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January 2001 Jan. 1, 2001 Subject: testimonies Dear Sir Madam, I was reading your web site and the testimony section. I was a Mormon myself from 1988-1992 and became a born again Christian in 1996, I now run a local ministry in the Essex England to reach the Mormoins with the gospel.... May God bless your ministry ) As a child I never had religion in the home my parents were never interested in anything to do with religion. Between the ages of 10-11 I attended Sunday school at a local Anglican Church. I found the church very boring and by the time I was twelve I decided the Church was dead. In my early teens my parents and I moved to Birmingham. During that time I remember feeling that there must be more to life, the neighborhood where I lived was particularly rough and many of my peers were getting involved in drugs, crime, promiscuity, etc. Whilst at secondary school I undertook a project on child development, on Religious faiths and how different religions bring up their children. I lived a few minutes walk away from the Headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I walked into that office; little did I know how that visit would change my life. Anyway to cut a very long story short I left my name and address there. Two young missionaries knocked on my door one afternoon. I was invited to a series of meetings at my neighbour’s house. Before long I was attending Church, the red carpet treatment was laid on, although I would like to point out that the people were genuine. I received my testimony that Joseph Smith the founder was a prophet and that God had restored Christianity through him. I loved the then Prophet and believed that the LDS church was the only true religion on the earth. I withdrew from all my gentile (non- Mormon) friends, things with my family became difficult and I believed that when they challenged me over the belief system of the church that the devil was using them to pull me out of the church. I was baptised into the Church on my 16th birthday (1988). The people were kind and friendly but I was unaware that I lost the ability to think for myself. I never questioned any of the doctrines of the Church. For the first two years I was extremely happy. When I reached eighteen things started to change. I felt uncomfortable with the way that women were treated, men 'Lording' their authority over women. Women were expected to be wives and Mothers, which is an important role but women who went out to work were frowned upon. I can remember the then prophet Ezra Taft Benson giving a speech about women who had careers were neglecting their children. I also started to question in my mind the doctrines of baptism of the dead, Mormons believe that everyone has a second chance of receiving salvation. Mormons spend a fortune on tracing their dead relatives in order to be baptised on their behalf and that they can respond to the message and become a Mormon in the afterlife. When I had these doubts I kept them to myself. The void I felt in my life, as a young child still had not been filled; I tried to work harder at being religious. I had not even realised that being totally legalistic was not what God required of us. The end of the road for my membership finally came about through a work colleague who was educated in Mormonism, he was also a born again Christian. He went about telling me about the flaws In Mormonism. He told me that to be a Mormon I had to be a racist as Mormonism believes that black people are inferior to white, and until 1978 they were not allowed to hold the Priesthood. . I asked my stake president (The Mormon Church is divided up into Stakes in a region this would be the equivalent of an Anglican Diocese and then the stake would be divided up into wards equivalent of a parish. The stake President is the equivalent of an Anglican bishop and the bishop is the equivalent of the local vicar). If this was true I expected him to deny it, he said that it was true, the Church had taught this doctrine, and I was completely shocked. I finally decided to leave after watching a television documentary, about Mormonism. The programme highlighted that Mormonism was not of God, that the Book of Mormon was a fraud; The Temple ceremonies are occultic and that Joseph Smith was a liar an adulterer and basically was a false prophet. The programme also highlighted the Mountain meadow massacre and the polygamy that had gone on. I always believed up until that point that polygamy was only practiced as a social security arrangement. After watching the programme I phoned my Bishop and told him to remove my name from membership. My request was denied I had to threaten the Church with legal action, to have my name removed. They visited me for some time to try to persuade me to return. They eventually stopped visiting when I moved house, (I did not move for that purpose). Although I had left the Church and had no intention of returning, I believed that all other churches were in total error. I tried to attend several churches and also studied other cult religions (i.e. Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hare Krishna, Islam, Spiritualism and Unitarians), but these held no interest to me. Something would prevent me from going any further. For four years I had no affiliation with any religion. I often refer to this as my wilderness stage. I was aware that I still had a great void in my life that needed to be filled, I was unaware of how to fill it. I tried everything (an unsuccessful marriage and lots of failed relationships, night clubs I drunk heavily), nothing worked. This was probably the worst time of my life, Mormonism would not leave me I would wake up and go to sleep every night thinking about Mormonism. It was like I did not fit into the world outside of the Mormon Church but I did not belong inside it either, as I could not be a hypocrite because I knew that it was false. Many people especially those who have never been part of a cult do not realise that the cult is your life you do not have a life outside of it. You lose everything when you join leave, your