One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church [Hardcover]

Richard Abanes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 9, 2002

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 establishment. In reevaluating its preoccupation with issues of church and state, Abanes uncovers the political agenda at Mormonism's core: the transformation of the world into a theocratic kingdom under Mormon authority. This illustrated edition has been revised and offers a new postscript by the author.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

A conservative Christian writer and director of the Religious Information Center in Southern California, Abanes presents an unvarnished history of Mormonism. As in some of his other works, such as End-Time Visions: The Road to Armageddon, his intention here is primarily to expose falsehoods and contradictions. In the process, he has created a chronological account of Mormonism that includes many things often intentionally suppressed by leaders of the Latter-day Saints (LDS). Abanes knows his facts and documents his material with careful footnotes, creating a good counterweight to the one-sided image presented in LDS-approved histories. He makes use of private journals and secular articles of the times as well as a wide range of scholarly writings. The resulting book gives a piercing historical overview of Mormon teachings and development. It also looks at contemporary Mormonism and the controversial changes in language and policy, which have resulted in the projection of a more mainstream image. This well-researched and readable history will be of interest to anyone seeking an objective Mormon history and is recommended for both academic and public libraries. C. Robert Nixon, M.L.S., Lafayette, IN
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

Many people believe that Mormonism, also known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), is just another Christian denomination seeking the world's betterment. But there was a time in America when the Mormon church was seen as little more than a cult-like collection of polygamous, religious zealots seeking the political overthrow of the United States. This aspect of Mormon history, dating back to Palmyra, New York, in the early 1800s, is but one facet of an enthralling saga laced with all the elements of an action-packed Hollywood movie: sex, lust, violence, greed, murder, deceit, and betrayal. Nevertheless, Mormonism has managed to emerge as one of the world's wealthiest and most influential religions. In fact, it wields more economic power more effectively than any other organized religion in existence.

Now, investigative religion journalist Richard Abanes -- author of End-Time Visions: The Road to Armageddon? and a highly regarded authority on cults, the occult, new religious movements, and the religious fringe -- examines the fascinating history of Mormonism in its entirety. Using exhaustive documentation, Abanes reveals the origins of Mormonism, the socioeconomic factors that contributed to its growth, its ongoing political agenda, and its religious teachings. Moreover, Abanes details what may be some of the most intriguing, yet rarely discussed, events in LDS history that continue to make it one of the most controversial of all religions.

One Nation Under Gods will appeal to anyone interested in Mormon history, cults, the religious evolution of the United States, and humanity's perennial desire to find spiritual fulfilment -- a desire too often pursued at any cost.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 650 pages
• Publisher: Basic Books; 4th Edition edition (January 9, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568582196
• ISBN-13: 978-1568582191
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (121 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #546,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

118 of 130 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I am a Mormon, and, yes, this book is mostly accurate., February 13, 2005

By 

Moroni Marten (Utah) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (Paperback)

I have been an active, (temple recommended holding) Mormon for over forty years. I have also studied Mormon history quite extensively. I find this book to be mostly accurate albeit a little subjective and biased at times.

Most Mormons have a very limited understanding of their own church's history. The LDS church goes to great lengths to suppress any history of their religion that is not "faith promoting" and have even "changed" history to make it less troubling. They discourage members from reading material they deem inappropriate. Because of these policies most church members are taught a very simplified, sanitized and inaccurate version of history. Then when they read a book such as this that exposes some of what really happened, they lash out by exclaiming they are "lies" and "anti-Mormon" propaganda and they give the book a poor rating. If you look at the one star ratings of this book, you will notice that they are almost all by Mormons who feel the history of their church has been wrongly depicted.

One of the other things you will notice from Mormons who are upset about what is written is that they will never say exactly WHAT is inaccurate. They will never be specific. Whenever I ask an active LDS to be specific about the "lies," they will usually just say "everything." Others will admit that they never really read the book, but they "heard" it was anti-Mormon propaganda.

This type of angry terse response is understandable, however, considering the indoctrinization that they have gone through. Having a belief system challenged is very unsettling. Many Mormons, however, have learned and accepted some of the "shady" history of the Mormon church and are still active, believing members - with a somewhat different perspective.

As a member of the LDS church who studies history, there is one thing that is very apparent, however. The history depicted by the LDS church has been so sanitized, suppressed, and changed, that is it is about 70% fiction. There is no way to get an accurate historical picture from LDS sources. That is why it is so ridiculous to state that the only accurate information is from the LDS church itself. In truth, that is about as far away as you can get.

On the other hand, "anti-Mormon" sources are very biased as well. So the trick is to find as "neutral and objective" sources as possible. That is why my research usually involves tracking down original documents and sources that have not gone through the "LDS purification" process and to find sources from observers who were neither friend nor foe of the LDS religion.

One Nation Under Gods utilizes sources that, in my estimation, are mostly objective and accurate (yes, there are some that are not). This is much better than what would be obtained from an LDS source. A perfect history is an impossibility. But Abanes does a pretty good job with this book.

278 of 324 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars NOT PLEASING, BUT ACCURATE, April 10, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (Hardcover)

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.

82 of 97 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leaving the Church, April 3, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church (Hardcover)

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."