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The letter which follows was written by a Mormon attorney who is very displeased with our work on Mormonism. A photocopy of it was forwarded to us by the individual who received the letter:

I apologize for not returning the document entitled “Major Problems of Mormonism” by Jerald and Sandra Tanner sooner. . . .

I had originally intended to read the entire 256 pages, but after 20-something pages I was so disappointed by the Tanners’ poor writing skills and lack of scholarship that I saw no purpose in going any further. I have read much better anti-Mormon literature. . . . I was offended by the inarticulate meanders of the authors. . . . the Tanners constantly quote from sources not available to the reader, including numerous unnamed sources and out-of-print sources (or make their own quotes up. . . .) their work reads like right-wing militia propaganda concerning conspiracies within the federal government or claims of alien abductions. The Tanners’ diatribe is so salacious and “out there,” that they probably support the videotape “Alien Autopsy” occasionally shown on tabloid T.V. shows.

I am concerned that you place so much stock in the ramblings of a not-so-bright former “machinist”. . . The Tanners do this solely for the notoriety that their crying and wailing brings them. They probably started with the object of getting rich, but obviously have been so ineffective that they can hardly raise enough funds to prolong their miserable work. . . . You should be aware that the Tanners’ “Salt Lake City Messenger” is a tiny gossip rag read by few, even though free of charge. Even the crummiest of tabloids do better. . . .

Initially, I began making notes of the numerous lies, inaccuracies, and half truths of the Tanners, but found it to be such an extensive list that would have covered hundreds of pages, that I quit. . . . All the Tanners have done is write an Enquire-type article on the LDS Church.

I would encourage you to pursue true scholarship of the things that apparently fascinate you, and not rely on this feeble machinist’s deranged thoughts. . . . I found Tanners’ work and your suggestion that it was “overwhelmingly convincing” to be offensive and worthy only of a brief, blunt, clear response.

(Letter from Texas)

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Take my name off your mailing list. I do not want any more “SATINISTIC GARBAG” [sic]. I dare you to print this letter in your next issue.

(Letter from Utah)

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Dear Tanners, I want to thank you for all the intricate research you have compiled over the years. I was able to check out “. . . Shadow . . .” [Mormonism—Shadow or Reality?] from the university library and have enjoyed reading each page with wide eyes. I appreciate the documentation and honesty in your book that was lacking as I grew up in the church. You answered many questions that were never properly answered by my parents and leaders. Don’t give up on people — I wouldn’t have been ready for things like this a year ago — there are times when things make sense and you allow yourself to listen.

(Letter from Missouri)

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You have given me so much help in leaving Mormonism behind in my life & in the lives of my two children.

(Letter from Louisiana)

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The young [Mormon] missionary girls started coming here in December 96. They made their usual pitch . . . they started talking baptism. I still couldn’t believe several things. But I went ahead and was baptized in Feb of 1996. By Nov 1997 I had had all I could take. So much was false I couldn’t wait to get out. When I received your brochures etc. that topped it off. I sent in a letter of resignation.

(Letter from West Virginia)

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Thanks to you guys and especially Jerald and Sandra Tanner I canceled my baptism with the Mormon Church . . . there was so much so hard to believe that it seemed like heresy. I could not in clear conscience go to church any more . . . there was something missing in the Mormon version of Joseph Smith’s story.

(Letter from Illinois)

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I want to thank you two for your help. I finished reading A Gathering of Saints today and coincidentally dug out your news letter — Mormon Leaders Suppress Key Item in Murder Case — I need no more proof. If I still think they [the Mormon leaders] talk to God after this fiasco then there’s no help for me. The Hoffman episode proves to me that its all a hoax. . . . I think your work is very important. You look for the truth and I admire you for that.

(Letter from Oklahoma)

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Just a note to say thanks for the info that you produce. You are shaking up the Mormon empire enough to merit your own special publication within their church. The following is a cover sheet from a long ‘letter’ about you and your publications given to me by some Mormon missionaries that I have had discussions with. They bristle at the Tanner name.

(Letter from Hawaii)

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I just wanted to drop you a quick note saying thank you for all the work you have done. Your research and work has been greatly appreciated by me and others trying to get out of Mormonism…. I didn’t even know so much of this evidence existed . . . You have helped me and countless others by showing us that there is not only one or two problems with the church, but books upon books of them. There is no way the church can avoid this other than pretending you don’t exist to their true believers. . . . I am impressed, also, with the tone you have taken in dealing with the problems. This tone seems to say to me, “Here is the evidence, look for yourself if you want.”

(Letter from Arizona)

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Reading . . . has completely destroyed any remaining idea I had of the authenticity of Joseph Smith’s “prophetic” mission and the Book of Mormon. Thank You. I requested excommunication and left the Mormon Church . . . in spite of having . . . served a mission, taught at the Missionary Training Center, attended BYU, and married in the Salt Lake Temple. At age 32, after 13 years of living as an active Mormon, I left the Church having realized I spent years engaged in double-think and self-deception . . . While [I] was a Church member I never read your books or articles, having been warned away from you . . . As you know, Mormonism is hard to leave emotionally and psychologically even after one has left physically. Thank you for loosening its remaining holds on me.

(E-mail, dated May 27, 1997)

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I can’t begin to thank you for the freedom you have given me. I am 45 years old, I spent at least 35 years of my life trying to make Mormonism work. I am free now . . . Your book, “Mormonism, Shadow or Reality?” freed me completely. Before your book I could not completely rid myself of the programming of that cult, and give my life to Jesus. I have to thank [you] from the bottom of my heart for your work and for leading me to our savior.

(E-mail, dated March 27, 1997)

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The material is extremely good! We needed . . . documentation for our book about Mormonism and for all the conversations with Mormons as well (they always say: I don’t believe what you say, show me the documents!).

So we just want to say thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. May the Lord bless you and give you His love and power in the ministry you do for the Kingdom of God!

(Letter from Hungary)

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