Origins of Power [Hardcover]

Quinn's weakness -- and this is also a very considerable weakness -- is his dark and sometimes bland analysis of the data. His works on J. Reuben Clark are the chief exhibit of this failing. He lacks the power to persuade and enlighten. He is a plodder, not a baton-carrier. Other thoughts:

1. Am I just imagining it, or do I detect a dark undertone of subtle challenge to the historicity of Joseph Smith's revelations. I take with a grain of salt the words of an unabashed apologist, but am even more skeptical of a man who fails to proclaim his malefactions. Quinn is an excommunicated Mormon. If he writes with love or hate for his subject, he ought to lay it out frankly. If there is an axe to grind, I want to see the sparks fly.

2. By far the most interesting and valuable section of this book -- and its equally prodigous companion volume -- is the chronology given in one of the appendices. This is a veritable goldmine of fascinating and obscure detail.

In fact, from what I feel is plain common sense, we can understand that these are men of varying views trying to lead a huge organization. There are going to be skeletons in the closet. Of course, the Church would be foolish to publicize these skeletons for the world to see. I don't think any reasonable person would expect an organization to do that. Enter Michael Quinn who was up to the task.

I think that Michael Quinn has completed a significant work by using years of insider research to show the good, bad and ugly of the behind-the-scenes activities in the Church leadership circles. It thus allows you to see the "big picture" of the history of Church leadership. Is Quinn out to win apostate converts? Certainly not. Even a brief read of his preface shows that he does not have an "axe to grind" with the Church. He's just representing the historical facts as his research shows.

For devoted Mormons wishing only to view "faith-promoting" materials, skip this one and go buy Hinckley's latest book. For those in and out of the Church desiring to see a more complete, accurate historical picture of the Church's leadership, give Quinn's two volumes a read.

The term "power" seems a little missleading. What the book is really about is the origin of Mormon "authority." Specifically, this refers to the concept of Mormon "Priesthood," or the "authority" of Mormon leaders to act in the name of God.

The book addresses how Joseph Smith received this authority, what he did with it, and how it helped to shape early Mormon society and theology.

Joseph's traditional account on how he received this authority from God is addressed, as well as the historical problems and evolution of that account over time.

It also explains how this authority became paramount in his theology. How his belief in this authority gave birth to, "theocratic ethics" (i.e. If God says something is right, it doesn't matter what man says), and to Joseph's being ordained King by his secret council of 50.

The book is well written, heavily annotated (typical of Quinn), and important in pointing out revisions to Mormon scripture as Joseph's traditional account became canonized.