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The Cleansing of America
Dr. W. Cleon Skousen spent the majority of his life researching the gospel, the U.S. Constitution, the founding of America and writing numerous books and articles on the topic. He is also one of the most well-known, respected defenders of America and the gospel the world has ever known. At the time of his passing in 2006, his work was not yet finished. His book The Cleansing of America, written in 1994 and given into the care and keeping of his sons, is now being brought forth for the first time ever.
Included in these pages are the events and stages the Lord has predicted, through his servants, the winding-up scenes of this world. It helps the reader the nature of prophecy, the known chronology of prophetic events, and the importance of staying close to the Lord and his prophets during the difficult and challenging years prior to the Second Coming. We are fast approaching those prophetic events. Some are upon us even now.
If we are prepared and obedient, we need not fear these events, but rather embrace them for the blessings they portend.
Included in these pages are the events and stages the Lord has predicted, through his servants, the winding-up scenes of this world. It helps the reader the nature of prophecy, the known chronology of prophetic events, and the importance of staying close to the Lord and his prophets during the difficult and challenging years prior to the Second Coming. We are fast approaching those prophetic events. Some are upon us even now.
If we are prepared and obedient, we need not fear these events, but rather embrace them for the blessings they portend.
170 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2010
68 people are currently reading
772 people want to read
About the author
W. Cleon Skousen
153 books182 followersW. Cleon Skousen (1913-2006) was a popular teacher, lecturer and author in the United States for over 40 years. Born in Raymond, Alberta, Canada on January 20, 1913, Dr. Skousen’s growing up years were spent in Canada, Mexico, and California.
At age 17 he was called to serve a two-year, LDS mission to Great Britain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later attended college at the San Bernardino Junior College where he was elected Student Body President.
With scholarships and encouragements, he left California in 1934 to work as a government aid in Washington DC. Later Dr. Skousen applied and was hired as an FBI agent.
Dr. Skousen married his sweetheart, Jewel Pitcher of San Bernardino, California, August 1936. During the past 69 years, they have raised 8 children and are the grandparents of 50 grandchildren and over 69 great-grandchildren. He resided in Salt Lake City, Utah, the remainder of his life.
Dr. Skousen served the FBI for 16 years (1935-1951), and worked closely with J. Edgar Hoover. In 1951 he was asked to join the faculty of Brigham Young University. Here he headed up the Student Alumni organization. In 1956 he was asked to serve as Chief of Police of Salt Lake City. During his 4 year service, he also wrote his national best seller, "The Naked Communist." He also was the editor of the nations leading police magazine, "Law And Order." In 1960 he left the police force and began speaking tours around the country on the political crisis during that time period. He also ran for the governors office in Utah, but narrowly missed the primaries.
In 1967, Dr. Skousen returned to BYU as a professor in the Religion Department. He taught classes on The Book of Mormon, The Old Testament, and early LDS Church History. He continued that assignment until his retirement in 1978.
In 1972 Dr. Skousen organized a non-profit educational foundation, named "The Freemen Institute." Later changed to "The National Center for Constitutional Studies" (NCCS), Dr. Skousen and his staff became the nation’s leading organization in teaching seminars on the Founding Fathers and the U.S. Constitution. His book, "The Making of America" has been used nation-wide to educate students on the original intent of the Founders.
His many books and recordings include subjects from raising boys to principles of good government, to prophetic history. Listed in this web site are all the books and tapes which are still available today; Dr. Skousen shares a wealth of knowledge and optimism--a "diamond dust" of exciting history and eternal principles of hope, that calms the sea in today's stormy world of seemingly chaos and uncertainty.
Dr. Skousen passed away peacefully in his home on January 9, 2006, of natural causes incident to age, just 11 days shy of his ninety-third birthday. He was lovingly surrounded by his family and wife Jewel, with whom he was anticipating their 70th wedding anniversary in August. He will truly be missed by many.
At age 17 he was called to serve a two-year, LDS mission to Great Britain for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He later attended college at the San Bernardino Junior College where he was elected Student Body President.
With scholarships and encouragements, he left California in 1934 to work as a government aid in Washington DC. Later Dr. Skousen applied and was hired as an FBI agent.
Dr. Skousen married his sweetheart, Jewel Pitcher of San Bernardino, California, August 1936. During the past 69 years, they have raised 8 children and are the grandparents of 50 grandchildren and over 69 great-grandchildren. He resided in Salt Lake City, Utah, the remainder of his life.
Dr. Skousen served the FBI for 16 years (1935-1951), and worked closely with J. Edgar Hoover. In 1951 he was asked to join the faculty of Brigham Young University. Here he headed up the Student Alumni organization. In 1956 he was asked to serve as Chief of Police of Salt Lake City. During his 4 year service, he also wrote his national best seller, "The Naked Communist." He also was the editor of the nations leading police magazine, "Law And Order." In 1960 he left the police force and began speaking tours around the country on the political crisis during that time period. He also ran for the governors office in Utah, but narrowly missed the primaries.
In 1967, Dr. Skousen returned to BYU as a professor in the Religion Department. He taught classes on The Book of Mormon, The Old Testament, and early LDS Church History. He continued that assignment until his retirement in 1978.
In 1972 Dr. Skousen organized a non-profit educational foundation, named "The Freemen Institute." Later changed to "The National Center for Constitutional Studies" (NCCS), Dr. Skousen and his staff became the nation’s leading organization in teaching seminars on the Founding Fathers and the U.S. Constitution. His book, "The Making of America" has been used nation-wide to educate students on the original intent of the Founders.
His many books and recordings include subjects from raising boys to principles of good government, to prophetic history. Listed in this web site are all the books and tapes which are still available today; Dr. Skousen shares a wealth of knowledge and optimism--a "diamond dust" of exciting history and eternal principles of hope, that calms the sea in today's stormy world of seemingly chaos and uncertainty.
Dr. Skousen passed away peacefully in his home on January 9, 2006, of natural causes incident to age, just 11 days shy of his ninety-third birthday. He was lovingly surrounded by his family and wife Jewel, with whom he was anticipating their 70th wedding anniversary in August. He will truly be missed by many.
