This book has sparked much controversy since its introduction in July, 1987. Many well-meaning Christian have said it is too "hard"; that the information contained in is so appalling it would be better to leave it in the dark. I understand those feelings, but I disagree with the wisdom of allowing the temple ceremony to go unchallenged.

As a former temple Mormon, I knowpersonallythe psychological pain inflicted by participation in the blood oaths. Repeated testimony from Latter-day Saints who have been rescued out of Mormonism by this book makes it impossible for us to bow to fear. People I trust, people who know both Mormonism and the wiles of the devil, encourage me not to take this book out of publication.

I am aided in this endeavor by scripture. Paul the Apostle told us we should "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them." (Eph. 5.11 NKJ) That is what he did in Ephesus when he burned the articles of witchcraft in the city squarein public view. (Acts 19.19) Later, he would refer to his struggle against witchcraft in Ephesus, likening it to "struggling against wild beasts." (1 Cor. 15:32)

My determination to publish Mormonism's Temple of Doom was rewarded one year ago when in a dramatic and surprising way: The Mormon Church drastically changed the temple ceremony, excising some of the most offensive parts, including the blood oaths and the mocking of Protestant pastors. I am very glad the Church has made those changes. However, it has not gone far enough. Only the total renunciation of the ungodly ceremony, in all its aspects, will cause me to cease publishing this book.

James R. Spencer
July, 1991