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April 2000 April 1, 2000 Subject: Greetings and Prayers Jerald and Sandra, what a delight to see that your ministry continues. God is good. I was in your home maybe 35 years ago. I was one of the young people with ____ ______. I remember that visit very well. I am now serving as a pastor in a church in Western Michigan. You are once again on my prayer list. True prevails! April 2, 2000 Jerald and Sandra, I am writing to you from my home in ______, Va. I accepted Jesus as my savior in 1972 and have been through hell on earth and back (DRUGS, ALCOHOL, and 3 failed marriages) Jesus has never left me but my testimony hasn't always been strong. I was looking for answers and blaming my church in Hershey PA for my lack of growth. I am married to a wonderful woman who has a great testimony of Christ, but who is a morman. I joined the LDS church in August 1999 because I thought it had the answers. But the more I learn the more I've become uncomfortable. I never had to pray to find out if something was true, but that is what I am being told and now I have found your ministry and feel the Lord in my Heart. I have found all I need to know I screwed up and called my closest christian friend last night to tell him and pray together. And now I have to tell my wife that I am leaving the church and am praying that Christ will direct me how to be kind, loving, and give me the wisdom to share the truth of the Lord with her. April 5, 2000 To me that the Church puts the effort into lawsuits shows they are just trying to maintain control. They can stand on principles because they change but the control and mind control programs are kept up. April 5, 2000 Dear Jerald and Sandra I am a new ex Mormon and asked for my name to be removed about 4 months ago. I was in the church for 55 yesrs or so and since reading some of the books I got from you I came to the conclusion that It was not TRUE as I was told all my life. I always wondered why I could not get a testimony like everyone else. Now I know. April 5, 2000 I truly believe that you have overstepped your rights this time. The first ammendment referrs to "freedom of speech" but our founding fathers were referring to our ability to speak pubically against the government and not get thrown in prison for it. Do your homework folks. Furthermore, what business is it of yours what the LDS church believes? Are you truely that concerned with helping others? I don't think so and you aren't fooling anyone but yourselves if you do. You are out to hurt the LDS church and that is the bottom line. Unfortunately for you, it would appear that it has come back to bite you in the butt. Let me just end on this note, for all your hard work you aren't accomplishing much. The church, from what I have read, is still continuing to grow and do so quite rapidly I might add. I believe it has jumped approximately 8 million members since the early 80's. Why don't you try volunteering at a soup kitchen or a children's hospital ward, somewhere your truly charatable and unselfish talents can really help. You aren't getting any pity from me. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to your web page. Sincerely, April 7, 2000 Sandra, Thanks for your response and information. Your web-site is a real breath of fresh air and address all the issues that I can never seem to bury by having faith in the leaders of my church. I am and active Mormon and my feelings are constantly in conflict between reason and faith. I can never feel at peace by expressing my faith that the church is true, but an awsome power and peace comes over me when I bear witness of our Savior and Lord without any attachments to "the church is true ..ect" I come from a long family tradition of sacrifice for the church and have even been instrumental in bringing others in. I can no longer say I have done them good because I know that one day they will have the doubts that I and many others do. I have started to view certain leaders as questionable in their words as a shudder went down my spine sitting in general conference and hearing James Faust quote the poem "Invictus" I couldn't believe what I was hearing...."It matters not how stright the gate, how charged with punishment the scroll. I am the master of my fate, I am the captian of my soul" ...." My head is bloodied,yet, unbowed"..."I thank whatever Gods may be for my unconquerable soul" What is this witness for God and Jesus Christ trying to tell the church members?!! I marveld at this display of what seemed like a display of "Humble Pride" Thanks again for your site and testimonies,... April 8, 2000 Subject: thank you I am new to computors,search engines, etc. and pray this mail gets to you. i have done an extreme amount of research of the l.d.s. church history, the book of mormon and d&c and sso forth .i am a current member as well as my family. my husband recently went to the temple upon his return (i have not gone nor will i ever now.) he mentioned several things that triggered a deep search into the church and myself. i cannot mention them.i can and want to say this, this computer thing has really cut down on the time thank you for