Take a look at modern day "fundamentalist Mormonism", which
literally follows the teachings of Joseph Smith to the letter. While the
mainstream Mormon church has changed its teachings to fit with modern
times -- this is what the Joseph Smith and Brigham Young eras of LDS
life would have been like. It's what life is like today, following their
example. Here's an excerpt:
"I was born into six generations of
polygamy on my mother's side and started life in Hildale, Utah, in a
fundamentalist Mormon community known as the FLDS, or the Fundamentalist
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Polygamy was the issue
that defined us and the reason we'd split from the mainstream Mormon
Church.
My childhood memories really begin in Salt Lake City. We
moved there when I was about five. Even though my parents believed in
polygamy, my father had only one wife. He owned a small real estate
business that was doing well and decided it made sense to use Salt Lake
as a base. We had a lovely house with a porch swing and a landscaped
yard and trees. This was a big change from the tiny house in Colorado
City with dirt and weeds in the yard and a father who was rarely home.
But
the biggest difference in moving to Salt Lake City was that my mother,
Nurylon, was happy. She loved the city and delighted in having my father
home every night after work. My dad was doing well, and Mom had enough
money to buy plenty of groceries when we went to the store and even had
some extra for toys.
There were soon four of us. I had two
sisters, Linda and Annette. I was in the middle-Linda was eighteen
months older than I and Annette two years younger. My baby brother
Arthur arrived a few years after Annette. My mother was thrilled to
finally have a son because in our culture, boys have more value than
girls. Linda and my mother were very close. But my mother always seemed
very irritated by me, in part, I think, because I was my father's
favorite.
I adored my dad, Arthur Blackmore. He was tall and thin,
with large bones and dark, wavy hair. I remember that whenever we were
around other families I thought I had the best-looking father in the
entire world. I saw him as my personal protector and felt safe when I
was in his presence. His face lit up when I entered the room; I was
always the daughter he wanted to introduce when friends visited our
house. My mother complained that he didn't discipline me as much as he
did my sister Linda, but he ignored her and didn't seem to care.
We
only lived in Salt Lake City for a year, but it was a happy one. Mother
took us to the zoo and to the park, where we'd play on the swings and
slides. My father's business was successful and expanding. But he
decided we needed to move back to Colorado City, Arizona-a tiny,
nondescript FLDS enclave about 350 miles south of Salt Lake City and a
stone's throw from Hildale, Utah, where I was born. The reason we went
back was that he didn't want my sister Linda attending a regular public
school. Even though she would technically be going to a public school in
Colorado City, most of the teachers there were FLDS and very
conservative. In theory, at least, religion is not to be taught in
public schools, but in fact it was an integral part of the curriculum
there.
When we returned to Colorado City, my father put an
addition onto our house. There was more space to live in, but life
became more claustrophobic. Mother changed. When we got up in the
morning, she would still be sleeping. My father was on the road a lot
now, so she was home alone. When we tried to wake her up, she'd tell us
to go back to bed.
She'd finally surface midmorning and come into
the kitchen to make us breakfast and talk about how much she wanted to
die. While she made us hot cornmeal cereal, toast, or pancakes she'd
complain about having nothing to live for and how she'd rather be dead.
Those were the good mornings. The really awful mornings were the ones
when she'd talk about how she was going to kill herself that day.
I
remember how terrified I felt wondering what would happen to us if my
mother killed herself. Who'd take care of us? Father was gone nearly all
the time. One morning I asked my mother, "Mama, if a mother dies, what
will happen to her children? Who will take care of them?"
I don't
think Mother noticed my urgency. She had no idea of the impact her words
had been having on me. I think she felt my question arose from a
general curiosity about dying. Mother was very matter-of-fact in
responding to me: "Oh, the children will be all right. The priesthood
will give their father a new wife. The new wife will take care of them."
By this time I was about six. I looked at her and said, "Mama, I think that Dad better hurry up and get a new wife."
I
was beginning to notice other things about the world around me. One was
that some of the women we'd see in the community when we went shopping
were wearing dark sunglasses. I was surprised when a woman took her
glasses off in the grocery store and I could see that both her eyes were
blackened. I asked my mother what was wrong, but the question seemed to
make her uncomfortable and she didn't answer me. My curiosity was
piqued, however, and every time I saw a woman in dark glasses, I stared
at her to see if they were covering strange, mottled bruises."
Galatian's Note:
Please
support Carolyn Jessop by buying her book, reading her story, and
sharing it with others. Let's not forget the horrible existence that
women and children are living through even today - thanks to the cruel
teachings of early LDS leaders.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Thomas S. Monson: New President
Well to no body's surprise, Thomas S. Monson is the new President and presiding Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
To read a brief history on Monson, see the Wikipedia article: HERE.
Unknown to many Latter Day Saints, Monson has a few skeletons in his closet, which I will be helping to divulge in this article. Here it goes ...
THE VALUES INSTITUTE
During the midst of a second major purge of homosexuals at BYU in the 1970's, the "Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behaviour" was formed; in short it is known as the 'Values Institute'.
The idea was proposed by Dallin Oaks at a meeting (of the Boards of Trustees at BYU, and the Unified Church Educational System) on September 1, 1976.
The purpose of the Values Institute was kept a secret from the general public, but generally comprised of: combating homosexuality, doing research on homosexuality, fighting homosexuality within the church, and writing a book to verify the LDS church's position on homosexuality.
The public was only told that it would conduct "research that would assist in preventing and changing problem behaviors which lead people away from eternal life." The Values Institute was to be provided resources and assistance from LDS Social Services.
The first main goal of the Values Institute was to produce a manuscript "which would set forth significant empirical evidence in support of the Church's position on homosexuality." The book was to be written by Bergin and Victor L. Brown Jr. (of LDS Social Services), approved by a General Authority, published by a popular Eastern Press, and have no appearance of a connection with the church. Then the book was going to be used as "secular evidence" to back up LDS Church claims on homosexuality.
Other goals of the Values Institute were:
1) Reviewing homosexual "indoctrination" created by public gay protest and opposition.
2) Anti-gay papers & rebuttals.
3) Supporting research to vindicate LDS Church positions on homosexuality.
4) Creating church policies to combat homosexuality and 'sexual misconduct'.
Over the course of time, the Values Institute members worked on writing the book, other articles, researching, and collaborating. (There is too much to condense on this subject)
On November 17th, 1978 a two hour presentation was made before the First Presidency, and then after that was made before all the General Authorities and BYU president Dallin Oaks - concerning the manuscript for the 'anti-gay' book.
In March of 1979, Marion G. Romney asked Thomas S. Monson to get a concrete budget for the Values Institute. (Which they did, and I might add that all of the money to fund the Values Institute and its projects were received directly from tithing funds paid by LDS members).
Values Institute leaders met with Thomas S. Monson (and unknown others) on August 9, 1979 to ask formal approval to write an 'anti-gay' book for publication, and related articles. Monson and the committee agreed with the proposal and recommended it to the First Presidency on August 10, 1979 - where it was formally approved.
As time passed and things went sour with the Values Institute -- Dallin Oaks wrote to Thomas S. Monson on September 3, 1979 to explain the many problems and his irritation. And so, in 1980 the Values Institute was disbanded, after spending $150,000 of tithing funds from LDS members.
"AVERSION THERAPY AT BYU"
I won't get into it in extreme detail, as that is for another day -- but as early as the 1960's, aversion "therapies" were conducted at BYU, which continued on for several decades, and were notably in practice in the 1970's when the Values Institute was operational.
BYU professor D. Eugene Thorne oversaw the therapies.
Some examples of the "therapy" practices were:
MONSON PARTICIPATION ...
I had an irate Mormon write to me regarding one of my YouTube videos ("Images from Mormon History") because at one point I showed a photo of Thomas S. Monson and wrote that he "helped to found the Values Institute" at BYU. This man took issue with this, claiming he had never heard of the Values Institute, nor did he know of any Monson-connection.
