The God Makers: A Shocking Expose of What the Mormon Church Really Believes

by Ed Decker, Dave Hunt

“This book is dynamite! The most powerful thing I’ve read on the subject. Get your Mormon friends to read it.”
―Dr. John MacArthur
Pastor-Teacher, Grace Community Church, CA Mormons claim to follow the same God and the same Jesus as Christians. They also state that their gospel comes from the Bible. But are they telling the truth? The God Makers , one of the most powerful books to penetrate the veil of secrecy surrounding the rituals and doctrines of the Mormon Church, reveals the inner workings and beliefs of Mormonism. Through personal interviews and well-documented evidence, you’ll discover the true nature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its hidden worldwide agenda.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Mormonism, Christian, Cults, Theology, Christianity

300 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1983

Reviews

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the harshest and nastiest book about Mormonism I have ever read. "I loved it!" Sometimes the truth hurts.

I've probably read at least 20 books dealing with Mormonism and its claims. They all say pretty much the same thing: Joseph Smith was a typical cult leader who wanted to be God, or next to God, or more important than God...he ended up being more important than Jesus in the eyes of many Mormons. Although I think Joseph just really liked women.
That polygamy thing just never gets old does it? Even though modern Mormonism has written off polygamy as a dark secret of the past - just wait a few years...I have a feeling we'll be seeing it again shortly. Except now there are millions of Mormons to try it out.

I would love to know exactly what Mormon scholars think about all the quotes from their historical leaders as presented in The God Makers? Sure people can claim they are taken out of context - but after you read a few hundred of them you start to see some similarities.

Here's a great quote:
Joseph F. Smith (sixth president of the Mormon Church)
"I have never pretended to nor do I profess to have received revelations." (from God. Hmmm! How interesting.)



Joseph F. Smith (sixth guy blah blah blah...)
"...the doctrine of the eternal union of husband and wife and of PLURAL marriage is one of the most important doctrines ever revealed to man in any age of the world. Without it we could never be exalted to associate with and become Gods..."

Joseph F. Smith (sixth...one more quote for fun - from his diary)
"I have seen him, after giving, as he said before, the origin of Masonry, the Kingdom of God on the earth, and am myself a member of it."

The worst thing about Mormons is that they claim to be Christian. Yet they don't hold the Bible or its accounts to be the inerrant Word Of God. They only abuse the Bible in order to justify their own writings. If you removed the name Jesus from their teachings they would have very little incommon with historic Christianity. Like this book says, they have borrowed mostly from Masonic, Pagan, and Hindu beliefs. Please leave the Biblical Jesus alone.

I do appreciate how the authors brought up the Mormon "Magic" underwear as often as possible.
Who ever thought a Mormon would be running for President of the United States: again.

Please check out my podcast: the Bible Outlaw.

[Darth · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was AWFUL...
I am no particular fan of the Mormons, neither am I a particular detractor. They have their faith and others have theirs, and I can respect that, even if I think the particulars of any of them are dubious at best.
But this book - The God Makers - was so badly written as to actually do less to discredit the Mormons, than to rally people to them. It was basically a few anecdotal accounts that are rehashed and drug out to the point of redundancy. And then capped off with a series of "The bible says this and that is at odds with the Mormon ideals - so they are big stupid heads"
My quotes are paraphrased, but that was the feeling I was left with as what the author was trying to impart on us. Save yourself the time and take a nap instead.

[Patrik · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just before Jesus was crucified he was questioned by the high priest. The high priest wanted to know what Jesus had been teaching. His response was, “I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.” (John 18:19,20 KJV)

Jesus conducted his entire ministry in public. He did not teach in secret. Yet, Mormonism is a religion full of secrecy. If Jesus taught in public and held no secrets then why is Mormonism full of secrets to which the public is not privy? Why is the true believe of Mormonism not openly taught? Why is it that in order for me to learn what it is that Mormons actually believe I must rely on the testimony of those who have left the religion and are willing to talk about it? Why all the secrecy? These are questions I have long wondered.

In the past I have recommended this book to my friends who have been interested in learning more about the Mormon religion. On the surface it would seem that the theology of Mormonism is no different from traditional Christian theology, which can be very deceptive to anyone who is not well informed. For instance, just ask any Mormon what they believe about Jesus Christ. For me, this is THE center of the any debate on religion; just who IS Jesus Christ. You will find their answer curiously similar to an answer you would have given if you were asked the same question. However, after reading this book, you will find that in reality the meaning behind the words of the answer given are vastly different. After reading this book you will have a much better understanding to what the theology of Mormonism really is.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

"Religious Pornography" is one of the phrases used to describe the original edition of this book. It is meant to stir up the fears and misconceptions that many uninformed people have of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It does not, however, provide any insight as to the true nature of the Church, it's doctrine or its members. This book belongs in the fiction section or better yet, in the dumpster. The authors attempt to twist and pervert some of the most sacred aspects of the faith with no regard for truth.

