Prophet of Blood

This is a detailed book regarding the genesis and history of a church cult, the Firstborners, its violent spinnoff, the Lambs of God, and leader of the Lambs, Ervil LeBaron. It was published in 1981, and this church cult violence continues at least until the 2010s. Discrimination and violence against Regular (Old) Mormons in the US are described, as well as discriminatory and violent acts by Regular Mormons against others, including Firstborners. Likewise, murders by the Lambs of God are mentioned, directed by Ervil LeBaron. Ervil’s personality apparently changes over time. He ends up being a selfish con man who enjoys power and exhibits sociopathic tendencies. The book relays unflattering historic events and convenient prophecies made by Cult Mormon and Regular Mormon “prophets”. The authors detail interesting justifications for polygamy made by Regular Mormons, Cult Mormons, and Jack Mormons. The basis for Erval's polygamy, however, is lust and his desire for power. This book was only available through an interlibrary loan—it was not available as an e-book or audiobook. The used book price was prohibitive. Finally, I found the voice-enabled copy through Open Library. The Voice copy is useful since there is no abridged edition, unfortunately. This was Bradlee's 2d book and Van Atta's 1st book, although the latter does not claim it on his website (as of 1/20/2024).

Beyond its central premise, the book can be read through the connected lenses of Nonfiction. Those themes offer useful points of attention as the characters, ideas, or world develop, especially where the book complicates the expectations of its primary category.