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July 30, 2011
This book was fascinating, although I believe many parts are just conjecture. The cleansing of America section in the beginning is frightening and abrupt without much of a preface. The rest talks about the events leading up to and during the millenium. Skousen takes a very literal spin on the scriptures accounting the last days, which is interesting to consider. I liked his exploraiont of ideas on how Zion, the society will be formed, and how the government should be run, along with how the law of consecration will be formed. I liked the historical aspects he brought in from our founding fathers when forming the constitution and how they were inspired.
But this book has its issues. The beginning is abrupt. It throws you right into the cleansing of America without much preface. I was incredulous the first couple read-throughs. I thought, where is he getting this from? Then I read the full account of Charles D. Evan's dream of this cleansing in the Appendix. It actually prefaces this scourge, what's happening in society, and the series of events leading up to the desolating scourge. It is very frightening, if you believe it.
Even for a Latter-day Saint, as I am, this book is frightening. Yes, he focuses mostly on millenium stuff, but we are not living in the millenium yet, and in order to get there, all the nasty stuff has to happen first. Personally, I enjoy the peace I have in my personal and community life. It is sad to know it's only going to get worse. I wished that Skousen would have added more about the growth of the gospel before his so-called cleansing of America. It appears to me, nearly everyone is wiped out in this scourge including members of the LDS church. We will not necessarily be inoculated against it (IF it happens). We are still in the world. Think about the economic crash; nearly everyone I've talked to has suffered because of it whether they were doing everything right or not. So it is not comforting to me to know about all the famines, wars, scourges, etc. We live on this earth like everyone else and will suffer to at least some extent because we are inhabitants on this earth, and the only thing that might set us apart from others is that we'll be prepared.
I think humans's natural inclination is to panic. This is one of those books that can feed the panic if you take it all seriously. Now if you take it with a grain of salt and truly believe in the goodness of people, maybe it won't all be that bad as he says. So after reading this book, I just have to say, that was informative, but we'll have to wait and see. Heed the prophet's counsel and he won't lead you astray. And right now he isn't telling us to panic. But he's not telling us to sit back and enjoy the ride either.
But this book has its issues. The beginning is abrupt. It throws you right into the cleansing of America without much preface. I was incredulous the first couple read-throughs. I thought, where is he getting this from? Then I read the full account of Charles D. Evan's dream of this cleansing in the Appendix. It actually prefaces this scourge, what's happening in society, and the series of events leading up to the desolating scourge. It is very frightening, if you believe it.
Even for a Latter-day Saint, as I am, this book is frightening. Yes, he focuses mostly on millenium stuff, but we are not living in the millenium yet, and in order to get there, all the nasty stuff has to happen first. Personally, I enjoy the peace I have in my personal and community life. It is sad to know it's only going to get worse. I wished that Skousen would have added more about the growth of the gospel before his so-called cleansing of America. It appears to me, nearly everyone is wiped out in this scourge including members of the LDS church. We will not necessarily be inoculated against it (IF it happens). We are still in the world. Think about the economic crash; nearly everyone I've talked to has suffered because of it whether they were doing everything right or not. So it is not comforting to me to know about all the famines, wars, scourges, etc. We live on this earth like everyone else and will suffer to at least some extent because we are inhabitants on this earth, and the only thing that might set us apart from others is that we'll be prepared.
I think humans's natural inclination is to panic. This is one of those books that can feed the panic if you take it all seriously. Now if you take it with a grain of salt and truly believe in the goodness of people, maybe it won't all be that bad as he says. So after reading this book, I just have to say, that was informative, but we'll have to wait and see. Heed the prophet's counsel and he won't lead you astray. And right now he isn't telling us to panic. But he's not telling us to sit back and enjoy the ride either.
November 20, 2012
Giving this book a low rating does not reflect my enjoyment of the book, but rather, the content. I actually enjoyed reading Skousen's ode to Armageddon. While it lacks substance -- making overly simplistic claims without support or much in the way of explanation -- it's also a freak-show train-wreck. And who doesn't love a freak-show train-wreck? Though, I must admit that I am made nervous by the number of people who like this book and even actually believe the BS contained within it.
Say ethnic cleansing or genocide and most normal people will recoil with moral outrage and disgust. But claim a "loving Heavenly Father" is going to commit it and suddenly believers are on the bandwagon. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. This isn't a new phenomenon. Believers have tacitly accepted the genocide perpetrated on the Canaanites and other Biblical atrocities for centuries. Skousen does make one tiny step up out of that nonsense, however. Instead of God's chosen people raining hell down upon the heads of the non-chosen, as they do in the Bible, God's going to handle the cleansing himself in the form of an efficient and tidy plague. I find it a little scary that people actually believe it's OK to destroy people. But, at least they don't believe that it will one day be their obligation to cut my head off with the axe the used to use for chopping their firewood. Anyway... yes, that's right, God will be sending down a highly specialized... uh... virus? bacterium? prion?.... that will act as a smart bomb in the heads of backsliders, apostates, atheists, and evil sinners, rotting our eyes and tongues out of our heads and ending our reign of evil upon America, leaving it pristine for God's chosen children. Awesome.
Outside of the obviously unsettling aspects of this book (the vicious, unrealistic, and highly problematic form of "justice" Skousen advocates as well as the bigotry toward homosexuals and the genocide mentioned above), "The Cleansing of America" is full of nutty goodness. Here are some of my favorite bits:
--Our planet used to be near God's bosom (Kolob). When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit and gained their knowledge of good and evil, God cast the world out and it fell to exist in this lowly little solar system. In the end, the earth will travel faster than the speed of light back to God's bosom and will once again revolve around Kolob. (I'm suddenly hankering for an episode of Battlestar Gallactica.)
--The lost 10 tribes of Israel have been hiding somewhere near the north pole and at some point they will journey to God's new Holy Land (the US) to take out their endowments and regale the masses with stories of what they've been up to since fleeing God's old Holy Land.
--When bad stuff starts happening around the world, God is going to "seal off" America by making the seas so boisterous that no ship can cross them. Oh. And no plane will be able to fly over them either. (Cuz it makes more sense to say that God was implying air travel would be impossible rather than to admit that the individual who came up with this "prophecy" lived in a time where travel by air was thought impossible.)