putting this information on it. i also want to tell you this,because of extreme embarassment and humiliation i can see why few mormons ever leave the church i mean these are intellegent, professional,people alot in my ward are drs. mngmt, etc. to be so deceived is almost unbeaarable at times. I AM SO THANKFUUUL THAT THE LORD TARRIED IN HIS COMMING. Please pray for my family especially my husband. he was raaised in the church and as you know they are taught early on that anyone who leaves or looses their testimony they are of lucifer. in looking over this i am not so hot on typing either! sorry. now if i can figure out how to send this because i must close thank you again i will continue my research in all the scripture aand the contradictions in the l.d.s. teachings. April 9, 2000 I have left the church and renounced it as well largely because of your material that I located on the Internet and I would like very much to receive your publication entitled "Salt Lake City Messenger". I also would like a list of your books and documets that you have available that exposes this church for what it really is. I will do all that I can here in South Carolina to warn others about this false church. April 10, 2000 Thank you and God bless your work. My son just returned from a two year stint as a missionary in New Jersy. Was home one week and has moved to Provo. Wouldn't even talk to us about his beliefs before he left. Wife and I are not Mormon (Luth & Baptist). Since he joined the LDS I have been reading just about everything I could get my hands on from your site, mrm.org, saintsalive and many other sites, books and videos. I know my son saw my library during the short time he was here so I belive that is the reason he moved out right away. ...As a Christian, I have to do something to try and get the word out to these misguided folks. Will finish up a four week presentation to my Sunday school class next Sunday. My wifes church has also used some of my library to do a two Sunday class. Thanks for all the help you have given me and God bless! April 12, 2000 Subject: My Prayers are with You This Message is for Sandra Tanner. Dear Sandra, I haven't heard lately about the progress and result of the Mormon Lawsuit against your ministry. I have read "Changing World of Mormonism" and was astonished with the contents. I find that you and your husband give the most fair views of Mormonism, that is, you try to be as accurate as possible. I also find that your ministry has the most damaging evidence against the LDS Organization. You have a genuine Christ-like desire for Mormons and their need for the true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I don't see why you are being attacked by this "Church" except that Satan is the reason. I read some of the e-mail responses you posted on your website and want to comment on it.
I have to say in the above response. Even though the writer said that "Every point you make against the LDS Church has been answered, time and again..." they should of added "although incorrectly." I pray for this person to examine the facts, their own scripture, and the Holy Bible before they make "blind" comments like this. And I also pray this person would see the need for Jesus Christ in His Life. Thank you so much Sandra and Gerald for your Ministry. You are in my prayers. April 12, 2000 Subject: don't worry this isn't a hate note I have a calm response to your web site. Even though i feel quite different...in fact i have so much pity for u i want to warp my arms and around u and take the devilish prickels from your eyes that are blinding u from the truth Right now i see a man so caught up my heart has so much sorrow. Can't u see the devil is laughingin your face...he is laughing because u have been caught up in his angels. Have u even read the book of mormon? Have u even stood outside a temple and gazed up at moroni? If not i once again feel sorry for u i can't imagine what is would be like to not have the loving.conforting sprit around me which only comes from the gospel of jesus christ which is the church of jesus christ of latter day saints. i am 13 years old yet i know in my heart the gospel is so true. one day u will see...one day the truth will be so sure in front of u....sigh...your going to cry out for love...but just answer one question are u truly happy? just think about it. April 12, 2000 Hello in Christ! I have been following your case for some time now, and you are in my prayers. The ruling to remove the mormon papers was, at the minimum, a useless action. There are a number of other sites on the Internet the post the same material... All found when I typed "Church Handbook of Instructions" into a search engine. Though I am not a mormon, I appreciate your efforts in evangelizing people away from this secretive cult and toward the true Jesus Christ of the Bible. April 14, 2000 I really feel bad for you two. You have devoted your entire life trying to prove our church wrong. Maybe you should switch hobbies instead of trying to fight for a lost cause. If you insist on continuing, you will soon find out that you are incorrect. I just hope that God is as forgiving as man. Sincerely, April 15, 