A Mormon-watcher´s extravaganza

I'm jealous of the writer of this book, Steven Shields. I mean, the guy had *fun* when he compiled this book, essentially a catalogue of all known churches, sects and cults claiming to be Mormon (or something to that effect). There are hundreds of them!

My copy of this work wears the imprint of Restoration Research, presumably Mr. Shields' own outlet, but the latest edition is published by Herald House, associated with the Community of Christ. I assume Shields is a member of this respectable, ex-Mormon denomination.

"Divergent paths of the restoration" must be seen to be believed. Over the years, a stunning number of religious groups have claimed the mantle of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. Many people have mimicked Smith's prophetic calling by claiming to have been visited by angels, receiving divine revelations, etc. Some have encountered Elijah. There are groups claiming access to the "secret" portions of the Book of Mormon. And yes, there are still Mormon groups which practice polygamy...

Some of the denominations mentioned in the book are well known, at least to avid students of Mormonism: the RLDS Church (now the Community of Christ), the Cutlerites, the Bickertonites, the Strangites, the Morrisites and the Church of Christ (Temple Lot). But Shields have also tracked down a dizzying number of groups few people, if any, are likely to have heard of. Many of them have pretentious names: Church of Jesus Christ of the Saints of the Most High God, Perfected Church of Jesus Christ of Immaculate Latter Day Saints, The Watchmen on the Towers of Latter Day Israel and the Church of the Body and of the Spirit of Jesus Christ (it had exactly one member).

The author have also located several homosexual Mormon groups, another group which combines the Book of Mormon with peyote, and even a New Age group at Mount Shasta which claims to be in touch with the angel Moroni. Further, Shields mentions a 10 years old boy who claimed to be a prophet and was promptly expelled from the LDS Church, and an American Indian prophet who temporarily managed to recruit about 30 White (?) people to a small sect, apparently based on a mixture of Mormonism, Catholicism and magic. Both incidents took place during the 19th century.

This book will give you vertigo!

Finally, a word of wisdom about what the book is not. It's not a "real" scholarly study of the various Restoration groups. At least the 1990 edition could have used some better editing. Nor are the addresses to the various groups included. "Divergent paths" is a cult-watchers' overview of the Mormon milieu, neither more nor less.

But yes, it's hilariously funny - at least if deviant religious groups gives you the treat.