As you read the book there is one main overtone repeated throughout, HATE, HATE and more HATE! Ed Decker and Dave Hunt have no desire to provide insight into the Church unless it serves their purpose to vent their own personal hatred and frustration with a religion that they could not understand. They even go as far and to contradict themselves in the book, throwing punches at the Church and its members from every angle they can think of and several that they didn't think of. They've taken anti-mormon stories and exagerated them to the point that even non-believers have a hard time swallowing. They claim the book is intended to "reveal" the truth about Mormonism and persuade current members to leave the, so-called, "cult." If that is their true intention, they have failed miserably. Fact is, they want to express their personal hatred and make a few bucks in the process.

Suggestion: Don't waste your time on this compilation of exaggerations and out-of-context references. If you do, keep in mind that the author was excommunicated from the church and wants revenge. Judging The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints based on this book makes about as much sense as having major surgery done by a medical school dropout. It is that bad, really!

[Alejandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am guessing that those who rated this book less than 4 stars or have written negative reviews about this book are either non-believers or Mormon themselves. This is a must read for anyone who is involved in the LDS church or has a loved one who is. It is eye-opening. Many claim that this is "emotionally" written, why wouldn't it be? The authors were involved in the Mormon church themselves and witnessed first-hand the abomination that the LDS church is teaching its followers. I would do anything in my power to use my testimony to do the same, to spread the truth about what the Mormon church claims to be and their true history and motives. READ IT, you will not want to put it down.

[Wendy Seles Shelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The God Makers is an older book, but the subject matter hasn't changed, so it's worth your time if you're curious as to how the Mormon Church operates. I first read this book many years ago because I was working with someone sho practiced the Mormon faith and I was curious about Joseph Smith and his, umm, interesting, ideas. This book easily explains the theology, secret rituals and goals of the Mormon Church.

[Leisha Wharfield · Rating 2 out of 5]

What is funniest about this book is the writers, portraying themselves as Christians and Mormons as non-Christians, blasting Mormons for believing wacky stories about Jesus Christ coming to North America and burying gold plates for Joseph Smith to find. Like that's less plausible than the Red Sea parting.

[dianne b. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite the fact that the (obviously very conscious) decision to place “Jesus Christ” in the official name, Mormons are not (monotheist) Christian. WowZa.
This book does a good, and repetitive, and good, job enunciating the polytheist basis of Mormonism in contrast to mainstream “Christianity” in which the belief, as i understand it, is that there is a single god and Jesus is/was his Son and manifestation on Earth. Mormons believe that the one particular god (the one “ruling” Earth), is doing so from a planet named Kolob where He lives with Jesus, his son, and his many wives.
No clash yet? Hang on a sec.
But they also believe that any Righteous (please check lds.org for current “righteous” criteria; the >4300 commandments, have been known to be moving targets*) Man (not inclusive of other gender-types) who jumps through the proper Mormon hoops, will “in the fullness of time” also get to rule his own planet. He will become a god equal to Jesus’ Father. And he will have many, many, many wives. Not as a male, sex-positive reward as suggested in Islam for martyrs; no no no - these bagillion willing women are Necessary to populate his planet. Hopefully a planet with a name as cool as Kolob.
And of course, Mormons believe many already are gods, like their Prophet and original Seer and Revelator, Joe Smith, presumably his bro Hyrum, and of course the nearly flawless Brigham Young (just ask his even numbered wives).

I may be rather simple, but, doesn’t that mean, if Mormons believe that there are many gods, that it is a polytheistic religion? And isn’t Christianity monotheistic? Like Zoroastrianism and Yazidism?

I have no problem with polytheism; in fact when asked, i have referred to myself as a freelance polytheist. But that is neither here nor there. Some of my best friends are monotheists. Wait…

& to start, the authors are just as disingenuous as any Prophet Seer and Revelator - but we’ll get to that.

