Rating: 
Summary: Awesome
Review:
I just finished reading the book, The Mormon Conspiracy, and I felt compelled to write a review. I was skeptical of the testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon from day one, but was assured that it was only because I didn't know enough yet to understand it. I had always been interested in archaeology and I knew a lot about what Mesoamerica was like because of the archaeological data. So I knew that much of what was in the Book of Mormon was simply false. But I continued to pretend that I had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of everything the church leaders taught because I wanted so badly to believe and to be one of them. I went back to school to get an Associate's degree. Then in fall of 2001, I was working on homework in Critical Reasoning, one of my classes, when the missionaries stopped by one night and visited us. One of them asked me why I never attended church with my husband as I should. I told them that I had some problems to work out (my usual answer because it was easy to accept since I'm putting the blame for my lack of faith on myself and not the church). He then asked me if I believed that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, and I almost said automatically, yes (it's so ingrained in us to answer that way). But by this time my critical reasoning skills (which Carl Sagan had termed a "bologna detection kit") had been sharpened in my class, and I was beginning to have the courage to challenge illogical claims. I thought for a moment and said that I never knew the man and could not say whether he was a prophet or a fraud. He asked me to kneel down right there and pray about it. I said no, I had a better idea. Since everything I knew about Joseph Smith had come to me from the people who wanted me to believe that Smith was a prophet, I would research the man and find objective documented information on him and share what I found with them. I did my research and it was incredibly upsetting. At times I felt physically sick. I can't explain the turmoil going on inside me. Before long, I had read all about not only Joseph Smith, but everything else connected with him. The Mormon church is fond of saying, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". That's probably the truest thing the church has ever said. I felt both elated that it wasn't me that was wrong, and angry that I had been lied to all these years-I suffered spiritual abuse at the hands of people I had put my trust in! I am currently a student, living on campus and majoring in Anthropology. I am learning in depth all about the ancient people of this hemisphere from Northern Canada to South America. More importantly, I am learning to be a scholar with a scrupulous intellectual honesty. A few weeks ago, I saw a review of The Mormon Conspiracy and decided that I would like to read it, and finally bought it and found the time to read it (in a day and a half). It scared the hell out me, to be blunt. I have been threatened with excommunication (on charges of speaking against the Lord's anointed and immorality) if I speak against the church to anyone else. One person that I think should read The Mormon Conspiracy is one of the students in my class, America Before Columbus. I feel so sorry for her because when the instructor was discussing the origin of the native people in this hemisphere and the hypotheses regarding how they got here (by way of the Bering land bridge and the ice- free corridor, and other possibilities) she suggested that they came over from the middle east on a boat. She stated that the Book of Mormon that tells exactly where the first people came from and how they lived. He told her (politely of course) that the Book of Mormon was very wrong and as we go through the semester, she will learn of all the verifiable archaeological evidence that proves that it is wrong. She tried to argue with him and she seemed upset. When I was preparing to leave to start the Fall semester, my home teacher and bishop came by to see me. I was "counseled" by the bishop to change my major to something more appropriate for a good latter-day saint woman. He suggested that it would not build my testimony to study subjects that contradict what God has revealed to us pertaining to who we are and where we came from. Sorry for making this so long, but it felt good to tell someone how I have felt, and that I think the book, The Mormon Conspiracy is awesome. It needs to be read by everyone. It has inspired me to action.
Rating: 
Summary: well, let's set the record straight.
Review: After reading the book and also reading several of the other reviews, I'm almost brought to tears.. with laughter. Maybe I'm just being insensitive, but let's start from the beginning.
There are many claims in the book that are patently false, as well as some accurate descriptions of Mormon culture in Utah and the surrounding areas. It's important to make the distinction between culture and religion, because in any area where there is a high concentration of a single belief, strange legends, myths, behaviors, and stories arise. Take Catholisism for instance, has anyone viewed the movie Stigmata? It's making fun of many of the "urban legends" that have arose around Catholisim, many of which are not endorsed by the official church. The same applies to Utah Mormonism.
Personally, I'm agnostic, but have investigated several religions. I've actually been in contact with Mormon perople in three states(SC, UT, NC) and two countries, (USA, Italy) And can attest to the truth of this last point myself. Next, I find it humourus that the book speaks about "threats" the Mormons have made against their followers. The book desribes the "power" the mormon leaders have over their people, and how dangerous it is.
There are many, many people who hate the Mormons, and if any reports of threats, or other shady activity were true, than there surely would have been a lawsuit brought against the Mormon leaders by now. Again, take the Catholics (Note to Catholic people, I'm in now way trying to bash your Church more than the Mormons, I'm only trying to draw parallels between all organized religon).
