What do you think?
Rate this book
An American Fraud: One Lawyer's Case Against Mormonism
AN AMERICAN FRAUD: One Lawyer's Case against Mormonism
"Each of us has to face the matter--either the Church is true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the Church and kingdom of God or it is nothing."--LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley, April Conference, 2003.
Many Mormons assume that this and other similar proclamations by Mormon Leaders are rhetorical statements. But what if the LDS leaders meant something else? It is estimated that more than 1-1.5 million Mormons have resigned from the LDS Church since 1995. This book exposes why there is such a recent, formal abandonment of Mormonism by, in many cases, previously devout members of the Church.
Admittedly, the LDS Church "stands or falls," on the divinity of "The Book of Mormon." However, it has been proven that "The Book of Mormon" is not a translation of ancient American history engraved in "reformed Egyptian," on golden plates buried by an early American prophet. Instead, it has been shown to be a 19th-century work of fiction authored by Joseph Smith and perhaps others.
Until the advent of widespread internet access, most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, rarely read outside the strictly proscribed canonized scriptures, books and magazines approved by Church leaders. But over the past 10-15 years, Mormons have begun to discover facts about LDS history that had only previously been known to very few, mainly scholarly historians of Mormonism.
Through the discovery of these primary historical sources, now available on numerous internet sites, most intelligent and curious Mormons have reached a critical point and are furious. If they read, they have become disaffected and disoriented. Many are experiencing existential crises. Those who refuse to look outside Mormon Society for Truth have become increasingly self-righteous and insular.
The first third of "An American Fraud: One Lawyer's Case against Mormonism," chronicles the Author's journey out of the Religion. The second two-thirds of the Book, the last six chapters, are an exposé including an analysis under the law. The Author, an experienced civil trial attorney, places the activities of Mormon Leaders over almost two centuries in their proper legal framework, analyzing not only the misrepresentations, but the resulting damages: political, environmental and especially psycho-social.
Ms. Burningham writes that a determination of whether Mormon Leaders have historically misrepresented the origins of LDS theology does not involve a judicial evaluation of the truth of religious beliefs and is therefore not beyond the reach of the American legal system--it is not constitutionally barred. The issue is not whether Jesus Christ is the Son of God, or the efficacy of prayer. These things could never be determined by a secular court of law. Instead, the fraud committed by generations of Mormon Leaders is that they have misrepresented the facts surrounding the source of their scriptures, presenting that source as divine, when they have known otherwise.
Neither the golden plates, nor the writings by the Old Testament prophet, Abraham, claimed to have been inscribed on Egyptian papyri, ever existed. Furthermore, the claimed visitations by biblical apostles to restore lost priesthoods to Smith and his colleagues never occurred. Yet for decades LDS leaders have at least ignored, if not suppressed and grossly misrepresented, the true facts surrounding Mormonism's origins, reworking and re-packaging the founding facts and the theology as necessary.
Those who joined the Church or continued on in the Religion reasonably relied on LDS leaders' misrepresentations to their significant detriment. Given what has been proven about its sources, the Author claims that the Mormon Religion cannot continue to be defended under any guise as a religious organization for the good of its members.
"Each of us has to face the matter--either the Church is true, or it is a fraud. There is no middle ground. It is the Church and kingdom of God or it is nothing."--LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley, April Conference, 2003.
Many Mormons assume that this and other similar proclamations by Mormon Leaders are rhetorical statements. But what if the LDS leaders meant something else? It is estimated that more than 1-1.5 million Mormons have resigned from the LDS Church since 1995. This book exposes why there is such a recent, formal abandonment of Mormonism by, in many cases, previously devout members of the Church.
Admittedly, the LDS Church "stands or falls," on the divinity of "The Book of Mormon." However, it has been proven that "The Book of Mormon" is not a translation of ancient American history engraved in "reformed Egyptian," on golden plates buried by an early American prophet. Instead, it has been shown to be a 19th-century work of fiction authored by Joseph Smith and perhaps others.
Until the advent of widespread internet access, most members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, rarely read outside the strictly proscribed canonized scriptures, books and magazines approved by Church leaders. But over the past 10-15 years, Mormons have begun to discover facts about LDS history that had only previously been known to very few, mainly scholarly historians of Mormonism.