friend’s, social life, life is very empty. You need love fellowship and support. Then four years ago, (March 1996), I was walking round the estate where I lived; I heard music coming from a church went in and sat down without even thinking about it. At first I felt a little uncomfortable about being in the church, after a short while a video was put on it was entitled "Why did Jesus die?" The video was an Alpha course video presented by Nicky Gumble. The video was very moving, Nicky Gumble basically presented the gospel; finally it all hit me that Jesus had died for me and my sins. For many years I believed Christianity to be complicated I tried to understand the Trinity and how we could be saved by grace not works. That evening was a particularly emotional time for me I really felt God’s love and presence. I committed my life to the Lord that night and I can honestly say that my life has never been the same. God has done so much for me. Before I was saved I always felt dirty to say that I hated myself is an understatement, to feel clean and worthy in God’s sight is wonderful. I was also full of phobia’s fear of train lines, fear of death. Jesus has completely set me free. The God of Mormonism was never satisfied with what I did, I could never do enough but that is not what life is meant to be like, we can never earn God’s love Jesus has paid for our sins in full. I now feel that God is calling me to reach out to those who have been deceived. Mormons are not deceivers they have been deceived themselves, they are decent good kind people and I still love them very much; but Mormonism is a second hand religion; there is no relationship with God. Jesus said in John 10:10 I have come that that they may have life and have to the full. Cults unfortunately try to get to God in another way and that is not living life to the full but being trapped in a cage of legalism. Please don’t be fooled Jesus said "I am the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me" John 14:6 there is no other way to be right with God. If you have been involved in the Mormon Church in any way I urge you to investigate what I am saying. If you have any questions please contact me at the following address. I will respect your confidentiality and will not be pushy, as I know how difficult such a move would be for you. Your eternal destiny is a stake, don’t waste your life following a false prophet as you only get one shot. Make the right choice follow the real Jesus today! E-mail: gailclark_uk@yahoo.co.uk Jan. 2, 2001 To whom it may concern: My wife and I have recently left the Mormon church. We were sealed in the Mormon temple and then about one year later we left "the church." I was raised Mormon, went to BYU for one year and served a two year mission. My wife was a convert of about 2 1/2 years. She met me and converted and as she became more involved in the church she began to see some of the subtle, yet grand, deception. Eventually God opened my blind eyes to this confusing and works-based doctrine. Leaving the church has been extremely difficult on my family (all Mormons) and our relationship with them. Jan. 3, 2001 Subject: The changing world of Mormonism Hi, I picked up a copy of The Changing World of Mormonism because we had invited some Mormon's to the house and I wanted a little more info. I did not know what i was letting myself into! It has completely changed me. I was christened a mormon as a baby so I wanted a little more information, but this book is packed with all of the information that anybody would need to see what lies behind mormonism. If any discerning Mormon were to read this book, without any bias, then they would surely see that they needed to get saved - and fast! A warning - DO NOT read this book if you do not want to be affected by it! Jan. 3, 2001 Subject: Wild Bill Hickman Hi, ...my greatgrand-uncle was "wild bill" Hickman. I found you had a book of his online. ...I'm just starting a search on my genealogy and I came across your website and I was quite surprised at what I found. Thanks for your time. I really enjoyed his book, and I now see where I get some of the attitudes I have... Thanks! [Web-editor: See Brigham's Destroying Angel] Jan. 3, 2001 Subject: Hi Good Job, Keep up the work. Love Bro. _____ Jan. 5, 2001 Subject: Hill Cumorah I have been a member of the church for 30 years now. I have personally come to the conclusion that the Hill Cumorah where they had the great battle was somewhere in Central America. However my theory is that Moroni wandered north for many years and finally buried the plates in the hill in New York which we now call the Hill Cumorah. I believe it's just a representation and a monument to the people of that time. I do believe that Pres. Hinckley is a prophet. However I also believe he is a man who does not have perfect knowledge. General Authorities have their own personal opinions. Sometimes I agree with them and sometimes not. That's what free agency is all about. That's where personal growth is developed. Though some members of the church may feel that no matter what a leader tells them, they have to do it, these people do not understand the gospel and they're going on blind faith. If everything was revealed to a church leader then he would be completely dependent on the Lord and in my opinion, would be a slothful servant. He wouldn't be accountable for anything. Members as well, should not base their testimonies on leaders. They could at times be very disappointed. So basically what I'm saying is that you can point at any prophet from the beginning of time and find that they also made mistakes and did not have a knowledge of everything. Isaiah believed the world was flat. Why didn't the Lord tell him it was round? The General Authorities of the church are only men. They are not perfect nor do I expect them to be. Their imperfections do not discredit the Book of Mormon or Joseph Smith. The fact that they have a strong testimony and live their lives as close to gospel doctrine as they can, is good enough for me. If one of them falls away from the church tomorrow then that's their problem. I'm sure Satan would