One Nation Under Gods: A History of the Mormon Church

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 (founded in 1830) 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. Religion journalist Richard Abanes examines the fascinating history of Mormonism in its entirety. Using exhaustive documentation, Abanes reveals the origins of Mormonism, the socio-economic factors that contributed to its growth, its ongoing political agenda, and its religious teachings. Abanes also 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.

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