The Moroni Deception by Jack Brody (Part 1)

I was really lucky to be given the chance to read this book and interview the author. So today, enjoy the book review~

How many of you know about Mormonisn (otherwise known as The Church of the Latter Day Saints)? I suppose not many. After a quick Google search, I found out that there are a few thousand Mormons in Singapore. Yet, it’s a fairly unknown religion.

Well, even if you know nothing about Mormonism, feel free to read The Moroni Deception. The book is a tightly written thriller, similar to Dan Brown’s DaVinci Code but, I think, more accurate. Again, I googled some events mentioned in the book, and it seems like the author was quite accurate in his depiction of events.

The Moroni Deception stars Michael Chenault, an investigative reporter for The New York Times. After being tipped off about two strange murders, he starts investigating into these two ritualistic-seeming murders. And the implications may decide the next President of the United States.

 I noticed two main themes running through the book – a critique of Mormonism, and a critique of the censorship of the news.First, the critique of Mormonism. There’s no other way to say this, but the facts revealed are quite unflattering to Mormonism. As Joseph Fielding Smith, the tenth LDS prophet said (and this was quoted in the book)

“Mormonism must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false."

I am disgressing, but I’ll like to talk about this quote. Firstly, this sounds quite like C.S. Lewis’s Trilema, which he wrote about in Mere Christianity. And second, I don’t believe that Joseph Smith was appointed and commissioned. Mormonism is based on a “new revelation” and a “new translation” from God to Joseph Smith, something that directly contradicts Revelations 22: 18-19

"And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.” (New Living Translation)

Ok, on to the next thread – the censorship. Michael Chenault is a reporter, and while he tries to present the truth, he is pressured by his superiors to drop this case. And why? Because someone even higher up is pressuring them. In addition, Chenault loses a Pulitzer prize because his story was politically too controversial. This book really made me think, how polarised are we as a society? Can we really say what we think?

In conclusion, this is an excellent book. It’s a tightly written thriller, and it raises many interesting topics to think about.

Disclaimer: I got a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review.

Stay tuned for an interview with the author coming tomorrow!