Through the discovery of these primary historical sources, now available on numerous internet sites, most intelligent and curious Mormons have reached a critical point and are furious. If they read, they have become disaffected and disoriented. Many are experiencing existential crises. Those who refuse to look outside Mormon Society for Truth have become increasingly self-righteous and insular.
The first third of "An American Fraud: One Lawyer's Case against Mormonism," chronicles the Author's journey out of the Religion. The second two-thirds of the Book, the last six chapters, are an exposé including an analysis under the law. The Author, an experienced civil trial attorney, places the activities of Mormon Leaders over almost two centuries in their proper legal framework, analyzing not only the misrepresentations, but the resulting damages: political, environmental and especially psycho-social.
Ms. Burningham writes that a determination of whether Mormon Leaders have historically misrepresented the origins of LDS theology does not involve a judicial evaluation of the truth of religious beliefs and is therefore not beyond the reach of the American legal system--it is not constitutionally barred. The issue is not whether Jesus Christ is the Son of God, or the efficacy of prayer. These things could never be determined by a secular court of law. Instead, the fraud committed by generations of Mormon Leaders is that they have misrepresented the facts surrounding the source of their scriptures, presenting that source as divine, when they have known otherwise.
Neither the golden plates, nor the writings by the Old Testament prophet, Abraham, claimed to have been inscribed on Egyptian papyri, ever existed. Furthermore, the claimed visitations by biblical apostles to restore lost priesthoods to Smith and his colleagues never occurred. Yet for decades LDS leaders have at least ignored, if not suppressed and grossly misrepresented, the true facts surrounding Mormonism's origins, reworking and re-packaging the founding facts and the theology as necessary.
Those who joined the Church or continued on in the Religion reasonably relied on LDS leaders' misrepresentations to their significant detriment. Given what has been proven about its sources, the Author claims that the Mormon Religion cannot continue to be defended under any guise as a religious organization for the good of its members.
782 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2011
73 people are currently reading
176 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 26, 2014
Kay Burningham's book is in two parts. The first few chapters are semi-autobiographical, giving a view of her life and times within the Mormon cult, partly spent in the Salt Lake valley. There are snippets of information regarding the truth behind the hoax of Mormonism included along the way. They are integrated well and you quickly get to know Kay and her experiences in a well written, enthralling (and informative) way. It gets more intense in the rest of the book where Kay describes many more aspects of Mormon Church history and claimed beliefs which are based on provable fiction.
This forms the basis of a 'case' against the Church - for using knowingly fraudulent claims in teaching members and investigators, who then not only live according to Mormon dictates but also part with ten percent of their income annually, in order to attend Mormon temples in this life and claim a 'celestial' heavenly abode in the next. Kay views Church claims as a trial lawyer with three decades of experience and puts the case for fraud very clearly and succinctly. Proof that so-called Mormon scriptures are of dubious nineteenth century origin and that Church leaders must know the truth are exposed constantly. There is not too much in the way of legal jargon and the salient points can be easily followed. There are interesting appendices featuring details of actual cases against the Church, usually regarding abuse by leaders or employees, and also case histories of other trials where people made claims against religious organisations.
In light of the currently pending case against the Mormon Church in the UK, where the Mormon leader, Thomas S. Monson, has been summoned to appear in front of magistrates in London (in March 2014), charged with some of the same fraudulent claims Kay discusses, it will be interesting to see if anything comes of the case. There is no doubt about the fraud, it is provable in law, but will the court decide to prosecute the Church or will it fight shy of interfering with religious freedom to defraud people? Time will tell. Meanwhile, Kay's book is a great precursor to the forthcoming real life 'case' against Monson as sole owner of the 'corporation' which isn't actually registered as a Church in the traditional manner at all.
I can't say I personally learned anything new in this book, but that is not surprising as I have written five volumes on Mormonism myself and would have been surprised had I missed much. However, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the ride through this well documented and engaging read which will be enjoyed by anyone wanting to know the truth or just wanting to know how things may be viewed from a legal perspective. It is worthy of five stars, both from the 'readabilty' and also 'accuracy' points of view. If, like me, there is not a lot more you could learn about the Church per se, I think you would still enjoy this book and Kay's experiences, her refreshing and unusual approach to discussing the hoax, and her logical conclusions.