2000 Subject: I'm nearly in tears I am so blessed by your pursuit of and declaration of the truth. Tonight a chat friend and I were chatting online with a young mormon lady of about 24 years and she was willing to listen, thanks be to God. Part of what we discussed was Joseph Smith's polygamy which she said was a lie promulgated by anti-mormons! I was shocked to say the least. I did a quick web search and found your site and gave it to her. Let's pray that she goes to it. ... Anyway I just wanted to let you know that I do thank God for you and I pray that God will always bless you in your pursuit of truth. Please pray that God opens ____'s eyes to his truths and salvation in Jesus alone. Best regards, April 16, 2000 Subject: The search for truth Thank you for a site that allows searching Christians to investigate & get a full picture to look at without fear and condemnation. A while ago I found myself in the exact possition Joseph Smith was said to be in. A crisis of faith. Where can I find the closest to the core truth believers on this earth? I asked the 'Elders' who came to my door. I was told- of course - Yes! Here we are - it's us and only us! All other Christians are wrong! "Don't read that stuff on the net". Don't look this way - or that!" I wonder what Joseph Smith would have thought of a sect of his time saying that to him? May we all see sense and unite with one focus soon. April 17, 2000 To The Tanners, I would just like to tell you that at one time my family was in the LDS church (4 years). Then one day I happened on your book, and for 2 years of that 4 years, I was "secretly" holding bible studies and bringing other's out. Then I was "caught" by a friend that informed the bishop of what I was doing, and you can guest the rest. My landlord was also a "biggie" in the ward and he came to our place during one of our studies and ordered everyone to leave. There was a woman there that was born into the church, but she said no! He was going to throw me out of our second story window. (brotherly love?). Anyway, I got ordained, was preaching in a small church against the LDS. ... All I can say, is God (the one God) bless the both of you, April 17, 2000 Subject: a comment from a future BYU student Hello, my name is _____ ______. I am 18 years old. I will be attending Brigham Young University in the fall. I know that you don't want any "mindless, blind-faith" comments, so I'll try not to fall into that category. I've been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all my life, and I am not ashamed of it. I have never denied the fact that polygamy was practiced (by less than 5% of church members) for some years when the church first began. Neither have I ever denied that several of the prophets of the Old Testament practiced polygamy. I don't consider myself a blind follower of my religion. I've read the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and the New Testament cover to cover. I'm working on finishing the Old Testament right now. I've done the research for myself. I would gladly give a copy of the Doctrine and Covenants to any of my friends who wanted it. In order to appreciate it though, it is essential to believe that the authors of it were prophets of God, just as the prophets of the Bible were (Amos 3:7). From my experience, people are usually much more excited to read the Book of Mormon than the Doctrine and Covenants. Maybe that's why more non-members don't have a copy. I am not ashamed of Joseph Smith's revelation on polygamy, neither am I ashamed of the revelation that ended it. The things we do in the temple are not so much "secret," as they are "sacred." We don't talk about things that are so important as if they are everyday matters. Anyway, the main point that I wanted to comment on is that I will be living in Utah in the fall, and I have no expectations of meeting anyone who lives in polygamy. I'm not claiming it doesn't exist, but I do know that it's a problem that the government is trying hard to deal with. It's not common place like you've made it sound. It's sort of along the same lines as the issue of same-sex marriages in the United States. Some people (non-Mormons or Fundamentalist Mormons - I hate that term because it links them to us) will support it because they think that to outlaw it will infringe on the rights of those who practice it. That makes it a very difficult issue for the government to deal with. But it is a government issue, not a church issue. We are not ashamed that it was a principle revealed to Joseph Smith by God, but we are also not ashamed that God commanded that the practice be ended. To sum this up, I just want to let you know that I'm very excited to live in Utah, and I'm very excited to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I'm not offended by the things you said, but I don't think you presented them in a very positive light, and back biting and slandering doesn't help anyone. Our church does not make publications against other churches because churches help people to become better followers of Jesus Christ, so what is the point of tearing them down? I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, and that is the key