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March 2017
Thank you for your thoughtful answers to my questions. I am still struggling, I suppose to let go of my fleshy nature and trust in God. It’s so hard to have my mind renewed to get rid of the “self” control one I have basically had over my life and let go and let God reign. I basically need a mind transplant, after 60 years of seeing through the lens of Mormonism. Christian beliefs are ever so much more simple than the complicate ins and outs of Mormonism. Christian truths are so clear and simple, that it is hard for the indoctrinated Mormon mind to grasp that all we need is Christ, and let go all the pride and self righteous works that elevate which one has held to for so many years. Thank you for taking time to steer me in the right direction. God bless.
March 2017
I just finished reading “The Changing World of Mormonism” which I found in a used book store. Well done. It is amazing to me—the honesty and sincerity evident in the Tanners’ work.
I was raised in the Mormon religion. Parents, grandparents and three great grandparents were all LDS. My great-grandfather _______ migrated to Utah from England in 1863 as a Mormon convert from England.
In 1981 I was excommunicated from the LDS church while serving in the US Army in Germany. I wasn’t attending church and the local elders came by, also military men, and questioned me. They wanted to know if I supported the then President Kimball as a “prophet.” “What has he prophesied?” I responded. “Tell me one thing and I’ll say he’s a prophet.” They got angry, had their bishop’s court and excommunicated me in absentia as my military duties did not allow me to attend.
So, all those generations—over a 100 years of Mormonism—down the drain because I had the audacity to ask, “What has he prophesied?” It was an honest question as my reading of the Bible told me a true prophet can be determined from a false one by what he has prophesied. But even to be a false prophet, one has to prophesy something. (Just like to be considered a composer of music, one has to compose something.)
I just bring this to your attention because I admire the chutzpah the Tanners have shown in asking similar questions and going full steam ahead with this.
I went on to convert to Judaism while in the Army and became very active in synagogue life, studying Hebrew in order to pray and read the Torah in Hebrew. I am especially glad that the Tanners were able to find a new way of faith as well.
[Our book, The Changing World of Mormonism, can be read on our web site.]
April 2017
I have also enjoyed listening to you via podcast. I started the process of leaving the church two months ago. It has been a rough road, including a peace bond against a member who was trying to forcibly convince me to stay. I am still going through the process of having my name removed from the Church records and believe even though it seems like a long process it will be worth it. . . . I really just wanted to thank you, Sandra, you are a gift from God. It does not go unnoticed.
April 2017
As you know, I sent in my resignation from the church Saturday. I did it through Quitmormon.com, which makes it easier. I filled out the form, and had to really go through the facts once again before pushing the submit button. Once I did, I was at peace.
After that, I accepted Jesus as my Savior. I am so grateful for His bringing me out of the LDS church, to truth. However, there is a lot of deprogramming to be done.
I attended two services yesterday. I am visiting the different churches
. . . Still have a few more to visit. . . . I have been working through 8-10 books at once, to get me out of mormonism. Interestingly, it was not the Bible that I used to pull me out, but the LDS teachings, through their scriptures, prophets, doctrine, foundation, with some Bible verses. Now I need to focus on learning God’s word.
April 2017
It is too late for Jerald and it may be too late for you. You have led thousands astray many people astray and you have been led astray by Lucifer/The Devil/Satan, your MASTER!
RETURN into the Faith of your ancestors. There was a prophet of God in your ancestry and rather than continue your “ministry,” cease to persecute The Church led by Jesus and escape from apostate Christianity, both the children (Protestants, most of them) and the mother of Harlots The Great and Abominable Church aka The Catholic Church, who keep their members from the truth or be led to serve Satan by you, the daughter of lies, who leads you away from the True Church by your MASTER the DEVIL!; AFTER A FALSE CHRIST, and another gospel far from the original Christian church, restored by God and angels thru Joseph the prophet and others.
As Jesus said, your creeds are an abomination to Him. What will you do when you learn the truth and are sent to join Jerald in Spirit Prison, along with Ed Decker and Walter Martin? While Joseph The Seer and Brigham The American Moses are in Paradise sending missionaries unto others such as those you blinded and not unto such as you and Jerald, who have willfully rebelled and might even be A Son and A Daughter of Perdition! Repent, repent and don’t procrastinate the day of your repentance until it is everlastingly too late. The 2nd Coming of Jesus and the so-called cults, LDS, 7th Day Adventists and Jehovah’s Witness will be caught up into the Clouds while you are LEFT BEHIND and the real cults such as the Tanners, the Deckers and the Martin’s are revealed from the house-tops!!!!!!!
