One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church

Rating:
Summary: "A" history? At least that part of the title is accurate.
Review: Any book, such as this one, that comes with glowing recommendations from known Anti-Mormon writers such as Sandra Tanner should ring warning bells for serious scholars, both LDS and non-LDS.
Abanes has compiled a mammoth, encyclopedic work that seems to contain the trappings of scholarship: it's big, it's got tons of endnotes and citations, it's got a glossary, and it even seems to be non-biased in places. But it's not as good as the slick cover seems to promise.

For one thing, the critical apparatus is awkward. I found myself constantly annoyed with having to flip through the back to find the cited notes, and I *wanted* to check the notes! Imagine what the average reader is going to do--they won't even bother, and they'll just assume that what Abanes thinks about his citations is correct. From the sheer volume of notes, it appears that Abanes cites nearly every book, article, letter, and whatever he can find on the history of the LDS church--but he doesn't.
He certainly cites sources that agree with his own bias, and sources that are neutral, but he doesn't seem to want to include recognized scholarly sources that refute some of his sources. He even, in at least one case, pulls a quote from a book in such a way that the quote supports his thesis, whereas the actual book does not (the book in question is Todd Compton's "In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith.") Did Abanes bother to read the book? Or does he just like to pull things out of books that support what he already feels to be true?
Abanes isn't bringing anything new to the debate. He is, however, compiling a semi-encylopedic (in length, NOT in completeness) work of anti-Mormon criticism, as if nobody had ever seen any of these things before. Also, he makes no attempt to explain exactly *which* of his sources are truly reliable, thus leading the non-expert reader to assume that they ALL are. Thus, he is writing "a" history of the church, but just what kind of history of the church he is writing is painfully obvious. Is Abanes attempting to be a historian? Apparently, but he isn't doing a good job of it here. His sources are carefully chosen to support only what he things they should support, and much work that explores, explains, and refutes what he claims here is missing from his works cited. His research is pretty good, but it isn't good enough yet.

It always amazes me just how much scholarship and research time is spent examining these things as if they were "secret," and the writer is doing the world a favor by "exposing" them. I wonder what would happen, say, if the writer were to spend similar energy upon his own faith? Would we see a book discussing Martin Luther and polygamy (and yes, there IS historical writing discussing his beliefs in favor of such a thing) published by an evangelical protestant publishing house? It was an interesting book, but I've seen better.

Rating:
Summary: A great overview of the Mormon religion
Review: There are several ways one could describe One Nation Under Gods (hereafter ONUG). Some who disdain the subject of history might say it's long. At 651 pages, they would be right. Others might say it's detailed, which is another accurate description since approximately one-third of the book is made up of endnotes. (The only problem is the dizziness you might encounter by having to flip back and forth to keep up with these notes. However, they add many details and should therefore not be ignored.) Although Mormons might claim that Abanes gives a tainted history, I submit, to the contrary, that he has masterfully and historically compiled the basics of Mormonism's history and doctrines into one volume.

The book chronologically covers Mormonism from an evangelical Christian perspective. Many Latter-day Saints wrongly claim that Mormonism can and should only be explained by Mormons. This is what the reader who wrote on 6/27/02 infers. If this writer's idea is correct, then I suppose that: only David Koresh's surviving followers are able to accurately explain the Branch Davidian movement; only Republicans can objectively write about the current president; and only former football players are in a position to comment on O.J. Simpson and his trial. This is ridiculous! Why should a history written by someone who doesn't belong to this religion be automatically considered not trustworthy?

The fact is that Abanes is very objective throughout most of his book. In fact, he is even sympathetic at times with the Mormon cause. For instance, on pages 114-115 he defends the Mormons against unjust persecution the Latter-day Saints received in Missouri in 1833, saying they suffered from "brutal acts" at the hands of the Missourians. While it is true that Abanes ultimately is in disagreement with the Mormon religion, this does not mean his rose-colored glasses necessarily cloud his vision so that he cannot accurately portray Mormonism's history. It's a shame that such a logically fallacious tactic (ad hominem) is used to discredit the messenger. If the author is wrong, then the detractor needs to provide evidence. It is poor logic, however, to poison the well by saying his personal views taint his objectivity.