--God's gonna send out 144,000 missionaries composed of young men from each tribe of Israel. The only young men who will be eligible will be those who haven't "defiled themselves with a woman." (Yes. That is a direct quote. Defiled. With a woman. We women are so gross. We should be ashamed of ourselves and our defilingness.) Those young men will be "quickened" so they will be impervious to harm and then sent out into the rest of the world to preach and recruit people to join the righteous in America. I have to wonder what sales tactics these pure virginal young men will use. I bet if they held "try to kill me" events in public squares they'll have record breaking conversion numbers. I also have to wonder what it is about sticking one's penis into a vagina that makes one incapable of spreading God's gospel. Anywho...
--Communism (God's sanctioned version, of course) and Capitalism will both exist in America once God is in charge. And it will all work perfectly! Unlike the other times that Communism has been tried here in America. Those people weren't doing it right. (He's pointing the finger at you, Orderville Utah.) Anyway, this system will work so well that, even though they aren't taxing people (nevermind the question, "if turning over all your excess to the government isn't a tax, what is?"), they will even be able to provide free health insurance for everyone! Damn Skippy.
--The Anglo-Saxon method of government and social structure was God's way of government and social structure. They got it from Moses! Once all the apostates are wiped off the face of United States, the good men of the West will be able to remove all the corruption that has built up over the centuries and restore the original inspired Constitution. Sadly, however, the Capitol building will be abandoned. Nobody will want to inhabit it because it's been infested with the previous ruling body's icky cooties.
--The old United States government will be a quaint memory once God takes over and establishes his kingdom. However, Ol' Glory will be God's flag and will still fly over this righteous, chosen land.
--Destruction will come to the big bad cities of the East. Namely New York City, Boston.... and Albany. I had no idea Albany was such a happening place... or that it was so evil. (Sarcasm aside, this is yet another example of "prophecy" being curiously limited to the prophet's known world rather than being truly clairvoyant and predicting things that exist in the future.)
I could go on forever. There are plenty of other gems... especially when Skousen starts talking about the future criminal justice system. It's ludicrous and ripe for corruption and abuse.
Thank goodness I'm going to die in God's super smart-bomb plague. I'd rather miss what this book claims is coming to America. (today! today! today! today!)
Say ethnic cleansing or genocide and most normal people will recoil with moral outrage and disgust. But claim a "loving Heavenly Father" is going to commit it and suddenly believers are on the bandwagon. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. This isn't a new phenomenon. Believers have tacitly accepted the genocide perpetrated on the Canaanites and other Biblical atrocities for centuries. Skousen does make one tiny step up out of that nonsense, however. Instead of God's chosen people raining hell down upon the heads of the non-chosen, as they do in the Bible, God's going to handle the cleansing himself in the form of an efficient and tidy plague. I find it a little scary that people actually believe it's OK to destroy people. But, at least they don't believe that it will one day be their obligation to cut my head off with the axe the used to use for chopping their firewood. Anyway... yes, that's right, God will be sending down a highly specialized... uh... virus? bacterium? prion?.... that will act as a smart bomb in the heads of backsliders, apostates, atheists, and evil sinners, rotting our eyes and tongues out of our heads and ending our reign of evil upon America, leaving it pristine for God's chosen children. Awesome.
Outside of the obviously unsettling aspects of this book (the vicious, unrealistic, and highly problematic form of "justice" Skousen advocates as well as the bigotry toward homosexuals and the genocide mentioned above), "The Cleansing of America" is full of nutty goodness. Here are some of my favorite bits:
--Our planet used to be near God's bosom (Kolob). When Adam and Eve ate of the fruit and gained their knowledge of good and evil, God cast the world out and it fell to exist in this lowly little solar system. In the end, the earth will travel faster than the speed of light back to God's bosom and will once again revolve around Kolob. (I'm suddenly hankering for an episode of Battlestar Gallactica.)
--The lost 10 tribes of Israel have been hiding somewhere near the north pole and at some point they will journey to God's new Holy Land (the US) to take out their endowments and regale the masses with stories of what they've been up to since fleeing God's old Holy Land.
--When bad stuff starts happening around the world, God is going to "seal off" America by making the seas so boisterous that no ship can cross them. Oh. And no plane will be able to fly over them either. (Cuz it makes more sense to say that God was implying air travel would be impossible rather than to admit that the individual who came up with this "prophecy" lived in a time where travel by air was thought impossible.)
--God's gonna send out 144,000 missionaries composed of young men from each tribe of Israel. The only young men who will be eligible will be those who haven't "defiled themselves with a woman." (Yes. That is a direct quote. Defiled. With a woman. We women are so gross. We should be ashamed of ourselves and our defilingness.) Those young men will be "quickened" so they will be impervious to harm and then sent out into the rest of the world to preach and recruit people to join the righteous in America. I have to wonder what sales tactics these pure virginal young men will use. I bet if they held "try to kill me" events in public squares they'll have record breaking conversion numbers. I also have to wonder what it is about sticking one's penis into a vagina that makes one incapable of spreading God's gospel. Anywho...
--Communism (God's sanctioned version, of course) and Capitalism will both exist in America once God is in charge. And it will all work perfectly! Unlike the other times that Communism has been tried here in America. Those people weren't doing it right. (He's pointing the finger at you, Orderville Utah.) Anyway, this system will work so well that, even though they aren't taxing people (nevermind the question, "if turning over all your excess to the government isn't a tax, what is?"), they will even be able to provide free health insurance for everyone! Damn Skippy.
--The Anglo-Saxon method of government and social structure was God's way of government and social structure. They got it from Moses! Once all the apostates are wiped off the face of United States, the good men of the West will be able to remove all the corruption that has built up over the centuries and restore the original inspired Constitution. Sadly, however, the Capitol building will be abandoned. Nobody will want to inhabit it because it's been infested with the previous ruling body's icky cooties.
--The old United States government will be a quaint memory once God takes over and establishes his kingdom. However, Ol' Glory will be God's flag and will still fly over this righteous, chosen land.
