What do you think?
Rate this book
Mormonism : Shadow or Reality?
Jerald and Sandra Tanner's most comprehensive and revealing work on Mormonism. "Mormonism-Shadow or Reality?" covers such topics changes in Joseph Smith's revelations, Joseph Smith's 1826 arrest for 'glass looking,' proof that the Book of Mormon is a product of the 19th century, changes in the Book of Mormon, archaeology and the Book of Mormon, changes in Joseph Smith's History, the First Vision, the Godhead, the Adam-God doctrine, the Priesthood, the missionary system, false prophecy, Joseph Smith's doctrine of polygamy, polygamy after the Manifesto and in Utah today, changing the anti-black doctrine, the rediscovery of the Joseph Smith Papyri and the fall of the Book of Abraham, Mormon scriptures and the Bible, changes in the Pearl of Great Price, Blood Atonement among the early Mormons, the Word of Wisdom, Council of 50, the Danites, the temple ceremony, changes in the temple ceremony and garments, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Mormonism and money, plus hundreds of other important subjects.
576 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1987
8 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Jerald Tanner
43 books8 followersFormer mormon, researcher of the mormon religion and co-founder of the Utah Lighthouse Ministry.
Tanner was raised as a mormon. But converted to christianity and founded the Utah Lighthouse Ministry with his wife.
Tanner was raised as a mormon. But converted to christianity and founded the Utah Lighthouse Ministry with his wife.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 2, 2014
This book is widely acknowledged and referenced as one of the best (though critical)source books on the Mormon Religion. The book was compiled by Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald: I say compiled because a large part of the the book is quotation, though, of course, with commentary. Both Tanners were brought up in Mormonism (Sandra is a direct descendant of Brigham Young, the Second Prophet of the church), but they left it in their early 20s and were subsequently excommunicated.
The value lies of the book lies in the degree to which it provides references and quotations. These come from the basic texts (The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price) as well as from the Journal of Discourses, the History of the Church, but from many, many other publications,documents, letters, and so on. It is not a book that I would recommend as an introductory text about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is too detailed for that and, though the material is very clear, it does perhaps assume that the reader has some familiarity with the beginnings and development of Mormonism, as well as of its current practices. Nor is it a book that practising and committed members of the church would necessarily want to read, since it directly challenges the tenets of the religion and its history, and, in my view as well as many others,does so with devastating effectiveness
The edition I read is that re-published and updated in 1972 (I recently obtained it second-hand). The latest edition is 2008
The value lies of the book lies in the degree to which it provides references and quotations. These come from the basic texts (The Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price) as well as from the Journal of Discourses, the History of the Church, but from many, many other publications,documents, letters, and so on. It is not a book that I would recommend as an introductory text about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It is too detailed for that and, though the material is very clear, it does perhaps assume that the reader has some familiarity with the beginnings and development of Mormonism, as well as of its current practices. Nor is it a book that practising and committed members of the church would necessarily want to read, since it directly challenges the tenets of the religion and its history, and, in my view as well as many others,does so with devastating effectiveness
The edition I read is that re-published and updated in 1972 (I recently obtained it second-hand). The latest edition is 2008
December 4, 2015
First of all, this book is a hefty beast. Its 571 pages are anything but typical. They're printed on 8.5" x 11" paper with a tiny font and narrow margins. Each chapter typically has 3 or 4 pages of updated material which are not paginated with advancing numbers, so these pages are not technically a part of the book's 571 pages, though I read every last one of them. If you're wondering why it took me so long to read this thing, the answer is twofold: 1) I was very busy and 2) This is just a ridiculous amount of material. It's practically a bottomless pit. I was somewhat surprised to find that there was an end to the book.
Beyond its physical size, I simply have to stand in awe of this book and the tireless work it represents. Frankly, I stand in awe of anyone who was able to discover the fact that the church is not true in the pre-internet age. That being the case, Jerald and Sandra Tanner are simply amazing in my estimation. While their work bears all the marks of amateur research, the amount of material they have collected is staggering. They are nothing if not absolutely thorough.
In reading this book from cover to cover rather than topically, I couldn't help but notice that it does jump from topic to topic with seemingly no connections between its many chapters other than the general theme of exposing the flaws of Mormon truth claims. It does not necessarily make for a gripping cover-to-cover read, but it is an indispensable work. I am glad to have read it, though I will admit to being more than a little glad to have finished it.
Beyond its physical size, I simply have to stand in awe of this book and the tireless work it represents. Frankly, I stand in awe of anyone who was able to discover the fact that the church is not true in the pre-internet age. That being the case, Jerald and Sandra Tanner are simply amazing in my estimation. While their work bears all the marks of amateur research, the amount of material they have collected is staggering. They are nothing if not absolutely thorough.