Some of the book's stronger and more interesting sections include the comparison of the different accounts on the First Vision story (with excellent charts on pages 16-17); the account of the Mountain Meadows fiasco; a refutation of Smith's so-called "Civil War Prophecy"; an extensive overview of polygamy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mainly found in chapters 13 and 14; and reasons why Mormonism cannot be considered the same as Christianity. I also thought that it was beneficial to have several lists located in the back of the book, including a glossary of Mormon terms and a chart giving numerous failed prophecies from the mouth of Joseph Smith.

While I have plenty of praise for ONUG, I do have two complaints. First, there were a number of writing errors (including wrong words or spelling mistakes) that were somehow missed by the editors. This sloppiness needs to be cleaned up in future editions. I was also left scratching my head as I tried to sort out several badly worded sections. Second, although most of Abanes' references are primary sources, he utilizes many Internet resources. Because of the volatility of the Internet and the sudden disappearance of numerous sites, I am guessing that these references will be practically worthless five years from now. I suppose scholars who write books will need to discuss the efficacy and efficiency of the fluctuating Internet citations that can be useful today but are untrustworthy six months from now. Unlike old books, it can be next to impossible to track down old Internet sites.

Overall I recommend ONUG for Mormons and Christians alike who desire to have an overview of the history of the LDS Church. Although I have studied this religion for almost two decades, I was pleasantly surprised to discover new information. Truly Abanes has done his homework, making ONUG a project well worth sifting through to garner valuable and coherent information. I must say that this is one of the two best overviews of the Mormon religion. (The other? Richard and Joan Ostlings' Mormon America: The Power and the Promise). I therefore give ONUG my highest recommendation.

Rating:
Summary: Seek ye the truth, and the truth shall get you upset.
Review: I did not approach "One Nation Under Gods" with an open mind. I have always wondered about Mormonism and I have to warn you, there are details of atrocities in this book so horrible I simply can not repeat them.

This book is not going to change your views on Mormonism. If you are a Mormon, you're going to condemn it, because it strikes at the very heart of what you believe. If you are not a Mormon, it will give you page after page of reasons why you feel that way.

People do not choose a religion based on logic.

But if you are considering converting to Mormonism (an "investigator" as they are called), PLEASE READ THIS BOOK. Get both sides of the issue before you commit your heart. "One Nation Under Gods" is an eye-opener.

Rating:
Summary: The little things make me crazy
Review: As a Christian who has studied Mormonism since I was in high school (about the time I was unsuccessfully recruited to join the LDS faith by peers who invited me to Mormon dances and got me involved in the local Mormon ward-sponsored Boy Scout troop), I thought "One Nation Under Gods" was terrific -- as other reviewers have stated, it's chock-a-block full of endnotes and citations of primary sources. And the book's descriptions of the origins of polygamy and "blood atonement" -- to name but two of the dozens of different fascinating sub-stories in the book -- are alternately astonishing and horrifying.

As a journalist, I thought it was an impressive piece of work, well-documented, well-written, cogent, clear and -- given the scope of its subject -- relatively succinct.

But as a copy editor -- and this is my only quibble -- Arbanes and/or his publisher need to hire some folks with a better grasp of the finer points of standard written English to do the copy editing/proofreading. I found missing words, misused apostrophes, inappropriate possessives, etc., throughout. That's the kind of thing that just drives me crazy in a book for which I've paid [good money for]-- if we can get it mostly right in the newspaper business on an eight-hour deadline, why can't book publishers get it right on a months- or years-long project?

... [...]. Buy the book. It's a terrific read.

Rating:
Summary: AntiMormonism At its Worst
Review: I have studied Mormonism over the past three years and was unfortunately disgruntled by this book. It is another book written to discourage people from exploring the great history of this Church. It list several documentations that are misinterpreted and misunderstood. This is not a new tool in the war on Mormonism. The documents found in this book are not virgin to me or any other member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However it is a great book for Portestants who want to shun the Church and plant the seed of contention. However we do use this book in a Mormons Young Single Adults group to show the inconsitancies of what people think we really believe based on misinterpreted and misundersted verses that our Church believes.

Rating:
Summary: One nation under gods: A History of the Mormon Church
Review: Contrary to what two other reviews have said, this is an incredibly researched book! It is obvious that Mormons won't want the information in it to be made public....yet again, but the vast number of books on the subject shows that a problem exists! Abanes not only delineates the falacy of the Mormon doctrine as so many other books have done, but he places the docrine within the historical framework from whence it originated! Abanes thorough documents his arguments with original sources! His side-by-side comparisons of what Christians believe as opposed to Mormons should be enough to convince anyone...not Mormon...that this issue has one and for all been resolved!