love to see that and he's probably working pretty hard at doing it. Just as he works on you and I to be miserable like unto himself. Anyway I've said my bit. You have your opinions on the Mormon faith and I have mine. Maybe we'll meet in the next life and discuss this a little more. By then we'll have a lot more knowledge so we could compare notes on gospel doctrine and our deeds on earth. Sincerely, [Web-editor: See Where is Cumorah?] Jan. 5, 2001 Subject: Changes in the Temple Ceremony Although I was a very active member of the LDS faith for many years, even an ordained Temple worker, I stopped attending Church altogether many years ago and was eventually excommunicated with so many other "intellectuals." I still remain positively inclined toward my heritage, and even in understanding circles call myself a "Mormon," even though I am not LDS. (i.e. I am still part of the culture, although not a member). Since I do not live in "Zion," I was not aware of the changes in the temple ceremony and the controversy that they were creating. However, prior to 1920, much more significant changes were made in the temple ceremony. At that time, few individuals had temple access, and there were no tape recorders. Loyal Mormons were a very cohesive group, many old polygamists were still living. Yet that and other changes in Church doctrine made by Heber J. Grant caused my grandfather and many others to go inactive, or leave the Church altogether. There were small changes made during the 1970's, while I was a temple worker. These are not new, just more public. The LDS church remains a wonderful organization doing wonderful work. They are trying to downplay the absolutism that has so characterized the church. Every religious organization lends itself to criticism, but the Church sets itself up for more vehement criticism by insisting that there is only one religious truth. The Church is a wonderful organization for many, including many of my family. Unfortunately, we as humans are all different. Probably our genetic endowment makes our personalities fit better with one religion than another, but if one is brought up in the Church, it may take a long time to find that that is acceptable to God. Your organization obviously is collecting a great deal of good historical data. This is great for the historian, or the intellectual, but what is needed, is a place for people to see how they fit among the philosophies of the world. To recognize and accept that there are some who must have an absolute, and therefore will make good Mormons, Jehovah's Witness, Ultraorthodox Jews or Sheite Muslims, and that we must accept that those who are comfortable with such religions will be oftimes fanatical. Still, I have many good friends who are Hasidic, Sheites, or devout LDS. Sincerely, Jan. 6, 2001 Hello, I am pastor / planter of ...Community Church. I have been dealing with Mormons and Mormon dropouts since I got here in August, 1997. We are on the north end of the Seattle Metro area. Much damage and hurt caused by the Mormon church. Most of the people I deal with have had contact with the LDS. Could tell quite a few stories, including those who are now believers and are being baptized. ...I will be using your site to learn so that I can better minister. Grace & Blessings, Pastor _____ Jan. 6, 2001 Very interested to read your site after reading an article about the court case in an Australian newspaper. ...I am a committed Christian myself. God bless you in your work Jan. 7, 2001 To whom it may concern: For what purpose does your organization exist? Also, it seems to me that the sites I visited were operating under a guise, purporting to be an authority on the LDS church and it's doctrine. My question is why? I feel like the real reason is so someone will unwittingly link to the site or order the materials, thinking they are getting one thing yet receive another. The spirit with which the message is shared is not one of love and concern, but rather one of confrontation and retaliation. Do you target other religions who have differing views from your own? If so, why? If not, why? (A word from the Bible) Acts 5:38&39 Matt 7:16-20 There are some bad apples in every barrel, but you would be hard pressed to find a church or a people who does more for the good of the world than does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its members. "By their fruits ye shall know them." I would like a candid and honest reply to the few questions I have posed. I'm sure you've heard them before, but I have not been the recipient of the answer. Also, I noticed that any of my message may be used in its entirety, portions or basically however you desire. I'm fine with that. I would, however, like to express my opinion on one point. Honest seekers of truth, it seems to me, would want information and opinions disclosed in their entirety so as to not misrepresent the sender of it. Be that as it may, I realize I have no control over what you may choose to print or not print. Thank you. [Sandra's Note: Answers-- *For what purpose does your organization exist? This is stated at the start of our site "The purpose of this site is to document problems with the claims of Mormonism and compare LDS doctrines with Christianity." We do not accept the claims of Mormonism and feel it leads people after a false god (see Deut. 13) giving them a false hope (see Gal. 1:8-9). We are following Paul's council to rebuke falsehood. Eph. 5:9-13: (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. *Also, it seems to me that the sites I visited were operating under a guise, purporting to be an authority on the LDS church and it's doctrine. My question is why? Not sure what you looked at but we state right up front what our position is. We give references to LDS works to back up our statements regarding their beliefs. *I feel like the real reason is so someone will unwittingly link to the site or order the materials, thinking they are getting one thing yet receive another. Don't see how this would happen at our site. We do sell some LDS books as well as those challenging its claims. But we assume the buyer has looked at the site enough to know what he/she is ordering. If not, that is not OUR fault. *The spirit with which the message is shared is not one of love and concern, but rather one of confrontation and retaliation. Please tell me where you feel we have stated something as 'retaliation' and not 'concern'? I guess you would have had a problem with Paul confronting error in his day? *Do you target other religions who have differing views from your own? If so, why? If not, why? We were raised LDS, it is our family background. We have many friends and family still clinging to its false teachings. We feel we have collected important information that they should know about. We do not FORCE them to read it, but it is available to them if they so choose. I do not have the same knowledge of other religions that I do of Mormonism. But there are plenty of people with expertise in those areas that I can refer people to when the need arises. Just like doctors that specialize, so we must do with religion. It is too big a field for one person to cover. *(A word from the Bible) Acts 5:38 & 39 38 ...Refrain from these men, and let them alone for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought This isn't instruction from God, but rather from the false teachers. *Matt 7:16-20 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Yes, we are judging Smith's fruit and it is not good. He is a false prophet and his 'fruit' shows it. *There are some bad apples in every barrel, but you would be hard pressed to find a church or a people who does more for the good of the world than does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and its members. "By their fruits ye shall know them." There are good Muslims. Does this prove Mohammed right? You must judge his teachings, not his followers.] Jan. 7, 2001 Subject: Thank you for this web site I have been evangelized by Mormons several times, both at my workplace and at home. All the Mormons I know are very nice people, so I have trouble telling them to stop trying to convert me. I finally told some of them that I could not agree with the Mormon view of the Trinity. I believe that the Trinity consists of one God, three Persons, NOT three gods. When reading and hearing about people who were Christians who were converted to Mormonism, and then later left the LDS Church, I am struck by how many of them became atheists after leaving the LDS Church. This bothers me greatly. I wish they would become orthodox Christians instead. Your web site and books should help more ex-Mormons become Christians instead of atheists. Thank you, Jan. 8, 2001 Dear Tanners, Thanks for the research and information you have provided. I am indebted to your honesty. I finally have spiritual freedom. I was born in the church, raised in Utah, my mom was and still is a hard core mormon. I never believed it was true, therefore, I thought there was something wrong with me..that I was born wicked, or something. I now know that Christ does indeed love me. It has taken me 20 years to get up the courage to fight for my own rights. I left home at 14, I am now 34. Please keep up the great work, there are many out there that deserve to know the truth! ... Jan. 8, 2001 Hello, I have been checking our your website for a couple of months now and just wanted to encourage you to keep up the good work. I have several family members in Utah and Colorado who have been taken in by the deception of Mormonism and the soul stealing lies they spew. It is my prayer that through your website they can be reached for Christ. I have tried on several occasions to witness to them only to have them say "not interested" and it truly breaks my heart. Thank you for sharing your wonderful resources with all of us who grieve for family. Jan. 8, 2001 Subject: Youth Missions Thank You for your web site. I am on staff of our churches youth group. .... We have a few kids that go to the LDS Church and attend our youth group. I was born and raised in the LDS church but accepted the Lord in 1995 at the age of 35, for this reason every one comes to me for help. Thank you for your help and God Bless, Jan. 8, 2001 Subject: Wisdom or Happiness? Thank you for the material you make available to the rest of us so we can make up our own minds about the origins of the LDS church. I personally do not care whether you are anti-Mormon, born again Christian, or even devil worshippers. What matters to me is that you have painstakingly made available information that the church heirarchy has chosen not to make available to the members of the LDS church. I served a mission for the Church, and was married in the temple. All in all I have been a member of the church for 39 years. Some years ago, when I was serving as First Counsellor on the Bishopric, the Second Counsellor - another returned missionary who had married in the temple - approached me and showed me a copy of "Mormonism - Shadow or Reality". He was disturbed by what he read and having some faith in my powers of reasoning, asked me to show him the errors in your arguments. I tried, but your conclusion was unassailable. We both lost our faith in the church. We were both asked what unconfessed sins were the cause of our falling away. The church leaders could only comprehend our losing our faith in the church if we had committed some moral transgression that was gnawing away at our souls. Both our wives stayed strong in the church, although his divorced him, believing that he must indeed have committed some moral transgression if he was doubting the church. I cannot say that today I am happier, but I am wiser, and that is more important to me. Little children at this time of year delight in the existence of Santa Claus, and are happy because of it. Most of us adults go along with this charade, and a pleasant time is had by us all because of it. At some point, however, our children gain the knowledge that Santa really does not exist. In so doing they become wise, but the cost is the "happiness" they had while they still believed in Santa. I am glad I know what I know, and I would not have it any other way. However, I continue to respect my wife's