Let me make this perfectly clear:
The Values Institute is WELL-DOCUMENTED and is factual. It did exist, and we know all about it; we have documents, memos, testimonies, etc.
The Aversion Therapies done at BYU for decades are WELL-DOCUMENTED (for all of the reasons I just mentioned above).
And thankfully, we have evidence of connections in all this disgusting corruption and inhumanity, because memos and documents have survived. Some of these link to certain individuals, with Thomas S. Monson being one of them!
So what evidence do we have of Thomas S. Monson's involvement in these scandals?
* There's also a history of many other things as well (which are too much to relate), and we know that Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Victor L. Brown, Boyd K. Packer, and Kenneth H. Beesley all met for a meeting in response to the infamous "Payne Papers".
That also shows us that Monson was aware of everything that was going on at BYU because he knew about the Payne Papers (a student written paper distributed school wide in defense of homosexuality), he knew -- as General Authorities were made aware-- of the Chipman case and other activities and scandals that were occuring at the school.
There can be no doubt that Thomas S. Monson knew all about BYU's treatment of homosexuals, which included: aversion "therapies", sting-operations, purges, suicides, police investigations, harrassment, student-on-student spying, and more!
We have documents linking him to the Values Institute and approving its related projects, and a BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes document relating to a church response (including his personally) to the Payne Papers, etc.
*** Everyone please research about: the history of BYU's treatment of homosexuals; all its scandals, the Values Institute, Evergreen International (currently operational), shock-therapy, the Payne Papers, the Chipman case, the suicides, etc. ***
CONCLUSION
I can only imagine what other cookie jars Monson has dipped his hands into, and what other skeletons lie in his closet. We would never have known about his connection to all of this if we didn't have the documents, memos, and other evidence linking him to it.
Otherwise it would be flat out denials from his camp, and Mormons crying afoul about how ex-mormons are lying and have no evidence, etc.
Any thinking and compassionate person should be outraged at Monson's treatment of gays -- especially within the LDS Church-- and of his previous support in: harassing them, purging them, therapies for them, driving them to suicide and social ruin, helping to found and fund the Values Institute, and supporting unscientific, undocumented, bigoted and hateful rumors, and unsubstantiated theories about homosexual people.
We have discovered what the "S" in Monson's name stands for -- Shocktherapy!
From now on, let us all dub him:
Resources:
"The Abominable and Detestable Crime Against Nature": A Revised History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980: BY Connell O'Donovan
[Documentation, footnotes and references confirming and validating the statements written in this article can be found numbered throughout the book, and listed at the end of the website.]
*Please Note: The above book was published by Signature Books, but is viewable for free via the link above. It is an EXCELLENT book that I cannot recommend enough, which covers a large history of homosexuality in the LDS church, and specifically at BYU, etc.
Specifically (for more current events) I recommend the sections:
Commie Pinko Queers: The "Boys of Boise" and Salt Lake Scandals
"The Lord's Program": Kimball and Petersen Attack (followed by:)
"Hope for Transgressors" & "New Horizons for Homosexuals" (later aka "A Letter to a Friend")
ANTI-HOMOSEXUAL POLICIES AT BYU (1957-1980) (followed by:)
The Suicides of 1965 & The "Witch Hunts of 1968" & The "Witch Hunts of 1975"
The Values Institute
Shocking Events at the Y
The 'Payne Papers' and Prologue
The David Chipman Case
Oaks' 1979 Memo to Monson
1977 BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes memo
An online article about 'Evergreen International': CLICK HERE.
Wikipedia article on "Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (conspicuously missing is any mention of aversion therapy at BYU).
To read a brief history on Monson, see the Wikipedia article: HERE.
Unknown to many Latter Day Saints, Monson has a few skeletons in his closet, which I will be helping to divulge in this article. Here it goes ...
THE VALUES INSTITUTE
During the midst of a second major purge of homosexuals at BYU in the 1970's, the "Institute for Studies in Values and Human Behaviour" was formed; in short it is known as the 'Values Institute'.
The idea was proposed by Dallin Oaks at a meeting (of the Boards of Trustees at BYU, and the Unified Church Educational System) on September 1, 1976.
The purpose of the Values Institute was kept a secret from the general public, but generally comprised of: combating homosexuality, doing research on homosexuality, fighting homosexuality within the church, and writing a book to verify the LDS church's position on homosexuality.
The public was only told that it would conduct "research that would assist in preventing and changing problem behaviors which lead people away from eternal life." The Values Institute was to be provided resources and assistance from LDS Social Services.
The first main goal of the Values Institute was to produce a manuscript "which would set forth significant empirical evidence in support of the Church's position on homosexuality." The book was to be written by Bergin and Victor L. Brown Jr. (of LDS Social Services), approved by a General Authority, published by a popular Eastern Press, and have no appearance of a connection with the church. Then the book was going to be used as "secular evidence" to back up LDS Church claims on homosexuality.
Other goals of the Values Institute were:
1) Reviewing homosexual "indoctrination" created by public gay protest and opposition.
2) Anti-gay papers & rebuttals.
3) Supporting research to vindicate LDS Church positions on homosexuality.
4) Creating church policies to combat homosexuality and 'sexual misconduct'.
Over the course of time, the Values Institute members worked on writing the book, other articles, researching, and collaborating. (There is too much to condense on this subject)
On November 17th, 1978 a two hour presentation was made before the First Presidency, and then after that was made before all the General Authorities and BYU president Dallin Oaks - concerning the manuscript for the 'anti-gay' book.
In March of 1979, Marion G. Romney asked Thomas S. Monson to get a concrete budget for the Values Institute. (Which they did, and I might add that all of the money to fund the Values Institute and its projects were received directly from tithing funds paid by LDS members).
Values Institute leaders met with Thomas S. Monson (and unknown others) on August 9, 1979 to ask formal approval to write an 'anti-gay' book for publication, and related articles. Monson and the committee agreed with the proposal and recommended it to the First Presidency on August 10, 1979 - where it was formally approved.
As time passed and things went sour with the Values Institute -- Dallin Oaks wrote to Thomas S. Monson on September 3, 1979 to explain the many problems and his irritation. And so, in 1980 the Values Institute was disbanded, after spending $150,000 of tithing funds from LDS members.
"AVERSION THERAPY AT BYU"
I won't get into it in extreme detail, as that is for another day -- but as early as the 1960's, aversion "therapies" were conducted at BYU, which continued on for several decades, and were notably in practice in the 1970's when the Values Institute was operational.
BYU professor D. Eugene Thorne oversaw the therapies.
Some examples of the "therapy" practices were:
- Electroshock Therapy (electrodes attached to head, hands, arms, and legs which shocked the patient with electricity)
- Pornography (homosexual and heterosexual pornography which was used in conducting tests, and to try to "cure" the homosexual behavior)
MONSON PARTICIPATION ...
I had an irate Mormon write to me regarding one of my YouTube videos ("Images from Mormon History") because at one point I showed a photo of Thomas S. Monson and wrote that he "helped to found the Values Institute" at BYU. This man took issue with this, claiming he had never heard of the Values Institute, nor did he know of any Monson-connection.
Let me make this perfectly clear:
The Values Institute is WELL-DOCUMENTED and is factual. It did exist, and we know all about it; we have documents, memos, testimonies, etc.
The Aversion Therapies done at BYU for decades are WELL-DOCUMENTED (for all of the reasons I just mentioned above).
And thankfully, we have evidence of connections in all this disgusting corruption and inhumanity, because memos and documents have survived. Some of these link to certain individuals, with Thomas S. Monson being one of them!
So what evidence do we have of Thomas S. Monson's involvement in these scandals?
- The Values Institute was proposed by Oaks at a 'combined meeting' (BYU Trustees and Unified Church Educational System) which would have come to Monson's attention. Even if we assume that it didn't ...
- Monson was present for a 2-hour presentation which outlined the Values Institute and its agenda, including: writing anti-gay material, and publishing a book which was to be used as "secular evidence" to affirm the Church's position (even though it was written by church members) ... dishonestly fooling LDS members, and the general public at large.
