One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church

by Richard Abanes

Book Overview

Founded in 1830, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was initially perceived as a movement of polygamous, radical zealots; now in parts of the U.S. it has become synonymous with the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568582838
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Basic Books
• Length: 672 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.7" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly Researched

This isn’t some dry account of an important religious group in America. It brings out the amazing history and growth of this bizarre sect that somehow managed to survive in spite of itself.

Large Volume On LDS History and Theology

This is one of the most complete books I have ever read on Mormonism. I would rank it up there with NO MAN KNOWS MY HISTORY and Sandra Tanner's MORMONISM: SHADOW OR REALITY? The book is well written and Richard Abanes has done his homework. The book is well documented from footnotes, endnotes, and pictures of historical documents. To be sure, Abanes is no friend to the Mormon Church. If Mormons were like fundamentalist Muslims, Abanes would be dead for his book. The book exposes much of the LDS history that few would like for us to see. From the Mountains Meadow Massacre to Joseph Smith's personal problems (such as his lust for sex and money) to issues with Brigham Young. Mormons have a history that they would love to bury in the sands of time but Abanes has preserved it for us. For Christians, this book will help you learn more about the LDS faith and teachings. While Abanes is not writing a defense of Christianity (1 Peter 3:15-16), he does do a good job of showing the differences between the two faiths. For those who somehow believe that Mormons are brethren in Christ, read this book and you will see that the divide is still quite wide (Gal. 5:1-4).

The Truth Will Set You Free--this is an EXCELLENT BOOK

I was raised Mormon, served a faithful mission (was AP), an Elder's Quorum president, and temple worker. Along the way, I always heeded Mormon leaders' advice to avoid books that purport to "tell the truth about the Mormons." I would advise ANY Mormon who respects his/her ability to think for himself to order this book, and have it shipped overnight.I left the Mormon Church about 10 years ago because (despite having often taught Gospel Doctrine in Sunday school) I found myself unable to honestly connect the dots of Mormon theology--I realized that I was involved in a religion based on emotion and family tradition; not on having genuinely INVESTIGATED IT from many angles (i.e., Mormon and Non) for myself. I had followed the recommended Mormon path: only investigating it based on the Church's approved publications.Finally, I picked up Richard Abane's fascinating and painstakingly documented book. Reading it connected the dots of the religion for me, and confirmed that my choice to leave the LDS religion was right for me. I challenge all Mormons and interested parties to read it, and tell me how people can continue to throw so much support behind a group of powerful men in Salt Lake City who continually excommunicate their own members for simply telling the truth about the Church's history and theology. This book clearly reveals that while there are many good aspects about the LDS Church, it is not consistent in its theology or application--it is only consistent in its continual deciet of its own members.

Not Unbiased...but Fair

As I've read through the reviews of this book several things have stood out. First, people either love it or hate it. Unfortunately, their opinion of the book seems, with a few exceptions, to be more in line with their world view than the merits of the book.Depending on the reviewer's personal history the book is either labeled as biased or unbiased. The truth is that the book is biased. But, that means nothing. Every piece of literature is biased because of either its agenda or the author's world view. There is both a clear agenda and world view in this book. If there had not been an agenda there would be no purpose for the book. Abanes is cleary trying to uncover what he perceives to be a previously supressed history of the LDS Church. In doing this he also makes no attempt to hide his Evangelical Christian world view. Since all historians and journalists are biased to one degree or another and since a bias does not preclude truth the question then becomes...Is this book fair, honest and true? I submit that it is. There are times when Abanes editorializes and when there are undocumented statements, but never is the tone condecending nor can the book be considered as anything less than meticulously documented (1791 endnotes covering 141 pages). Abanes is a journalist not a historian and as such the book sometimes lacks depth. Since the text already is 467 pages it is appropriate. Further, he makes no claim that ONE NATION UNDER GODS is exhaustive and often refers the reader to sources of additional information. The journalistic style makes the book a good easy read and easily accessable to both the highly educated and the lesser educated. It does indeed read as a novel.One, often cited criticism is that there is nothing new in ONE NATION UNDER GODS. Again this is both true and untrue. Abanes does heavily rely on previous research, which is appropriate for this journalistic document. But, he does not site just secondary documents. Many sitations are given for primary sources most of which come from LDS scriptures, documents and archives. What is new about this book is not the research but the presentation. The book is an excellent, concise and thorough overview of LDS history, which includes simple explainations of LDS theology and how that varies from orthodox Christian theology.In short ONE NATION UNDER GODS is an excellent book. But, just a starting point. It is an overview. If indepth study is wanted the Recommended Resources and 1791 endnotes will provide plenty to dig your teeth into.

NOT PLEASING, BUT ACCURATE

I received this book through a friend. I am a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yes, a Mormon. I was raised in the church and believe it is the Restored Truth of the Gospel. I read this One Nation Under Gods and it does tell accurately what we believe. But as I read through it, it seemed like I was reading these beliefes for the first time. In context of history, I started understanding why we believe the way we do. That was good. But I also am now faced with some things about my church that I confess, I do not understand how it can be true. But I looked up some of the things Mr. Abanes talks about, and I found his references to be completely accurate. Again, I don't understand how this could be.Everything is changing and Mr. Abanes' book has opened my eyes to, I suppose, truth. However, this is not pleasant. His explanation on polygamy, Utah life in the 19th century, and how our prophets have been leading us is disturbing. But the documents and quotes are there, which show what has been going on. This book has changed me, my thoughts, and I think, it might change my life. I need to read more. For now, this book seems like a good history, although not a pleasing one to have to read.

Leaving the Church

I am a Mormon, but I don't think I will be one for very long. I have been doing my own research into the history of the LDS church for several years now, and can assure readers that everything Abanes says in this volume is true. I have personally looked through many of the documents he used, although certainly not all of them by any means, and he accurately represents their contents.And despite my own investigation, which has been very deep, Abanes was still able to furnish several bits of data I never knew-- those missing pieces I could not find on my own. My heart is heavy, but my mind and soul have been enlightened. It's time to move on, and I encourage other Latter-day Saints to do the same thing. Abanes' book is a great place to start learning the truth. It contains no sarcasm, no anti-Mormon comments, no nasty tone so often present in books about the church. The tone is respectful, fair, and true. I quote one of my favorite shows: "The truth is out there."