This is a must read for anyone serious about uncovering the truth about the cult of Mormonism.

Rating:
Summary: YET ANOTHER EXCELLENT WORK: Exposing the true LDS foundation
Review: ...The cover was very appropriate and the size of the book is nice and substancial. When I opened Richards book and read the creatively tactful Table of Contents, I became very excited to discover what was written within those 651 pages!
Having been entangled in the Mormon web for 30+ years I understand the deceptive practices of the LDS religious organization in that they offer merely positive tidbits regarding the history which is accepted as "faithbuilding" for steadfast followers. If anyone who is not authorized or endowed, and is not a Mormon, shares facts which would clearly display that the LDS corporate system is NOT the only true church on earth with all others being an abomination unto god, then they are considered anti-mormon, and regardless how true or false their message is....it is to be disregarded.

...
In the Authors Preface we read, "Unfortunately, some of the least reliable reports on Mormon History, especially with regard to its earliest years, are those that have been produced by the LDS church."
This is so true.
As a Mormon, I did not even know that Joseph had so many wives, and did not know that many of those were ALREADY MARRIED to other men!!!!

So Richard has composed a book which deals point blank at much of the controversial TRUE history which the LDS religion is already too embarassed to share with its own followers for fear of loosing membership. I believe that in the current approach they are using, they are losing many members anyway, including several historians.

I am glad to see this book available to the public, because one of the most important factors which shows whether or not the LDS claim to being the ONLY TRUE church on earth is an examination of its ROOTS or more clearly stated...Examining the foundation upon which the LDS religion is built.

It does not take long to discover that the "True church" claim does not stand a chance whatsoever once the TRUE foundation is seen. This Book examines in depth such issues as Polygamy, fraud, murder, false translation, plagiarism, blood atonement, Adam being God for a time, Blacks needing patience, bad banking, Mountain meadows massacre and other massacres, polygamy, false prophesy, temple requirements unto salvation, all things which are included in the TRUE FOUNDATION OF THE LDS MOVEMENT.
For those interested in becoming a member of this group, I strongly reccomend that if you like truth, you should read about the history which has been well documented in this excellent work of Richard Abanes.
I particularly like and appreciate the exaustive notes in the rear for those who desire to see where the information came from, and the bibliography is phonominal.
Great Job Richard!!!!
This Book was well worth the wait! I have studied much of the foundation of Mormonism, and find that, "One Nation Under Gods" is extremely well done and nicely documented, based on fact and clear references.
This and Mormonism 101 are excellent books to use in ministry efforts, and to place in Libraries across the nation as informative works regarding full disclosure of true history regarding Mormonism.

Again great job!!!

E R Hoff

Rating:
Summary: Worth Reading, Worth Knowing
Review: Where to begin?

Abanes has answered that question by beginning at the beginning, following a chronological path through the maze that is Mormonism to its present estate. He leaves much unsaid that might have been (and often has been) and has fashioned from the tangled threads of his topic a textually durable fabric, rich in research yet penetrable by the reader. To extend the metaphor in another direction, colourful this book is not.

It could have been. There is enough in Mormonism's weave to turn the pages livid and it is to Abanes' credit that he did not yield to that temptation. A sympathetic treatment then? No - not nearly. It is just openly honest; the chips have fallen.

He treats his subject as one giving credence, not to Mormonism's doctrines, nor to its founders for that matter (though here he has conscientiously suspended personal judgments) but to the 'Ism' ... to Mormonism as 'religion'. In fact, Abanes believes that this is the first new religion - as distinct from a cult - to come along since Islam (itself having origins to which Mormonism bears more than passing resemblance). Those invloved in the faith will not identify with his approach any the moreso for this grace but to those outside the system, and who know something of it, it is obvious that the author is walking a line between scholarly presentation and outreach to those who may be seeking something spiritually fulfilling here.

For the 'seeker' there are better (easier/shorter) books to enlighten; for the student (or anyone) who really wants the fine detail of a religion in progress, there are few books better researched that will bring the history and the doctrines of Mormonism into the light ... a light that the keepers of the faith work diligently to supress, by the way. This, too, is examined and documented though generally without judgement or conclusions. There will be no mystery, once this book is digested, as to why they would want to suppress that light; the real mystery is why they would, internally, in their heart of hearts, as intellectually free men, consent to participate in the obvious effort? Not all do, of course and Abanes has no shortage of reference materials provided by those who have abandoned the faith. Not the best source of objective information, it is agreed, but in the realm of 'secret religion', sometimes it's the only source available.

One notable who did not abandon the faith - but who did lose it - provides a valuable insight, if not the answer, to those who might wonder as above: Thomas Stuart Ferguson, Mormon Historian, Archeologist, Professor from Brigham Young University. Some of Mr. Ferguson's private correspondence, obtained and shared by our author, reveals that his belief in 'The Prophet' suffered irreparable damage during his decades of fruitless research into the history presented as fact in the "Book of Mormon" - a 'spoof' as he eventually characterized it. His letters also reveal that he believed all religion to be so fundamentally flawed and Mormonism to be no worse, and even considerably better, than the rest. Faith by default, one might say.

Faith, undeniable - but faith commendable? Abanes never answers that question for the reader either ... he never even poses it for the reader. He just lays it all out for the reader. One thing he is also careful to lay out is the well-guarded 'world view' of Mormonism, believed and supported from generation to generation, that we all pre-existed in a spiritual realm, that God is our literal, physical father by sexual generation with a 'heavenly mother' on some far-off planet, that faithful Mormons have the destiny to become gods themselves, that native Americans are descendents of rebellious Israelites and that they, the Mormon faithful, are the true Israel ... and will be called upon - eventually - to save a politically doomed United States from social disintegration. (This latter theme was so strongly advanced in the introduction by Abanes - it seems to have influenced his title, in fact - that it was becoming scary: Mormonism as threat to democratic freedom ... a fifth column lurking in the shadows ... conspiring with the Masons, the CFR and the Trilateral Commission (well, almost) to overthrow historic institutions and institute their theocracy.)

The Mormon doctrinal positions on God(s), man, Jesus, the church, creation, revelation, procreation, marriage, family, polygamy, Zion, Eden, baptism, Heaven, The Bible, sin and salvation and a host of other related themes take shape sequentially during the lengthy progress of this narrative, built from the writings and sermons and pronouncements of the leadership. It would be impossible to credibly explain these in brief. The book needs to speak to the reader for itself on such complexities.

Politically influential Mormonism has indeed become - and powerful - and prosperous - and acceptable as a religion where once it was persecuted and reviled. Though Mormons promote themselves as mainstream 'Christian', mainstream Christianity does not so see them and this is the current struggle of the faith, as Abanes sees and reports it. The author does take undisguised issue with Mormonism as a Christian denomination, differentiating pointedly between the faiths. It is a reasoned position, however, not contentiously arrived at and one which the reader is invited to examine and determine on the evidence.

And, to assist the reader outside of his own prodigious, at times daunting footnoting and referencing, Abanes has provided scads of web-sites throughout his documentation and in an appendix, for further study and detail and from all points of the compass on this subject. Given that websites notoriously duck and disappear from public view, this may become the only real weak point of the entire effort.

Worth reading and worth knowing; thank you Mr. A.

Rating:
Summary: Great History Book
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I love reading history and the story of the Mormons certainly makes for a lively tale. Like all good history writing, it reads very well.

The sections dealing with Brigham Young are chilling. I will never have the same reaction hearing that name again.

I appreciate the level of research and documentation that went into this book. I especially appreciate the photocopied images included. I love viewing old documents, such as the Joseph Smith the glass looker conviction papers.

One thing to remember though, is that it is a concise history that covers a large period of time. The bibliography however does a good job listing other resources if one is interested in a more detailed review of certain areas.

Great book.

Rating:
Summary: This is THE book on Mormonism's origins!
Review: Albane's One Nation Under Gods was just the book i was looking for in my Mormon studies. In addition to a complete Mormon church history (which is a more unbiased version than one is sure to receive from the LDS church), the resources that this book offers are invaluable: glossary of Mormon terms, list of notable Mormons, textual analysis of the papyrus scrolls thought to be the Book of Abraham, failed Joseph Smith prophecies, and a whole host of recommended resources! If you have any questions about the validity of Mormonism, this book is sure to answer it.

This book does more than discuss the differences between Mormon doctrine and orthodox Christianity, it shows the frauds and conspiracies that brought about the Book of Mormon. Is the Book of Mormon really another testament of Jesus Christ? One Nation Under Gods documents the sources Joseph Smith used to fabricate the text (many copied almost word-for-word), and proves without a doubt it could not have been an "ancient" text. This book gets 5 stars because of its excellent research and documentation.