Customer Reviews (3)

A Mormon-watcher's extravaganza
I'm jealous of the writer of this book, Steven Shields. I mean, the guy had *fun* when he compiled this book, essentially a catalogue of all known churches, sects and cults claiming to be Mormon (or something to that effect). There are hundreds of them!

My copy of this work wears the imprint of Restoration Research, presumably Mr. Shields' own outlet, but the latest edition is published by Herald House, associated with the Community of Christ. I assume Shields is a member of this respectable, ex-Mormon denomination.

"Divergent paths of the restoration" must be seen to be believed. Over the years, a stunning number of religious groups have claimed the mantle of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Many people have mimicked Smith's prophetic calling by claiming to have been visited by angels, receiving divine revelations, etc. Some have encountered Elijah. There are groups claiming access to the "secret" portions of the Book of Mormon. And yes, there are still Mormon groups which practice polygamy...

Some of the denominations mentioned in the book are well known, at least to avid students of Mormonism: the RLDS Church (now the Community of Christ), the Cutlerites, the Bickertonites, the Strangites, the Morrisites and the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). But Shields have also tracked down a dizzying number of groups few people, if any, are likely to have heard of. Many of them have pretentious names: Church of Jesus Christ of the Saints of the Most High God, Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter Day Saints, The Watchmen on the Towers of Latter Day Israel and the Church of the Body and of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (it had exactly one member).

The author have also located several homosexual Mormon groups, another group which combines the Book of Mormon with peyote, and even a New Age group at Mount Shasta which claims to be in touch with the angel Moroni. Further, Shields mentions a 10 years old boy who claimed to be a prophet and was promptly expelled from the LDS Church, and an American Indian prophet who temporarily managed to recruit about 30 White (?) people to a small sect, apparently based on a mixture of Mormonism, Catholicism and magic. Both incidents took place during the 19th century.

This book will give you vertigo!

Finally, a word of wisdom about what the book is not. It's not a "real" scholarly study of the various Restoration groups. At least the 1990 edition could have used some better editing. Nor are the addresses to the various groups included. "Divergent paths" is a cult-watchers' overview of the Mormon milieu, neither more nor less.

But yes, it's hilariously funny - at least if deviant religious groups gives you the treat.

A yellow pages of Restoration movement!
There is not so much to review when it comes to catalogues, I presume. Mr Shields have done an amazing job giving the reader and the interested in LDS an overview of all non-existent and still-existent (in the 1990s) Restoration denominations. Maybe you recognise the four more known branches, the LDS, Community of Christ (RLDS), Church of Christ Temple Lot and Church of Christ with Elijah message. Here you get to read about the other 100 or so.

Some of these don't exist anymore, they go back during the time of the prophet. This is an interesting detail, cause one always hears about how every body went his/her (most his) way after the murder of Joseph Smith, but there were already several when he lived. Of course the most famous are those who published the Nauvoo Expositor but here we get to learn about others!

The book is chronologically written but has a very good list of contents which groups the branches according to the four mentioned above and two others, because many divisions occurred in every branch - too. Three other groups in the list of contents are the independents, different publishing houses and the anti-LDS organisations. The book cannot be read from start to end, you get bored. The information is sufficient and very technical, the author has sometimes cited their articles of faiths, which don't really help to distinguish the differences.

Shields is very neutral in his description, cause every branch believes itself to be the only correct one - Community of Christ is more liberal though. Buy it, cause you won't find any other list, not even in internet, with this detail. I mean the addresses are in the book, so if you're out of ideas for your holidays ... I recommended it warmly for the Restoration student!

This is the place!
This book is the best resource to get a throughly overlook over the different directions within the latter day (mormon) movement outside of it's most known mayor "denomination" (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT). Far more than 100 groups are covered. Takes to death the often believed myth that "the mormons are united and never split". Historical details and notes as well as other necessary information are all enclosed. Shields has done a great work in collecting the materials. One could hope for yet an upgraded and revised version to be printed. ... Read more

Product Description
The early leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expressed a fierce love of country and everlasting devotion. Having experienced religious persecution firsthand, they understood the need to revere the Constitution of the United States and the guarantee of freedom that it enshrines.