doctrine I've been taught (yes, in the Mormon church!) all my life. Sincerely, April 17, 2000 I really admire the work you and your husband are doing. Your website and much of the information you have made available was a big factor in my returning to the fold of Christ and seeing the truth behind the Mormon church's lies. I am in a great church family at a Foursquare church now and finding a lot of opportunities to witness to other Mormons that are questioning their faith. I have also directed many who are seeking answers to your website. Keep up the great work in bringing truth and light to the lives of so many! God bless you! April 19, 2000 Dear Tanners, I came across your site recently while performing a random search for news and information. I wanted to drop you a line and share my opinion of the work that you do. I find it a little strange that someone would spend their entire existence to the defamation of any religeon even with little to no comparative information or references. Every religeon has it's little peculiarities and many of them are humorous to those not of that particular faith. Also, every religeon has their "skeltons in the closet" that may be percieved as strange by members of other faiths. My point thus far is that we maintain mutual respect for all faiths even those that have no concept of Jesus Christ. Yes, only through Christ may we be saved. He also indicated that we love our nieghbor and as far as I recall he didn't mention which religeon or race they needed to be from to earn that love. I have done extensive research on many different religeons most of them with a core belief in Jesus Christ. I make it a point to compare any statement by a particular religeon to the defacto Christian Guide, The Bible. Through my studies I have gained an unyielding tolerance and respect for members of the many Christian and non-Christian faiths. I have also gained a great deal of Biblical knowledge. Through the course of my studies and comparisons of the many Christian faiths I have found very few that can support their faith or substantiate their claims with little more than a few selected versus of Biblical text. I have found, however, one religeon that does support itself through use of the entire Bible. The Mormon Church continues to impress me with their consistency, structure, and teachings. Those who adhere to the standards of the Mormon Church are unfailing in their pursuit of morality, and righteousness. I have found Mormons to be more knowledgable in the teachings of! Christ than any other member of any other faith I have yet come in contact with. As I end this letter I would leave you with an implore to study the Bible. Not just study it, but Digest it's contents. Learn every twist and turn, every hidden message, every line of geneology. Hang on every word uttered from the Lord, God, and the Prophets. Compare every part of the Bible (yes the Old Testament too) to your own beliefs and actions. Question everything. If you question you will undoubtedly discover the answers. Pray. Pray again and again untill it is no longer a belief but knowledge and undeniable certainty. April 21, 2000 Subject: Glaring inconsistencies It is so hard to believe that one religion could meld so much arrogance and stupidity into one group of people and with such consistency! How LDS members can get away with thinking that any criticism of their church is unloving, but they can lay claim to having the one true church (note: NOT the Christian church), send out thousands of missionaries, and beat up on anyone who disagrees with them, is beyond me. Do these people get so brainwashed by their leaders that they cannot accept the fact that Christians can research their religion, examine their doctrine and the claims of their leaders (including the false "prophecies" of their leader, J. Smith) and find the glaring differences between Christianity and the LDS church? Twenty years ago when my friend tried to convert me to Mormonism, I researched the church. I read texts, the Book of Mormon, archaeological documents, historical documents, attended their church. I quickly found that, although very family-oriented, this was not a Christian church. "Burning in the bosom" is just an orchestrated emotional response and their answer that people are not sincerely seeking when they do not experience this event is nothing more than "guilting" and manipulation. In fact, my friend made it very clear that hers was not a Christian church. Now, in a marketing campaign designed to draw more people into their church by making it look more mainstream , they are telling their members that they are Christians. We true followers of Christ find this incredibly offensive as it just doesn't stand up under the most basic scrutiny. I would have much more respect for them if they stopped this. This is especially offensive at this time of year, our most holy time of Easter. To Mormons, this is pretty much a non-event as they pretend to make a fuss with their pageants, but clearly do not worship Jesus as Lord and Savior. They are more into the name than the Cross and just can't see the problem with that. I hope Christians visiting your site will open their eyes to the threat around them. Mormons who write to you and ask "Don't you have better things to do than tear down our church?" should be answered," This IS the better thing to do- spreading the true gospel and pointing out false teachings, just as Jesus did and Paul did. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry and continue to bring people to it. April 20, 2000 Subject: thanks for the website it has opened my eyes to the church. I am a return missionary. For years I ignored the truth of the church because it did help me as a person. I cried as I read the documented history of the early people of the church the horrible lies and polgamy. I cried because I realized I brought people to these lies myself as a missionary...........It was selfish of me....I thought I was getting blessing and I thought it would help me as well as others. I do not know what to say now......its not true is it? I think many people know this but it is a powerful thing when you talk yourself into something. The church is a safe place to go and be a family, but sadly it is not what it seems.......I am still in shock now that everything is so clear.........you people must keep this site up at all cost.......and figure out how to publish it on a national level.....It is not fair what the lds leaders are doing to the world. then again so are the other religions.......... a friend April 20, 2000 I just found your web site and wanted to say thanks. I lost my girlfriend -- who I would have married -- because she decided to go back to her Mormon family. She grew up in that world and there was no way for me to win that battle. It has been a sad experience. I find it ironic that the LDS religion claims to have strong family values. It is very clear that, in this religion, the church outranks the family I was hoping to have. April 22, 2000 Subject: "The Miracle Maker" Ousted Dear Utah Lighthouse Ministry, Hello - my name is ____ ______ and my husband _____ & I attend Washington Heights Baptist church - we are Christians. I'm writing to let you know that we are very upset with the powers that be at station KTVX, SLC the ABC affiliate here. As you may know, a wonderful new claymation program depicting the life of Christ is airing all around the country Easter Sunday night 7:00EST. It is supposed to be very Biblically accurate and ABC is airing it as a sort of "test" to determine if there really is a "Christian block" out there among viewers. Our family was so excited about the implications and spread the word via e-mail to every Christian friend we could think of, and were preparing to enjoy the program ourselves and to write ABC network to give positive feedback. I know we shouldn't be surprised (maybe we are because we've been here less than a year), but when my husband couldn't find it scheduled in our TV guide and saw that a special "Utah Symphony" program airs from 6:00-7:30, "Wheel of Fortune" airs from 7:30-8:00 (can't get too much of the Wheel!), "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" airs 8:00-9:00 (again, how could anyone have too much of this show? Sigh), followed by "The Practice" 9:00-10:00, we knew it was no accident. Evidently, "The Miracle Maker" contains a little too much truth for innocent SLC citizens! After more sleuthing, we discovered according to the cable company's schedule, "The Miracle Maker" is slated to be shown at the very convenient time of 4:30a.m. Easter Sunday morning! _____ responded by phoning the station which has folks leave messages via answering machine, and he did so, leaving his name and our number. Then he sent a very direct, pointed e-mail message to the station calling them on the carpet for obvious, not very subtle discrimination. Finally, he sent one of ABC's beautiful "Miracle Maker" e-cards to the station president with a similar message about the station being controlled by "the rich cult" in town. We haven't had a single return response, although we know at least the e-card was opened. I want to spread the word on this, so that the Mormon leaders that thought they were getting away with something will know that people know what they've done! _____ told them that by omitting a Christian program so blatantly like this, when the rest of the U.S. gets to watch it tells everyone that they have no right to claim to be a "Christian church" as they do. They only did themselves in with this action! _____ also said (tongue in cheek) that it's interesting that a church that calls themselves "The Church of JESUS CHRIST of LDS" would purposely exclude a program on the life of Jesus Christ! It will be new ammunition in the battle for truth. I heard Mrs. Tanner speak earlier this year at our church's Wed. night class on Mormonism, and I am burning to spread the word on this and help expose the lie, and I thought it would be good to add to the fire that God led you to start years ago. I am even more committed to continue praying for your ministry and to not accepting the status quo! Have a joyous Easter in spite of it all! He is Risen! April 23, 2000 just retired, just got my computer, was just doing some looking around and saw your name. joined the mormon church in 1961 = stake