The authors go on a wee rage on page 75 about the “biblical warning to avoid genealogies” and the Mormon’s obsession with same.
What’s the problem?
First the authors, i guess like anyone filling a book with stuff about peeps you don’t like, took this one outta context, imho. They quote 1 Timothy 1-4. So i did a teeny bit of biblical lookery. First, unless you have an unsullied first edition of this popular book (the Bible - which i suppose would include the chapters by Mary Magdalene and others we’d really like to read!) and can decipher 2000 year old Aramaic script, it’s unlikely you’re getting the straight stuff. Most think what “Timothy” is suggesting is to ignore the old Testament begat-ers, who begat, and begat who begat yada yada yada as the only ones who are of import, and thus should be listened to. i.e ignore the old bullshit - don’t worry who your Uncle Fred is and whether he belongs to The Club - as, Timothy goes on to say: the “commandment” is to love.
To Love.
Well that’s what i think it says. But by now it has gone through so many edits - who knows?

But why the Mormon obsession with genealogy anyway? Because if you are Mormon & can only become a god if you join a Church that was made up in 1830, then we have to Find You and Retro Baptise you!! Yes, Yes. You’re welcome.
One of the coolest memories of my childhood was being taken to a ginormous golden pool held up by golden oxen. I was dressed in white. My father, who i adored, nonetheless, quite the sinner, was a respected Elder and Priesthood holder at the time - and i was repeatedly Baptised for the Dead - a sinner repeatedly dunking a never-believer. Wonder if it worked.

Having spent 4 years in St Louis, Missouri (pronounced: “miz-ur-au”) and, during that time, having traveled all over the state as a member of the Board of the Medical Association (elected as a medical student) i was surprised to learn (on page 94 of this edgy tome) that the Garden of Eden was actually located in Jackson County Miz-ur-uh! Who’d uh thunk?! There is much to dislike about MO. Ask Michael Brown’s family. My father, the above mentioned beloved sinner re-named my temporary home (the City of Saint Louis, Missouri) “the Shitty of Saint Lousy, Misery” after spending a week with me trying to find housing. Nonetheless, The Prophet, Joseph Smith himself named Missouri as the home of that perfect Garden, that flawless place, Eden.
Just shows how things can go to hell without environmental regulation, i guess.

The author is adamant about the “facts” of the Bible. He calls Mormon ideas “fantasy” as he dictates standard Christian doctrine as though one could easily apply Koch’s postulates; obvious truth. Right.

Reading this was a chance to learn about Mormon vs Christian doctrine however. If one can look beyond the authors’ crazily biased views. Growing up Mormon there is a great deal of focus on marriages being “sealed” and children being bound for “time and all eternity” to your family so you can be forever scratching each other’s eyes out, oops, i mean, together . But one learns (page 181) that Jesus makes it very clear in his famous temple debate, that there is no marriage relationship in heaven, it is simply not sociologically necessary. No need to procreate (another huge conflict with Mormon theology. How to populate all of those planets needed for all of those Good White Boys who never had the chance to have their own plantation to be the yessumMasser of?). No need to pass along property. No need at all. Shucks.
Every edition i could find very clearly states some version of:

Matthew 22:30 Amplified Bible (AMP) 30 For in the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage, but they are like angels in heaven [who do not marry nor produce children].

Just party. Well, i added that.
How do the Mormons jive with the stuff they shovel?
hint: They start early... and it’s a cult.

And demanding blind obedience helps:
page. 55 “Lucifer...wins a great victory when he can get members of the Church to speak….and do their own thinking. What cunning!”
“When our leaders speak the thinking has been done”
(Mormon Home Ward Teacher’s Lesson on Sustaining Church Authorities)
Yes, the Devil wins when you think for yourself. God gave you those frontal lobes as just another test of will.
How very Talmudic.

The most - Amusing? Frustrating? Slap-worthy? part of this book is how the authors attack Mormonism’s “logic” with their own bigoted, self-righteous, silliness. From their assuredness about the wrongness of science, (on page 39 the authors mention “the myth of evolution”) to their ad hominem (can i call it that?) attacks on all other kinds of beliefs: When Ed Decker refers to Macumba (while in Brazil!) as a “satanic cult” when it is, of course, a religion as valid as any other, and practiced by a large number of Brazilians. But of course, this is a book attacking Mormonism, and there is much to criticise, it’s just hard to ignore the author’s dissembling - do they really not see it?

For instance: page 185 - Following another rant on polygamy, and the Mormon decision to end the practice at the end of the 19th century, the authors pompously ask:
“Since when did real servants of God bow to godless government edicts & compromise their faith for expediency's sake or to save their own skin?”
Oh my. Doesn’t “love thy neighbor” include “don’t kill them with drones dropping bombs”? Or perhaps “don’t blindly support the apartheid Israeli government and fund the occupation, destruction and daily slaughter of the innocent people of Gaza”? And Yemen? And a thousand other non-Christian things your godless government is doing right now? What are you doing, dear authors, to stop the next state execution? Do you…bow and write your check to the IRS?