Gleaned from speeches and personal journals, these memorable quotes on American democracy are accompanied by rarely seen portraits of the remarkable men responsible for them. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Huge Laughs for those who know Mormons!
Great book, great service and tons of laughs.Anyone who has grown up knowing or have been a Mormon at one point in their life should read this hilarious revue of Mormon Karma Sutra!

immature. maybe funny for virgins. written in hick language
1. first of all: remove the image of "sister dottie" on the back cover. i'll leave it at that.
2. the hick language in which this is written is terribly annoying. e.g.: "it's fer the beginner, the mid-sized and the ultimative perfessional in all things sextual."
3. i cant imagine anyone but a mormon, virgin attending byu provo liking this book.
4. i read the whole book in about 8 minutes so that gives you an idea of the amount of content.
5. the page opposite of "i have two little hands and a high-speed modem" (depicts a man/woman (?) masturbating while looking at porn on the internet) has the following text:
"the bible tells the story of onan, who spilled his seed on the ground, for which god killed him. the lesson here is obvious -- work on your coordination."
this book just perpetuates the stupid christian myth that the story of onan is about masturbation. onan is killed by god because he didnt inseminate his dead brother's (Er) wife (Tamar) as commanded to by judah (genesis 38:8-10).

many people (not everyone) in the lds church already have a warped and immature view of sex, so this book, in my opinion, just makes the situation worse. if you're looking for a "cute" way to waste your money or you have an immature friend with a birthday coming up; buy this book (or email me, nick.c.humphrey at gmail dot com, and i'll sell you mine for half price, good as new). if you think this book helps you then great, but i assume most people buy it because they think it will be funny. i thought it was a waste of money and annoying (see point 2).

=)

Funny Funny Funny
One should never mix sex and religion. Okay, one should ALWAYS mix sex and religion if you want to be entertained out of your mind, especially with Pat Bagley and Sister Dottie S. Dixon collaborating. ... Read more

Product Description
1922. With Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the Falling Away. Written by an Elder and Historian of the Church and a member of the Council of the Twelve Apostles. In the spring of 1820, young Joseph Smith Jr. retired to the woods near his home and offered a simple prayer to our Father in Heaven. A series of remarkable spiritual experiences prepared him for his prophetic calling. He saw God the Father and Jesus Christ in vision and was chosen by God to restore the Church of Jesus Christ to the earth. Through revelation, he translated and published the Book of Mormon, organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and received revelations to guide the Church. By inspiration, he called Apostles and other Church leaders, defined doctrines, and taught the principles and ordinances that would lead to exaltation. This volume is divided into the following Parts: Introductory: The Gospel in Ancient and Mediaeval Times; Opening of the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times; The Ohio and Missouri Period; The Settlement in the Rocky Mountains; and Recent Development. See other titles by this author available from Kessinger Publishing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A BOLDFACE LIE?
A BOLDFACE LIE
This book is a perpetuation of the lies told about the Mountain Meadows Massacre by the LDS church (author: Joseph Fielding Smith). (If same edition), It was the textbook used at church college(s) in the mid 60's.

This book contains the quote (attributed, footnoted) that the MMM "was the crime of an individual, the crime of a fanatic of the worst stamp."

THIS IS A LIE!!!Neither John D Lee, nor any other individual could 'mass murder' (about) 120 individuals, including women & children in 1857.

This book says that BY was told 'less than the truth' about the MMM (by whom? when?). There was a tragic event on September 11th, 1857 in SW Utah, AND JDL was 'hung out to dry' by BY & the Mormon church to cover it up. As a tacit admission of that, JDL's membership & blessings were restored in the early 60's... The church even attempted to cover-up that, as Levi Peterson tells us in his bio "Juanita Brooks Mormon Woman Historian". The church has Never fessed up to responsibility for the MMM OR for the cover-up. Until someone does, and the (descendants of) the victims are compensated , there will continue to be lies & half-truths told about this awful event...

As a lot of church history (polygamy, Mark Hofmann, others) has been spun to reveal only the view that the GA's want shown...this is the Worst Example.