- Marion G. Romney wrote to Monson to request funding for the Values Institute.
- Values Institute leaders met with Monson to get formal approval for the anti-gay book and other related projects.
- Monson recommended the Values Institute book and projects to the First Presidency himself, in 1979.
- Dallin Oaks wrote specifically to Monson regarding problems with the Values Institute.
* There's also a history of many other things as well (which are too much to relate), and we know that Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, Victor L. Brown, Boyd K. Packer, and Kenneth H. Beesley all met for a meeting in response to the infamous "Payne Papers".
That also shows us that Monson was aware of everything that was going on at BYU because he knew about the Payne Papers (a student written paper distributed school wide in defense of homosexuality), he knew -- as General Authorities were made aware-- of the Chipman case and other activities and scandals that were occuring at the school.
There can be no doubt that Thomas S. Monson knew all about BYU's treatment of homosexuals, which included: aversion "therapies", sting-operations, purges, suicides, police investigations, harrassment, student-on-student spying, and more!
We have documents linking him to the Values Institute and approving its related projects, and a BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes document relating to a church response (including his personally) to the Payne Papers, etc.
*** Everyone please research about: the history of BYU's treatment of homosexuals; all its scandals, the Values Institute, Evergreen International (currently operational), shock-therapy, the Payne Papers, the Chipman case, the suicides, etc. ***
CONCLUSION
I can only imagine what other cookie jars Monson has dipped his hands into, and what other skeletons lie in his closet. We would never have known about his connection to all of this if we didn't have the documents, memos, and other evidence linking him to it.
Otherwise it would be flat out denials from his camp, and Mormons crying afoul about how ex-mormons are lying and have no evidence, etc.
Any thinking and compassionate person should be outraged at Monson's treatment of gays -- especially within the LDS Church-- and of his previous support in: harassing them, purging them, therapies for them, driving them to suicide and social ruin, helping to found and fund the Values Institute, and supporting unscientific, undocumented, bigoted and hateful rumors, and unsubstantiated theories about homosexual people.
We have discovered what the "S" in Monson's name stands for -- Shocktherapy!
From now on, let us all dub him:
THOMAS "SHOCKTHERAPY" MONSON.
Hey Monson,
when are you going to apologize for your hateful and cruel treatment of
gay people? We're all still waiting! Don't think people have forgotten
about all you've done! We'll be dragging the skeletons out of your
closet one by one for everyone to see ... PREPARE YOURSELF!Resources:
"The Abominable and Detestable Crime Against Nature": A Revised History of Homosexuality & Mormonism, 1840-1980: BY Connell O'Donovan
[Documentation, footnotes and references confirming and validating the statements written in this article can be found numbered throughout the book, and listed at the end of the website.]
*Please Note: The above book was published by Signature Books, but is viewable for free via the link above. It is an EXCELLENT book that I cannot recommend enough, which covers a large history of homosexuality in the LDS church, and specifically at BYU, etc.
Specifically (for more current events) I recommend the sections:
Commie Pinko Queers: The "Boys of Boise" and Salt Lake Scandals
"The Lord's Program": Kimball and Petersen Attack (followed by:)
"Hope for Transgressors" & "New Horizons for Homosexuals" (later aka "A Letter to a Friend")
ANTI-HOMOSEXUAL POLICIES AT BYU (1957-1980) (followed by:)
The Suicides of 1965 & The "Witch Hunts of 1968" & The "Witch Hunts of 1975"
The Values Institute
Shocking Events at the Y
The 'Payne Papers' and Prologue
The David Chipman Case
Oaks' 1979 Memo to Monson
1977 BYU Executive Committee Meeting Minutes memo
An online article about 'Evergreen International': CLICK HERE.
Wikipedia article on "Homosexuality and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" (conspicuously missing is any mention of aversion therapy at BYU).
Monday, February 4, 2008
Mormon "Love"
Ahh ... there's nothing like a little Mormon "love" to lighten up your day!
I just thought that for your personal amusement, I would share some of the comments that Mormons have felt the need to write me ...
A fine display of how a "Christ-like" attitude can warm the hearts of those evil, shallow apostates!
I'll continue to add to this post, as time goes on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" ... you stupid faget ass prick ... asswipes like you you piece of shit ... wow u are pathetic you go and make up the crap to try and make a good people loom bad. wel let me tell you something YOU SUCK ..."
" 'Galatian23': Why are you such a bitter person. Had you committed a sin to be cast out of the Church... like your brother Satan did. Sounds like you've joined his cause, and forgotten about Christ. What made you this way?"
"what i think is we need danites in this day and time.porter rockwell and stilman we could use some more like them."
"My guess is that your are bitter against Mormons because they don't except your homosexuality. It is often the case with ex-Mormons anyway."
"G23 Is a liar look up all her references thye are full of holes. Do as the suggest use youre brains and you will see that she isnt about the truth its about hate and bigotry."
"your sick"
" "Galatian23"Youre not only sick. You're disturbed"
"You are being selfish. These children will get to grow up in strong member families! Think of the blessings they will get, their future testimonies. A single parent (and no offense, but you were disobeying the word of God) would not be able to give that to these children. Think of the people that child might convert as a missionary, the children of those converts! One soul raised correctly is an important matter to the Church."
"You are so full of hate I really feel sorry for you and anybody who has to put up with you. I will pray for your salvation as every wright thinking Mormon would. "
"You're lies will haunt you spiritually in this life and in the life to come, unless you Come unto Christ. That is just a friendly warning from one brother to another."
"Mormons are being shot at targeted by hate groups because of these LIES. You need to STOP! THEIR BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will go to Hell for your lying bigotry"
"...and all you are is a closed minded oppressive tryranical miserable totalitarian A-hole. just your pissed because your mommy didn't hold you enough (or someother Cliché) don't take it out on us just to make you feel more important"
"I only regret that there are no Dannites around to take care of the likes of you now. Maybe we could revive it huh?"
"You are just a sorry and angry loser who got kicked out of the church for your stupid, unfounded, baseless ideas. I know you anti Mormon types cannot stomach the truth and it is a real waste of time to argue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't help but wonder why so many of these Mormons cannot spell properly and have no sense of punctuation. The only logical conclusion is that the majority of them are under 17 years old, or not terribly bright ... and I swear I have not made any of this up, nor have I changed any of the wording at all.
Stay tuned for more heart-warming displays of Mormon love in the future.
(What's most hilarious about this is they all probably give talks on Sunday about forgiveness, love, Christ-like attitudes, but then behind the anonymity of the web they swear, threaten, condemn, harrass and let their true colors show.)
I just thought that for your personal amusement, I would share some of the comments that Mormons have felt the need to write me ...
A fine display of how a "Christ-like" attitude can warm the hearts of those evil, shallow apostates!
I'll continue to add to this post, as time goes on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" ... you stupid faget ass prick ... asswipes like you you piece of shit ... wow u are pathetic you go and make up the crap to try and make a good people loom bad. wel let me tell you something YOU SUCK ..."
" 'Galatian23': Why are you such a bitter person. Had you committed a sin to be cast out of the Church... like your brother Satan did. Sounds like you've joined his cause, and forgotten about Christ. What made you this way?"
"what i think is we need danites in this day and time.porter rockwell and stilman we could use some more like them."
"My guess is that your are bitter against Mormons because they don't except your homosexuality. It is often the case with ex-Mormons anyway."
"G23 Is a liar look up all her references thye are full of holes. Do as the suggest use youre brains and you will see that she isnt about the truth its about hate and bigotry."
"your sick"
" "Galatian23"Youre not only sick. You're disturbed"
"You are being selfish. These children will get to grow up in strong member families! Think of the blessings they will get, their future testimonies. A single parent (and no offense, but you were disobeying the word of God) would not be able to give that to these children. Think of the people that child might convert as a missionary, the children of those converts! One soul raised correctly is an important matter to the Church."
"You are so full of hate I really feel sorry for you and anybody who has to put up with you. I will pray for your salvation as every wright thinking Mormon would. "
"You're lies will haunt you spiritually in this life and in the life to come, unless you Come unto Christ. That is just a friendly warning from one brother to another."
"Mormons are being shot at targeted by hate groups because of these LIES. You need to STOP! THEIR BLOOD IS ON YOUR HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will go to Hell for your lying bigotry"
"...and all you are is a closed minded oppressive tryranical miserable totalitarian A-hole. just your pissed because your mommy didn't hold you enough (or someother Cliché) don't take it out on us just to make you feel more important"
"I only regret that there are no Dannites around to take care of the likes of you now. Maybe we could revive it huh?"
"You are just a sorry and angry loser who got kicked out of the church for your stupid, unfounded, baseless ideas. I know you anti Mormon types cannot stomach the truth and it is a real waste of time to argue.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
I can't help but wonder why so many of these Mormons cannot spell properly and have no sense of punctuation. The only logical conclusion is that the majority of them are under 17 years old, or not terribly bright ... and I swear I have not made any of this up, nor have I changed any of the wording at all.
Stay tuned for more heart-warming displays of Mormon love in the future.
(What's most hilarious about this is they all probably give talks on Sunday about forgiveness, love, Christ-like attitudes, but then behind the anonymity of the web they swear, threaten, condemn, harrass and let their true colors show.)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
A Typical Conversation
Below, is an email exchange of mine with my good friend J-----. I met J----- as a member of the LDS
church many years ago, and we've stayed in contact despite moves, his
mission, and other things. Recently, after being out of touch for a
while, we reconnected. I told him that I had left the church and about
this blog. Here is what he had to say:
Hi "Galatian",
I tried calling you a few times in the past two weeks but your phone number isn't connected or isn't working right now. I appreciated hearing from you and about how things are going in your life. In regards to your blog, I have not and will not be visiting it.
I can understand that you have gone through a lot of tough times and that it wasn't easy for you to connect with the Church culture. I can also understand that leaders of the Church today and in the early days of the Church have made and will continue to make mistakes (such is life for all of us). You have read some things that have made you think that the Church is corrupt. One important principle to remember in all of this however, is that the Lord and His Church are perfect and although the members and leaders of His Church are imperfect, He will never allow the Church to be led astray by its leaders.
Doctrines of the Church are established when the majority of the quorum of the 12 Apostles and the First Presidency are agreed to the doctrine and they declare it as doctrine (not as personal opinion or insight). The members are then under the responsibility to seek the Lord for their own personal witness of that declared doctrine. Putting all of historical and logical methods aside, the ONLY way one can know that the Church is true and divine is by the power of the Holy Ghost. How can one truly understand a person and what he/she is about without talking directly with him/her? Likewise, how can one truly understand God and His teachings without communicating with Him? We need the help and influence of the Holy Ghost to know and understand the things of God and we need the constant help of the Holy Ghost to hold on to that divine truth.
When we learn something that is true and from God, it brings peace, joy, understanding, etc. to our souls. Through my best efforts in keeping God's commandments, exercising my mental capacities, and the witness of the Holy Ghost, I know the L.D.S. Church is the Lord's Church and that the Prophets who lead it are called of God. I hope these things I have said will remind you of the feelings you felt when you joined the Church or when you met the missionaries for the first time (at your door). If you get your phone connected again, please let me know.
Luv ya. Sincerely, J------.
(I apologize to J-- for using his email without permission, but seeing as it had no personal or identifying information (only his apologetics) I felt it was reasonable. I write this in case he ever decides to take a look at this blog after all ;-)
Here is my response:
J-----,
Thanks for the note. We'll simply have to agree to disagree. What disturbs me most about the LDS church is its obvious brainwashing which was so apparent in your email ... that's why I call it a cult. It's not a criticism of you, I used to be the same ... just an observation. The problem with the LDS church is that it relies on a personal emotional manifestation of the truth, instead of empirical evidence, facts, or plain logic and reason. I have Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses and everyone under the sun testifying to me of the truthfulness of their church/book, and how I can know through prayer. Of course, the reason I know they aren't true is observing the doctrine and history, using logic, and plain facts.
I
realize that the church leaders aren't perfect, and that's fine. But I
disagree with the idea that they can never lead the church astray
through the power of the Holy Spirit or God. To accept that, I would
have to accept that Brigham Young was divinely inspired when he
supported slavery, spoke hatred towards blacks, racism in the church
etc. I'd have to believe he was divinely inspired when he said that Adam
was God manifested in the flesh, and that Jesus Christ supported
slitting people's throats, and that his sacrifice was not enough to
atone for ALL sins and that sometimes we must be killed for our sins
(Blood Atonement). All of this of course, can be found quoting Brigham
directly in the Journal of Discourses. And what did Brigham say of the JoD?
Well they are a compilation of his talks and sermons given in church
and in the temples. Seeing as he was the Prophet of the Church and
claimed it all was doctrinal, revelation ... I think we can take his
word for it when he states that anything written in it (and later edited
by him) is the word of God and as good of scripture as the Bible
itself.
I will not put my logic aside and "pray" to know if something is true. Otherwise my prayer and the so-called Holy Spirit might tell me that I should be a Muslim, or Jehovah's Witness, heck maybe even a Scientologist. No, I will use my logic. And my logic deduces that any church which was racist for hundreds of years (and still is -- because I don't believe black skin is a curse of Cain, nor do I believe I am half descended from cursed Jews), or that had killing squads wipe out its enemies (Danites, etc), or that had Blood Atonement and murdered people, or that had a Prophet having sex with married women, pregnant women, teenage girls (as young as 14), or already-married women, who has proven to have made up the Book of Abraham and Book of Mormon, to which there is NO empirical evidence for, and who falsely translated the Kinderhook Plates, and more ... must be false. It's quite simple.
Mormons claim they have faith in Jesus Christ. But let me ask: who is your faith in? Is your faith in Jesus Christ, or Joseph Smith? For if evidence proves that Smith was a fraud and the church is a lie, why fear? If you proclaim that Jesus is your Saviour, than what difference does it make if the LDS church is false - because you still are saved and have a saviour? It really makes me wonder why Mormons are so fearful of the truth. I can only surmise that their faith truly is in Joseph Smith, and in a church where salvation is based on 'works' (temple work, etc) and not really faith.
And on an end note, I felt something when the missionaries came to my door because I was a young, naive girl who would have believed the moon was made of cheese if they so told me. Thank goodness that is not the case anymore. I tell you all this with much love and affection, though it may seem rude, because I hope you too will come to see the truth ...
I will not put my logic aside and "pray" to know if something is true. Otherwise my prayer and the so-called Holy Spirit might tell me that I should be a Muslim, or Jehovah's Witness, heck maybe even a Scientologist. No, I will use my logic. And my logic deduces that any church which was racist for hundreds of years (and still is -- because I don't believe black skin is a curse of Cain, nor do I believe I am half descended from cursed Jews), or that had killing squads wipe out its enemies (Danites, etc), or that had Blood Atonement and murdered people, or that had a Prophet having sex with married women, pregnant women, teenage girls (as young as 14), or already-married women, who has proven to have made up the Book of Abraham and Book of Mormon, to which there is NO empirical evidence for, and who falsely translated the Kinderhook Plates, and more ... must be false. It's quite simple.
Mormons claim they have faith in Jesus Christ. But let me ask: who is your faith in? Is your faith in Jesus Christ, or Joseph Smith? For if evidence proves that Smith was a fraud and the church is a lie, why fear? If you proclaim that Jesus is your Saviour, than what difference does it make if the LDS church is false - because you still are saved and have a saviour? It really makes me wonder why Mormons are so fearful of the truth. I can only surmise that their faith truly is in Joseph Smith, and in a church where salvation is based on 'works' (temple work, etc) and not really faith.