The Mormons have no more power over their people than any other religion, and any threats of "going to hell if you are bad" are simply copies of all other modern Christianity. Again, no better or worse than other religions. As far as being "excommunicated" from the religion for betraying it, this is simply a common theme with ALL religions and ALL Governement. In the US, the punishment for treason is death in some cases, much less than simply being expelled from the group. Any religion organized here has no more power than the government, and simply can not do anything that is illegal by US regs. Furthermore, the Mormons have no official presence in countries that do not provide for freedom of religion. China for instance.
Also, the book desribes the history of the church, as dredged up by the author and others. If anybody has watched the History channel, they know that the "history" of things changes all the time. The other day I was watching a special that was claiming that concentration camps in Germany never happened, it was all propoganda by the Allies. The true history of anything will never be known, simply because people are biased, insecure, and power hungry. It is nearly impossible to eliminate these from any understanding of the world. Anybody who says otherwise, has not studied enough psychology. The history of the Mormons, as given by the Mormons, is probably a rose-colored glasses version. History given by any opposed to the Mormons, is the opposite.
Finally I want to address the description of people being troubled by the beliefs and having the book clear them up. What you were suffering from is well known. It's called "Cognetive Dissonance." I suggest you study up on it. Basically, The reason you were troubled by the beliefs is that you had already decided they were false, but you needed to justify your position. The book provided that justification.
In closing, If you want to know about Mormon culture, myth, legend, and supposed conspriracy, read this book. It is actually pretty interesting. If you want to know what the Mormons believe, I suggest you take the time to interview one. I found nothing of value myself, but at least I'm not bigoted against a belief I don't understand.
JP
Rating: 
Summary: follow the holy ghost, not meer words
Review: all truth is recognized by one who can see light. everyone has this ability. if one wants to assume untruth in the "mormon" church, (a name given to "mormons" by enemies of the church), i would recommend picking up a copy of "The Book of Mormon" instead. What you will surprisingly find is the same light and truth that illuminates the bible. Finding something false without checking it out for yourself is likened unto foolishness. i highly reccomend the "book of mormon" instead of this book, as the truths within are much less biased, and one cannot not know truth or untruth unless experienced firsthand. Also, don't attempt to only go through "The Book of Mormon" only to prove it wrong. Try it out- you may just like it. The fact is, a lot of "mormons" act really weird and use funny slang, but judging an idea by the participants of itself would also be likened unto a falsehood. All people may know truth. Find truth for yourself, find life and happiness for yourself, and oh yes, "mormons" are Christians. Very much so
Rating: 
Summary: A long rant
Review: As an ex-Mormon return missionary, I have to admit that the book is accurate in the portrayal of the Utah Mormon Church. The financial power base of the church tends to be glossed over and this chapter alone makes it worth picking up a copy to read. However, it should be noted the author seems like he carries a lot of baggage from his LDS days. The book could have been half as long taking out the repetitive sections and the long-winded rants from other disaffected ex-members. Those in Utah and surrounding states have the culture described in the book, but the further out into the missionary field the church culture is not so stridently all encompassing of members' lives and more nearly matches mainstream American culture.
Rating:
Summary: The message is worth heeding, but...
Review: Dr. Wood's "The Mormon Conspiracy" is a short presentation of the history and modern agenda of the Mormon Church -- an agenda that is often glossed over or altogether ignored by mainstream society. As Dr. Wood repeatedly asserts, the LDS church's agenda is -- at best -- questionable, and -- at worst -- unseemly. Although I found his claims consistent w/ some of my observations, there are other books that temper Dr. Wood's rant-like writing style with cold, objective, fact presentation. Two such books are Brodie's "No Man Knows My History" and Abanes' "One Nation Under Gods". I gave Dr. Wood's book two stars simply because the book does not reflect the writing style of someone w/ a Ph.D. A cursory edit of the manuscript prior to publication could have gone a long way!
Rating:
Summary: Connect the dots
Review: For the naysayers who criticize the book they are most likely Mormons and as their history shows, they will fight vehemently against any negative press of the religion. Those who are not Mormon and criticize the book have no basis for their critique as in all liklihood, they don't know the full doctrine or true history of the church. The Mormons have spent massive amounts of money in the last 25 years to purchase a mainstream religious image. They have also stayed busy revising their history lest the average American actually know the real truth behind all those wonderful temples and really nice people of which the majority are nice. They really believe they are the chosen people of God to bring in the Second Coming.So how do I know anything about the Mormons? I am a fifth generation Mormon descended from one of Brigham Young's wives and trust me their goal is a one world government with the Mormon Prophet and Apostles at the helm. I know because that is what was taught to me starting at age three, the general age your Mormon indoctination begins. With Mormons you get only one view of church history, that the Mormons were innocent and persecuted mercilessly in Missouri, Ohio, and Illinois. They leave out the part where Joseph Smith had an organized, armed militia that harassed perceived enemies with violence. Dr. Wood presents a view of the Mormon Church doctrines and history that is accurate despite what even many Mormons themselves believe, as "The Authorities" make sure that only upper echelon men in the "Priesthood" truly know what the short and long term plans of this church are. For more information read "One Nation Under Gods" and you will find the Dr. Woods' book is not so far fetched. In fact you may even come to believe that the Mormon church is closer to it's radical goal of a Mormon global theocracy than you think. Just think a Mormon in the Whitehouse could it be? The answer is yes his name is Karl Rove.
