DEFEATED

A Latter-day Saint’s Witness and Warning from 40 Years Deep Inside the Modern American Culture War

By: Paul Mero

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This book testifies of two truths: First, the modern American culture war, all of it, was lost over 25 years ago and, second, the good guys lost.

A majority of Americans now have chosen evil over good. The cult of personal autonomy has created uncivilized chaos. Virtue is gone, so order is gone. Objectification and dehumanization express the heart of American culture. Our social institutions now serve a wholly secular society. Our lives are no longer lived commensurately. Americans have lost their sense of transcendence and, each in their own way, have crucified an effectual God.

And yet many good people clinging to a false hope still fight a culture war that is lost. The time has come to stop fighting and to live peaceably. It is time to invoke the Zion Option.

The mission of the Zion Option is strategic disengagement from the modern American culture war. And its objective is to approach peace and leave war behind. Faithful Saints should not be looking for peace – they found Him. They should be looking to stop warring.

Part One of this book explains the author’s beliefs and how he came to believe them – a primer on authentic conservatism and a unified political philosophy for faithful Latter-day Saints. Part Two delves into his 40-year career deep inside the modern American culture war – insights into the contests, the combatants, the intrigues, the struggles, and how the culture war was lost. And, Part Three centers on the Zion Option – its basis, its spirit, and its function.

When faithful Saints trade their fixation on warring and turn to true inner peace, they will finally open an effectual door. They will say goodbye to Babylon and the “congregations of the wicked.” They will rediscover an effectual God, joy in their families, service in the House of the Lord, and enjoy safer communities.

Interesting read

This book made me think about where I stand in the world with my Christian faith, especially as a member of the LDS church. I feel so many things discussed here have been topics that have caused me concern for the past decade, especially the past few years. I very much appreciate the author’s first-hand perspectives and insights.