of the things that I read. I honestly had no idea that these people who come knocking on my door believed some of the things that they do. To disown a family member because they choose not to be involved in your faith is, in my opinion, ridiculous! I applaud Brenda Lee for having the courage to come forward and write this memoir and hope that others can benefit from reading about her experience. I think that anyone who is considering becoming a member of this religion or any similar religion should definitely read "Out of the Cocoon" before doing so!



4. I ordered this book anticipating a story of someone freeing themselves from a cult as the cover suggests. I guess you can't judge a book by its cover. The first six chapter are from age ten (intro. to JW's) to age eighteen (freedom). After that it is Brenda's life story, with the watchtower popping up every now and then. I have read many books regarding the watchtower, and have personally dealt with JWs. I was bored with the rut the book got into as she told her life story and forgot that her book was about leaving a cult. At times it seemed if anything bad happened it was the watchtowers fault (normal sruggles in life). Many things she went through lots of kids go through when they decide to leave their parents home. Some of the hardships she endured she put on herself. At one point I forgot that the book was about leaving a cult and listened to her complaints about struggles many Americans go through on a regular basis.



5. This was written for me. My next door neighbors were converted to being JW. This was when we were young children. I do stay in touch periodically with this friend who I met when she was only 4 years old. She is still a JW and has raised her children this way. She told me a story of abuse by her Father who was a drug addict and a pedophile. As a child she often went hungry as her father wasn't bringing home income. Her mother allowed her child to associate with me because we had her stay for dinner almost every night, This draws some light for me to her plight. In school where she was forced to stand in the hall during the pledge of allegiance. This is against JW rules. She quit school as soon as possible. She home schooled her children before it was a common thing to do. Not all JW people abuse their children. I can tell you that after her terrible childhood my friend is an excellent mother. She put being a good mother as her top priority in life. Once you are in this religion it's pretty difficult to leave. Normally when you leave a church it's not the end of the world. For these people their whole world crumbles. It's terrible to bully a child because of a parents beliefs. Most people don't realize that joining JW can also effect your health or kill you. You can not get a blood transfusion. A very personal thing for me because I'm alive today because of blood transfusions. I also recommend I Witness which explains in greater detail what JW believes.

1 comments about Mormonism in Dialogue with Contemporary Christian Theologies.

1. From an LDS perspective, this book represents a critical step in what is now being called the "Golden Age" of Mormonism in academia. The idea is old: Mormons and Christians writing in dialogue. The approach, however, is really the first of its kind: serious, real theology. I emphasize "real" because it may come as a shock to many LDS readers that they have never read or ever even been exposed to theology--a systematic/philosophical/reasoned approach to religious beliefs. Mormon doctrine, instead, entirely depends on revelation, not necessarily dogmatically, but mostly without any philosophic scrutiny. Ask Mormons why they believe what they believe and their answers will cite revelation, both personal revelation and revelation for the Church as a whole. This, of course, is a great source of pride to Mormons--as it should be--but is of little help in an academic or theological setting. Indeed, Mormons tend to think of theology as nothing more than "hard doctrine," where "hard" is synonymous with "obscure." BYU itself is a telling example: The two religious departments are Ancient Scripture and Church History and Doctrine. Even the more difficult authors like Nibley, Talmage, et al. lean closer to being historians or scriptorians than theologians.
   
   But sitting in the Richard L. Evans chair (previously held by the Church's other foremost theologian, Truman G. Madsen) Dr. David Paulsen has been one of the quiet few working on theology. For years he has been building relationships via The Harvard Theological Review and Faith and Philosophy and Clark Pinnock and Donald Musser and other important publications and thinkers. And this book is in large part a huge reflection of his lifelong work on these fronts. The Christian theologians represented here are truly an all-star cast: Rosemary Radford Reuther, Clark Pinnock, David Tracy, Dwight Hopkins, Donald McKim, Dennis McCann, and on and on. The fact that so many have volunteered to work on this compilation (which is anything but meager at 500+ pages) is a true testament to the success of his work and the progress that Mormons have made in academia.
   
   The book itself is excellent. I've labeled this review "An Important Step" because hopefully many Mormons will read it and understand just what theology is and just how we can and do relate to other theologies. And, importantly, how a reasoned analysis of LDS doctrine can enhance our beliefs and our understanding of them--even in areas where Mormons run short on revelation (Tellingly, most LDS authors start by pointing out there is barely such a thing as "Mormon theology"). But for anyone reading the book there is a great deal to learn. I've already alluded to the high quality of the thinkers writing each dialogue: Feminist Theology, Black Theology, Hermeneutics, the Theologies of Barth, Neibuhr, and Tillich, and more. Politely and accurately each author shares with his Mormon counterpart (and visa versa) where there is disagreement, where there is agreement, where a bridge can be built, and where there probably won't be one for a while. For anyone who wants a true survey of the prominent theologies, and of how Mormonism stacks up, this is a great book.

5 comments about One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church.

1. This is the second book on Mormonism, the first being "The God Makers" which I found to be a little too one-sided, and upon further research found that the authors of that particular book were, to say the least, a little overcritical of any religion other than fundamentalist Christianity.
   
   But this book read much better. It was well-paced, like one would expect a fictional novel, and included a number of articles and other sources of information in order to back up all of the assertions. And boy, were there a lot of assertions. Because Mormonism, it turns out, really isn't as cut-and-dry as we're led to believe in the twenty-first century. The religion's beginnings and its early history cast it in an entirely different light as the one now portrayed in modern society as simply another Christian denomination. The author runs through the history, including newspaper accounts and other scholarly writing from the time, and examines the very fundamental principles upon which Mormonism is founded, and it does all of this in a format that's easy to read and easy to understand.
   
   Is Mormonism Christianity? Was their leader a prophet, or simply another con-man? Did Joseph Smith steal the LDS traditions from other religious organizations, or was he truly inspired by God? Read the book, examine the facts, and make your own decision. It's easy for some to cast aside the arguments in this book as "one-sided," and yet the evidence presented here provide for a very thorough argument that Mormonism should be treated as a cult and little else.



2. Seldom does a day go by where I don't see or run into a pair of lily-white, ultra-confident, and wholly ungrounded members (read: early-twenties elders) of the LDS pedalling their bicycles and pedaling their religion, and this is because I reside in Taipei, Taiwan. In this part of the world, I can tell you, the Mormons are out in full force. Indeed, they have nearly 100 centers throughout this country and make something like 50 converts a month, incredible when you consider Taiwan is only the size of Holland (or Tennessee), and that it is Chinese.
   
   I had always assumed that Mormons were simply an austere order of Christians, but after a conversation with a pair of them one day I wondered if that could be so. No Christians that I knew of were required to wear magical underpants. I decided to conduct an investigation. I informed the "elders" that I would like to attend a few services, which I did. What I saw shocked me. Then I read ONE NATION UNDER GODS: A HISTORY OF THE MORMON CHURCH and I was shocked some more; for 650 pages, to be precise. Meanwhile I kept up the charade; yes, I was on the verge of joining, I said, but I had bought a book that seemed to counter much of what I had been told. Also, the core belief - that god was a polygamous space diety named Elohim who resided near the planet Kolob with his wife (Heavenly Mother) engaging in space sex with the spiritual offspring (i.e. humans) scattered throughout the universe - had been conveniently ommitted from any explanation, the Mormons got nervous. "Are you or are you not Christians?" I persisted, but they wouldn't answer. They had been discovered. You can discover them too in Richard Abanes' mesmerizing history. Incidentally, I ended up writing about the Taiwanese Mormons in my own book and oddly enough the "elders" I see everyday never even say hello anymore. Pity. I was really hoping to catch a glimpse of their underwear.
   
   Troy Parfitt, author



3. If the LDS / Mormon faith is true, then it should be able to withstand the scrutiny that books like this provide. But most Mormons are afraid to open a book like this. They are told by their church that they should not read such "propaganda." Notice the other reviewers who call it that. They don't actually refute the facts in the book that make the Mormon faith look bad; they simply label it as "propaganda" and refuse to engage on the merits of the evidence.
   
   Example: I've read Gerald and Sandra Tanners' work, and it is meticulously documented using ONLY MORMON / LDS sources! They photocopy original Mormon journals, and use lengthy passages from the Book of Mormon, the Journal of Discourses, the Pearl of Great Price, Doctrines and Covenants, and the Bible. It is not just "Propaganda," but evidence that demands a verdict.
   
   Mormons can't stand to have their faith shown up as a fraud, so they just call such evidence "propaganda." Then they turn the argument around and try to take the focus off the facts, by accusing other people of "bashing their religion." Never mind the fact that the Mormon faith teaches that all the Christian churches are an "abomination" in God's sight, and that only Mormons can go to the Celestial Kimgdom and become a god someday. Who's bashing whom?
   
   I've never met so many people with their fingers stuck firmly in their ears. Truly tragic. They are afraid to examine anything that might shake their faith...and their leaders usually order them not to! Go to [...]If your faith is the truth, then it should be able to withstand scrutiny and answer these allegations.



4. I became acquainted with the early history of Mormonism through a brief article in a historical magazine that I read years ago. I thought then that any Mormon who knew even a little of Joseph Smith and the origin of their religion would find it impossible to believe, but since that obviously isn't true, I decided to read a little more on the topic. This book is a great introduction. It is very readable, full of evidence to back up its statements, and unflinching in its recounting of the formation of the Mormon Church.
   
