The Quote

One Nation under Gods, page xx (hardback)
...his comment stirred long-forgotten memories in non-Mormons of an era when Mormonism existed as a "radical, immoral, and un-American band of religious zealots with a charismatic leader—a nineteenth century People's Temple sect characterized by polygamy, theocracy and economic cooperation."¹⁰

One Nation under Gods, page xiv (paperback)
...his comment stirred long-forgotten memories in non-Mormons of an era when Mormonism "was perceived as a radical, immoral, and un-American band of religious zealots with a charismatic leader—a nineteenth century People's Temple sect characterized by polygamy, theocracy and economic cooperation."¹⁰

The Reference

Endnote 10, page 479 (hardback), page 477 (paperback)
10. Esplin, 33.

The Problems

Abanes' quote makes reference to "an era when Mormonism existed" in a certain way; a way he then quotes author Fred Esplin to support. The problem is that while Esplin wrote the words that Abanes quotes, he doesn't say what Abanes says with those words. Take a look at the original quote, from "The Saints Go Marching On: Learning to Live With Success," Utah Holiday (June 1981), 33:

Public opinion of Mormons has turned full circle. The early church was perceived as a radical, immoral, and un-American band of religious zealots with a charismatic leader--a nineteenth century People's Temple sect characterized by polygamy, theocracy and economic cooperation.

Do you see the difference between the way Esplin wrote his words and the way they were used by Abanes? Esplin speaks of a perception, whereas Abanes assures his reader of a reality.

Just because people may have viewed the early Church with a negative perception does not mean that the perception reflected reality. Esplin recognizes this possible "disconnect" between perception and reality with his carefully selected words. Abanes, on the other hand, fails to recognize the disconnect implicit in Esplin's original words, choosing to do away with the perception and presenting an image of reality. Such subtle twisting of an author's words is, of course, dishonest.

Abanes' readers wouldn't know that, of course. Unless they took the time to look up an obscure article, two decades old, to see how the original author chose to use his words. (Note that Abanes did correct this error in the paperback edition of One Nation Under Gods.)

Written by Allen L. Wyatt