--Destruction will come to the big bad cities of the East. Namely New York City, Boston.... and Albany. I had no idea Albany was such a happening place... or that it was so evil. (Sarcasm aside, this is yet another example of "prophecy" being curiously limited to the prophet's known world rather than being truly clairvoyant and predicting things that exist in the future.)
I could go on forever. There are plenty of other gems... especially when Skousen starts talking about the future criminal justice system. It's ludicrous and ripe for corruption and abuse.
Thank goodness I'm going to die in God's super smart-bomb plague. I'd rather miss what this book claims is coming to America. (today! today! today! today!)
October 22, 2021
This book challenged me. It caused me to think, ponder, and study. I enjoyed reading this with several friends and one of my daughters (Meri) and we discussed it chapter by chapter. It was an enriching experience.
January 7, 2013
Cleon Skousen both scared the snot out of me and gave me hope. I have been very concerned with the direction of the United States for some time as our culture has degenerated and our leaders (in many walks of life) have become increasingly corrupt. I suspected that it would not end well.
Mr. Skousen makes the case that it will get very ugly for the wicked but then there will be a purge--a cleansing beginning with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who have not kept their covenants. This purge will spread throughout the nation. Just as in the days of the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the ancient Nephi civilization and others, there is a limit to what God will tolerate and then He will take dramatic and decisive action. God will not be mocked. In the end, the good guys win and they will have a society that is most desirable.
Cleon Skousen has been called a right wing nut job and other things that are less than flattering. Just pull him up on Wikipedia. But has his "paranoia" about communism really been misplaced? I don't think so. Has his call for a return to the constitution been inappropriate? Hardly. How much better off would our nation be if we had followed his counsel instead of the politicians who have lied to us, taken our freedom and placed us in bondage? The answer should be obvious. I'd recommend this book. The reading is easy. The message is dead serious. Just what we need now, more than ever.
Mr. Skousen makes the case that it will get very ugly for the wicked but then there will be a purge--a cleansing beginning with members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who have not kept their covenants. This purge will spread throughout the nation. Just as in the days of the flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, the ancient Nephi civilization and others, there is a limit to what God will tolerate and then He will take dramatic and decisive action. God will not be mocked. In the end, the good guys win and they will have a society that is most desirable.
Cleon Skousen has been called a right wing nut job and other things that are less than flattering. Just pull him up on Wikipedia. But has his "paranoia" about communism really been misplaced? I don't think so. Has his call for a return to the constitution been inappropriate? Hardly. How much better off would our nation be if we had followed his counsel instead of the politicians who have lied to us, taken our freedom and placed us in bondage? The answer should be obvious. I'd recommend this book. The reading is easy. The message is dead serious. Just what we need now, more than ever.
September 17, 2015
I thought this book was extremely enthralling. The author did a magnificent job compiling quotes, scriptures, modern, future, and past topics pertaining to America into a short book. There was so much to understand I didn't catch it all and know that I'll probably have to read it again for that reason.
July 27, 2011
The objective of this book is to highlight how to prepare for the second coming of our Savior. It highlights some of the events leading up to the second coming as well as some of the aspects of the zion society that will exist after the second coming.
I like the idea of this book a lot. I love to study prophecy of the end times. My only concern with this book is that, while the topics are well researched, there seems to be a lot of speculation by the author. In a few places it is hard to tell what is referring directly to a prophecy and what is the author's interpretation of a scripture or prophecy. For that reason I knocked the rating down just a little bit. The book does have very exhaustive footnotes, so one could definitely track down what is truth and what is speculation but that's not necessarily what I want to do when I'm reading a book.
Other than that issue I really liked this book. There was a lot of good information about the Constitution, the law of consecration, the second coming and how to build Zion.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction." - Brigham Young
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams
"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt." - Samuel Adams
"The Kingdom of God consists in correct principles; and it mattereth not what a man's religious faith is; whether he be a Presbyterian, or a Methodist, or a Baptist, or a Latter-day Saint...or a Catholic or Episcopalian ... if he will bow the knee and with his tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ, and will support good and wholesome laws for the regulation of society - we hail him as a brother." - Brigham Young
I like the idea of this book a lot. I love to study prophecy of the end times. My only concern with this book is that, while the topics are well researched, there seems to be a lot of speculation by the author. In a few places it is hard to tell what is referring directly to a prophecy and what is the author's interpretation of a scripture or prophecy. For that reason I knocked the rating down just a little bit. The book does have very exhaustive footnotes, so one could definitely track down what is truth and what is speculation but that's not necessarily what I want to do when I'm reading a book.
Other than that issue I really liked this book. There was a lot of good information about the Constitution, the law of consecration, the second coming and how to build Zion.
A few of my favorite quotes from the book:
"Even this nation will be on the very verge of crumbling to pieces and tumbling to the ground and when the constitution is upon the brink of ruin this people will be the staff upon which the nation shall lean and they shall bear the constitution away from the very verge of destruction." - Brigham Young
"Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt they have more need of masters." - Benjamin Franklin
"Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." - John Adams
"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt." - Samuel Adams
"The Kingdom of God consists in correct principles; and it mattereth not what a man's religious faith is; whether he be a Presbyterian, or a Methodist, or a Baptist, or a Latter-day Saint...or a Catholic or Episcopalian ... if he will bow the knee and with his tongue confess that Jesus is the Christ, and will support good and wholesome laws for the regulation of society - we hail him as a brother." - Brigham Young
January 10, 2011
I’m not really sure how to best describe this book. It is a collection of notes, speeches and various recordings. This book was put together posthumously by Mr. Skousen and then published. The family made a ‘disclaimer’ in the introduction indicating that they had gathered all of this material and put it together as they believed that he, Mr. Skousen, would have and also noted that ‘the family’ filled in some gaps on their own as Mr. Skousen most likely would have done himself if he were alive.
Hum……
I find this ‘work’ to be a patchwork of a storyline detailing the end of the earth at the coming of Christ. Using scripture references and, I believe a liberal helping of personal interpretation. Having read the scriptures as a serious student for over thirty years, and not claiming to be a biblical scholar, I find most of the alliterations to be annoying. Some of the ‘deductions’ made are a real stretch for my imagination, additionally I have never heard such detailed explanations ever given from the pulpit or in authorized print.