Juanita Leone Leavitt Pulsipher Brooks (1898-1989)...Long may her memory live in the hearts & minds of those who Love the TRUTH.

my opinion: The church should re-name the Church Education System, honoring the name of Juanita Leone Leavitt Pulsipher Brooks; she told the truth, Brigham Young DID NOT. ... Read more

Product Description
Of all the transitions in life, few hold so much uncertainty as the transition from married life to single life. Whether the transition follows a death or a divorce, the newly single face myriad challenges as they enter this new portion of their lives. Teena Read provides readers with practical advice for this uncharted territory. She touches on managing financial matters, dating again, fitting into a family-centered church, and finding happiness in this different stage of life.Anecdotes and advice range from funny, to poignant, to inspirational. Thoroughly researched, Starting Over Single pulls in personal experiences from a wide cross-section of the LDS single community and proves that for the single adult, this can be a time of reinvention and a time to explore new horizons.The end of marriage does not signify the end of life - there is so much that life has to offer, whether you are married or single. With this well-structured guide to life as a single Latter-day Saint, readers can proceed confidently and safely. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wasn't what I expected
Being divorced I was expecting a book that would help me adjust back into the dating world. Instead it was a make peace with your lot in life book. I had already achieved that on my own and hadn't quite gotten past that so I was disappointed with the book.

Great Book!
I have searched for help to deal with the emotions from a divorce - from an LDS standpoint. I haven't found much at all in the bookstores or online. I checked this book out from the library, and it has been so helpful to me! I need to own this book - and want to read it again and highlight the parts I want to remember. I am also buying a book for a friend of mine who is going through a divorce.

Teena has put into words feelings that I am experiencing right now.She has given me a lot of food for thought, as an LDS woman experiencing the emotions that follow a divorce. I have also lost a husband to death, and this book will help those dealing with a similar loss.

I recommend this book to anyone who is trying to cope with the feelings that come with death or divorce - LDS, or non-LDS. This book isn't about religion, it is about learning to heal and move on after a loss. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Intro to Religious Sociology
Religious sociology is actual statistical research on how certain religious cultures act and/or develop.This book is a compilation of famous articles about the current state of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and legitimate statistics about its members.So if you've ever heard the quote that by the end of the 21st century, the LDS church is supposed to have 260,000,000 members; Rodney Stark's article that led to that stat years ago is reprinted in this book.(It's worth buying just for that.)Another famous article that justifies buying the book is Brent L Top's article on the state of adolescents within the church (whether a higher percentage of kids "survive" inside/outside Utah, etc.)Anyone raising a family and deciding where to live needs to read that.

Another important book to read is Rodney Starks' "Early Christianity." ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Women's Voices: An Untold History of the Latter-Day-Saints 1830-1900
Was very excited to find this book on amazon and at such a great deal. ... Read more

Product Description
General Books publication date: 2009Original publication date: 1909Original Publisher: Deseret Sunday School UnionSubjects: MormonsMormon ChurchReligion / Christianity / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)Notes: This is a black and white OCR reprint of the original. It has no illustrations and there may be typos or missing text.When you buy the General Books edition of this book you get free trial access to Million-Books.com where you can select from more than a million books for free.Excerpt: CHAPTER I1THE OTHER SHEEPFrom the spring of 1820 to the autumn of 1823 -- a period of nearly three years and a half -- Joseph received no further communication from heaven.An Interval of Three Years.During this time, he tells us, he "frequently fell into many foolish errors, and displayed the weakness of youth and the foibles of human nature." We need not be at all surprised at this. He was persecuted by those who, according to the principles they affected so devoutly to believe, should have endeavored, in a teachable spirit, to convince him that he was wrong in crediting his vision; or, failing in this, ought at least to have followed Gamaliel's advice, given under circumstances not dissimilar: "If this work is of men, it will come to naught, but if it be of God, we cannot overthrow it, lest haply we be found even to fight against God." But they chose to use a less tolerant method. His company was shunned by those whom he would otherwise have associated with, and he was, therefore, driven into the society of a less desirable class, and exposed to temptation. Being of a jovial disposition, moreover, he did not always resist the evil into which he was thrown.It is not to be inferred from this, however, that he was guilty of any grave sin, such as those have tried to make out who take advantage of his candid avowals concerning his earlier life. His errors consisted only of the usual follies ofyoung persons of his condition of life -- le... ... Read more

Product Description
This book is a collection of personal essays from members ofThe Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who have personallywitnessed the significance of same-sex attraction (SSA) in their ownlives or in the life of someone they love. The essays in this bookdetail the insights and experiences of LDS men and women who desire tofollow the gospel when caught in the tug of war between obeyingChrist's commandments or pursuing homosexual behavior. These storiesspeak of real charity--the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ--andcompassion given by the rescuing hands of Christ and his followers.