For, you see, the authors’ god revealed himself (page. 274) “when He came in the Person of Christ through the virgin birth.”
See? There’s your proof!

I want to weigh the hypocrisy on a scale. With a feather. For Osiris’ heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1 star for base hypocrisy and woo-haw . 2 stars for readability. 3 stars for entertainment

*like skin color in 1977 versus 1979

[Joy Sterrantino · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a lousy book with poor support. It is based solely on emotional appeal, and I found almost all of their claims to be false or twisted into a half-truth. The author quotes information from his own work as if that were his research.

[Brad Hart · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pure bullshit!

[David Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book was written to sell, not to reveal truth.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I mean, I liked this, but it's definitely not a terribly accessible book. You honestly need to have prior knowledge of Christianity and/or Mormonism to fully understand the topics being discussed. As a nonfiction book, it's a little dated, but I think it does a good job incorporating primary sources and cross-referencing the two doctrines when forming arguments. The bibliography / notes at the end is *chef's kiss* and much appreciated.

[Susan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The premise of the book was to convince the reader that Mormonism isn't Christianity, using chapter after chapter of arguments like "Mormons believe X, but the Bible says Y!!! OMG!!! They are going to burn in hell!!!" Interesting for some, perhaps, but I wanted something more... scholarly.

[Claire Wessel · Rating 1 out of 5]

full of histrionics. While there is a little bit of fact in this book, most of it is quotes taken completely out of context and overly dramatic prose. Definitely not the book to read to learn about what Mormons believe as compared to mainline protestant Christianity.

[Alan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Walking by one of those free little libraries near a Protestant church, I thought this might have something different, and it did not disappoint. This book is a Christian-on-Christian polemic, though the Protestant authors don't see it that way, since they insist that Mormonism is not a (highly derivative) form of Christianity. The authors make a large number of interesting claims about Mormonism, from its Christology to its temples to the nature of its prophetic authority, and compares them unfavorably to either common-sense or to (their brand of) Christianity. I am sufficiently ignorant of Mormonism to not know whether all of these claims are true, but if they are, I can see why the most common forms of evangelical Protestantism that I have encountered would take serious issue with the Mormon religion. The most convincing argument is that Mormonism rejects Trinitarianism, which as far as I can tell is true. But by then concluding that Mormons are not Christians shows a breathtakingly poor knowledge of the history of Christianity, which only adopted the Trinitarianism of the Nicene Creed some 300+ years after Jesus, and only then started persecuting non-Trinitarians as heretics. Even more breathtaking is the authors' intellectual dishonesty; many of the same sorts of arguments that the authors use to discredit the Mormon church (e.g. prophetic fallibility, problematic scripture, unreasoning faith in clerical authority, intolerance of other beliefs, repeated instances of moral or economic or political corruption, and so on and so on) can be and have been used to discredit the authors' own brand of Christianity. Pot calling the kettle black.

[Josh Johnsen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this book 10 years ago led me to believe there was no legitimate criticism of the LDS church. It's so full of half-truths, fiction, and speculative theology that it does more harm than good. The audience is clearly evangelicals who have an axe to grind. Yes, there are problems with the theology. Is Ed Decker the person exposing the church? No. Any of the dozen or so well-written biographies by legitimate historians are doing the work for Decker. This book is just religious pornography.

[Jason Keel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly argued polemic against the LDS Church. My main criticism is the polemical and sensationalist tone of this volume. If not for the tone I might recommend it to those who really need it. As it is I take it as a source of knowledge as I interact people.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very intresting somewhat complex look at the mormon religion and chruch. Anyone who knows or is friends with people of the mormon faith would be intrested in understanding what they base their beliefs on.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good intro into the history, intricacies and inner workings (read: bizarro rituals/beliefs) of the Mormon church.

[Enriquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever or will ever deal with LDS/Mormons in defending your faith and/or ministering/witnessing, you need to read this book!!!