I reread this book twice more after the initial reading and although there are plenty of references, many are not scripturally based.
To me this book bares much closer to fantasy than the fantastic. I would certainly not draw from it any materials for instruction nor recommend it to others as a resource.
I have read several of Mr. Skousen’s works prior to this book and I never found the fanatical formula used in them as they are in this offering.
I for one will stick to the works he completed and published while he was alive. In my opinion this work does him no honor.
Hum……
I find this ‘work’ to be a patchwork of a storyline detailing the end of the earth at the coming of Christ. Using scripture references and, I believe a liberal helping of personal interpretation. Having read the scriptures as a serious student for over thirty years, and not claiming to be a biblical scholar, I find most of the alliterations to be annoying. Some of the ‘deductions’ made are a real stretch for my imagination, additionally I have never heard such detailed explanations ever given from the pulpit or in authorized print.
I reread this book twice more after the initial reading and although there are plenty of references, many are not scripturally based.
To me this book bares much closer to fantasy than the fantastic. I would certainly not draw from it any materials for instruction nor recommend it to others as a resource.
I have read several of Mr. Skousen’s works prior to this book and I never found the fanatical formula used in them as they are in this offering.
I for one will stick to the works he completed and published while he was alive. In my opinion this work does him no honor.
October 25, 2010
I have enjoyed many of Skousen's books to some degree or another. This one is not one of my favorites. I thought I would find it more interesting, and unlike many people leaving reviews I did not like the first half of the book and felt like it was too strange for me. For some reason I do not believe in isolationism, and I don't think God expects us to be isolated, at least not to the degree mentioned in this book. I'm not sure it is doctrine and this is the first book I have read by an LDS author that states many of the things he mentions. Maybe I am wrong, but I have not seen it or heard it and I study latter day signs frequently.
On the other hand I did find the 2nd half interesting to some degree. There again, maybe it is because I have not done as much study on the founding of the United States. I found the ideas of the Law of Consecration interesting, and help solidify many of the ideas I have had on the topic. I would suspect the non LDS reader may not find that as interesting.
On the other hand I did find the 2nd half interesting to some degree. There again, maybe it is because I have not done as much study on the founding of the United States. I found the ideas of the Law of Consecration interesting, and help solidify many of the ideas I have had on the topic. I would suspect the non LDS reader may not find that as interesting.
March 23, 2011
I disagree with much of what the author has written. This felt like a Gospel Doctrine class discussion that has gone terribly astray. I kept thinking, "This feels like the philosophy of a man mingled with scripture." I pretty much quit reading seriously after the part about the Ten Tribes being in outer space. I scanned rest. Some of the ideas about how the Zion cities will operate were interesting. However, the author presents the information as though it is gospel truth, and that bothers me. I did enjoy some of the quotes from our Founder Fathers in regards to the constitution and righteousness. John Adams: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. Is is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." Samuel Adams: "Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt." Ben Franklin: "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become corrupt they have more need of masters." These truths are very evident today.
September 12, 2011
I would rate this book between 3-4 stars. I thought the author's book, The 5000 Year Leap, was extremely well researched and amazing. Although this book also seems to be well researched, it is based upon the author's personal interpretation of scripture and prophecy. In my opinion, it should only be recommended for LDS readers as it is based upon LDS doctrine and prophecy. If one doesn't have a foundation of faith in the scriptures and prophecies referred to, then they would not likely appreciate the book, or might even be truly over alarmed by it. There are some pretty scary and graphic descriptions of future events including a major plague.
All that being said, I found parts of this book very interesting. The author's premise of a need for a "cleansing of America" is very apparent, based upon scriptural accounts and the direction this country is heading. The author clearly explains the purpose for this "cleansing". Instead of finding this upsetting, I found this somewhat a relief, as the author goes on to explain the beautiful future for this country, after the cleansing, as the Constitution is restored and Zion cities are built up.
I found his chapters on the economic structure of Zion cities to be very interesting as well. Although I am very familiar with LDS doctrine about the Second Coming, this was all new to me. I think it is based upon his own interpretation, but the idea of a dual economic structure was fascinating to me. I was under the impression that we'd all be living the law of Consecration. According to the author, this is not so, but there will be a free enterprise system as well, based upon the Constitution. Although I cannot state whether this is fact, it makes sense to me because Church leaders have stated that not everyone will be "automatically converted" to the Church. As there will be members of other faiths during this time, it would make sense that not all would be living the law of Consecration.
Unfortunately, I did find myself feeling a little discouraged when I read the way the book ended. The author seems to question whether we will truly want to live the law of Consecration and whether we will be worthy to do so. At one part it states: "Although there is a secret hope in each of us that we might someday qualify as a steward in a Zion society, the probability is that not more than one out of ten of us is likely to get a favorable nod from the Lord or His servants until after we undergo a tremendous amount of additional preparation."
I found this thought very depressing. I never thought I'd have to be perfect to live the law of Consecration in a Zion society. Perhaps this was not the idea that the author intended to convey but it was my initial reaction. If we take the City of Enoch as an example, it is my understanding that the inhabitants were not perfect right away but after a period of time became righteous enough to be taken from the Earth. After all, the beauty of the Atonement is that the Lord makes up for our shortcomings as long as we are striving to do our best. On the other hand, I wonder if the author would have made changes to how the book ended if he had lived to see it published. I guess I won't worry about it, I'll just live my life the best I can and hope for the best.
All that being said, I found parts of this book very interesting. The author's premise of a need for a "cleansing of America" is very apparent, based upon scriptural accounts and the direction this country is heading. The author clearly explains the purpose for this "cleansing". Instead of finding this upsetting, I found this somewhat a relief, as the author goes on to explain the beautiful future for this country, after the cleansing, as the Constitution is restored and Zion cities are built up.
I found his chapters on the economic structure of Zion cities to be very interesting as well. Although I am very familiar with LDS doctrine about the Second Coming, this was all new to me. I think it is based upon his own interpretation, but the idea of a dual economic structure was fascinating to me. I was under the impression that we'd all be living the law of Consecration. According to the author, this is not so, but there will be a free enterprise system as well, based upon the Constitution. Although I cannot state whether this is fact, it makes sense to me because Church leaders have stated that not everyone will be "automatically converted" to the Church. As there will be members of other faiths during this time, it would make sense that not all would be living the law of Consecration.