And on an end note, I felt something when the missionaries came to my door because I was a young, naive girl who would have believed the moon was made of cheese if they so told me. Thank goodness that is not the case anymore. I tell you all this with much love and affection, though it may seem rude, because I hope you too will come to see the truth ...
Take care, glad you're doing well. xoxo
Luv, 'Galatian'.
Galatian's Note:
I really, truly do love my LDS friends. I have three best friends that are LDS members, whom I hope will always be my friends and be in my life. But let me state quite honestly that sometimes I struggle with our friendships. It's sad, but true.
I originally created this blog for my best friends. I was hoping they would read it if I, a best friend, had created it. I hoped they would give me the benefit of the doubt, have an open mind, and look at it. To my knowledge, none of them have viewed it.
Any conversations we have regarding the LDS church always follow the same pattern: they testify of its truthfulness, they tell me to pray and seek the "Spirit" to validate it, they quote faith-promoting rumors, verses, doctrines, etc. They then tell me that I'm mistaken, that I've been led astray by 'apostate material' and that they don't wish to discuss ANY of the evidence, quotations or questions that I have. They are quite happy to leave their head buried in the sand.
And for me, I have a great deal of difficulty keeping my tongue and my temper, because it's all so absurd. And I feel angry that my friends are in a cult - a full out fraudulent enterprise and religion, donating their time and money and all of it for nothing. But they refuse to accept the truth. What can one do?
I also have an increasingly difficult time feeling close to people who believe I will be going to hell for being an apostate (or denying the Holy Ghost), or at the very least believe they will be up tarrying about in the Celestial Kingdom becoming Gods in all their glory looking down woefully upon their poor apostate friend in the lowest levels of heaven. How arrogant; how ridiculous!
I suppose I should just be plain thankful they haven't completely cut me out of their lives, as the church generally counsels to do -- especially since I, the "apostate" have been giving them the true facts ... or as the church would call it: "anti mormon material" all part of the reason no doubt, they should never associate with me again - lest they learn the facts!
It is just a personally frustrating and sad time for me, looking at my friends' condition. And I can't help but pity them, as they no doubt 'pity' me.
Just another example of how the LDS church breaks apart family and friends ...
Monday, January 28, 2008
Gordon B. Hinckley - Deceased.
Wow, thanks to Samuel the Utahnite for cluing me in to this big Mormon news.
Here is a video clip about the life and death of Gordon B. Hinckley:
Some basic Hinckley FACTS:
Gordon B. Hinckley was born on June 23rd, 1910, in Salt Lake City Utah. He graduated high school and then attended the University of Utah. He served a mission in England (based in London), during the Great Depression.
After returning he served many positions and functions in the church, he was married in 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple, and later had five children.
In 1958 he became a General Authority, and in 1961 he became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1981 he became a member of the First Presidency: Second Counsellor.
In 1985 Hinckley became First Counsellor as Ezra Taft Benson became President; and in the early 90's became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through seniority.
Hinckley became President of the LDS church in 1995, after the death of his predecessor Howard W. Hunter who only lived nine months.
Gordon B. Hinckley was best known for: being the oldest living prophet of the LDS church, building numerous temples and churches, being "media-accessible", his "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" statement, the Perpetual Education Fund, and his constant travelling.
He died on January 27th, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age ninety-seven.
To read more about Hinckley: CLICK HERE.
Now I really urge all readers to check out the Exposing Mormonism Tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley, which includes the videos below (watch them all!) :
Hinckley distorting the facts on Larry King Live/montage:
In it, Hinckley tries to act as though the LDS church simply "adds a little goodness and another testament of Christ" to already existing churches, and as though Christians can be 'saved' without Mormonism. This is of course, blatantly false as anyone who ever has been Mormon knows. The LDS church teaches it is the only true church on earth, with the only priesthood authority, the only living prophet, a "restoration" of true Christianity, and that one must accept Mormonism in order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. This and many other lies ... err ... "gentle explanations".
Hinckley speaks out against Racism in the LDS church:
Now I put up the previous video just to showcase the sheer hypocrisy of it all. Hinckley says no racist man can consider himself a disciple of Christ, which is interesting when we look back on statements by Brigham Young that were pro-slavery, and showed hatred of African-Americans (cursed with dark skin, disobedient people will turn black, anyone who marries a black person will die on the spot, this will always be so, etc). In addition, we can add the many racist statements of other prophets, with John Taylor coming particularly to mind.
Then of course, there is our modern day. Is it any wonder there is racism in the LDS church? It does teach after all that Black-skinned people are in fact cursed from Cain (Pearl of Great Price), the descendants of Cain, they were only allowed the priesthood in 1978 (not long ago), and that Natives were once white but cursed with dark skin-- and denies their true history and modern DNA evidence in favor of white supremacist religious ideologies.
To top that off, Utah is one of the most racist states in the US, was one of the last to accept Martin Luther King's national memorial day, and unlike other states will still gather for political functions on his holiday.
Hinckley: "Flicks of History" & "It's in the Past"
Two favorite lines of Hinckley's whenever being questioned with anything difficult, including Polygamy and Racism in the LDS church or its history - were to say that those issues are "flicks of history" and "in the past; behind us now". It's amazing to hear considering the immense suffering that Blacks and non-whites endured previously in the LDS church, and the incredible, undeniable suffering of women in polygamy then and now, thanks to Joseph Smith and official Mormon doctrine.
As the video above shows, it is pretty damning. Of course, this coming from "God's One True Church on Earth" and God's 'inspired prophets'!
Hinckley twists and distorts the truth; LIES about Polygamy!
The video title says it all, and the video speaks for itself. What amuses me especially is how Hinckely condemns polygamy and says it is 'not doctrinal' when it is in the Doctrine and Covenants, and previous prophets said it was ESSENTIAL to salvation and godhood.
Hinckley on Mormon Homophobia & Bigotry
Hinckley states: "we're not anti-gay, we're pro-family" but then in the next sentence goes on to say that gay people "have a problem" and the church is "helping" them. He admits he doesn't know if they're born that way or choose to be that way, and says he's 'not an expert' -- despite being the Prophet of God on earth, and leader of his True Church and receiving direct revelation.
Despite "not" being anti-gay, the LDS church has meddled in US politics, supporting bills (politically and financially) that ban gay marriage and equal-rights for homosexuals.
Hinckley doesn't mention the at least 40 or more documented gay & lesbian suicides in the LDS church since 1984, including 3 men in 2000 who committed suicide over the church's involvement in trying to pass Proposition 22: Clay Whitmer, DJ Thompson, and Stuart Matis. He also of course, doesn't mention BYU's history of shock therapy and pornography "treatments" for gays, and other things.
Hinckley gets a BUILDING as a Birthday gift!
It's a good thing that Mormon prophets "don't get paid"! No, they only live the jet-set lifestyle, bought and paid for by LDS Church funds. And apparently if you're really good and live to be 97, you get your own building! That, and the Prophet of the LDS church is also the head of all LDS corporations and businesses (from LDS members' money, without public accounting), and no one knows exactly how much he receives from those. It doesn't hurt of course when a Prophet is white, already wealthy or comes from a long-line of Mormons.
Here is a video clip about the life and death of Gordon B. Hinckley:
Some basic Hinckley FACTS:
Gordon B. Hinckley was born on June 23rd, 1910, in Salt Lake City Utah. He graduated high school and then attended the University of Utah. He served a mission in England (based in London), during the Great Depression.
After returning he served many positions and functions in the church, he was married in 1937 in the Salt Lake Temple, and later had five children.
In 1958 he became a General Authority, and in 1961 he became a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. In 1981 he became a member of the First Presidency: Second Counsellor.
In 1985 Hinckley became First Counsellor as Ezra Taft Benson became President; and in the early 90's became President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through seniority.
Hinckley became President of the LDS church in 1995, after the death of his predecessor Howard W. Hunter who only lived nine months.
Gordon B. Hinckley was best known for: being the oldest living prophet of the LDS church, building numerous temples and churches, being "media-accessible", his "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" statement, the Perpetual Education Fund, and his constant travelling.
He died on January 27th, 2008 in Salt Lake City, Utah, at age ninety-seven.
To read more about Hinckley: CLICK HERE.
Now I really urge all readers to check out the Exposing Mormonism Tribute to Gordon B. Hinckley, which includes the videos below (watch them all!) :
Hinckley distorting the facts on Larry King Live/montage:
In it, Hinckley tries to act as though the LDS church simply "adds a little goodness and another testament of Christ" to already existing churches, and as though Christians can be 'saved' without Mormonism. This is of course, blatantly false as anyone who ever has been Mormon knows. The LDS church teaches it is the only true church on earth, with the only priesthood authority, the only living prophet, a "restoration" of true Christianity, and that one must accept Mormonism in order to be saved in the Celestial Kingdom. This and many other lies ... err ... "gentle explanations".
Hinckley speaks out against Racism in the LDS church:
Now I put up the previous video just to showcase the sheer hypocrisy of it all. Hinckley says no racist man can consider himself a disciple of Christ, which is interesting when we look back on statements by Brigham Young that were pro-slavery, and showed hatred of African-Americans (cursed with dark skin, disobedient people will turn black, anyone who marries a black person will die on the spot, this will always be so, etc). In addition, we can add the many racist statements of other prophets, with John Taylor coming particularly to mind.
Then of course, there is our modern day. Is it any wonder there is racism in the LDS church? It does teach after all that Black-skinned people are in fact cursed from Cain (Pearl of Great Price), the descendants of Cain, they were only allowed the priesthood in 1978 (not long ago), and that Natives were once white but cursed with dark skin-- and denies their true history and modern DNA evidence in favor of white supremacist religious ideologies.
To top that off, Utah is one of the most racist states in the US, was one of the last to accept Martin Luther King's national memorial day, and unlike other states will still gather for political functions on his holiday.
Hinckley: "Flicks of History" & "It's in the Past"
Two favorite lines of Hinckley's whenever being questioned with anything difficult, including Polygamy and Racism in the LDS church or its history - were to say that those issues are "flicks of history" and "in the past; behind us now". It's amazing to hear considering the immense suffering that Blacks and non-whites endured previously in the LDS church, and the incredible, undeniable suffering of women in polygamy then and now, thanks to Joseph Smith and official Mormon doctrine.
As the video above shows, it is pretty damning. Of course, this coming from "God's One True Church on Earth" and God's 'inspired prophets'!
Hinckley twists and distorts the truth; LIES about Polygamy!
The video title says it all, and the video speaks for itself. What amuses me especially is how Hinckely condemns polygamy and says it is 'not doctrinal' when it is in the Doctrine and Covenants, and previous prophets said it was ESSENTIAL to salvation and godhood.
Hinckley on Mormon Homophobia & Bigotry
Hinckley states: "we're not anti-gay, we're pro-family" but then in the next sentence goes on to say that gay people "have a problem" and the church is "helping" them. He admits he doesn't know if they're born that way or choose to be that way, and says he's 'not an expert' -- despite being the Prophet of God on earth, and leader of his True Church and receiving direct revelation.
Despite "not" being anti-gay, the LDS church has meddled in US politics, supporting bills (politically and financially) that ban gay marriage and equal-rights for homosexuals.
Hinckley doesn't mention the at least 40 or more documented gay & lesbian suicides in the LDS church since 1984, including 3 men in 2000 who committed suicide over the church's involvement in trying to pass Proposition 22: Clay Whitmer, DJ Thompson, and Stuart Matis. He also of course, doesn't mention BYU's history of shock therapy and pornography "treatments" for gays, and other things.
Hinckley gets a BUILDING as a Birthday gift!
It's a good thing that Mormon prophets "don't get paid"! No, they only live the jet-set lifestyle, bought and paid for by LDS Church funds. And apparently if you're really good and live to be 97, you get your own building! That, and the Prophet of the LDS church is also the head of all LDS corporations and businesses (from LDS members' money, without public accounting), and no one knows exactly how much he receives from those. It doesn't hurt of course when a Prophet is white, already wealthy or comes from a long-line of Mormons.
For more on Hinckley's LIES, check out THIS GREAT POST. Give it a read.
Galatian's Note:
Gordon B. Hinckley's
run as Prophet will always hold special significance for me because he
was the President when I joined, the years I was an active member, and
when I left the LDS church.
Probably what I will remember most about Hinckley
are his media interviews and attempts to reach out to the press and
obtain favorable publicity for the Church. I'm always astonished when I
watch his interviews on prominent programs and see him outright lying
about Mormon history, doctrines, modern beliefs and church practices. It
simply boggles the mind that any true-believing-mormon (TBM)
could watch these things and somehow justify them ... but with Mormons
it's always "milk before meat" and "lying for the Lord" ... so what if
we have to lie to obtain members? If they join and accept "the truth"
they'll be thankful later on - won't they?
There's also Hinckley's involvement, and in my opinion - attempted cover-up and damage control, of the Mark Hofmann forgeries and murders. To learn more about Hinckley's dealings in that situation, read "Tracking the White Salamander" and research more in-depth.
It's somewhat sad to me when I reflect on what
affection I used to have for the man. As a member I nearly cried one
year as we sang songs for Hinckley's birthday at General Conference. Here I thought this was a prophet of God!
Now I only see a frail, elderly man at the end of his
life, leading a dishonest organization and pretending to be God's
representative on earth. It's difficult for me to respect Hinckley, because I am not even certain he was 'honest' in his faith.
Having grown up in the church and served it all his
life, it would be easy to assume and believe that he must be deceived
and somehow deluded into believing he speaks for God - and that his
dishonesty comes from that.
However,
I find it hard to accept that a man with that much experience in the
church, knowledge of it, and moderate intelligence -- would not have
realized it was a fraud and sham by this point. Being the President,
having access to the LDS church archives and restricted documents, having dealt directly with Mark Hofmann
and knowing all he does (that regular members do not) I can't quite say
that I don't believe he knew it was all a lie but carried it on anyway.
Why stop now, after a lifetime of devotion? Being in charge and having
people hail you as a 'prophet of God' and treat you like a rock star
- why stop it? Having billions at your disposal, flying private jets
around the world and meeting with politicians and important figures -
why turn it down?
I do feel badly for Hinckley's
family because it's always a personal tragedy for people to lose a
father, grandfather or loved one. And this is no exception because
dishonest or not - he was human and had people who loved him and will
miss him.
At the same time however, I can't help but reflect and
feel badly for all the families and friends of Mormons who committed
suicide due to the destructive teachings and policies of Hinckley and the LDS
church. I feel badly for all the missionaries who have died on their
missions in the last few years -- all in vain. I feel badly for all the
people's lives who have been destroyed by Mormonism during Hinckley's tenure as Prophet.
The man will be praised by Mormons, and perhaps he's
done some admirable things in his life; yet I also think of the damage
perpetuated by the LDS cult, and Hinckley at the head of it all these years.
On an end note, there is some irony in his death. I
generally believe that his life is now over and his body will naturally
decay in the earth and go through all the processes which happen
biologically. I mean no disrespect by this, I just literally figure that
is the case. But even supposing I am wrong and he is 'elsewhere' in
some unknown metaphysical place -- I can confidently say that I am
CERTAIN he will be discovering that Mormonism is a fraud and that he led
a destructive worldwide organization all these years.
So much for speaking on behalf of God ...
Monday, January 14, 2008
Two Year Anniversary
I am so pleased and happy to announce that today is my Two Year Anniversary of leaving Mormonism!
I looked back on some old journals, and it was recorded on January 14th, 2006 that I had officially decided that Mormonism was a fraud, and that I was going to leave the Mormon Church.
It was the beginning of a new year, and I struggled through the various levels of: denial, bargaining, justification, anger, and sadness, until I reached acceptance ... and finally gratitude.
In the two years since I have learned much about the real history of Mormonism, the truth about the church, and I have finally grown up and found my place in 'the real world'.
I no longer live in a self-deluded fantasy, and I will always be proud of myself for leaving Mormonism, for escaping the indocrination and guilt, and for thinking for myself.
I have studied Christianity, history, religion in general, evolution, science and many more subjects. I have learned more in the last two years of study than I learned in 8 years of Mormonism. But the process of learning is an on-going thing, which will never end.
I am so much happier, and I feel a peace in my heart that was missing for those eight years. I feel self-acceptance, I feel acceptance for others, and I marvel at the beauty of this world that I once so arrogantly condemned and took for granted.
Tears come to my eyes, because I don't even know how to express how grateful I am, to have left Mormonism, how much more free my spirit is, how wonderful life really is.
Leaving Mormonism was painful and difficult, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I'm so proud of myself, so happy to have done it, and I truly hope I can help others in their journey out of it.
I am in debt to those who took the time and effort to expose Mormonism, and to tell the truth. To all those who wrote articles, made videos, made websites and blogs, to those who spoke openly ... I owe my education to you. I owe my freedom to you. Thank you for the work you have done, and please know it has not been in vain.
I looked back on some old journals, and it was recorded on January 14th, 2006 that I had officially decided that Mormonism was a fraud, and that I was going to leave the Mormon Church.
It was the beginning of a new year, and I struggled through the various levels of: denial, bargaining, justification, anger, and sadness, until I reached acceptance ... and finally gratitude.
In the two years since I have learned much about the real history of Mormonism, the truth about the church, and I have finally grown up and found my place in 'the real world'.
I no longer live in a self-deluded fantasy, and I will always be proud of myself for leaving Mormonism, for escaping the indocrination and guilt, and for thinking for myself.
I have studied Christianity, history, religion in general, evolution, science and many more subjects. I have learned more in the last two years of study than I learned in 8 years of Mormonism. But the process of learning is an on-going thing, which will never end.
I am so much happier, and I feel a peace in my heart that was missing for those eight years. I feel self-acceptance, I feel acceptance for others, and I marvel at the beauty of this world that I once so arrogantly condemned and took for granted.
Tears come to my eyes, because I don't even know how to express how grateful I am, to have left Mormonism, how much more free my spirit is, how wonderful life really is.
Leaving Mormonism was painful and difficult, but it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. I'm so proud of myself, so happy to have done it, and I truly hope I can help others in their journey out of it.
I am in debt to those who took the time and effort to expose Mormonism, and to tell the truth. To all those who wrote articles, made videos, made websites and blogs, to those who spoke openly ... I owe my education to you. I owe my freedom to you. Thank you for the work you have done, and please know it has not been in vain.
Is this how it feels to be free?
Is this how it feels to be me?
Today I smiled, because I feel alive --
for the first time, in a long time.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Cheap Mormon Books
I wanted to do a post to share with everyone some resources on how and where to get cheaply priced Mormon-related books.
The Mormon Historical Reference Library
This is a fantastic collection of books, available very cheaply on cd-rom. For only $9.99 (US) plus $2.00 shipping & handling ($5.00 for international) you will get all the following books -- see below -- plus an assortment of other documents on a variety of topics.
Payment can be made via Paypal, check (US), or Money Order. This is an excellent bargain!
Some of these are real gems. For instance there is John D. Lee's book (his confessions and life), there's Eliza Young's book (one of Brigham's wives and her story), and writings by Mormons and ex-Mormons alike; all painting a real picture of early Utah, the beginning of the LDS church, and what the leaders were like in person. The 6 Volumes of "The Story of the Mormons" is an incredible book - worth the price alone!
For more information, including purchasing/payment: CLICK HERE.
Here is the list:
“The Golden Bible” by Rev M. T. Lamb
“Mormonism Unvailed” by E. D. Howe
“The History of Utah, 1540 - 1886.” by Hubert Howe Bancroft
“Brigham’s Destroying Angel” by Bill Hickman
“Wife No 19” by Ann Eliza Young
“Mormonism Unveiled” by John D. Lee.
(Also known as “The Confessions of John D. Lee”)
“Life In Utah” by J.H. Beadle.
“Reminiscences of Early Utah” by R.N. Baskin
“Exposition of Freemasonry” by Capt William Morgan
“2000 Changes in the Book of Mormon” by Lamoni Call.
“Tell It All” by Mrs. (Fanny) T. B. H. Stenhouse.
“A History of Illinois” by Governor Thomas Ford.
(Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Nauvoo)
“1830 Book of Mormon” (Divided into the current Chapters and verse used by the LDS church today)
“Book of Commandments” (Today known as the Doctrine & Covenants)
“John Whitmer History” by John Whitmer
“The Women of Mormondon” by Edward W. Tullidge (.txt format)
“The Seer” by Orson Pratt
“Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith” by Lucy Smith. (The version that Brigham Young tried to destroy! I also show you why.)
“View of the Hebrews” (2nd Edition) by Ethan Smith
“Manuscript Story” by Solomon Spaulding (I also give you a comparison between this story and the Book of Mormon.)
“Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon.” by Charles Thompson
“Book of the Law of the Lord.” by James J. Strang
“Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s Distorted View of Mormonism:A Response to Mormonism—Shadow or Reality?” by a Latter-day Saint Historian (I also give the Tanners’ response)
“A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by John Corrill
“The Story of the Mormons” (all 6 volumes) by William Alexander Linn
“A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by B. H. Roberts (all 6 volumes) (.txt)
“Mormonism and Masonry” by S. H. Goodwin
“A Collection of Facts Relative to Sidney Rigdon” by Jedediah M. Grant
“Mormonism Exposed” by LaRoy Sunderland
“The Story of Polygamy” by Jennie Anderson Froiseth
“Mountain Meadows Massacre” by Josiah F. Gibbs
Sherlock Holmes in: “A Study in Scarlet” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey
Joseph Smith’s “White Horse Prophecy”
“Oration” by Sidney Rigdon (The controversial 4th of July, 1838 speech)
“Lectures On Faith”
“King Follett Discourse”
“Expulsion of the Mormons” by John P. Greene.
“The Nauvoo Expositor” (The newspaper that Joseph Smith destroyed)
“Manuscript History of Brigham Young” by Brigham Young
“Facts Respecting the Rise and Progress and Pretensions of the Mormons” by William S. West
“Roughing It” by Mark Twain (Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Utah–very funny)
JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES
The Journal of Discourses are a very revealing look at some of the first prophets, their teachings, and the early beliefs of the LDS church. It is 26 volumes: a collection of the sermons of Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith.
It's very interesting to read such gems as: Young's teachings on God being Adam, his dreams of slitting throats, his hatred of apostates, thoughts on Doctrine, etc. There's also a lot of chastising personal members, complaining about the Indians, bragging about Mormon exploits, and more.
All 26 volumes are available on PDF format for $10 (US), or cd-rom for $15, not including S&H.
To purchase the PDF format: CLICK HERE.
To purchase the CD Version: CLICK HERE.
Note: To buy the Journal of Discourses in book form, at a place such as Deseret Books would cost you a fair amount. This is a great deal, and these volumes are worth having.
TANNER BOOKS
Sandra and Gerald (now passed) Tanner are ex-mormons who are greatly respected for their research and publications regarding Mormonism. For many years they have researched into Mormon history, and have ascertained a great wealth of knowledge, surpassed by few other people today. With Tanner writings, you know you will always be provided with a good bibliography, references, documentation and quotations. They have extensively covered many aspects of Mormonism and have been the source many times for leaked or never-before-seen documents surfacing in the public arena.
Their books are well written, and available to purchase for cheap prices; they are more concerned with getting the content out than they are with reaping financial rewards.
"Tracking the White Salamander: The Story of Mark Hofman, Murder and Forged Mormon Documents".
Price: $8.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
"Mormon Claims Answered".
Price: $4.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
(Although this book was written by Marvin W. Cowan, he has allowed the Tanner's to publish a cheaper paper copy and distribute it.)
"Curse of Cain: Racism in the Mormon Church".
Price: $6.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
"3,913 Changes to the Book of Mormon".
Price $14.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
(Note: This book is the photo reprint 1830 Book of Mormon with all the changes marked in and noted, as well as a 16 page introduction by the Tanners explaining the significance.)
The Tanner's also have the following books available in cheap paper copies:
"Mountain Meadow's Massacre" by Josiah F. Gibbs. ($4.00) CLICK HERE.
"Brigham's Destroying Angel: Being the Life, Confession, and Startling Disclosures of the Notorious Bill Hickman." ($5.00) CLICK HERE.
"Exposition of Freemasonry" by Captain William Morgan. ($5.00) CLICK HERE.
MORE BOOKS:
"By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus" by Charles M. Larson.
For a limited time, this book is offered FREE to LDS members, with only a $3.00 shipping charge (US) or $5.00 shipping charge (international).
It can also be ordered from IRR for only $8.95 (plus shipping) for non LDS members, or when the free offer expires.
For more information, or to order: CLICK HERE.
***
I will be adding to this list as time goes by, it will be an ongoing article. If anyone has any suggestions on other great cheaply-priced books and documentation, leave me a note or email.
The Mormon Historical Reference Library
This is a fantastic collection of books, available very cheaply on cd-rom. For only $9.99 (US) plus $2.00 shipping & handling ($5.00 for international) you will get all the following books -- see below -- plus an assortment of other documents on a variety of topics.
Payment can be made via Paypal, check (US), or Money Order. This is an excellent bargain!
Some of these are real gems. For instance there is John D. Lee's book (his confessions and life), there's Eliza Young's book (one of Brigham's wives and her story), and writings by Mormons and ex-Mormons alike; all painting a real picture of early Utah, the beginning of the LDS church, and what the leaders were like in person. The 6 Volumes of "The Story of the Mormons" is an incredible book - worth the price alone!
For more information, including purchasing/payment: CLICK HERE.
Here is the list:
“The Golden Bible” by Rev M. T. Lamb
“Mormonism Unvailed” by E. D. Howe
“The History of Utah, 1540 - 1886.” by Hubert Howe Bancroft
“Brigham’s Destroying Angel” by Bill Hickman
“Wife No 19” by Ann Eliza Young
“Mormonism Unveiled” by John D. Lee.
(Also known as “The Confessions of John D. Lee”)
“Life In Utah” by J.H. Beadle.
“Reminiscences of Early Utah” by R.N. Baskin
“Exposition of Freemasonry” by Capt William Morgan
“2000 Changes in the Book of Mormon” by Lamoni Call.
“Tell It All” by Mrs. (Fanny) T. B. H. Stenhouse.
“A History of Illinois” by Governor Thomas Ford.
(Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Nauvoo)
“1830 Book of Mormon” (Divided into the current Chapters and verse used by the LDS church today)
“Book of Commandments” (Today known as the Doctrine & Covenants)
“John Whitmer History” by John Whitmer
“The Women of Mormondon” by Edward W. Tullidge (.txt format)
“The Seer” by Orson Pratt
“Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith” by Lucy Smith. (The version that Brigham Young tried to destroy! I also show you why.)
“View of the Hebrews” (2nd Edition) by Ethan Smith
“Manuscript Story” by Solomon Spaulding (I also give you a comparison between this story and the Book of Mormon.)
“Evidences in Proof of the Book of Mormon.” by Charles Thompson
“Book of the Law of the Lord.” by James J. Strang
“Jerald and Sandra Tanner’s Distorted View of Mormonism:A Response to Mormonism—Shadow or Reality?” by a Latter-day Saint Historian (I also give the Tanners’ response)
“A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by John Corrill
“The Story of the Mormons” (all 6 volumes) by William Alexander Linn
“A Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” by B. H. Roberts (all 6 volumes) (.txt)
“Mormonism and Masonry” by S. H. Goodwin
“A Collection of Facts Relative to Sidney Rigdon” by Jedediah M. Grant
“Mormonism Exposed” by LaRoy Sunderland
“The Story of Polygamy” by Jennie Anderson Froiseth
“Mountain Meadows Massacre” by Josiah F. Gibbs
Sherlock Holmes in: “A Study in Scarlet” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
“Riders of the Purple Sage” by Zane Grey
Joseph Smith’s “White Horse Prophecy”
“Oration” by Sidney Rigdon (The controversial 4th of July, 1838 speech)
“Lectures On Faith”
“King Follett Discourse”
“Expulsion of the Mormons” by John P. Greene.
“The Nauvoo Expositor” (The newspaper that Joseph Smith destroyed)
“Manuscript History of Brigham Young” by Brigham Young
“Facts Respecting the Rise and Progress and Pretensions of the Mormons” by William S. West
“Roughing It” by Mark Twain (Excepts from the book concerning the Mormons in Utah–very funny)
JOURNAL OF DISCOURSES
The Journal of Discourses are a very revealing look at some of the first prophets, their teachings, and the early beliefs of the LDS church. It is 26 volumes: a collection of the sermons of Brigham Young, John Taylor, Wilford Woodruff, Lorenzo Snow, and Joseph F. Smith.
It's very interesting to read such gems as: Young's teachings on God being Adam, his dreams of slitting throats, his hatred of apostates, thoughts on Doctrine, etc. There's also a lot of chastising personal members, complaining about the Indians, bragging about Mormon exploits, and more.
All 26 volumes are available on PDF format for $10 (US), or cd-rom for $15, not including S&H.
To purchase the PDF format: CLICK HERE.
To purchase the CD Version: CLICK HERE.
Note: To buy the Journal of Discourses in book form, at a place such as Deseret Books would cost you a fair amount. This is a great deal, and these volumes are worth having.
TANNER BOOKS
Sandra and Gerald (now passed) Tanner are ex-mormons who are greatly respected for their research and publications regarding Mormonism. For many years they have researched into Mormon history, and have ascertained a great wealth of knowledge, surpassed by few other people today. With Tanner writings, you know you will always be provided with a good bibliography, references, documentation and quotations. They have extensively covered many aspects of Mormonism and have been the source many times for leaked or never-before-seen documents surfacing in the public arena.
Their books are well written, and available to purchase for cheap prices; they are more concerned with getting the content out than they are with reaping financial rewards.
"Tracking the White Salamander: The Story of Mark Hofman, Murder and Forged Mormon Documents".
Price: $8.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
"Mormon Claims Answered".
Price: $4.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
(Although this book was written by Marvin W. Cowan, he has allowed the Tanner's to publish a cheaper paper copy and distribute it.)
"Curse of Cain: Racism in the Mormon Church".
Price: $6.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
"3,913 Changes to the Book of Mormon".
Price $14.00 (US) Not including S&H. To order: CLICK HERE.
(Note: This book is the photo reprint 1830 Book of Mormon with all the changes marked in and noted, as well as a 16 page introduction by the Tanners explaining the significance.)
The Tanner's also have the following books available in cheap paper copies:
"Mountain Meadow's Massacre" by Josiah F. Gibbs. ($4.00) CLICK HERE.
"Brigham's Destroying Angel: Being the Life, Confession, and Startling Disclosures of the Notorious Bill Hickman." ($5.00) CLICK HERE.
"Exposition of Freemasonry" by Captain William Morgan. ($5.00) CLICK HERE.
MORE BOOKS:
"By His Own Hand Upon Papyrus" by Charles M. Larson.
For a limited time, this book is offered FREE to LDS members, with only a $3.00 shipping charge (US) or $5.00 shipping charge (international).
It can also be ordered from IRR for only $8.95 (plus shipping) for non LDS members, or when the free offer expires.
For more information, or to order: CLICK HERE.
***
I will be adding to this list as time goes by, it will be an ongoing article. If anyone has any suggestions on other great cheaply-priced books and documentation, leave me a note or email.
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