Book Review: The Cleansing of America by W. Cleon Skousen

From the back of the book:

"Dr. W. Cleon Skousen spent the majority of his life researching the gospel, the U.S. Constitution, the founding of America and writing numerous books and articles on the topic, and he is one of the most well-known, respected defenders of America and the gospel the world has ever known. At the time of his passing in 2006, his work was not yet finished. His book The Cleansing of America, written in 1994 and given into the care and keeping of his sons, is now being brought forth for the first time ever.

Included in these pages are the events and stages the Lord has predicted, through his servants, the winding-up scenes of this world. It helps the reader understand: the nature of prophecy, the known chronology of prophetic events, and the importance of staying close to the Lord and his prophets during the difficult and challenging years prior to the Second Coming. We are fast approaching those prophetic events. Some are upon us even now.

If we are prepared and obedient, we need not fear these events, but rather embrace them for the blessings they portend."

Cleon Skousen is a name I've grown up frequently hearing. My mother was a huge fan of his writings and marked his books up much as she would her scriptures, memorizing passages and relishing each word. She had all of his books--books which have now been passed on to me, and I treasure them for the insight she gained and marked on those pages. I loved the man because my mother loved him, but had never realized why she was so passionate about his words.

Until now.

The Cleansing of America has got to be the hardest book I've ever had to review. How can I label something that has had such a profound impact on me, that has changed my view of the world and the future, and finally let me glimpse what my mother had seen all those years? How can I impart even a small measure of the importance of these words?

The short answer is, I can't. All I can do is tell you to read it for yourself and see what the fuss is about. It is not a book you will lightly put down--nor likely forget. My life has always been changed because of this man, and now years after his death his words are back to further change my perspective of what could be.

All I can say, truly, is thank you, Brother Skousen, for leaving behind such a legacy, and for having the courage and testimony to share with the world all of the amazing things you've learned in your studies and travels. Thank you for your words.