Unfortunately, I did find myself feeling a little discouraged when I read the way the book ended. The author seems to question whether we will truly want to live the law of Consecration and whether we will be worthy to do so. At one part it states: "Although there is a secret hope in each of us that we might someday qualify as a steward in a Zion society, the probability is that not more than one out of ten of us is likely to get a favorable nod from the Lord or His servants until after we undergo a tremendous amount of additional preparation."
I found this thought very depressing. I never thought I'd have to be perfect to live the law of Consecration in a Zion society. Perhaps this was not the idea that the author intended to convey but it was my initial reaction. If we take the City of Enoch as an example, it is my understanding that the inhabitants were not perfect right away but after a period of time became righteous enough to be taken from the Earth. After all, the beauty of the Atonement is that the Lord makes up for our shortcomings as long as we are striving to do our best. On the other hand, I wonder if the author would have made changes to how the book ended if he had lived to see it published. I guess I won't worry about it, I'll just live my life the best I can and hope for the best.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2016
I wonder if Skousen would be happy with the way this book was published. It seems very unpolished. The end notes are in all different forms (which supports the idea that the chapters are other bits that he put together). I really wanted to like this book (because I really liked The 5,000 Year Leap, but as I looked up a lot of the scriptures, quotes for Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and a talk given by Boyd K. Packer, I discovered several I felt were taken a little out of context, or at least interpreted in a way I didn't agree with. Unfortunately, it's really hard to identify when he's saying something that is his opinion unless you look up his notes. Too bad some of the time the notes simply reference his previous works. It would have been more professional if his children or the publisher had actually looked up his original sources and included them. By the fourth chapter the use of CAPITAL LETTERS to emphasize things was really grating on me. There are also a lot of long lists throughout the chapters, which was also annoying.
The first half is about the signs of the times, a lot of which seemed to be conjecture. The second half explains what a Zion society looks like, is set up, and how we can prepare to be a part of one. It felt like he was trying to help people prepare, but with all the lists it fell short of inspiring me. I found myself thinking, "What is the purpose of this book? With the exception one quote from 1993 the most recent apostle quoted was Orson Pratt. I think the talks we hear in General Conference are geared to prepare us for participation in a Zion society. I'd rather stick with what they are telling and inspiring me to become, rather than all these lists." I think Skousen has some interesting ideas that could be right, but the presentation of them is somewhat lacking and over-confident (as in "this is the way it's going to be..."). Overall, I think this book is very misleading for those who don't take the time to look up at least some of the notes.
The first half is about the signs of the times, a lot of which seemed to be conjecture. The second half explains what a Zion society looks like, is set up, and how we can prepare to be a part of one. It felt like he was trying to help people prepare, but with all the lists it fell short of inspiring me. I found myself thinking, "What is the purpose of this book? With the exception one quote from 1993 the most recent apostle quoted was Orson Pratt. I think the talks we hear in General Conference are geared to prepare us for participation in a Zion society. I'd rather stick with what they are telling and inspiring me to become, rather than all these lists." I think Skousen has some interesting ideas that could be right, but the presentation of them is somewhat lacking and over-confident (as in "this is the way it's going to be..."). Overall, I think this book is very misleading for those who don't take the time to look up at least some of the notes.
March 21, 2011
I found it very interesting. I took it with a calm mind and with the idea/question "am I following the brethren?" So I didn't react or feel alarmed at how the world is going to end according to this book. I felt good about my preparedness and learned some new things. I also read some things that I don't necessarily agree or disagree with. The 12 tribes return for instance - I just know they are lost and will come back. I don't know how they'll come back and figure if I'm supposed to know, then I will know - until then, I will live my life. America being sealed off by rough seas and the 2 prophets in Jerusalem not being from the US were new thoughts I found in this book. The book discussed the battle of Gog/Magog and Armageddon which I am familiar with, and provided some interesting insights about how all of that will take place.
I think it was interesting that I read the book at the same time that I was working on food storage updates (case lot sales) and reading the Christmas with the prophets book. The prophet Heber J. Grant 1918-1945 and George Albert Smith his successor were the prophets who oversaw/implemented the Lord's welfare program and watched it become a huge strength to the members after the war. I also referenced many of Skousen's references and read the passages of scripture in context to know of myself what the Lord revealed.
I also was glad I have read part of the Bible recently because several ideas presented in the book I was already familiar with as they are recorded in scripture. I was interested in Joel's vision and look forward to reading it for myself in the Bible when I get there.
This is a good book to have as a reference point for the future. But, I would recommend, if you want to know what the Lord would have you do, pray and listen to the brethren and follow the counsel given!
I think it was interesting that I read the book at the same time that I was working on food storage updates (case lot sales) and reading the Christmas with the prophets book. The prophet Heber J. Grant 1918-1945 and George Albert Smith his successor were the prophets who oversaw/implemented the Lord's welfare program and watched it become a huge strength to the members after the war. I also referenced many of Skousen's references and read the passages of scripture in context to know of myself what the Lord revealed.
I also was glad I have read part of the Bible recently because several ideas presented in the book I was already familiar with as they are recorded in scripture. I was interested in Joel's vision and look forward to reading it for myself in the Bible when I get there.
This is a good book to have as a reference point for the future. But, I would recommend, if you want to know what the Lord would have you do, pray and listen to the brethren and follow the counsel given!
June 15, 2022
Wow - you better not read this if you are the type that cannot handle the bad and the ugly of what's going to very likely happen just prior to the Second Coming of our Savior. However, I love to read stuff like this. This book tells us about America's destiny as we approach "the end of the world", all based and quoted from the Holy Scriptures and quotes from prophets. It shows the almost-demise of the U.S. and yet the glory that will enfold it once the Millennium is here and Christ reigns upon the earth once more. It also does a pretty good job of showing the reader what one must become if one wishes to endure and overcome the terrible things that will be happening just prior to Christ's Second Return. It really gave me pause to ponder whether or not I'm as prepared as I could be for the "great and terrible day". For me, it was inspiring, making me want to become better - serve others more, be more Christlike, have more faith, be less worldly, etc. But like I said I know some people would NOT like to know what's up ahead. They rather just be surprised and have to deal with it "as it comes". To each their own. I found this book fascinating and full of facts. And at the end the author shares a couple of visions that Church Patriarch Evans had, too, and those were enlightening as to what will be taking place upon earth in the not-so-distant future, as well as what will happen after all the 'bad' happens, and the glory that will be upon those who endured through it all. I think the bottom line is, that is just made me appreciate all over again the majesty of God and His ways, and it reinforced the idea that so long as we are on the Lord's side, then things will be ok with us in the long run.
