ROUNDTABLE REVIEWS'

Richard Abanes Page

Harvest House
ISBN: 0736913556
August 2004
Religious Non-Fiction
www.abanes.com

Reviewed By Jim Bless

In his latest literary endeavor, Richard Abanes offers BECOMING GODS for your reading perusal. This sequel to its predecessor, ONE NATION UNDER GODS: A HISTORY OF THE MORMON CHURCH, presents an evangelical counter view of "Mormonism".  Abanes, a well recognized authority on religions of the world, claims no less than twelve books penned by him. BECOMING GODS explores some very basic well known (and not so well known) evangelical questions and statements concerning The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day saints.

Readers of this work will be able to glean a portion of insight of how and what Mormons believe, and why they believe the way they do. Moreover, the author expresses the need for non-Mormons and Mormons alike to understand the quirks of this radically different religion in greater depth. This book was the most difficult review I have written to date. Perhaps it is because I am well acquainted with the subject matter. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, I tediously read the pages with great curiosity, to see what (if any) new arguments against Mormons would be shared with the gentle readers.

In true evangelical fashion, Abanes presents a varied smorgasbord of secrets concerning the Mormons. It is apparent that the author spent a great deal of time researching this book. Although almost completely negative, to his credit, Abanes, unlike most authors denouncing the L.D.S. church, was not vindictive or insulting. The arguments presented were tactfully and respectfully offered. Also, the author was correct that both camps need more understanding; I would further expand this by adding that main-stream Christians and "Mormon Christians" need to spend more time working together to solve world problems than mud slinging and nit-picking.

While I can appreciate his concerns, I do have a few issues that concerned me the most. Without getting deep into a discussion, I am aware the non-L.D.S. public does not accept the BOOK OF MORMON as scripture. The main argument is "do not change or add to God's word". Of course, this is vital. However, while Mormons believe it to be God's word, the evangelical deny it, while at the same time believe it is ok to change words in the BIBLE to make it easier to read.  Case in point; read James 1 : 5 from the King James version , and compare it to the same passages from: New American Standard New English Bible New International Version.  As one can see, it leaves Mormons scratching their heads in wonder of how evangelicals can denounce the BOOK OF MORMON.

Also, of course, polygamy is brought up, and Abanes argues vehemently against it, sharing scriptural passages that show it was not of God. However, Mormons can argue the same tactical way with verses that are in support of plural marriage. The point that troubled me is that the author failed to mention that polygamy was a answer because of the rape, murder, and expulsions of the Mormon peoples by so-called Christians. Finally, again I believe the author is not being deceitful in his book, but simply misinformed on the "whole picture of Mormonism". I hold no animosity towards him, or his book. In fact his other books have perked my interest.

In closing, I can only express my testimony of the truth of The Book of Mormon and the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The rest is up to the readers of BECOMING GODS to further expand their quest for the truth of Mormonism, by accepting Abanes book at face value, or by reading L.D.S. material as well, and then making their own choice.

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