beliefs and I help her with her church responsibilities when she asks for it. I am glad she finds happiness through her membership in the church, and I hope she always will. As for me, I will continue examining facts, hopefully gaining wisdom in the process. Regards Jan. 9, 2001 Greetings from Australia ...thank you for a wonderful site, I was baptised at 18 years of age but due to doubts became inactive about 7 years later, For many years I did not bother with having my name removed from the membership because basically I knew I did not believe and I knew God knew I did not believe so the paperwork was not necessary. Your site encouraged me to make it official to the Church I sent a letter to my Branch President who advised of the 30 day rule then I heard nothing for about 3-4 months so I wrote to the Presiding Area Authority in Sydney, Boy did that get a quick response from the Mission President in Brisbane and now I am off the books and could not be happier I am still searching for Gods message and maybe one day I will find it but life is good Again keep up the good work and many thanks Jan. 9, 2001 Dear Mrs Tanner, I am 44 years old, and from England. I want you to know that it was your help and example that led me out of the evil grip of mormonism! I remember I called you long distance many years ago, you were so helpful, and although I did not become a christian (I am a humanist) you still helped me to leave that awful faith! ...Once again thank you, Love Jan. 9, 2001 Subject: Thanks! I am a born again Christian, living in Nampa, Idaho. I was raised in Idaho Falls...probably one of the few places which has more Mormons (per-capita) than Salt Lake City! I have many good friends and relatives who are LDS. I must admit that I have a heavy burden on my heart for the LDS people. They are so deceived. I appreciate so much what you do! I imagine that it has been difficult for you both over the years...doing what you do...where you do it. You and your work ARE very much appreciated! Thank you, and may God Bless you both! Jan. 10, 2001 Subject: Great book that could have impact on a Mormon Sometimes, some of the more direct attacks on Mormons are so hard for Mormons that the pain of the message prevents them from being able to hear or understand the content. Not to take away from a more direct approach, but a newer book "Grace Works: Letting God Rescue You From Empty Religion" by Dudley Hall is very much on target, pointing out the destructive, anti-Christ work of any legalistic religion, of which the Mormons can be an arch-type. I would highly, highly recommend this book as a criticism of Mormonism from this perspective. I have sent it to my Mormon friends and family. It may be very helpful for some. Best wishes, Jan. 11, 2001 Subject: God bless your ministry We live about a half mile from an LDS "church" built only months ago. I have had recent opportunities to talk with some of the "elders" (some don't even shave yet). I let them know about my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, God revealed in flesh to lowly man, Who offered Himself as the spotless Lamb Who alone qualifies as Savior, the only means by which salvation is made possible, a great loving work of God that is solely sufficient for the remission of sins. I cling to the Bible's 66 books as the only written revelation of God, and our family attends a Bible church which exalts the Triune God and His Word and emphasizes the helpless state of man since Adam&Eve. Adding our paltry works to His perfect and quite simple plan of salvation seems to be a universal trait in man and in man's myriad of unbiblical religions which deceive him by hoping to impress God or to be God (the lie of the Serpent). How very sad it is to see the vast majority of the world lost in its own deception of "human goodness". How very sad it is to read how Joseph Smith was yet another to fall prey to spiritual deception, seemingly never checking any of those demonic encounters/visions against what the Bible says: test the spirits [1 John 4]. And now, this particular deception has spread to 11,000,000+ souls, just as Catholicism has kept billions in a similar darkness. God bless you and may He continue to strengthen your ministry as you come against the forces of darkness. Jan. 15, 2001 Subject: amazing It is so amazing that people such as yourselves have nothing better to do than to dig for dirt and to find fault with Christ's church. I certainly think your faith is in yourself and that a loving Heavenly Father knows your works of darkness and it will turn back on you when you least expect it. Bitter Bitter people that you are. Go and sin no more. Jan. 16, 2001 Thank God for Gerald and Sandra. You will notice that Mormons come on this site and blow up with all sorts of emotional outbursts. Emotion is what you get when the brain can't deal with the truth and the facts that have been presented. ...Sandra is ripped up and down for giving the world the truth. She has to give the truth because she loves the Bible and has read where it is her job to love her brothers and help them find the truth which is in Christ. Don't tell her to give up her ministry. ...The day will come when Mormonism will crumble and the truth will be paramount. The God of the Bible Sandra has been defending will come and the thousands upon thousands of people she has helped find him will thank her. Mormons, think again when you say she is wasting her time. She has helped tens of thousands leave the black hole called Mormonism. Her time has been well spent. I know the day will come when God will tell her "well done my faithful servant." Jan. 16, 2001 Dear Tanners, Just wanted to let you know that I've seen your material on the web and I want you to know how sorry and sad I am. You've knowingly chosen to fight against the Lord and His true gospel. You've tried to make good appear as evil and evil appear as good. How pathetic. I think you know that what you're doing is wrong and are just being vindictive, but if you really believe in what you're doing, that really is sad. I'm sure you'll have a chance to repent of what you've done someday, but