August 7, 2012
W. Cleon Skousen sounds like a Star Trek character's name, but in fact he is one of the greatest "scriptorians" of the past century.
My low rating of this book has less to do with the content and more to do with the way the content was presented.
In addition, the title was a bit misleading, since Skousen spent most of the book focusing on how a "Zion Society" might be set up on the North American continent, after the "cleansing" (this idea, by the way, would make a really scary Hollywood movie), based on scriptures from the Old and New Testament and additional scriptures and prophecy ( I dare skeptics to tell me HOW Charles D. Evans's dream from 1894 could be SO RIGHT ON! Holy smokes!).
DEVELOPING A ZION SOCIETY might have been a more appropriate title.
In Skousen's defense, this book did not undergo his "final refining touches" in his life-time. He left it to his family to "bring forth", when they felt it was time.
They felt it was time and did the editing after his death.
Therefore, I do not feel this book represents Skousen at his best, because he was not here to make sure the "voice" and "intent" of the book were in fact HIS.
Some highlights of the book were: Seven Steps in Setting up God's Law, The Duel Economic System Under God's Law, and Developing Godly Qualities for a Zion Society.
However, even with the use of scripture and sound economic theory to back his views up, a great deal of what Skousen posits in these pages are, in fact, translated into his ideas of how things will work.
It is an easy read. I felt there was truth in the expository text, but in the end, it was not presented in an effective way.
*** I WILL be using some of his material about the Constitution on my blog, because it is INCREDIBLE!
My low rating of this book has less to do with the content and more to do with the way the content was presented.
In addition, the title was a bit misleading, since Skousen spent most of the book focusing on how a "Zion Society" might be set up on the North American continent, after the "cleansing" (this idea, by the way, would make a really scary Hollywood movie), based on scriptures from the Old and New Testament and additional scriptures and prophecy ( I dare skeptics to tell me HOW Charles D. Evans's dream from 1894 could be SO RIGHT ON! Holy smokes!).
DEVELOPING A ZION SOCIETY might have been a more appropriate title.
In Skousen's defense, this book did not undergo his "final refining touches" in his life-time. He left it to his family to "bring forth", when they felt it was time.
They felt it was time and did the editing after his death.
Therefore, I do not feel this book represents Skousen at his best, because he was not here to make sure the "voice" and "intent" of the book were in fact HIS.
Some highlights of the book were: Seven Steps in Setting up God's Law, The Duel Economic System Under God's Law, and Developing Godly Qualities for a Zion Society.
However, even with the use of scripture and sound economic theory to back his views up, a great deal of what Skousen posits in these pages are, in fact, translated into his ideas of how things will work.
It is an easy read. I felt there was truth in the expository text, but in the end, it was not presented in an effective way.
*** I WILL be using some of his material about the Constitution on my blog, because it is INCREDIBLE!
January 1, 2014
I have heard of Cleon Skousen my whole life, but this is the first book I have read of his. It was recommended to me by my husband, who heard about it from his parents. It is thought provoking to read his chapters, written almost as a textbook, with questions at the end of each chapter to see how well I was paying attention. I am very good at reading something and - in this case - forgetting details even by the end of the chapter. I take this as a challenge to pay more attention when I read, especially when it is something like this, written by someone who has carefully studied scripture and made an attempt to explain it in ways that we can understand. Other books we've been reading along this theme: Visions of Glory and Behold, I Come Quickly.
September 15, 2011
I really like this book by Skousen I have read a few of his books and my parents were friends of his. As a person I have a lot of respect for him and so going into this book I had some very high expectations. I had read many other Latter-Day prophecy books and wondered what he would have to add to the subject.
His take on referencing information is one that many latter day saints may not agree with but I thought added to this book: he is willing to consider all information from many sources and many of them not "verified doctrinal". I don't believe in any way is he attempting to misguide or lead astray person interested in the events surrounding the second coming, but in fact seeking to expand the view of the reality of how the evens will unfold during that time.
This book is a great read for anyone interested in the Second Coming of The Lord Jesus Christ.
His take on referencing information is one that many latter day saints may not agree with but I thought added to this book: he is willing to consider all information from many sources and many of them not "verified doctrinal". I don't believe in any way is he attempting to misguide or lead astray person interested in the events surrounding the second coming, but in fact seeking to expand the view of the reality of how the evens will unfold during that time.
This book is a great read for anyone interested in the Second Coming of The Lord Jesus Christ.
December 7, 2011
A fascinating look at how all the "last days" prophecies could come together into a cohesive narrative. I liked that the author didn't try to extrapolate more meaning than there is to be found in the original texts but he did have an original idea of the sequence of events. He starts with events culminating in the complete collapse of the United States government and continues through the battle of Armageddon. He doesn't spend a lot of time on the events leading up to the collapse which no one can guess but just says that it will occur and proceeds to explain his ideas. It is a short read of less than ten chapters with an explanation of what zion is and how it would have to be implemented to be successful drawing on previous failed attempts as reference. It was interesting.
June 25, 2010
Very eye-opening book on the current state of affairs with our society and how we've gotten on the road we are on. It paints a bleak outlook for most in our society, while those who choose the "higher road" will be blessed. Sad on one hand and hopeful and amazing on the other. We're in for a rough ride and it will be interesting to see the handy work of God!!!
There are several eyebrow-raising doctrinal statements in the book that are NOT referenced. If these are opinions or suppositions, they should be labeled as such. Due to these (I'll post some examples), I've adjusted my rating accordingly.
There are several eyebrow-raising doctrinal statements in the book that are NOT referenced. If these are opinions or suppositions, they should be labeled as such. Due to these (I'll post some examples), I've adjusted my rating accordingly.
