Behind the Mask of Mormonism [Paperback]

John Ankerberg (Author), John Weldon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1996

This book covers the pertinent aspects of the history, beliefs, and practices of the largest, wealthiest, and most influential cult in America. It will guide you into the intricacies of this popular belief system. Included are reader-friendly indexes for quick access.

Product Details

• Paperback: 499 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Pub (January 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565074432
• ISBN-13: 978-1565074439
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,693,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars In effect a reprint of earlier work, December 26, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Behind the Mask of Mormonism (Paperback)

While much of the spelling has been corrected in this revision, it is still essentially a reprint of a 1992 book, which is reflected in the copyright on the title page. Ankerberg and Weldon cite Philastus Hurlbut and Elias Howe as reliable sources in what is one of the poorest critical works about Mormonism

8 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive view of a major cult, August 22, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Madrid) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Behind the Mask of Mormonism (Paperback)

A comprehensive review of one of america's oldest secretive and powerful religious organizations. This book will offend the LDS "true believers" but the accounts are accurate and well researched

5.0 out of 5 stars TWO NOTED APOLOGISTS' MAJOR WORK AGAINST THE LDS CHURCH, November 29, 2011

By 

Steven H. Propp (Sacramento, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Behind the Mask of Mormonism (Paperback)

Television show host John Ankerberg and co-author John Weldon have written numerous other books (e.g., The Facts on the Mormon Church (The Facts On Series), What Do Mormons Really Believe?: What the Ads Don't Tell You, Fast Facts® on Mormonism, etc.). This 1996 book was formerly titled Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Mormonism.

In the Introduction, it states, "The need for this book derives from the particular claims made by the Mormon church... Mormonism claims that it represents true Christianity. Mormonism contends it believes in the biblical God... But none of these claims are true, as we will document... the church as a whole has misled the public concerning its true teachings. Therefore, our book is written to help set the record straight... we have attempted to fairly and accurately describe the teachings and beliefs of the Mormon religion. If any individual Mormon truly does NOT accept these teachings, then he or she should ask themselves, 'Why am I a Mormon?'" (Pg. 16)

Here are some additional quotations from the book:

"Even if Joseph Smith was the recipient of supernatural manifestations, how do we know they were not clever counterfeits by deceiving spirits who were lying when they claimed to be God, Jesus, angels or saints? Counterfeit revelations are notoriously deceptive." (Pg. 41)
"On the other hand, one cannot deny that a few encyclopedias and secular works on religion do classify Mormonism as a Christian religion or sect. That such incorrect classifications exist is testimony to the tremendous power of the Mormon church's public relations programs." (Pg. 86)
"Technically, Mormon theology is 'henotheistic'---a form of polytheism which stresses a central deity." (Pg. 99)
"Because of the belief that there are so many spirits waiting for bodies to indwell, the Mormon church has always emphasized the importance of large families." (Pg. 112)
"But the most damning indictment against the witnesses is their personal character and lack of credibility. It is relevant to not that 'some of the most damaging statements' against the Eleven Witnesses came from the pen of Joseph Smith himself and other early Mormon leaders. Some were gullible; others were psychologically unstable and religiously insecure. In other words, they 'were not competent witnesses.'" (Pg. 297)
"For those who have had the 'burning bosom' testimony, as Mormons call it, how can they logically know that it was God---and not their own needs (or insecurities), or even the devil---who personally confirmed the 'truth' of the Book of Mormon to them?" (Pg. 368)