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'Leap' is relevant in U.S. today
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1. Lack of primary sources.
2. Wide use of secondary sources manipulated for his purpose.
3. Broad generalities.
4. Does not present the historical arguments.
5. Does not use historical methodology.
6. Takes advantage of peoples ignorance, providing just enough information to persuade them to his point of view. (Sets himself up as a teacher and leader, instead of setting forth the facts to support his thesis.)
7. Propagates myths as historical facts.
8. Mixture of scriptures with the philosophies of men.
Skousen's arguments always fell to the most fundamentalist, historically and theologically conservative viewpoint. His "Naked" books relied very heavily on conspiracy theories. (The world banking system is run by a secret organization of Jewish bankers, etc.)
On balance, Cleon Skousen has done more harm than good to the Latter-day Saints' understanding and appreciation of scripture and history.
Cherilyn Eagar
While the book is getting popular, and carrying it around might get you a few votes in some circles, knowing and understanding it for years gives Cherilyn an edge.
The 5000 Year Leap: A Miracle That Changed the World - W. Cleon Skousen
Buy new: $11.97 - In Stock
The Five Thousand Year Leap: 30 Year Anniversary Edition with Glenn Beck Foreword by W. Cleon Skousen, James Michael Pratt, Carlos L Packard, and Evan Frederickson (Paperback - Mar 13, 2009)
Buy new: $19.95 - In Stock
Skousen quotes primary sources all the time. Obviously you haven't read the book. You yourself lack any primary sources in your post. You also use broad generalities mingled with scripture. etc. etc. In fact you don't provide even one example just accusations.
Just glancing at my copy, Skousen quotes directly from the Federalist Papers on pages 158, 157, 155, 154, etc. etc. I think the federalist papers are a primary source?
The 5K leap isn't meant to be a scholarly work for eggheads - he's made it digestible for the average person (just like the founders did). It's telling that the average person can read the founder's documents (declaration, constitution, fed papers, personal letters, etc.) and still understand them today.
On balance, Cleon Skousen has done more good to help the world's understanding of the founders and more.
When will UT church members give up small-minded ultra-conservative western US culture and embrace the liberal, open-minded humble attitude of a follower of Jesus Christ?
And I have to take issue with Doug's suggestion that President Obama is to be blamed (after less than 6 months in office) for the decline of our economic system. Ridiculous. Look to Nixon, Reaganomics and 8 miserable years of wild spending under Bush II for more plausible factors.
PS Anyone who aims to take away the good he did is foolishly ignorant.