Jim Whitefield ~ author of 'The Mormon Delusion' series.
This forms the basis of a 'case' against the Church - for using knowingly fraudulent claims in teaching members and investigators, who then not only live according to Mormon dictates but also part with ten percent of their income annually, in order to attend Mormon temples in this life and claim a 'celestial' heavenly abode in the next. Kay views Church claims as a trial lawyer with three decades of experience and puts the case for fraud very clearly and succinctly. Proof that so-called Mormon scriptures are of dubious nineteenth century origin and that Church leaders must know the truth are exposed constantly. There is not too much in the way of legal jargon and the salient points can be easily followed. There are interesting appendices featuring details of actual cases against the Church, usually regarding abuse by leaders or employees, and also case histories of other trials where people made claims against religious organisations.
In light of the currently pending case against the Mormon Church in the UK, where the Mormon leader, Thomas S. Monson, has been summoned to appear in front of magistrates in London (in March 2014), charged with some of the same fraudulent claims Kay discusses, it will be interesting to see if anything comes of the case. There is no doubt about the fraud, it is provable in law, but will the court decide to prosecute the Church or will it fight shy of interfering with religious freedom to defraud people? Time will tell. Meanwhile, Kay's book is a great precursor to the forthcoming real life 'case' against Monson as sole owner of the 'corporation' which isn't actually registered as a Church in the traditional manner at all.
I can't say I personally learned anything new in this book, but that is not surprising as I have written five volumes on Mormonism myself and would have been surprised had I missed much. However, I can say I thoroughly enjoyed the ride through this well documented and engaging read which will be enjoyed by anyone wanting to know the truth or just wanting to know how things may be viewed from a legal perspective. It is worthy of five stars, both from the 'readabilty' and also 'accuracy' points of view. If, like me, there is not a lot more you could learn about the Church per se, I think you would still enjoy this book and Kay's experiences, her refreshing and unusual approach to discussing the hoax, and her logical conclusions.
Jim Whitefield ~ author of 'The Mormon Delusion' series.
November 30, 2020
Two for one.The first half of the book is memoir outlining her personal struggle with Mormonism, Patriarchy, and individual freedom. The second half is a lawyer's definitive, critical, and authoritative case against the church. This is the book you do not want to read if you are not willing to be set free. She nails your eyelids open. Should be on every bookshelf in Utah for starters and on every desk in the United States Congress.
September 24, 2012
Lots of interesting things revealed regarding the history and creation of a uniquely American religion. Of special interest is the less-than-wholesome character of the religion's founders, Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.
April 3, 2014
Currently only 39% of the way through, but two important things:
The first section, while only earning about 3/5 stars in my mind, is an important window into what it is like growing up Mormon. Some of it is more the authors personal experience and only reflect how badly the culture treats women, but it is well worth reading.
The second half is more damning. Historical records, documents, court cases, testimony.... All well documented. The fact that this religion is allowed to exist given their history, fraud, lies, and outright disgusting behavior should embarrass any human being with even a hint moral fiber.
The first section, while only earning about 3/5 stars in my mind, is an important window into what it is like growing up Mormon. Some of it is more the authors personal experience and only reflect how badly the culture treats women, but it is well worth reading.
The second half is more damning. Historical records, documents, court cases, testimony.... All well documented. The fact that this religion is allowed to exist given their history, fraud, lies, and outright disgusting behavior should embarrass any human being with even a hint moral fiber.
September 23, 2011
Ms. Burningham opens with a touching account of her early years within the LDS faith. She follows with an extensively researched look at the history behind the churches early years. Her detailed outline debunks many of the myths perpetuated by the LDS church. This is a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of religions or the LDS faith. Well written, clear, and concise.
April 30, 2023
Well documented and presented. However, if one only looks deeply enough, ALL religions, without exception, are basically fraud. They are all built on lies, imagination, fear, greed and promises.
May 12, 2014
Kay Burningham was born into Mormonism,steeped in its culture and shaped by it. When she was old enough she went to college (Mormon) and studied law. And this is why she is the ideal person to write this book.
The book is comprised of two sections. The first is really a memoir outlining the author's life from her seemingly idyllic child hood through a difficult early adulthood to difficult relationships and marriages. The second part in a look at the history of Mormonism, highlighting the inconsistencies in the stories surrounding the founders of Mormonism, the misogyny and racism contained in its 'scriptures' and the frankly laughable idea that Joseph Smith is in some way a prophet.