In reading this book from cover to cover rather than topically, I couldn't help but notice that it does jump from topic to topic with seemingly no connections between its many chapters other than the general theme of exposing the flaws of Mormon truth claims. It does not necessarily make for a gripping cover-to-cover read, but it is an indispensable work. I am glad to have read it, though I will admit to being more than a little glad to have finished it.
January 6, 2011
While this book has its flaws (it is especially given to conspiracy theorizing), it does contain a lot of useful information and analysis. I found the chapter on the Book of Abraham to be especially worthwhile. Whereas Charles Larson glossed over the relationship between the Kirtland Egyptian Papers and the Book of Abraham papyrus, the Tanners go into it in detail and provide plenty of (photocopied) illustrations to demonstrate their point. They also chronicle some of the antics of Book of Abraham apologists. This should probably be required reading for anyone who wants to discuss the Book of Abraham controversy.
October 11, 2013
Woot woot! Sandra will you be my adoptive grandmother? Love this book and the ministry. What a blessing!
May 6, 2025
Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? stands as one of the most meticulously researched and detailed examinations of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) ever published. First released in the 1960s and revised several times since, this book has had a profound impact on the study of Mormon history and doctrine—both among critics and within the broader sphere of religious scholarship.
The Tanners, former members of the LDS Church, approach their work with a rigorous investigative lens. What makes this book especially valuable is its vast compilation of primary sources—official church documents, early LDS writings, and direct quotes from church leaders—many of which were previously inaccessible to the average reader. The authors present this material in a way that allows readers to compare early church teachings with modern doctrines, highlighting inconsistencies and changes that have occurred over time.
Despite the book’s controversial nature, it deserves recognition for its contribution to religious transparency and historical inquiry. The Tanners do not simply assert their critiques—they provide the documentation so that readers can see the evidence for themselves. This scholarly approach invites readers to engage critically with the material and draw their own conclusions.
While the tone can be confrontational at times, Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? is undeniably a landmark work in Mormon studies. For those interested in religious history, theological development, or the evolution of American new religious movements, this book offers an extensive and thought-provoking resource. It may challenge long-held beliefs, but it also opens the door to deeper understanding and dialogue.
The Tanners, former members of the LDS Church, approach their work with a rigorous investigative lens. What makes this book especially valuable is its vast compilation of primary sources—official church documents, early LDS writings, and direct quotes from church leaders—many of which were previously inaccessible to the average reader. The authors present this material in a way that allows readers to compare early church teachings with modern doctrines, highlighting inconsistencies and changes that have occurred over time.
Despite the book’s controversial nature, it deserves recognition for its contribution to religious transparency and historical inquiry. The Tanners do not simply assert their critiques—they provide the documentation so that readers can see the evidence for themselves. This scholarly approach invites readers to engage critically with the material and draw their own conclusions.
While the tone can be confrontational at times, Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? is undeniably a landmark work in Mormon studies. For those interested in religious history, theological development, or the evolution of American new religious movements, this book offers an extensive and thought-provoking resource. It may challenge long-held beliefs, but it also opens the door to deeper understanding and dialogue.
December 23, 2019
This book was an old typed compilation of Mormon historical extracts with comments in between. It was a difficult read so I skimmed for info that was pertinent to me. The format was yellowed typing with many errors (from using an old typewriter), but there was a wealth of information from the excerpts of Mormon archives. The historical data was very eye opening!
September 22, 2025
I own, and continue reading, the fifth edition, under licensing agreement 2013 with Utah Lighthouse Ministry. Devastating to the religion as a whole. Fascinating to read. "I no longer look to any organization as my source of moral authority, I have taken that on myself", attributed to Dr. Julie Hanks, is now my position, but not just because of this book.
July 23, 2023
Incredibly thorough, this tears apart the fundamental teaching of the LDS church from Joseph Smith's prophecies to the church's attempt to suppress information. Highly recommend for anyone researching Mormonism or who is a Mormon themselves.
September 27, 2023
A LOT of information. I mean SO MUCH INFORMATION it was nearly overwhelming. But I’m glad I read it. It’s important to know.
August 24, 2011
For anyone wanting a virtual encyclopaedia of the facts behind the lies that make up Mormonism - this is the ultimate reference book. It is not something most people would read through cover to cover - although I have. I also used it extensively to check my own facts when writing on this subject. An invaluable work and highly recommended.
November 22, 2009
Even though this is very biased against Mormonism it is is good source of historical material you cannot find anywhere else. Their quotes are usually accurate, but their conclusions are often warped.
September 23, 2011
Fascinating read. Comprised mainly of Mormonism's own historical documents and letters
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews