Palmer's stated purpose in writing the book was to incorporate recent critical historical and scholarly studies of LDS history in an orthodox defense of the faith.

Palmer asks, "Is it right to tell religious allegories to adults as if they were literal history?"

Mark Ashurst-McGee, an LDS member, states that Palmer presents only one side of an issue and only uses evidence that supports his own views,[2] such as using the Hurlbut affidavits from Eber Dudley Howe's book Mormonism Unvailed for the purpose of "overlaying run-of-the-mill treasure lore" onto Joseph Smith's original account of the recovery of the golden plates.

[3] Responding to five negative reviews of Palmer's book by FARMS (the LDS affiliated Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies),[4] Ron Priddis asks: "Is nothing beyond the reach of sarcasm by FARMS polemicists?"

[6] A disfellowshipped member retains church membership but loses certain privileges.