RESPECTFULLY . . . The Prophet Joseph Smith’s cousin, Who unlike you, is TRUE to Jesus’ Church
April 2017
I’m 32, and I’m still an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A few years ago, I started having questions because there were some aspects of our history that didn’t seem to add up for me. I found your interviews with John Dehlin (Mormon Stories) which I found tremendously fascinating. I was in Salt Lake in December 2015. I purchased a copy of “Mormonism: Shadow or Reality.”
April 2017
Thanks so much for this Website. Ever since the Mormon Church purchased a major shopping mall in Utah I have become a little disillusioned with the direction of the Church. I have been inactive for a while now while I try and figure things out.
Three main questions persist with me. Why now nearly 200 years later were we told about Joseph Smiths 40 wives? Also Has the Latter Day Saints Church now become a Tycoon Money making Empire which is totally against Gods Principles? Finally the Prophet Paul says we Man has never seen God nor Is It possible to see Him. But Joseph Smith claims he did see God.
May 2017
I live in ________ England, joined the LDS Church in 1978 because of nothing more than an impulsive reaction. The message of the restored church of Jesus Christ sounded great at the time. I never had a ‘spiritual’ witness as to the truth of The Book of Mormon. In fact, every time I read The Book of Mormon I was aware that it was a nonsense book. I will say that the essays you have written and put on your website have opened up a whole new critical analysis on many points arising from the “Black Hole” in The Book of Mormon. You will have worked out that I no longer have any allegiance to the LDS Church and its doctrines. Thank you for your superb website and thank you for your dedication and perseverance to the truth in the heartland of Mormonism.
May 2017
In 1962, my late wife and I lived in “Zion,” Independence, Missouri. We were active second generation members of RLDS.
We were visited by two LDS missionaries, who were skilled to work in Independence, where RLDS members were already believers in many Mormon basics. Basically, they dwelt on Joseph Smith’s origin of certain doctrines, that are not used and are denied by RLDS. We went to the RLDS history library in Independence and asked for some early publications of the Nauvoo period, but we were denied the use of these and others. So we ordered Publications from the Huntington Library and from your early sources. We bought a microfilm reader and ordered a lot of film from yours and other locations.
In short, we did not accept LDS membership, and we promptly exited the RLDS, because of the cover-up and their denial of the obvious.
We were shunned by most our friends. But our trauma was not as acute as some LDS member exits. RLDS was Mormonism-lite, and shortly after our exit, we were transferred out of the area.
Thank you for your services and continue your good work.
May 2017
I think that your ancestors might be sad and disappointed that their sacrifices for you to have been in vain. The pioneers who died on the way were valiant to the end. You are wasting away the days of your probation. Repent before it is too late!!! . . .
You are clever like Korihor, the Anti-Christ of Book of Mormon fame. I hope you don’t end up like him. I wish you all the best, after all, you are my sister. Repent ye, repent ye, for the day of reckoning is nigh and it may very well be in my lifetime or maybe even yours as well. Surely you do not want to be left behind, like those who will not heed the revelations about the Second Coming of our Savior, even Jesus Christ given in The Bible, The Book of Mormon and the teachings of each of the prophets of Jesus’ Latter Day Saints, in this, The Church of Jesus Christ.
May 2017
I didn’t see your stated compilation [on our web site]. But whatever doctrinal point of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints that you find contrary to your personal biblical interpretation, that is your prerogative, but you should move on with your life!
We only repeat what we believe The Savior stated to Joseph Smith, specifically as to which church to join when teenager Joseph was searching to join one of the existing Christian churches of his day, namely:
“I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.” [LDS Pearl of Great Price]
So, one asks sincerely if The Lord spoke these words to Joseph. The answer comes depending on the profound sincerity and intention to learn of the petitioner. This message itself reveals that The Savior of the world is not happy with false creeds (not its members) that misrepresent Him and His doctrine.