it will be extremely difficult due to the number of people's lives you've negatively affected. I hope that you will change your ways and try to undo what you've done. You could be like Paul and Alma the Younger and stop your fight against the Lord and come to be some of His best servants. I doubt this will ever happen, but there is always hope for everyone. If you answer this email, don't bother trying to dissuade me from the truth. I know what I know. There is nothing that can or ever will make me deny what I know. You know, someday we'll all have to face the Lord in person and account for all of the good and evil things we've done. I hope you can see the light and repent before that day arrives. Sincerely and hopefully, Jan. 17, 2001 Can you tell me how to go about having my name removed from the Mormon church's archives. I have not been active since 1969. But I just know my name is there somewhere and I really want it taken off. I thought it didn't matter because I'm a born-again Christian and those things shouldn't bother me. But I'd feel a lot better if I knew my name was not anywhere where they might possibly find it and look me up. ... [Web-editor: See How to Remove Your Name from the LDS Records] Jan. 17, 2001 Subject: Praise Jesus!!!! WOW...firstly, I wanted to say THANK YOU for what you are doing. Ever since I was visited by missionaries, it has been on my heart to learn more about LDS (but not for the reasons they were hoping). Your web-page has provided me with that. I read through some of the letters written by Mormons and found that they are quick to bad-mouth you (not something I would expect followers of Jesus to do) and also express that their faith helped them to become better, nicer, more charitable people....that may be so...but I heard not one of them praise the Creator, Savior and Father...so I will instead...LORD JESUS...PRAISE YOUR BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, MIGHTY NAME...I WILL SERVE YOU FOREVER...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JESUS!!!!!!! AMEN!!!!!!!! ...Thank you so much, Jan. 19, 2001 Subject: prophet criteria Dear Mr & Mrs Tanner: I've always wondered how the LDS explain away the failure of their "prophets" to meet the very basic Biblical specifications for the authenticity of a prophet. The Bible clearly states that if any utterance of a prophet proves untrue, the "prophet" is false. Mormons not only believe that their prophets can "upgrade" their prophecies, but that each subsequent "prophet" can abrogate the "prophecies" of the previous "prophets" (sorry for all the quotation marks!). Just curious, Jan. 20, 2001 I am really benefiting in knowledge about mormonism from your website. thank you. Jan. 20, 2001 Subject: re your wonderful work Dear Gerald and Sandra, Sandra, I don't know if you remember me. I ...visited you some years ago and we had such a delightful conversation. I have always admired your work and the tremendous effort you have put into it. I just found out yesterday about the courtcase. ... I have referred numerous people to your book Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? It is, without a doubt, the best expose on Mormonism that I have seen to date. ...There are still many, many Mormons who are honestly seeking answers. ...[As a Catholic nun] I have received responses that indicate the amount of interest there is in regard to true Christianity. One girl wrote and said she wanted to become a Nun, but she was Mormon. I wrote and explained I am an ex-Mormon graduate of BYU and that before she could become a nun she would have to become a Catholic. We are still corresponding. She is not quite ready yet to visit me in person; that would probably be too threatening, but I am in the process of getting the info on the Internet to her. ... I ...shall keep you and your work in my prayers. I have always had a warm place for you in my heart and shall continue to do so. God love and bless you! Thank you for all you have done so far and I hope it will not stop. In Christ, Sister _____ Jan. 21, 2001 Subject: Please Read This ...I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I live in ...Ohio. I have strong testimony of the church, and I KNOW IT IS TRUE!! My question, which actually is an opinion, "Why would another church try to show anti literature for another church? ...When Jesus Christ came to the Earth, he did so to preach his gospel, not to tell of anothers abominable creeds. ...I just wish that you would choose to glorifly your own church, not put down another. Do you think that the Lord wants you to do that? I don't think so. I don't think he would want me to write things about your church, that would put it down. Our God gave us the right to choose. I want to bear my testimony that Jesus Christ LIVES! He is our savior. We can all recieve personal revelation from him through the Holy Ghost. He stands at the top of his church today, and leads them, just as he always has. He will always guide and direct his church, nothing will stop him. ... Jan. 23, 2001 Subject: I ordered tapes and books from you I appreciate very much a great work your doing. I’ve listened to your tapes over and over again. It helps me to get a mind set on how to reach mormons. ...I feel that your thoughts are being very helpful to a lot of people. The Lord gives us more wisdom as we go down the road. Lord bless you Jan. 23, 2001 thanks so much! i really enjoyed reading through your site. I am an evangelical believer attending school in alabama at the time... and have a real interest in reaching the mormon cult...i am not looking to "sling mud" on LDS members, but loving share the truth of christ with them, build relationships, and beg the Lord for their salvations. thanks again. Jan. 24, 2001 Just read changing world of mormonism [on the internet] and it was great. [Web-editor: See The Changing World of Mormonism] Jan. 24, 2001 Subject: Overlooked Smith translation Tanners, I have gained so much from your website and wanted to thank you for your persistent ministry and devotion to Christ. One aspect of Joseph Smith, as translator, that I've never seen addressed