The book is largely well written and enjoyable. The fact that the author is trained in law informs many of the arguments that she makes against the faith of her birth, and where she cites sources they are often legal in nature. I would comment that there are a few times where it is obvious that the book needed a bit more proofing. Some of the historical events of Mormonism happened in, and around a place called Deseret (a 'state' that the Mormons claimed and founded), and yet repeatedly the name is mistyped as Desert.
I would also say that having outlined everything that is wrong with Mormonism in some detail, there is a chapter where the author frames her own belief, and ends up proving to be a fan of woo. Despite having reached the almost inevitable conclusion that Mormonism is little more than a ponzi scheme the author writes about spirituality in a way that felt like it seriously undermined the rest of her book.
For my own part, the book felt like a litany of all of the silly things that are part of Mormonism, but if I'd had a paper copy rather than a Kindle version, I would probably have felt like writing 'and other religions are better how?' as the problems with Mormonism re-occur in most other religions too.
To cut a long review short: Interesting evisceration of Mormonism which could be expanded to include all the other silly religions.
The book is comprised of two sections. The first is really a memoir outlining the author's life from her seemingly idyllic child hood through a difficult early adulthood to difficult relationships and marriages. The second part in a look at the history of Mormonism, highlighting the inconsistencies in the stories surrounding the founders of Mormonism, the misogyny and racism contained in its 'scriptures' and the frankly laughable idea that Joseph Smith is in some way a prophet.
The book is largely well written and enjoyable. The fact that the author is trained in law informs many of the arguments that she makes against the faith of her birth, and where she cites sources they are often legal in nature. I would comment that there are a few times where it is obvious that the book needed a bit more proofing. Some of the historical events of Mormonism happened in, and around a place called Deseret (a 'state' that the Mormons claimed and founded), and yet repeatedly the name is mistyped as Desert.
I would also say that having outlined everything that is wrong with Mormonism in some detail, there is a chapter where the author frames her own belief, and ends up proving to be a fan of woo. Despite having reached the almost inevitable conclusion that Mormonism is little more than a ponzi scheme the author writes about spirituality in a way that felt like it seriously undermined the rest of her book.
For my own part, the book felt like a litany of all of the silly things that are part of Mormonism, but if I'd had a paper copy rather than a Kindle version, I would probably have felt like writing 'and other religions are better how?' as the problems with Mormonism re-occur in most other religions too.
To cut a long review short: Interesting evisceration of Mormonism which could be expanded to include all the other silly religions.
Read
September 7, 2015As I progress in this well documented book, I find that there have been so many who have totally investigated the validity of the Book of Mormon, it was somewhat surprising to me. I always like to investigate issues when there is lots of documentation. I try to imagine myself in that time with the issues at hand. I am totally enjoying this book and would recommend it to all. I do not think this would change anyone's firm testimony of the Book Of Mormon if they have had witness of its authenticity but I do feel it will spark many to seek that witness. They will then decide for themselves.
I finished this book and I was very impressed with the documentation and ever increasingly surprised that there have been so many challenges to Joseph Smith's Vision the Golden Plates, as well as the integrity of the founding prophets. In the past, members of the church where I have been present were taught to totally discarded any anti LDS document and discouraged from reading anything that did not agree with the doctrine of the LDS Church but I believe if the challenges continue to be made against the founding of the church and some of the happenings, there is going to have to be explanations by the church leaders in answer to some of these events. We may, yet not know all there is to know about the Mountain Meadow Massacre and other events brought forth in this book. I do not believe there need be anything of secret or a privacy issues about the Founding of the Church and the events of the early church history. If all was done under the direction of God it should be possible for all members to know the facts and understand for themselves.
I finished this book and I was very impressed with the documentation and ever increasingly surprised that there have been so many challenges to Joseph Smith's Vision the Golden Plates, as well as the integrity of the founding prophets. In the past, members of the church where I have been present were taught to totally discarded any anti LDS document and discouraged from reading anything that did not agree with the doctrine of the LDS Church but I believe if the challenges continue to be made against the founding of the church and some of the happenings, there is going to have to be explanations by the church leaders in answer to some of these events. We may, yet not know all there is to know about the Mountain Meadow Massacre and other events brought forth in this book. I do not believe there need be anything of secret or a privacy issues about the Founding of the Church and the events of the early church history. If all was done under the direction of God it should be possible for all members to know the facts and understand for themselves.