May 2017
Thank you for all your work. My wife and I recently lost our son and she no longer believes in the [LDS temple] sealing power. She feels god would not require temple rituals to be with a child. . . . we really want to raise our kids with gospel values. . . . Also we got a NIV bible and wondering if that’s a good way to read gods word? We are so new at this but are trying to navigate. Thank you.
May 2017
Your dedication to biblically attack every aspect of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has embedded in it the mentality of “I’m right you’re wrong,” which is the message and ultimate goal of your website.
What you should espouse is personal sincere scripture study and sincere prayer and let the Spirit guide! This Spirit never leads the children of men to attacks and condemnation of others. I believe you already knew this!
May 2017
I have greatly admired the work you have selflessly done to bring the truth and the light of Christ to so many. You have been instrumental in helping me find the courage to altogether leave the LDS church. . . . My parents joined the church in Ireland and like many emigrated from Belfast to Canada . . . I grew up in the church, was married in the Salt Lake Temple, raised my five children in the church and held numerous callings, including gospel doctrine teacher and member of the high priest’s presidency. The usual. . . . I became acquainted with the work of Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Fawn Brodie, Richard Bushman, Michael Quinn, Dan Vogel, and Grant Palmer to mention a few.
Sandra, one might think that my faith crises would cause me a great deal of sadness and a feeling of loss. However, because the example of people like you, those who have left the church and discovered the true Christ; it has been a positive thing. . . . May God continue to bless you and keep you.
June 2017
After spending 2012-2013 investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found my faith in Christ. I stepped away from the church knowing Jesus was more than a brother and so much more satisfying than all the romanticized proclamations, doctrine, or prophecies of the LDS church. . . . Your ministry is one of the first resources I found as I questioned my faith. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
June 2017
You probably don’t remember me but we met at your book store back in Dec. . . . My wife and I have been lifelong temple going Mormons. We raised our four kids to be faithful Latter Day Saints. Our oldest daughter just returned from her mission earlier this year and she is still strong in her faith with the lds church.
Anyway to my story. Today we attended two services one Christian and the other lds. The only reason we went to the lds church was because our daughter asked us to attend her friends mission homecoming talk. What I found interesting was the Christian service was about Christ’s final words and Him paying our sin debt in full. There is nothing we can add to what He did for us. We learned that we can’t earn our way or contribute to what He did for us. In the lds service this elder gave his talk and shared a story about how we must do our part and endure to the end. Basically saved after all we can do. He went on to say that whatever we don’t get done Jesus will do the rest. But we must do our best.
I’m so thankful to have found God’s grace. It was an interesting comparison today. We are still learning every day and it is remarkable to us that the differences are so clear. I thank you and others in this movement for your knowledge and resources that are provided. I don’t think I could have made this transition without them. When I first started to question Mormonism I was well on my way to becoming agnostic. I praise God for showing me the way.
June 2017
I’m new to biblical Christianity but I am so grateful to learn about the true God. In January I was a very faithful and active super-mo. Then I confronted my husband when I saw he was collecting very old books on Mormon history and doctrine. I had always thought our relationship was pretty close to perfect and completely honest. As it turned out, he had learned years ago about the truth of Mormonism but was too afraid to confront me because I was so incredibly invested and genuinely thought I would leave him over it. I was floored and upset, both that he “lost his testimony” and that he would hide something so big from me. Of course I’d never leave him. So out of respect I heard him out.
It was so painful and confusing to hear what he was saying. Hours and hours per night after the kids went to bed, for at least a week. My brain at first would not let anything sink in. I rationalized it all away because that’s what I was trained to do, until one night I just broke and had an embarrassing core meltdown. For months the issues paralyzed and consumed me. I was less of the wife and mom than I should have been. My mind was always elsewhere. I cried and prayed and read . . .
During this ordeal my sweet husband would ask me, “would you rather not have known?” And though I was never bitter toward him my answer was consistently “yes.” I was happy and familiar with life as a Mormon. And now it’s all gone. I didn’t mean to hurt him with my answer but being honest is a big deal to me, so there it was.
But today is a very big day for me. This is the text I sent to my wonderful husband. “When I thought I was happy as a Mormon, now I am both happy and free. Being healed by my savior through his love as I really come to know him and his teachings. I can’t get enough of the bible. I feel so clear. There is no longer a shelf that I put contradictory teachings of the gospel on. Now I follow the pure gospel of Jesus.”
June 2017
Thank you so much for teaching truth in regards to the Mormon Church. And, I thank God you know Jesus Christ. After five months of requesting my name be taken off the membership rolls it is finally completed! I celebrate this! More importantly I celebrate the true Jesus and His love for me. Now I attend a Bible and Christ believing and teaching church. Thank you for your help and being a blessing to me.
June 2017
I met you in July of 2016. I drove from to your bookstore. When I arrived you were in a meeting with two gentlemen. You asked me how you could help me and I told you in front of them I had just finished listening to your Mormon Stories podcast. I was unsure why I was there in your bookstore other than I knew I had to meet you for myself and I had found for myself the history of the church wasn’t what I thought it was. The two gentlemen smiled almost knowingly as if they understood very well what was happening to me.
You spent the next hour or so answering all questions I had about the Mormon church. You answered until I said I was done. I believe you would have sat with me till the evening had I asked for it.
Since our visit much has occurred. Much of it has to do with the impression upon meeting you. You were the first ex-mormon I met. You are more genuine than all the local and the few general leaders I have met all put together. Since this time I began a sacrament-only attendance in September of 2016, I stopped attending church all together in November, and I resigned my membership in March of this year. I sent in my paperwork to quitmormon.com on my birthday, __ ____. Best present ever. I simply want to thank you for the part you played in freeing me from a real estate corporation. Thank you for your time that day.
July 2017
I remember very clearly the first time I saw your book, [Mormonism] Shadow or Reality, Sandra. I was in the library of the Presbyterian church downtown. I was with a friend and I started reading and I kept saying, “Is this true?” It’s the first time all of my bad feelings about Mormonism were vindicated. I was raised Mormon but hated it. Until I saw your book I always felt guilty—like there was something wrong with me.
July 2017
I would like to inform you that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has actively renounced polygamy and does not practice it and hasn’t for more than a hundred years. Though it does say it in what we call the Doctrines and Covenants, we do not believe it to be as correct as the Book of Mormon. Even though there are still sects of the church that still practice it, the church has said many times that they are not part of the church.
I would also ask you politely to please take down the section of your site that describes temple ordinances in detail. We believe them to be very sacred. Out of respect, we do not talk about them publicly.
Thank you for reading my feed back and (hopefully) making changes to show your unbiased view on the church.
September 2017
We were out at the prison last evening . . . and an older inmate said that he became a believer (about 10 years ago . . .) after seeing literature from [Utah] Lighthouse ministries!
(he had been LDS for many years . . .)
October 2017
I’m an Englishman who was brought up LDS but left Mormonism and became Christian in the late 90s, in the early days of internet outreach to Mormons. Your website and other materials, along with the support of Luke Wilson at Mormons in Transition (irr.org/mit) went a long way to guide me out of Mormonism and into faith in Jesus. For this, I thank you and praise God!
It led to some difficult times, being the first of my family to confront these issues openly with my believing parents and it still can be uncomfortable twenty years later! But I know that I made the right choice, thanks to the work of you and others with the same heart to share real Christianity with Mormons (as well as the truth about LDS history).
At the age of 20, in 1998, having stopped believing in Mormonism and becoming a Christian a year earlier, I made my one and only trip to the USA and visited Utah and Wyoming. Obviously, I took the time to visit your bookstore and I bought a copy of No Man Knows My History (which I had to sneakily pass on to my brother because he had wanted a copy!) I’m sure you were in the store but I didn’t know for sure that it was you at that time. Now, having a better understanding of how your life of bringing truth to Mormons has gone, I wish I had stopped to talk to you properly, rather than just to pay for the book!! E-mailing you today is the next best thing I can do, nearly 20 years later!
So thank you for the work you and Jerald have done all these years. Who knows, I may have lived a life tied to the demands of the “God of Mormonism” otherwise! I admire your passion for getting the truth out to Mormons and for the life of service you have offered.
October 2017
I will put your name on the prayer role [of the LDS temple].
October 2017
Some years back, my life was changed after reading a Master Outline of the New Testament AND one of your books [I was married to a Mormon at the time], The Changing World of Mormonism. It is the most underlined book in my collection.
October 2017
I want to thank you, the more you bash the lds church the more I know it’s true. You are funny
Originally appeared in:
“Excerpts from Letters and Emails,” Salt Lake City Messenger, no. 129, November 2017, 11-14.