Book Review

One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church

Richard Abanes, New York/London: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2002, 651 pp.

With the 2004 appearance of apologist Ravi Zacharias in Salt Lake City and the controversial apology to Mormons from evangelicals made by Fuller Seminary’s Richard Mouw at that gathering, this book makes for timely reading. Albanes hefty volume offers an extensive history of the Mormon church from an orthodox, evangelical perspective. The forward is written by Sandra Tanner, well known descendent of Brigham Young and convert to orthodox Christianity who has dedicated her life’s work to evangelism among Mormons. This gives some indication of the book’s perspective and tone.

One Nation Under Gods makes no pretense at being an unbiased history of Mormonism. Rather, it offers a vigorous historical review of the notoriously shady origins of the Mormon movement in the spiritual experiences of founder John Smith, its violent reception on the American frontier, its dispersion into the Utah promised land, and its attempt to be accepted as a mainstream “Christian” alternative in contemporary American life. Along the way, the book offers a critical expose of numerous historical Mormon practices and heterodox theology, including plural marriage and blood atonement, that modern Mormons leaders would rather be forgotten. What stands out as one reads this book is the realization that there is a long Mormon tradition of sweeping unflattering or inconvenient aspects of this maverick faith under the historical rug. Abanes exposes all to the light of day.

The book consists of eighteen chapters divided into four units: (1) Mormonism: The Early Years (1805-1830); (2) Establishing God’s Kingdom (1831-1844); (3) Utah: Land of the Prophets (1845-1901); and (4) Going Mainstream (1902-2002).

There is no doubt that ardent Latter Day Saints will not be pleased with this book. Evangelicals, however, will find here a valuable tool for understanding the Mormon movement and its “worldview.” Again, the book is unrelenting in relaying the checkered history of Mormonism. Still, the tone of the book is not shrill but merely direct and honest. I recommend this book to all who desire to understand the historical roots of Mormonism and to defend the faith in the face of this distinctively American heresy.

Jeffrey T. Riddle
Pastor, Jefferson Park Baptist Church

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Book Review

One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church

Richard Abanes, New York/London: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2002, 651 pp.

Jeffrey T. Riddle Pastor, Jefferson Park Baptist Church

Jeffrey T. Riddle
Pastor, Jefferson Park Baptist Church