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Criticism of Mormonism/Books/One Nation Under Gods/Presentism
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One Nation Under Gods: Presentism
Presentism, at its worst, encourages a kind of moral complacency and self-congratulation. Interpreting the past in terms of present concerns usually leads us to find ourselves morally superior. . . . Our forbears constantly fail to measure up to our present-day standards.
—Lynn Hunt, “Against Presentism,” Perspectives 40/5 (May 2002) off-site
“Presentism” is an analytical fallacy in which past behavior is evaluated by modern standards or mores. The following are some of our favorite examples:
| Page | One Nation Under Gods |
|---|---|
9-11 |
"[T]he Smiths finally gave up on finding deliverance from their poverty by any means that might be termed legitimate employment. They turned instead to borrowing, fast-talking, and 'money-digging' through occult divination." |
27 (HB) |
Joseph engaged in "ritual magic and divination." |
28 (HB) |
Joseph was a "money digger" |
29, 494n30 (HB) |
Joseph's father was "a firm believer in witchcraft and other supernatural things; and had brought up his family in the same belief." |