October 25, 2010
I enjoy a book outlining scriptures in an orderly fashion for a particular topic. The book has a lot of that. His ideas about the last days are interesting, and some of his interpretations were different, which gave me something to think about. Beyond that, there was a bit of history relating to our founding fathers and their views. I also enjoyed that. And finally, there was a good bit about how to live to be worthy when the Savior returns to the earth. Sometimes we think we know how it is going to be, but we really don't. When we get there, wherever it is, we find that it isn't at all what we thought. What we can know is that in the Lord's eternal plan, it will be right.
August 18, 2011
Wow, Ever wonder what we need to do to get to the celestial kingdom read this book and apply its principals. Dr. Cleon Skousen spent his life researching. At the time of his passing his work was not completed. This book is now being brought forth by his family.
Included are winding up scenes the events and stages the Lord has predicted through his servants.
They will help explain the nature of prophecy, chronology of events, and importance of staying close to Lord, and His prophets during the difficult years prior to Second Coming. We see some happening now.
We need to be prepared and obedient, then we need not fear these events. rather count our blessings.
Included are winding up scenes the events and stages the Lord has predicted through his servants.
They will help explain the nature of prophecy, chronology of events, and importance of staying close to Lord, and His prophets during the difficult years prior to Second Coming. We see some happening now.
We need to be prepared and obedient, then we need not fear these events. rather count our blessings.
May 7, 2015
W. Cleon Skousen uses scriptures and statements by leaders of the LDS Church to illustrate his interpretation of what will shortly happen to the world. I listened to the audio book, so I haven’t had a chance to look at all of the sources he cites, but it is interesting, for sure!
Skousen was a professor at Brigham Young University and scholar whose studies in Israel were legendary, so this is the culmination of a lifetime of his research. I don’t know whether everything he states will come to pass, but some of his predictions have already happened, and it was enlightening to hear his views and conclusions.
Skousen was a professor at Brigham Young University and scholar whose studies in Israel were legendary, so this is the culmination of a lifetime of his research. I don’t know whether everything he states will come to pass, but some of his predictions have already happened, and it was enlightening to hear his views and conclusions.
April 7, 2010
I marked this book as "It was amazing" because it truly was. It wasn't so much that the writing or the style were out of the ordinary, but the information that was presented truly was amazing. Cleon Skousen brings information to the table that so few understand, and he does it in a way that left me spellbound, awestruck, and wanting more understanding altogether on the topic.
For a more detailed review, see here: http://jenheadjen.blogspot.com/2010/0.... :)
For a more detailed review, see here: http://jenheadjen.blogspot.com/2010/0.... :)
June 11, 2010
This book is a great easy read and I recommend it to anyone who is depressed or discouraged whenever they think of the last days and all the events leading up to the Second Coming.
W. Cleon Skousen wrote this book in 1996 (I think) but it just came out this year. It basically talks about how the law of consecration works and how it will work in the last days. I learned a lot by reading this book and I feel much more at peace with the future because of it. I highly recommend it to anyone who is worried about the future of America.
W. Cleon Skousen wrote this book in 1996 (I think) but it just came out this year. It basically talks about how the law of consecration works and how it will work in the last days. I learned a lot by reading this book and I feel much more at peace with the future because of it. I highly recommend it to anyone who is worried about the future of America.
January 24, 2014
I learned a lot and not just about the final days as laid out by John the Revelator. The principle of Justification has eluded me. I could probably write a paper on it and get an A but I don't think I really comprehended how it works and through one simple analogy the light finally went on.
Other parts of the book were more interesting than gospel but I liked Skousen's interpretation of a Zion society. He is very thorough and there are tons of scriptures to back him up. It left me wanting to be a better person so I think it was valuable for me to read.
Other parts of the book were more interesting than gospel but I liked Skousen's interpretation of a Zion society. He is very thorough and there are tons of scriptures to back him up. It left me wanting to be a better person so I think it was valuable for me to read.
June 14, 2010
Very interesting! Maybe I should have given this a five, but in some parts I wanted more back-up information; more depth and scriptures quoted. On the other hand, being a fast, easy read may lead Skousen's readers to study on their own, reading the scriptures about the last days again, in context. I certainly will. We truly live in a remarkable time with many miraculous events ahead of us. This book reminds us of the reasons we have to prepare - and to hope.
December 9, 2013
Not for the faint of heart! This is more of a book for LDS Church members who are interested in the signs of the second coming and some of the prophecies about what is going to happen beforehand. Not about "how to cleanse America" rather about "how the Lord is going to kill everyone in America eventually, including you unless you get your act together". Oh and did I mention this is NOT a book about political science?
February 14, 2011
I LOVED this book! It is written by the author of the 5,000 Year Leap, another excellent book. It really helped explain what the author thought would happen in the last days. Some of it was scary, of course, but for the most part is was encouraging that the Lord has a plan and we will be OK if we rely on Him. I liked how it explained how the Zion cities would be set up. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the last days (which should be all of us!) :)
September 18, 2012
I love "signs of the times" stuff, and this book gave me more detailed information about such things than any book ever has before. Not sure how the dude got all this info but, whatever. It was cool to read and imagine. (Cool and scary). The first half of the book is better than the last half, which deals more with the law of consecration and how that will work--in detail--and that part was a bit boring.
February 6, 2013
Clarified much of the events of Revelation for me as well as the Doctrine and Covenants, and presents a vision of hope and peace in the tribulations to come. America's destiny will not be determined by the "Gentile culture", though its not of any use to inform them of this.
The format of the book is a little jarring, meaning it doesn't exactly flow from one chapter to the next. However, it serves well for referencing this material in future discussions.
The format of the book is a little jarring, meaning it doesn't exactly flow from one chapter to the next. However, it serves well for referencing this material in future discussions.
November 23, 2013
I didn't quite finish it before it was due at the library, but I almost finished it and got the main concepts. It had definitely helped me prepare for the 2nd coming; there is a lot I didn't know before reading this! I also loved the timeline in the beginning that outlined what has to happen and in which order during the 2nd coming of Jesus Christ. Everyone should read this book! Very informative.
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