June 29, 2016
Certainly worth a read for those of us not LDS and living in Utah. Ms. Burningham provides considerable documentation to support her distaste of the the LDS church, from its founding to today. I agree with her on its very patriarchal, somewhat racist, shaky theology and inflated strength in the world. The focus on wealth by this church is also troubling. However, her viewpoint is from someone obviously badly hurt by "the Church" and at times this comes across as a little too vindictive and emotional.
This is especially true in the first half of the book that recounts her life growing up as Mormon and her eventual departure. This portion could use additional editing to correct basic grammatical errors and provide a more engaging dialogue for the reader.
The second half is quite the juxtaposition from the first in that it is laid out as court evidence to declare Mormonism a fraud and strip it's title as a church at all. This part of the book is quite lengthy but is well edited and it's here that Ms. Burningham, an attorney, does her best. However, her anger at the church comes through at times and if this was an actual trial I'm sure some of the church's objections would be upheld by the judge. : )
This is especially true in the first half of the book that recounts her life growing up as Mormon and her eventual departure. This portion could use additional editing to correct basic grammatical errors and provide a more engaging dialogue for the reader.
The second half is quite the juxtaposition from the first in that it is laid out as court evidence to declare Mormonism a fraud and strip it's title as a church at all. This part of the book is quite lengthy but is well edited and it's here that Ms. Burningham, an attorney, does her best. However, her anger at the church comes through at times and if this was an actual trial I'm sure some of the church's objections would be upheld by the judge. : )
May 30, 2014
Generally I like to read books that take an objective view and at least attempt to provide a balanced approach. I knew from the title that the book would be biased, but dove in anyway. I found her personal story fascinating and tragic at times. I empathized with the author's struggle of faith, as she came across uncorrelated LDS history.
Additionally, the information quality and supporting documentation are generally high, comprising of about 15% of the book, almost 700 citations. Yet the depth of any one subject is just enough to introduce readers to a topic and many times done a bit overzealous. I would suggest that it is incumbent on the reader to check facts and review links for further content and context.
Additionally, the information quality and supporting documentation are generally high, comprising of about 15% of the book, almost 700 citations. Yet the depth of any one subject is just enough to introduce readers to a topic and many times done a bit overzealous. I would suggest that it is incumbent on the reader to check facts and review links for further content and context.
May 4, 2014
Long, but worth the read. Part biography and part treatise on the problems in Mormonism, I found this book well-written and well-researched. Her crotiques of Mormonism are well-founded and cover a wide range of historic and current damaging ideas and practices. So much of it felt familiar; I've thought many of the things she wtote as I grew up in and then left the Mormon church. A solid description of nearly every issue that causes people to leave the church.
January 15, 2016
The first part of the book was biography, but it jumped all around in time so that it was somewhat confusing. There was a little too much information when it came to her sex life.
The history of Mormonism in the second part of the book is interesting. I had known about some of it, but I learned a lot from this book.
The history of Mormonism in the second part of the book is interesting. I had known about some of it, but I learned a lot from this book.
February 8, 2012
Interesting insight into the history and workings of the LDS.
The kindle version I read had many formatting and editorial errors.
The kindle version I read had many formatting and editorial errors.
August 22, 2014
Rigorously and Wonderfully Candid
It's about time the truth be learned concerning the Mormon Church.
I'm sure God has a special place in he'll for Joe Smith and his henchmen!
It's about time the truth be learned concerning the Mormon Church.
I'm sure God has a special place in he'll for Joe Smith and his henchmen!
October 16, 2014
This is a book that is extremely well researched and documented.
January 2, 2015
An American Fraud
I am so thankful to see and read about people discovering the real truth about the deception of the Mormon Church. Thank you Kay for sharing this story with us.
I am so thankful to see and read about people discovering the real truth about the deception of the Mormon Church. Thank you Kay for sharing this story with us.
Read
August 10, 2012Mostof the factual parts of the book I was already aware of, but I enjoyed her personal story.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews