Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? [Paperback]

Jerald and Sandra Tanner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1987

Jerald and Sandra Tanner's most comprehensive and revealing work on Mormonism. Writing in the October 1990 Sunstone, book dealer Curt Bench compiled "A list of the books which have had a significant influence on the development of Mormon history, theology, and literature." The Tanners' Mormonism-Shadow or Reality? was listed among the 50 important books on Mormonism in the first 150 years (1830-1980). Mormonism-Shadow or Reality? deals with: new discoveries relating to Mormon history, changes in Joseph Smith's revelations, Joseph Smith's 1826 arrest for 'glass looking,' proof that the Book of Mormon is a product of the 19th century, changes in the Book of Mormon, archaeology and the Book of Mormon, changes in Joseph Smith's History, the First Vision, the Godhead, the Adam-God doctrine, the Priesthood, the missionary system, false prophecy, Joseph Smith's doctrine of polygamy, polygamy after the Manifesto and in Utah today, changing the anti-black doctrine, the rediscovery of the Joseph Smith Papyri and the fall of the Book of Abraham, Mormon scriptures and the Bible, changes in the Pearl of Great Price, Blood Atonement among the early Mormons, the Word of Wisdom, Council of 50, the Danites, the temple ceremony, changes in the temple ceremony and garments, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormonism and money, plus hundreds of other important subjects.

Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Utah Lighthouse Ministry; Fifth Edition (1987); Reformatted (2008) edition (1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9993074438
• ISBN-13: 978-9993074434
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #998,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history of Mormonism August 24, 2004

By Robert Badger

Format:Paperback

This is probably the best resource for the historical case against Mormonism. The Tanners have spent their lives exposing the frauds and problems within Mormon history. The wealth of documentation from this book is astounding. One of the things that I like the most about it is in its use of sources. Generally, they tend to use sources from within the Mormon church itself. The records that they use are Mormon records and there is a wealth of primary sources, from the Journal of Discourses to the highly embarassing and racist talks given by some of the Mormon leaders. It is a very critical look at Mormonism, and to those who wish to remain in the LDS church, I would advise that you really should not read it. However, if you are having questions about Mormonism and its history, this is the place to go.

There are many excellent books on Mormonism, but for the sheer amount of information, this or their excellent work The Changing World of Mormonism (a condensed version of this book) should be a standard resource.

While praising this book for its content, readers should be aware that the Tanner's writing style can be less than scintillating and occasionally very annoying, what with all the capitalisations, putting text in bold, and copious underlining. However, their research doesn't lie. After the Mark Hoffman forgeries, their credibility has been strengthened. While Mormon historians were defending the notorious Salamander Letter, the Tanners were alone in their skepticism of the letter's authenticity.

24 of 28 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, but it's the start of the journey, not the end July 13, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I've enjoyed this book quite a bit over the years. It's not scholarly in writing or presentation. But it's well-compiled and obviously done from the heart and not for money or fame. I've looked into many many of their citations and haven't found one yet that hasn't checked out. Also, there is a reviewer below that says the Tanners haven't yet responded to criticisms of the book from BYU scholars in the FARMS program. That's simply not true. I have two lengthy books and a number of articles by the Tanners responding in exhausting detail to the FARMS critiques and then responding to FARMS's responses. I wish the Tanners would someday do an exhaustive update with responses to criticisms and published in a more reader-friendly format. As is, the book is better for browsing and then finding an interesting accusation and going off to research it. As for the critics below, I'd be curious how they defend Brigham Young's statements about inhabitants on the sun and the mention of elephants in the Book of Mormon. Finally, as for my qualifications for understanding both the pro and con of the book, I should note that I was born and raised Mormon, went to church every Sunday plus seminary 5 days a week during high school. And despite all that, the Tanners really helped me to see the point of "Shadow or Reality": that the Book of Mormon is a work of fiction.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book, tough reading September 26, 2004

By Thomas Eads

Format:Paperback

I am opposed to the teachings of Mormonism and enjoy reading literature on answering cults. In fact, I maintain a ministry on how to answer cults [EadsHome Ministries; www.eadshome.com]. I was glad to read this book, but found it to be difficult to read...much like reading a dictionary. In fact, this book is best thought of as a dictionary. It is a book you would pull out to read what the Tanners compiled on a particular subject, but it isn't a book that many people would just sit down to read. I would NOT recommend this book for someone who is new to learning about Mormonism...I would only recommend this book to someone very familiar with Mormonism and who wants a reference book from the Tanners on various subjects dealing with Mormonism