[Bill reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having read a few books with some Mormon history, I had my interest piqued enough to read “The God Makers”. On a personal level, I am a white man with a past which includes interracial relationships. Therefore, I am deeply disturbed by the prophetic assertions of Brigham Young regarding “race mixing”. Young called for death on the spot by blood atonement for this transgression; hey holy man, get that knife away from my throat. The black race will eventually be redeemed, but only after being saved by resurrected white men; I cannot make this s*** up. The most fundamental tenet of the church is for man to become a god with his very own planet to rule; what a concept, every good man a god. Scientologists share the same belief. The founder, Joseph Smith, was visited by aliens from Kolob and later wrote of a god called Elohim coming to earth and impregnating Mary, resulting in the birth of Jesus Christ who will return with Joey to save the world; beam me up Scotty The other basic foundation of Smith and Young(sounds like a law firm) was the belief in polygamy, a practice halted by the United States government. The bobsey twins, Joey and “Bring ‘em Young” had a multitude of wives(30-80?), including teenage girls; a forgotten and neglected portion of the two dirty old men and not a much different concept from Islam’s 72 virgins. My favorite aspect of the one true religion is the baptism of the dead by proxy. Living Mormons stand in to baptize dead ancestors who can choose to enter the Salt Lake faith and enter paradise. In 1832, Smith gathered a personal army, the Danites to bring the Millennial Kingdom to the promised land of Missouri. He assured his Christian soldiers the assistance of “angels of the lord” in their battle. The Missouri State Militia easily defeated Smith’s army, as the “angels of the lord” apparently forgot to leave their fort. 185 years later and the prophet has still not returned to Missouri; feets don’t fail me now, I am heading for the show me state. The problem with this book is the constant and repetitive use of the word pagan in describing Mormonism and any other non Christian religion. I flashed back to my childhood at St Ann School in Ossining, NY and the nun’s use of the phrase, “pagan babies, mostly un-baptized African children. Religions of all stripes contain many kinds of mythology. Joseph Smith sought buried treasures in upstate NY with a peep stone. Court records from the 1800s prove that he was arrested and convicted of fraud. His later claims of golden plates are the foundation of the religion. Mr. Smith did not go to Washington; apologies to Jimmy Stewart, but instead declared polygamy as the only way to become a god and enter the celestial kingdom. The authors head a bit off the rails with comparisons to freemasonry and Satanism and seem to have their own agenda, proclaiming the only true salvation is in the belief in the divinity of Jesus Christ; bad news for the 5+ billion followers of Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, etc. In the news recently, was the story of two Muslim girls who were beaten to death by Hindus for stealing “sacred cows”. Evangelicals await the Rapture and Orthodox Jews claim that land in Palestine has been promised to them by God, the real estate agent. It seems as if everyone has God on their side.

[Michael Toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Similar in content to The Mormon Dilemma by the same principal author—thus explaining my nearly identical reviews. While Dilemma is written in the form of a dialogue, this book is written as a straightforward, point-by-point explanation and is still easy to read. I read these two books before I was Christian. They are both excellent resources for understanding the actual beliefs of Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints)—which the missionaries and official church resources won’t tell you (though what they will tell you should be bizarre and unbelievable enough).

These books are threatening enough to the Mormon Church that, if brick-and-mortar bookstores still carry them or similar works, you will routinely find them hidden by missionaries. I’ve seen them shoved behind other books on several occasions and I’ve actually witnessed missionaries leaving the aisles where the books are located, then I observed that the offending books were hidden.

As with all of my pre-2000 books, the “Date finished” may be several weeks off.

[Brad Bevers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often read books in this genre . . . the Christian cultural critiques always feel a little too one-sided and often are just a straw man argument. But, I really wanted to learn more about the Mormon church after visiting Utah and had this on my shelf from a long time ago. It was a lot better than expected . . . really eye-opening, and it felt fairly balanced compared to what I was expecting. I knew some of the points where Mormonism and Christianity differed, but hadn't thought about it deeply for a long time. The authors in this book argue that Mormonism has a lot more in common with paganism and the Freemasons, and after reading this, I would agree. Well worth the time to read this one, will be reading more on this topic soon. Recommended.

[Lindsay Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a weekend. Couldn’t put it down. The author is a former head priest in the Mormon Church and does put off a cynical tone in his writing but the information and stories he shared are both jaw-dropping and unsettling.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exposes the not so flattering side of Mormanism. The history and occult practices. It quotes it sources and much of it I've read in other books like Fawn Bodie's book but in a more flattering voice. Interesting and recommend!

[Susan Abbett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of great information but comes across as very sensational. Not an easy read as it is very easy to get bogged down in the details.

[Ian Hefele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Such a poorly written, repetitive book.

This makes me want to look more into Mormons and if you want to be taken seriously, don't demand that everyone is Christian.

[JC Elkins · Rating 1 out of 5]

A compassionate work of creatively selective topics and quotes to support a narrative that requires ignoring the foundational texts and limits the power of the Almighty.

[Dwight Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent scholarship from within the organization.

[Don]

Bought March 24, 2023 at Newmarket Mission Store
Note: Dual authorship: other author is Dave Hunt