In Mormon Circles: Gentiles, Jack Mormons, and Latter-Day Saints

by James Coates

Book Overview

In this book, James Coates tackles the mighty and mysterious Mormon Church. In 1823, Coates explains, Joseph Smith claimed he beheld an angel named Moroni on his father's impoverished farm near... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0201517582
• ISBN13: 9780201517583
• Release Date: January 1990
• Publisher: Addison Wesley Publishing Company
• Length: 235 Pages
• Weight: 1.24 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

More than Fair

Serious discussion of LDS beliefs ais difficult because of the nature of those beliefs. What other religion curses other Christian churches or offers special underwear or gets its holy book from vanishing gold plates translated by looking in a hat? Add such tidbits as Garden of Eden in Missouri, Quakers on the Moon, god on KOBOL and baptism for the dead and one is left scratching their head. This was written before DNA confirmed that Native Americans came from East Asia, disturbing findings since if true (no non-Mormon scientist disagrees) it casts considerable doubt on the "history" in the Book of Mormon. The author notes that despite 150 years of searching, not a shred of evidence has been found for any person, place or event in the Book of Mormon. Most churches would bend under the pressure but as the author notes, LDS history,teachings and management is quintessentialy American, utterly pragmatic. Through "revelation" they drop offending doctrine - polygamy, racism, blood atonement, etc - when necessary. The history of the church was the best part and I agree with many that Smith's original idea was most likely yet another money-making scheme. But at some point it took on a life of its own, attracted followers and developed it into the extremely wealthy, powerful and secretive organization it is today. Its control is startling. Members are not only told what to wear, eat, drink, watch and believe but are under constant watch by chruch workers ensuring compliance. Mormons are like Muslims in that their religion incorporates all aspects of society. They see themselves as different; they are clannish, separate from "Gentiles" (all non-Mormons,even Jews - lol). The church has its own busines empire, groups for every age not to mention hokey rituals taken straight from the Masons. Great Book that needs updating

Unbiased view for newbies and the curious

I am not LDS, but nearly all of my relatives are on some level, from very strict to Jacks. I was curious about the history of the LDS, but I wanted an unbiased account. The information has been well-researched, and presents views of the Church from all sides. Even the Jack-Mormon relatives of mine agree that he presents a fair view of the Church. Those more strict to the doctrines may not like the view, but that is a likely story with any religion. Great book for those who are interested in the religion, but don't want anyone knocking at their door.

well researched and unbiased

I have read other books about the LDS Church prior to reading Mr. Coates book, compared to other books read I feel that Mr.Coates was trying to be fair and unbiased he did not appear to have an anti-mormon agenda. I feel this book is an honest attempt at explaining the Mormon history and beliefs.

An unbiased research book about the Mormon faith.

I was a Mormon for 30 years so I feel I know what I'm talking about. Mr Coates took a hard subject to explain in a 220 page book and did a very good job. He discussed Mormonism's early formation, moved to doctrine and explained how it's adapted for acceptance in the modern world. Very worthwhile book. Clint Lauricella