Rating:
Summary: A Perspective I have sought for years
Review: From a Utah reader: "The Mormon Conspiracy" provides the reader with many cogent facts about the organization and history of the Mormon Church. I was born into a Salt Lake Mormon family in 1924. Prior to volunteering for the Army in 1943, our family lived for the Church and spent many hours listening to speakers' versions of salvation. The Army assigned me to a combat tank battalion, which gave support to an infantry division. This infantry division spearheaded many of the battles in the European Theatre of War. Spiritually. I believed there was a God over us. This gave me comfort even though there were no church meetings, no singing, no praying, no voices of eternal damnation if you did not worship the LDS way, no studying of the hard to understand book of Mormon and no testimony recitations about the Joseph Smith story. In France and on into Germany with combat forces, I experienced a spirituality that trusted in Christ and his teachings. That spirituality is what I cherish today. When I got back to Salt Lake, I found returning to the insipid routine of Mormonism frustrating and confusing, What ever moral guilt or sorrow I felt for having served in WWII was never addressed in the LDS Church. When my wife died in 1969, I got a temple recommend to have her posthumously married to me and my three minor children sealed to us for eternity, as prescribed by Mormonism. The temple ceremony was one of my life's greatest shocks. Not only was it an obvious cult ritual but also was personally abhorrent. Since this ritual, I have not been active in the Church. However, I have struggled emotionally with vague feelings, thoughts and troubled by the incongruities I have experienced in mentally questioning the Church's claim of legitimacy. In my view, "The Mormon Conspiracy" has pulled together historical and other data that reveals the true Mormon Church. Prior to reading this book, I read a few of the books and articles quoted in the endnotes. These did not give me all the information I sought. This book has helped me answer questions "Why is the official Church history told to members different from its historical truth? Why is the Church so overzealous in excommunicating members who research and publish their research about the Church's true history? Why does the hierarchy, "the brethren" continue to hide the true facts from its congregation? I believe the answers to my questions are found in the control of money and the power "the brethren" have in their appointed positions. I believe if the brethren communicated and educated "True Believing Mormons" about its true history, its organization and wealth, there would be a vast defection and flight from Mormonism. The evidence is overwhelming that the Book of Mormon and gospel is a fraud promulgated by Joseph Smith and the hierarchy who followed him. By giving a true history, the brethren, the power seekers, would lose the power and political pursuits for which they lust. They would lose control of people and money. They would fail to gain the imagined afterlife they seek in the "celestial kingdom" as taught by the Church. The control of money, the control of people and the imagined power in the afterlife are impregnable motives to hide the true history, wealth and worldwide aims of the Mormon Church. I recommend this book "The Mormon Conspiracy" to everyone. It is a must reading for all Americans and an exposé for anyone lost in Mormonism. Hopefully, this book, as it becomes well known, will help stop the Mormon Church's insidious growth. I am thankful, that this book has been written since it has given me the perspective I have sought for years.
Rating:
Summary: Truth, Not Blind Faith
Review: I really enjoyed reading this non fiction account of Utah government. I call it that because that's who runs this state, the Mormons, I know we live here. I learned alot, but nothing that really surprised me, just confirmed a lot of suspicions. I've already read Under The Banner of Heaven and that was an eye opener! Because there were so many references to the truth in The Mormon Conspiracy I'll really dig into "the truth" concerning Mormons.
Rating:
Summary: Highly Recommend Reading
Review: Read the real story of this 50 billion dollar empire which some refer to as MORMON.INC - It is more a billion dollar corporation than it is a religion.
Mormonism's founder Joseph Smith was a very charismatic charlatan. Up until he wrote and published the Book of Mormon he and his whole family never put in an honest days worth of work, but were instead involved for years in illegal 'get rich quick' money making schemes. He in fact admitted that he detested having to actually physically work for his money.
Prior to his discover of the 'Golden Plates' which became the Book of Mormon he led folks on numerous treasure digging operations in the area where he lived. He claimed he could find buried gold treasure using his 'peepstone.' For this service he charged a fee, but then made his customers dig for the buried treasure, which was never found. He simply sat around watching and supervising the dig.