   But what's really interesting about the book is the comparisons it doesn't make. It's easy to snicker at the Mormons' mindless obedience even when their founder's prophecies didn't come to pass, and new visions seemed to pop up at very convenient times. But people of any religion should think this through to its conclusion. Were Joseph Smith's revelations any more "convenient" than Peter's vision that kosher laws no longer applied (in the context of a fight over whether Gentiles wishing to become Christian would have to convert to Judaism first), or Muhammad's that Muslims should pray toward Mecca rather than Jerusalem (in the face of unacceptance by Jews)? Were his tales in *The Book of Mormon* any taller than the Bible's of prophets getting swallowed by whales or virgin births, or the Koran's of Muhammad's night flight to Jerusalem on a winged horse? Were the atrocities perpetrated by the Mormons any more atrocious than the Inquisition or 9/11?
   
   Mormonism may be a pack of wild yarns and self-serving religious power-mongering, but is any other religion any better? If you're going to knock down the house of cards that is Mormonism, you should also take a look at the house you've been living in. Doesn't seem like religion has changed much in the past few thousand years, does it?
   
   My only other comment is that the book is marred by just enough typos and grammatical errors to be a bit irritating. These should have been taken care of during the editing process, and I hope they will be in the next edition. This is why I only gave it four stars. But that aside, I recommend it wholeheartedly. Hopefully it will put into motion some serious questioning even after you've read the last page.



5. An easy-to-read tome of information, but not the most balanced, and certainly not the most objective. Especially disappointing is a later chapter which "shows" how Mormonism is not Christian, by presenting a chart that compares "proper" (ie. Fundamentalist Protestant) Christian beliefs with Mormon ones. An unfortunately antagonistic addition to an otherwise scholarly and informative work.

5 comments about Beginning Apologetics 2: How to Answer Jehovah's Witnesses and Mormons.

1. Once again I am amazed that Amazon allowed people who obviously did not read a book post negative reviews on it. If they had read the book, they would have realized that "Beginning Apologetics 2: How to Answer Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons," is not an attack on people of this faith, but rather an outline of the doctrinal ideas that these religions have that contradict basic teachings of Christianity, and how their understanding of history.
   
   As Christians, we are exhorted to demonstrate hospitality to strangers, because we never know when they might be angels in disguise. This does not only mean hospitality in the traditional sense of opening our houses for overnight guests, but sharing our lives and our time generously with other who may have need for it. I have lived in many cities, and even when living in locations where I never saw a worship center for Jehovah witnesses, I have had them knock on my door, trying to proselytize me. So the advise recommended by one reviewer that "if you don't want to talk to them, then tell them not to come" aside from being uncharitable, is not very practical advice, if you have no idea from where they come.
   
   Most people are hesitant to enter into dialogues about faith, because they take a lot of issues of their religious practice on faith, which is admirable, but we are exhorted in the Bible to offer guidance to the misinformed. Engaging in a dialogue with an Adventist group, such as the Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, or the Church of Latter Days Saints, can be daunting, because many of the claims they make are so antithetical to basic Christian beliefs, and they uses such and unusual translation of the Bible, that it shocks the average Christian who has not heard these ideas. For instance, they believe Jesus was entirely a God and not man, which contradicts the idea inherent in all Abrahamic faiths that we are commanded to worship only one God, and represents an extension of the Arian heresy. And they believe that only 144,000 people will be in heave, and that all those people were chosen before 1935 and it does not include any person from the Old Testament; implying that the founders of these religions that started in the 1800s (although they believe that they were some part of an underground movement that has ties from the beginning of Christianity; the book outlines this argument too) are holier than prophets like Abraham and Moses.
   
   Adventists gained followings in the 1800s, because charismatic leaders who claimed to have received personal revelations thought that the world was about to end. All the projected dates for the world's ending have long since passed, but people still find credence in these faiths. This book provides excerpts from the religious texts that the Adventists use and teaches readers how to refute their allegations in apologetic discussions by using their own texts, which are very different interpretations than what is readable in mainstream Bibles. Yes, the allegations could easily be refuted using main stream Bibles, but then that might be more difficult to argue the validation for your edition over theirs. It also provides a detailed history of Adventist movements. Although the book is written by a Catholic, its arguments are helpful to any Christian, because in the major differences between Adventist beliefs and mainstream Christian apologetics, represent a huge deviation between basic Christian doctrine that Catholics and non-Catholics hold as true, on the one hand, and what the Adventist believes on the other hand. I recommend that every mainstream Christian buy this incredible affordable book, read it, and the next time an Adventist knocks on your door, offer them Christian hospitality and a charitable dialogue.



