Stars for courage and persistence. But so much is missed. For example, the role of women -- the suppression even of Joseph Smith's wife, Emma. And the coincidental similarity between the "visionary" donation of the Quoran and the Book of Mormon to a Prophet by the angel Gabriel.

The authors claim to have penetrated the "Zion Curtain" which protects the vast wealth and influence of the secretive Mormon Church. [7] In Utah, there is scarcely any freedom of speech or press. [7] The Utah Supreme Court, with its Mormon membership, has held that the US Constitution does not apply in the State of Utah, since "it is only a limitation on the Federal government". [8]

The authors found it "almost impossible to enter into a friendly and meaningful dialogue with Mormons, especially those in positions of authority". This recalcitrance contradicts their own doctrines calling upon them to meet even with their "enemies" so as to "confound them". [12] Ed Decker showed a film to invited leaders of the Church and received no response -- they exited in silence. [18]

Utah has a divorce rate higher than the national average, and the murder rate of children is five times higher. [19] Half of babies born in Utah are to teenage mothers, 7 of 10 of whom are unwed. 46% of adults are overweight, compared with the 19% national average. The "wholesome image" is a projection. [20]. The State has one of the highest rates of business bankruptcies and a high incidence of scamming -- with little recourse. The per capita income is one of the lowest in the nation. [57]

The authors link the cult through its symbols and rituals to pagan Hinduism, and Masonic practices and legends of Enoch. Men will turn themselves into gods and rule over entire planets. Women and Negroes can never reach godhood.

Mormons are taught that the Church will rescue the United States by taking over the reigns of government "during a coming great crisis". [20]

Every Mormon temple stands as a monument to a repeated lie "so huge and so bold that it becomes convincing". [208] The purpose of the cult, and particularly of its priesthood, is to take over the world. [209] The priesthood is "a pure and holy system of government" which will eventually govern and control the earth and the inhabitants that dwell upon it. [210] The submission of the planet will hasten the return of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith will return "as dictator" to rule the world. [211]

Smith was a successful story-teller. Mormonism is an example of a "scam that got out of hand" as it fell upon the ears of the gullible. Smith claimed there were eleven "Witnesses" to his revelations, and he named them, at the front of the Book of Mormon. All of them subsequently became astonishingly unreliable, switching religions, contradicting their stories, and even earning the condemnation of Smith.

At the time Smith received his "visions", numerous other men and women in his community were also having similar experiences or made virtually identical claims earlier. The Shaker Book was written at this time, speaking through Ann Lee, "our blessed mother in the work of redemption", and her visions had 60 "Witnesses". [104] Hundreds of preachers were using "peep stones", and "seer stones", (although not named Urim and Thummim).

The region was known as the "burned over district" for its revivals and hysterias moving from town to town.[104]

No Mormon can name a single "prophesy" made by the current "Prophet, Seer and Revelator", Spencer W. Kimball, or by any other claimant to daily heavenly guidance. [212] Yet the claim to having a "living prophet" is their assertion of superiority over the Jews and Christians.

some of the info was hard to take in, but some suprising info as well. ( )

2 copies