Just prior to him digging up his 'Golden Plates' he was taken to a court of law by some of his gold digging victims. He was found guilty by a judge of being disorderly and also an impostor. He admitted in court that he couldn't find any gold or treasure with his 'peepstone.' He was accused of having used his peepstone for three years to try (unsuccessfully), to find such things as hidden treasure, lost property, money, gold, a salt spring, and a buried trunk.
He later skiped out of a town in the middle of the night when a bank he founded went broke and he was about to be arrested for bank fraud. He took off owing thousands of dollars to both Mormons and non-Mormons. Many of his victims lost everything and went bankrupt. They were summarily excommunicated from his church when they complained or filed charged against Smith. Neither he nor the Mormon Church ever repaid any of his stolen bank money. In todays economy this money would be in the millions.
The entire Mormon religion is based on lies by the likes of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young up to and including the current leader Gordon B. Hinkley.
The history of the Mormon Church shows us that sometimes just a handful of men, dedicated to a cause, can gain control of a government,(witness Lenin's gaining control of Russia in 1917 and Hitler's rise to power in Germany in 1932).
This book is well researched and highly documented, with many of the source materials beings taken directly from Mormon Church histories and diaries of early Mormon pioneers. Including the numerous volumes of the 'Journal of Discourses' written by the second president of the church Brigham Young.
Rating:
Summary: Awesome Book
Review: Reviewer: A reader from CA
I just finished reading the book, The Mormon Conspiracy, and I felt compelled to write a review. I was skeptical of the testimony of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon from day one, but was assured that it was only because I didn't know enough yet to understand it. I had always been interested in archaeology and I knew a lot about what Mesoamerica was like because of the archaeological data. So I knew that much of what was in the Book of Mormon was simply false. But I continued to pretend that I had a strong testimony of the truthfulness of everything the church leaders taught because I wanted so badly to believe and to be one of them. I went back to school to get an Associate's degree. Then in fall of 2001, I was working on homework in Critical Reasoning, one of my classes, when the missionaries stopped by one night and visited us. One of them asked me why I never attended church with my husband as I should. I told them that I had some problems to work out (my usual answer because it was easy to accept since I'm putting the blame for my lack of faith on myself and not the church). He then asked me if I believed that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, and I almost said automatically, yes (it's so ingrained in us to answer that way). But by this time my critical reasoning skills (which Carl Sagan had termed a "bologna detection kit") had been sharpened in my class, and I was beginning to have the courage to challenge illogical claims. I thought for a moment and said that I never knew the man and could not say whether he was a prophet or a fraud. He asked me to kneel down right there and pray about it. I said no, I had a better idea. Since everything I knew about Joseph Smith had come to me from the people who wanted me to believe that Smith was a prophet, I would research the man and find objective documented information on him and share what I found with them. I did my research and it was incredibly upsetting. At times I felt physically sick. I can't explain the turmoil going on inside me. Before long, I had read all about not only Joseph Smith, but everything else connected with him. The Mormon church is fond of saying, "And ye shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free". That's probably the truest thing the church has ever said. I felt both elated that it wasn't me that was wrong, and angry that I had been lied to all these years-I suffered spiritual abuse at the hands of people I had put my trust in! I am currently a student, living on campus and majoring in Anthropology. I am learning in depth all about the ancient people of this hemisphere from Northern Canada to South America. More importantly, I am learning to be a scholar with a scrupulous intellectual honesty. A few weeks ago, I saw a review of The Mormon Conspiracy and decided that I would like to read it, and finally bought it and found the time to read it (in a day and a half). It scared the hell out me, to be blunt. I have been threatened with excommunication (on charges of speaking against the Lord's anointed and immorality) if I speak against the church to anyone else. One person that I think should read The Mormon Conspiracy is one of the students in my class, America Before Columbus. I feel so sorry for her because when the instructor was discussing the origin of the native people in this hemisphere and the hypotheses regarding how they got here (by way of the Bering land bridge and the ice- free corridor, and other possibilities) she suggested that they came over from the middle east on a boat. She stated that the Book of Mormon that tells exactly where the first people came from and how they lived. He told her (politely of course) that the Book of Mormon was very wrong and as we go through the semester, she will learn of all the verifiable archaeological evidence that proves that it is wrong. She tried to argue with him and she seemed upset. When I was preparing to leave to start the Fall semester, my home teacher and bishop came by to see me. I was "counseled" by the bishop to change my major to something more appropriate for a good latter-day saint woman. He suggested that it would not build my testimony to study subjects that contradict what God has revealed to us pertaining to who we are and where we came from. Sorry for making this so long, but it felt good to tell someone how I have felt, and that I think the book, The Mormon Conspiracy is awesome. It needs to be read by everyone. It has inspired me to action.
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