missionary, bishop, sunday school teacher and many other past histories = wife and i were married in the salt lake temple. developed a plan that put the mormon church on the map in springfield, mo to a big step forward i was bishop stake president worked for me, he was terminated for stealing money, then he went back to the church and developed a plan to destroy me, he did, ha ha then years later, all the people who participated in that doing came up to liberty, mo and in a formal meeting at the church the apologized and admitted their wrong doing, but by that time i was no longer a member you would not believe how ____ ______ apologized to me....he was in on it.... i and wife are happy baptist's now, and we just are sad at the many years of lost time and money good luck in your work April 25, 2000 Subject: I'm searching Hello, I live in Portugal and I'm a LDS for 11 years. But I've always been unhappy. I had questions in my mind and in my heart but I never dare to ask. Now, after many bad things I've seen I decided that it's time to search the truth about this church. It's what I'm doing and net is helping because we don't have nothing in Portugal that help when we decided we must know the other side point of view.... April 25, 2000 Subject: Missionary visititation Just had to let you know, that for the past two hours I was defending your position and documentation to two visiting elders from LDS. As I have stated before, I am still on the membership rolls of the church, but have not been active. I have not taken the step to have my name removed...yet. You may be interested to know that when I told them that I believe that Joseph Smith was the author of the B of M, they became very defensive, and when I asked them if they "knew" what the Facsimile No. 1 was...they only knew what JS said it was! I used this example as "proof" that the Book of Abraham was just as ficticious as the B of M. I'm glad to have been able to get on the web and visit your site. I do, however, enjoy the printed newsletters you mail me, and appreciate your information. I told the elders that you are highly educated researchers and that you are not "anti-mormon fanatics", but rather concerned for their well being, etc. I don't think that they believe me...but then, they are just doing the "job" they were sent out to do! Obviously these type of people in the church are "locked" into their convictions. Thank you for all your insight, research, and expertise! April 28, 2000 Subject: Amazing!!! I am absolutely amazed! How much TIME you are spending attempting to right so-called-lies, is incredible. Even funnier is that you say you aren't attempting to "disparage the LDS Faith", when so clearly you ARE! I also feel that you should be FAIR, but using CURRENT matierial which clearly SHOWS, PROVES, and otherwise MAKES CLEAR that archeology for the Book Of Mormon does exist. Are you unfamiliar with research in that area? Or did your studies end in 1973??? COMEONNNNN!!!!!! I am a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have also read your tracts and others, along the way. The fact is, that no matter how convincing you may think your arguments are (which they aren't....), what you lack IS THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, which is actually what converts to this church. There is no SPIRIT OF GOOD accompanying your site, only FEAR of the powers that be, FEAR of truth, and FEAR of our FAITH. The end. April 28, 2000 Subject: Best Wishes As I write this, the Christian community of the world (of which we Roman Catholics form at least a little part!) is celebrating the 2,000th anniversary (give or take a few years) of the incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our holiest week of the year is behind us and we continue the celebration of the Lord's undeniable resurrection, as we come to know him in the breaking of the bread and through the cup of his sacrifice for the one, true, new and everlasting covenant--the promise of the forgiveness of our sins and the presence of the Holy Spirit in our hearts (Isaiah 59:21, Jeremiah 31:31-34). The Mormon heresy stands at a mere 170 years and counting. Joseph Smith and five other men founded the church on a Tuesday in Holy Week 1830, claiming there was no righteousness on the face of the earth. They forgot the Lord's own promise "where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in their midst," claiming the Spirit was lost from the earth. It seems they also forgot about the women named Mary and Martha and Joanna and Mary Magdalene that stood at the foot of the cross and later at the door of the empty tomb, and of their successors in faith from both sexes and all nations, tongues and peoples since. While the Lord lives, truth will not pass away. (Isaiah 43 presents another interesting set of forgotten promises!) So in a Christian faith together on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24), in which there is more that unites us than divides us, I send you and your readership my best wishes for a blessed Easter season. He is indeed risen! And you have our continued prayers in your legal defense efforts. |
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