Reader comments
Doug Robinson: 'Leap' is relevant in U.S. today

fred | 6:54 a.m. June 9, 2009

Just started reading the book last night. I like how he writes at a level where you don't have to be a scholar to follow the meaning of it all.

Mike P. | 9:06 a.m. June 9, 2009

There are significant problems with "Leap," problems that are endemic to all of Skousen's books, namely:

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.

want a copy of Leap? | 10:15 a.m. June 9, 2009

If you come to the GOP convention on Saturday June 13 at the Davis Conference Center 800 W. Heritage Park Blvd. Layton, Utah I will have copies of this book at a discounted price while supplies last. Just come to my booth to get one.

Cherilyn Eagar

Comments continue below

worn out copy... | 11:25 a.m. June 9, 2009

Cherilyn's copy of leap looks like she has been reading it for years, probably has.

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.

hey doug | 2:12 p.m. June 9, 2009

Hey doug - look what I found... at Amazon.com

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

Publius | 6:23 p.m. June 9, 2009

Come on Doug,didn't you take any History in college? Skousen is a Right-Wing ideologue who makes a hash of History. He was pushed out of BYU for his false baloney and his fights with professors in the History and Political Science Departments.Richard Poll a BYU professor even wrote a book debunking Skousens writing. Find that book in the library.

Eddie W. | 9:10 p.m. June 9, 2009

I have to agree with Mike P. Skousen seems to play loose and fast with certain aspects of his books. I agree with his conservative viewpoint but not his logic that he sets forth in his books. I would say the same thing about the John Birch Society.

Grace | 9:18 p.m. June 9, 2009

Wonderful column, Doug! Cleon Skousen was a true partiot and no doubt his book is opening a lot of eyes in the U.S. Apparently his Right Wing ideals are offensive to some. Too bad.

Trevor | 12:18 a.m. June 10, 2009

Mike P. -- I hesitate to respond to your post, but feel that someone needs to.

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.

Mark | 7:21 a.m. June 10, 2009

Thanks Mike P. Skousen was a hack and it's embarassing that he and Glenn Beck were/are members. Though Glenn has had a few commendable moments, I will admit.

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.

TO: Mark | 5:31 p.m. June 10, 2009

article never blamed obama, simply suggested that the steps he is taking to "fix" the economy are contrary to the founding father's vision of america according to the "5000 year leap"

vlad | 5:02 p.m. June 13, 2009

Since Mike, Publius, and Mark are so critical with such limited understanding, it would make sense that they are all needing a big hug. So please find an appropriate way to feel special. Oh, and by the way ,your all very misguided in your conclusion(in my wonderful opinion), but good try.

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