is that of his revised translation of the Bible. Besides the fact that it has absolutely no correlation to any of the manuscripts, what is interesting to note is that in his personal journals (edited by Faulring) he writes much about beginning to study Hebrew and Greek 5 years after he supposedly retranslated the Bible. This is practically an admission that he couldn't translate the Bible when he said he could. To bolster this discrepancy is the fact that he writes that Oliver Cowdery brought back a Hebrew Bible and Smith talked of how enjoyable it was to read the Bible in its original languages. Of course, if he really believed that the abominable church had tampered with the manuscripts (and therefore required retranslating by him) then why was he expressing such joy in reading them? The two admissions of studying Hebrew and Greek and enjoying reading the Hebrew Bible effectively eliminate both the necessity and the possibility of Smith "retranslating" the Bible 5 years beforehand. Jan. 24, 2001 I found your web site today and am totally impressed. You have provided such useful information for so many people who have lots of questions but want to remain anonymous. I was converted to the Mormon church 3 years ago and have had my doubts from the beginning. My husband is a "lifer" but is not active. I do not want to raise my child in this church but have not expressed my concerns to my husband because I fear he eventually wants us to be active temple goers! ...I love him very much and pray we will be a Christian family. He has already told me he "Has a testimony of the church and knows it is the ONLY TRUE CHURCH." I would like to attend a Christian church...We are a young couple and I would like to fellowship with other young families. ... Jan. 24, 2001 Subject: Congratulations! Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tanner: Congratulations on settling the lawsuit brought against you by the Mormon Church! The fact that the LDS Church itself offered the settlement suggests that the ongoing press coverage was a public relations disaster. Their apparent pie-in-the-sky plan to bankrupt your organization through years of costly litigation has backfired. There is little question that from a legal standpoint, the LDS Church had no grounds whatsoever on which to stand. Given the benign nature of the documents in question, it is obvious that the intent of the suit was to embarrass, harass, and intimidate you- and ultimately, silence your highly effective criticism of the Mormon Church. I'm happy to see that these enemies of scholarly research, free speech, and intellectual honesty have not been successful. What is most amazing is that a church supposedly built on the truth would have to resort to such underhanded tactics. That itself says something about the veracity of Mormon claims to divinity. Please know that you are in our thoughts and your personal safety and well-being are always in our prayers. Jan. 25, 2001 Subject: Request from Ontario! Dear Utah Lighthouse Ministries, I am very impresses with the whole of your website that I have been exploring for the past couple of hours. ... I have been researching and debating with Mormons for the past 2 years. I myself have been raised on the Bible and am a Christadelphian - believing the Bible as the inspired word of God and in Jesus Christ His only son. Last night I had two missionaries and one of the local church leaders at my house to answer some of my questions. The problems was they he never answered anything, and would not even let me present my question or case, and he totally went off on his own and was not willing to reason with me or even listen. It was so bad that the missionaries phoned me when they got home and apologized for what the older Bishop had done and how he acted. It was obvious to me that there was some serious problems with his case. ... Sincerely, Jan. 25, 2001 I have a question for the Tanners. In the 70s there was a mormon priest/leader that was kicked out of there religion for stealing money in Denver. Is that you? him and his wife wrote checks to themselves from the church. I hope this aint you. But if it is You are bad bad people. This was a big deal on our whole street everybody knew about it. [Sandra's Note: No, it was not us. We left Mormonism in 1960. See About Us.] Jan. 27, 2001 Hello! I am an Ex-Mormon and your Ministry helped me to see the truth. ... Jan. 27, 2001 Hi, Thanks for the help. We are the Christian parents of a daughter who embraced a Mormon Bishop she met at ... and who told her, convinced her he was a Christian. It wasn't until she brought him home for the first time that his secret came out when I (mum) asked him if he brought another gospel other than the one Paul preached? He got so angry he manifested right before our eyes. ...Last June nine years after their marriage my daughter and her husband asked if we would look after their three daughters while they went overseas with the husband's work. We did. While with us the eldest little girl who was going on six, told us out of the blue one day that her mother had warned her not to believe anything I and my husband told her because we were, Quote, "You are a liar nanna and I don't believe one word you say. And anyway mummy has told me that you don't even belong to the True Church. You're just a liar." I got so wounded by this unsolicited outburst and my husband and I have not gotten over the fact they would tell a little child this. Question: Where in nephi 2 does it actually state that non mormons and especially those claiming to be Christians are actually of the Church of Satan or the Devil?... [Sandra's Note: See Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 13:2-32.] Jan. 28, 2001 Subject: The Mormon Man God I challenge any Mormon to read the New testament and tell me what it has to do with Mormonism. Mormons are trying to climb into heaven through a different gate. Christ says no.... The Mormon church is having a hard time retaining 30% of their members. The word is spreading. Mormons are finding out the facts. ... The Mormon church has been found out by many. They have cut their missionaries back 50% in Europe. The only growth they are seeing is with the illiterate in the 3rd world. Many missionaries are coming back after 2 years without a single baptism. You will soon see the Mormon church growth stalling. Hinckley is only interested in going to his grave as the "TEMPLE BUILDER" ...One day Mormons will see that the only prophecies their prophets come up with are changes to other prophet's prophecies.... The Tanners are doing a great job of exposing it. Lets hope the eyes of the duped can be opened to truth before it is too late.... Jan. 29, 2001 To devote so much to anti-mormonism I would suspect that you are bitter towards the church for some reason. Most who have such devotion to a cause like this were excommunicated because they were unable to live the teachings of the church . Is this the case with you and your husband? [Sandra's Note: Jerald and I voluntarily requested our membership to be terminated, but our bishops would not just let us resign. They had a church court and found us guilty of apostasy. Photos of the letters from our bishops are printed on page 575 of our book, Mormonism—Shadow or Reality? My bishop wrote to me on July 2, 1960:
The bishop sent me a follow-up letter on July 29, 1960 stating:
The part about engaging in activities contrary to the best interests of the church was due to our conversations with various LDS members and a letter to our ward teacher telling him why we didn’t believe Mormonism anymore. Jerald's bishop wrote to him on August 9, 1960:
The bishop followed up with a letter on August 28, 1960, stating:
The charge of "teaching doctrines" out of harmony with the LDS Church was due to Jerald speaking with various LDS people about the problems of Mormonism and telling them of his new-found faith in Christ.] Jan. 30, 2001 Subject: saying thanks thanks for website, i was raised lds, and stood fast to the faith for thirty years, and your site has been my light at the end of the tunnel.....again thanks Jan. 30, 2001 Dear Tanners: ...[My wife], who you may remember is the G-G-G Granddaughter of BY, has formed a group of ex mormons here in Lancaster, who get together and pray and share literature with their Mormon relatives and friends. ....Recently I have been corresponding with [three LDS men] trying to reason with them from the Scripture but as you know they are so financially and pridefully tied to the Mormon cult they are really blind to the truth and when you get them to see the error in the Mormon doctrine they fall back on this "burning in the bosom" nonsense. Only [one] seems to see a broader picture in some areas. Truth is not emotional it is objective, and factual. Faith is only as good as the object in which it is placed, and the Mormon revelation is all a fabricated lie as you all have so carefully documented over the years.... Sincerely in His service, Jan. 31, 2001 Subject: web site Your message has a dark spirit about it, despite your attempts at "light". What evil, cynical people you must be, promoting an evil and cynical message about people who I am friends with, and who I know are trying with all their hearts to do good. I have been in their homes, at the activities, etc. They are human, making human mistakes, but trying to be good and doing much good for others. You are evil, trying to undermine people and a religion which desire nothing but for people to love each other and to follow Jesus. Jesus didn't do that. I have never seen such a people as the Mormons who study the words of Jesus and take them literally. He encouraged and embraced good where He could find it. Would He condone what you do? Absolutely NOT! I will make a point to let people know the truth of your message, and theirs. I know them well. Find something constructive to do, rather than destructive. Encourage good, rather than undermine those that are trying to do good. If everyone went around highlighting everything bad that happened in the Lutheran, Methodist, Catholic church, etc. throughout the years, every mistake that a Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic, etc. made, and used that as a basis to "expose" it, no one would be a Christian. Everyone would be Atheist. You should focus youselves on Jesus, rather than on a religious group and its members, rather than on digging up obscure quotes and taking them out of context to try to prove you point. Your whole message is focused on a religion and its adherents, instead of on Jesus. It's too obvious. And it's Dark. Pass the word along. You will probably bash me now, or tell me I'm misguided, or that the wool has been pulled over my eyes, or that your gripe is with the Mormon's leaders in Utah, or that I don't know the "inner workings" or "real secrets" of the Mormons, or some such nonsense. Even if they were what you claim, what does that make you? Your logic is the same used as an excuse to blow up abortion clinics. Jan. 31, 2001 ...thank you for the information on utlm.org. it will help me on my search for truth. i've been trying to get my name off of the lds records for about six months now, my three other brothers, and my dad, are still firm in the faith of it. thanks to resource sights like yours and the internet, hopefully more misguided lds members will come to know the truth. thanks again! Jan. 31, 2001 My name is _____ ______. I was a convert to the LDS church when I was in highschool in 1995. I was searching for something different. My parents are christians and wanted to defie them I guess. Well anyways I am married to my wonderful wife who is LDS, and have a son _____. I have been doubting the church for a long time. I think with my back ground on a different church I was able to see things that are not true! With my dads prayer I know that Joseph Smith is a false prophet. I recently been looking at your material and its amazing. I think you both have done outstanding job. I found out stuff that I needed to see. ...She doesn't believe me but I know I have planted a seed! Our marriage is not based on religion so she does not care that I no longer agree. Thanks again. |
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