2. This series of books is excellent. It is very basic, but complete and concise. Great reading AND reference!



3. Because JWs can be so convincing, using especially the state of the world now, it is hard to pull yourself away once you've been sucked in. This and other guides are a must-have for anyone wanting to pull away. This guide has good info, but may not completely do the trick. Stock up on info to defend yourself!



4. After reading this book, I have come to the conclusion that it is pretty much 'impossible' to change a person's belief system. No matter what the historical facts, lexicons or Greek/Hebrew Bible Dictionaries may be given to support or dispute a belief, it is human nature to defend our beliefs to the max, and for some even to death.
   
   I thought this book was average and had some very factual information backed up by pertinent data. Again, this book was written from the Catholic viewpoint, and no one can argue with the fact that the Catholic religion was the "first" Christian religion that was in existence for approximately 1750 years before the Reformation; therefore, the fundamental basics in religious thought was preserved through the Catholic Church. After the Protestant movement, which began with Luther, there have been over 2000 various sects of different Christian religions by the year 1850 A.D. Frankly, I am overwhelmed and do not know which church is the true church? So, I feel what is important is to concentrate on the simple message of the gospel, which teaches us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves and to love God with all our heart, mind and soul. Also, to follow the 10 commandments and live by the word of God and read the Bible daily. No matter which version of the Bible you read, what matters to God is that you follow His teachings and commandments and remember to be kind and loving to animals and people.
   
   The Bible also says that you can judge a "tree" by the fruit it produces. Trees are sometimes used symbolically to refer to "man" or mankind. The most outstanding citizens of the noblest and honest characters I have ever known, were Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Jews. So although they vary in some theological doctrines, they all produce "good fruit" in my eyes.



5. In the interests of full disclosure, I am one of Jehovah's witnesses. As such, I wondered how far in the book I would have to go to find a misrepresentation of what Jehovah's witnesses teach and to what extent it would occur. I will have to say that Mr. Chacon does not disappoint. The first paragraph states that what separates JW's from "orthodox" Christianity is the belief that Jesus was "only a man". I challenge any of the readers of this review to ask any JW coming to their door if they believe that Jesus was, and is, "only a man".
   
   Mind you, I know in advance this won't happen. Chacon's MO is to reaffirm the misinformation, preconceptions and prejudices that have served the Catholic hierarchy so well in maintaining their power over the flock. But for those willing to step out from under the spell for a few moments, read for yourself the Gospel accounts. Ask yourself, if I read these as if I were reading them for the first time who would I conclude that Jesus is? Remember that Jesus said that God revealed spiritual truth to "babes" not theologians. I have confidence that for the honest hearted the Bible will speak to you in clear and unambiguous terms. May it, and not the misinformation propounded in Mr Chacon's book, guide you in the steps you will take in ascertaining Jesus indispensible role in fulfilling God's purpose.

5 comments about Almost Sisters (The Company of Good Women).

1. I really enjoyed this novel -it's a great look and women and our friendships with each other. I highly recommend it.



2. Carroll Morris (one of the three authors) shared the idea behind this book with me about the time she, Lael and Nancy began to write it.
   
   As a writer myself, I wondered just how she, Lael and Nancy would merge their story into one,cohesive whole given the three authors' varied writing styles and life experiences.
   
   There was no need to wonder or worry! The characters in Almost Sisters are real women with real problems. They live and breathe on the page.
   I cared deeply at the end of the first novel about these women, and you will, too.
   
   I can hardly wait for the next installment.
   
   Do yourself a great favor and buy this book! (Actually -- do a friend or family member a favor and buy a second copy for her -- or him -- too!)



3. As I read "Almost Sisters" I laughed and cried. It is extremely well written, and very touching. It is easy to read, but also very deep and meaningful. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone.



4. The service from Amazon is great. I love this book. I can't wait to read the other ones in the series.



5. When I first heard about this absolutely wonderful book, I had read a review on my ldsforeverfriends group on Yahoo, though we're on GoogleGroups now. Anyway, I just had to have this book, so actually won a gift certificate in order to buy it, so I went home and actually devoured it while going through Agressive Chemo last year. It is truly amazing what Carroll, Lael and Nancy have accomplished with this book. I laughed and cried with all three of these wonderful ladies who have problems like we all, even in the Church, have. This is such a gem of a novel and would make a very rich and heart-warming film. I haven't read Three Tickets To Peoria, but will, as it's sitting or rather lying on my computer desk/hutch beside me. I plan on getting a copy for my aide for Christmas. Almost Sisters, that is. This is a 6 star book!!!!