The Changing World of Mormonism: A Condensation and Revision of Mormonism, Shadow or Reality

This book is helpful for the non-Mormon to understand how Mormonism came into being and has stayed a major part of our American culture. Having lived amoung the Mormons, I got to experience first-hand many of the things that the Tanners mention in the book. Notably, the style of revisionist history that one finds throughout the Mormon dominated culture of Utah is truly astounding, and is partially explained by this book. Its detail and attention to the original documents that form the bedrock of Mormon culture help explain the slightly skewed explanations that surround the foundation of a society. The Tanners' work is thorough and authoratative. Although its not an easy read, it certainly does explain much of what one sees when the hard questions are not answered adequately by the nice missionaries that knock at the door.

The more that I read the Tanner's work, the more I enjoy their easy to understand writing style. The information given in this book is painstakingly researched as to be clearly written on a basis of fact and truth. The Tanners have been very careful to specify facts and documentation. I appreciate their work and know the involvement that it requires to go beyond and seek the truth. I was born into the mormon church and involved for over 30 years. I understand what is behind the negative responses designed to discredit the author, however I have READ this book and checked many of the questionable references, and they did an excellent job in keeping to documented facts. I think that the Tanner's write for the purpose of simply sharing facts in truth, as to give the investigator a balance of information. If one simply uses information supplied currently by the LDS, it is edited and revised and changed as to be faithbuilding to its members, without reguard to the writings and teachings and history of the past. This history and its past leaders are the foundation upon which the Mormon church stands and I feel they are embarassed by it. To top it off just read some of the reviews from LDS members towards those who simply share the truth backed with facts about the beginnings of this religion. In this book I think the Tanners have done a great service to all in carefully tackling this difficult subject. The Bible played a major part in my conversion from Mormonism to freedom. I feel as if a great weight has been lifted and I am now free to truly worship the Lord anywhere, anytime, and am no longer bound to one specific building. I am no longer bound by all the man made rules, regulations, doctrines, commandments, word of wisdom, articles of faith, covenants, promises, endowments, priesthood, etc. of the Mormon religion. I have given my life to the Lord and am living my life in his will and not my own. My life is in his hands and not my own. I have been set free in Jesus! This I know cause the Word tells me so... This book, "The Changing World of Mormonism," is accurate, informative, well documented, and very useful. I would recommend that anyone read the information in this book. It is an eye opener and a must for any library.

This is a very well documented book. Most of the information is very easily cross referenced. I would recommend this book for those who wish to investigate Mormonism and its ever changing doctrine. The immense amount of factual reference is almost overwhelming. In most cases, it should be read carefully through the first 10 chapters and then indexed for further reading. A word to the wise though; this book is for non-Mormons. To share this book with a Mormon is the equivalent of giving a Bible to a Moslem.