This book was compiled with one heartfelt desire: to grant comfortand insights to the many, many thousands of Latter-day Saints who feelalone and desperate in their struggles with same-sex attraction. Asecondary motive of this book is to invoke greater compassion towardtheir brothers and sisters with same-sex attraction.

The editors attempted to underscore two main themes in thiswork. First, SSA (or any trial in life) does not have to rob us oflife's happiness; we can all find inner happiness, even when we arehuman and struggling. Second, developing a personal relationship withGod and Jesus Christ is critical to our inner happiness; peace comesfrom God's presence instead of adversity's absence.

Twenty-four authors contributed the book's twenty-six essays. Essaydemographics: 15 essays by men with SSA, 2 essays by women with SSA, 4essays by spouses, 3 essays by parents, and 2 essays by friends aboutsomeone with SSA.

It is important to note that he book is a grassroots project. Eachessay came strictly from the author's honest heart. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Co-Author Comments
This book is an inspiration. It deals with heartache and the trials of SSA (Homosexuality). It was an honor to help produce this book; though I did not give my own personal story, I did submit a poem to it. I am thankful that I had the chance to help bring this message to others. Read it for yourself, or get it for someoneone you know who is dealing with this issue. Remember with God, All things, not just some, are possible.

Co-Author Partner
As one of the writing contributers to this book, I have found that it has helped many who seek a way out of this distructive life style. ... Read more

Product Description
Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church: Is it Christian?,written by a former RLDS member, contrasts the teachings of JosephSmith with Biblical Christianity. This book gives an overview ofReorganized Latter Day Saint history from 1820 to the present day. Itprovides a detailed comparison of the Mormon (LDS) and ReorganizedLatter Day Saint (RLDS) churches. It explores subjects such as theoccult origin of the Book of Mormon and the false prophecies of JosephSmith. Perhaps most importantly it answers these two criticalquestions: 1) Can the Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church beconsidered Christian, while adhering to Joseph Smith’s foundationalteachings, and upholding him as a prophet of God? and 2) Was JosephSmith really a prophet of God, or was his power from another source?The book concludes with helpful tips for witnessing, and fourteencompelling testimonies of former RLDS members. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Shedding the "skin" of Joseph Smith, Jr.?
What is noteworthy in the radical changes made (beginning in the 1960s) in what is now the Community of Christ is the ease with which some have been able to shed the last vestiges of the heritage of Joseph Smith.

When the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith's prophetic charisms were challenged within the Reorganization, these changes either led to the formation of a movement waiting for something to happen to restore the old order or to the formation of a series of tiny sects.

But some--it is not at all clear how many--former RLDS simply shifted allegiance to some form of conservative Protestantism. Carol Hansen's disillusionment led her directly into the countercult version of evangelicalism.

Her book manifests little understanding of the Restoration and little sympathy for those who have invested much of their energies in the Restoration movement. ... Read more

Product Description
The History, Scripture, Doctrine, and Procedure of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. From the preface of the encyclopedia "According to a standard definition, an encyclopedia is to "treat comprehensively all the various branches of knowledge" pertaining to a particular subject. The subject of this Encyclopedia is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, widely known as the Mormon church. This is the first major encyclopedia published about the Mormons. It presents the work of hundreds of Latter-day Saint (LDS) lay scholars and others from throughout the world and provides a comprehensive reporting of Mormon history, scripture, doctrines, life, and knowledge, intended for both the non-Mormon and the LDS reader. Readers will find an article on almost any topic conceivably related to the general topic of Mormonism" ... Read more