Criticism of Mormonism/Books/One Nation Under Gods/Presentism

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A work by author: Richard Abanes

Presentism

“Presentism” is an analytical fallacy in which past behavior is evaluated by modern standards or mores.

“Presentism,” observed American Historical Association president Lynn Hunt, “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.”[1]

The following are some of our favorite examples: