Tracy Tennant

The Great Shaking

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Jul 312024
 

When leaders in ministry fail us, the ripples spread far and wide. We’ve seen this with Jerry Falwell Jr., Ravi Zacharias, Mike Bickel of IHOP (International House of Prayer), and other big-name pastors, teachers, and leaders in Christian ministry. And when it hits “home,” it hits hard. 

The latest domino to fall from a pedestal is Micah Wilder and some of the other members and wives of Adam’s Road Band—a popular and beloved group of ex-Mormon missionaries who traveled nationwide sharing their faith in Jesus Christ as evangelical Christians since 2009. The scandal is too tawdry to go into detail, but their sexual escapades make all the aforementioned men on the list look like cherubic choir boys.

You will find sexual misconduct and abuse—and things far worse—among those from every walk of society: politicians, Hollywood celebrities, judges, teachers, CEOs of large companies, and small business owners. Humanity has a sickness; it’s called sin. But when it happens with people we love and admire, especially within the community of faith, it hurts like a punch in the gut.

Many who know about the fall of Adam(‘s Road)(the irony), are reeling from the shock. Some are hurt. Some are angry. Some are devastated. And some are experiencing a crisis of faith. “What’s real?” they may be asking, especially individuals who have come out of Mormonism into the Christian community. “Is anything authentic? Is it all fake? Are all these professing Christians fake? Can I trust any leader, any church? Maybe this whole religious thing is a bunch of hooey.”

I get it. It’s hard to recover when someone you respected and trusted has violated your trust. So, I’d like to offer a perspective that may bring some understanding and encouragement.

Let me start with this: Jesus is real. He lived, He walked the talk. He was as authentic as they come. In fact, no one has ever been like Him, nor will there ever be. He is the Aleph and Tav, the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. And He died as a propitiation (appeasement, atonement) for our sins. His precious blood was spilt on our behalf. No one took His life; He laid it down willingly and sacrificially for humanity. A leader’s failure does not negate the work of the cross or the reality of Jesus.

Romans 3:3–4 (ESV)

3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though everyone were a liar…

People’s failures are nothing new. Look at King Saul who went from auspicious king of Israel to a raving madman who rebelled against God and died an ignominious death. Or Solomon who was gifted by God with a wisdom matched by no man before of since. Yet, he became an idolater and worshipped the “gods” of the surrounding nations. His son, Rehoboam, was a vain and foolish man—he “did evil because he had not set his heart on seeking the Lord” (2 Chronicles 12:14).

The list goes on. And as for fake believers, it was a problem in New Testament times. The Apostle John faced this issue and wrote:

1 John 2:4–6

4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, 5 but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: 6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

1 John 2:18–19

18 Children, it is the last hour, and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. 

1 John 2:28–29

28 And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. 29 If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.

Let me repeat John’s observation: “everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.” There is no room for “greasy grace,” the idea that God winks at sin and because we are saved by grace we can do what we please. God forbid! We cling to Ephesians 2:8–9, and tend to ignore verse 10:

8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

The expectation of “good works” is not antithetical to the gospel and does not negate grace. God is Holy, and we too must be holy. Yes, we are new creations in Christ Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:17), but we must still put to death the carnal desires of our old nature daily!

We live in a time of great uncertainty. There is political upheaval, social unrest, and alarming world events. In the last few years, how many Hollywood celebrities, elites, politicians—and yes, religious leaders—have been exposed for detestable acts against children and others? Sometimes it feels like society is falling apart. Sometimes it feels like Christianity is unraveling. But it isn’t. The wheat is being separated from the tares.

So what are to make of the troubling things we are witnessing today? What are we to think when those we looked up were not what they appeared to be? Our faith and confidence must be anchored in Jesus Christ alone—not in anyone or anything else. We need to stop putting people on pedestals. It isn’t fair to them, and it isn’t prudent for ourselves. We need to stop being satisfied with feel-good, ear-tickling messages that satisfy the flesh and being content with getting spoon-fed from the pulpits, stages, and microphones of alluring, popular preachers. It’s imperative to start feasting on the word of God through diligent study, as Paul the Apostle advised in 2 Timothy 2:15;

Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

In the coming months and years, we are going to see more and more people that we’ve put our trust in be revealed for what they really are. But things are being shaken for our good, so that we can see what’s real and true.

Hebrews 12:26–29

26 At that time [Mount Sinai] his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 This phrase, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain.

28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, 29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Secret things are coming to light, and our confidence should be in God, not man. When our hearts are prepared to be good soil, tilling it and watering it with the word of God, we will come to know Him and know He is good.

Luke 8:5–8, 

5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell along the path and was trampled underfoot, and the birds of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered away, because it had no moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up with it and choked it. 8 And some fell into good soil and grew and yielded a hundredfold.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Luke 8:11–15

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.12 The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 

13 And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. 

14 And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

15 As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.

The beautiful hymn On Christ, the Solid Rock I Stand, written in 1834 by Edward Mote, gives these invaluable words that are imperative for us as believers to take to heart:

My hope is built on nothing less
than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

Refrain:
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand:
all other ground is sinking sand;
all other ground is sinking sand.

When darkness veils his lovely face,
I rest on his unchanging grace;
in every high and stormy gale,
my anchor holds within the veil. 

His oath, his covenant, his blood,
support me in the whelming flood;
when all around my soul gives way,
he then is all my hope and stay. 

When he shall come with trumpet sound,
O may I then in him be found:
dressed in his righteousness alone,
faultless to stand before the throne.

Bold emphasis in Scripture quotes are mine.

The Born-Again Mormon Fallacy

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Apr 292024
 

(The following is an updated article from 2008. The original addressed the then-new movement of “Born-Again Mormon” led by founder Shawn McCraney and endorsed by prominent Christian professors at Dallas Theological Seminary. Some of the details—removed from this update—are no longer are relevant, as the movement died out and Mr. McCraney returned to Mormonism recently. However, the principles still apply today, where we have well-known Christians in public ministry partnering with the Mormon Church.)

It’s sad and alarming when Mormonism is endorsed or supported by prominent Christian leaders as simply another branch of Christianity. Even more troubling is when Christian organizations, churches, or businesses link up with Mormon organizations, congregations, or businesses in spiritually-focused projects. They may have good intentions, but they have no real understanding of Mormon doctrine, and likely no personal experience as former cultists.

To a devoted Mormon affiliations between Christian churches, leaders, or celebrities and the LDS Church implies acceptance of Mormonism into mainstream Christianity. Their partnership is doctrinally confusing. For example, how can a person be born of the Holy Spirit and partake of a sacrament that mocks our Lord and His atonement? The Mormon Church has replaced the representative wine or juice from the vine with water. Jesus turned water into the wine and the LDS Church has turned wine into water! 

Each week when Mormons take the sacrament/communion, they are renewing the covenants they made at baptism. Mormons are not baptized into Christ, but into membership of the Mormon Church. Mormon baptism is the first requirement on the way to “exaltation” (godhood). Furthermore, baptism (and the blessing of the sacrament/communion) is performed by one holding a false priesthood. The LDS member, through the weekly partaking of the sacrament, is renewing a covenant to follow the Jesus of Mormonism (Lucifer’s and humanity’s spirit brother, whose atonement is not enough to cover all sins).

Even though the Christian may not believe in the Mormon Jesus, his participation in partnering with the Mormon Church in spiritual or religious projects implies approval of a false christ and false doctrines to those around him. LDS members who see this regular participation are having their testimonies of Mormonism further strengthened.

Believers and followers of the biblical Christ need to adhere to Paul’s instruction, “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? […] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”(2 Corinthians 6:14-15, 17).

Another situation which causes more harm than good, is when Christians leaders encourage Mormon converts to Christianity to remain in their local LDS congregation and retain their their membership. Naturally, it is much easier to stay in the Mormon Church than to become estranged from LDS family, friends, and loved ones. There is heartache and an overwhelming sense of loss when a person leaves the organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It must be realized, however, that belief in the authentic Jesus Christ causes division, even in families, yet we are commanded to “take up our cross and follow Him” (Matt. 16:24)!

Our Lord and Savior queried, “Do you think I came to give peace to the earth? No, I tell you, I came to divide it. From now on, a family with five people will be divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided: father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:51-53).

A grievous disservice is being done to our new brothers and sisters in Christ when we encourage them to remain in a false religion. It is also a tremendous disservice to Christians in general when we endorse or approve of a movement that tries to yoke believers and unbelievers together in matters of worship. Above all else our declaration should be, “Choose you this day whom ye shall serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Joshua 24:15).

Think about who or what is being served when a person trusts the biblical Jesus for salvation but stays in a false religious system. It’s typically the false religion that is being served because it keeps their membership numbers up and lends credibility to their organization. To maintain participation in an organization that leads people to hell through deception and indoctrination in damnable heresies dishonors God and courts spiritual disaster.

“Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” (2 John 1:9-11).

We can infer from the apostle John’s writing that it’s also sharing in the evil deeds of others when we regularly participate (abide) in acts of worship that are intended to honor false deities, albeit our thoughts are on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To “dwell” in a house of worship which promotes a false gospel, false christ, and false teachings is nothing less than transgression.

May we be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt. 10:16).

Following is a response to a question about the Born again Mormon movement in the Q & A section of The Berean Call (Dave Hunt & T.A. McMahon, May 2006) (Posted with permission) (This article is no longer available on their website):

QUESTION: I found an organization on a website whose members call themselves “Born-Again Mormons.” They claim to be true Christians who reject most of the doctrines of Mormonism, and their Statement of Beliefs looks pretty good. But one of their main philosophies is that they must remain in the Mormon Church in order to evangelize the lost within that body. Is this possible? What do you know about them?

ANSWER: Some saved Catholics also say they want to remain in their Church to evangelize. It doesn’t make sense. One’s very presence at Mass or during the sacraments of the Mormon Church implies full agreement therewith. And how could one partake without endorsing the false doctrines underlying the sacraments? Impossible! A Catholic partaking of Mass is eating a “Christ” who is still suffering, is being immolated and offered for sin, did not pay the full price of our redemption on the Cross, and has been turned into billions of wafers to be ingested repeatedly into the stomachs of members to propitiate their sins.

Likewise, the Mormon partaking of the sacraments is agreeing with church teaching behind them and with the prayers and hymns; that Christ is a created being and half-brother of Lucifer (actually there is an unlimited number of “Christs” and “Lucifers” out there somewhere on an infinite number of other “earths”) who could not and did not pay the full penalty for sin through His death; that one must work for one’s salvation, which is exaltation to godhood, etc. Yet the head of this movement says he partakes of the Mormon sacraments while opposing the doctrines upon which they are founded. 

Furthermore, the sacraments are forbidden by official church doctrine to any non-member or even to a member not in good standing, but he has found a local church that winks at official rules. Contradictions abound! The leader of the group was, at his request, excommunicated several years ago, but now is trying to get back in to “evangelize” from within, so he once rejected what he now wants us to accept. Obviously, to stay in the Mormon Church (or the Catholic Church, et al.) gives the appearance of approval. In fact, “Born again Mormons” do approve of the church and its activities but not of its doctrines, and they imagine they can change the latter from within: 

“We believe that the doctrinal LDS Church is in error but that the physical organization remains beneficial. We are not out to destroy the physical church but seek to confront and help remove any doctrines which demand anything more than faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.” 

Yet the church is founded upon and embodies its doctrines. Belonging to the church requires approval of its doctrines. One cannot oppose the foundation while supporting what is built upon it. Nor can one attend and participate without seeming to approve the doctrines upon which church services and activities are based. The website says, “We seek to overthrow any and all non-biblical LDS doctrine and replace it with Christian Truths from a position of activity inside the Church.” This is self-contradictory and self-defeating. 

Furthermore, like the Watchtower (Jehovah’s Witnesses) the Mormon Church is a cult. Anyone who openly questions its false Christ, false salvation, and other false doctrines (much less opposes them) would be excommunicated just as one would be excommunicated from the Roman Catholic Church for openly opposing its false gospel. A true Christian could only remain inside the Mormon Church dishonestly and in dishonor of his Lord. 

The website, bornagainmormon.com, argues that just as “Jack-Mormon” is an accepted term to Mormons, so “Born-again Mormon may be applied in a similar way.” No, the two terms are not similar at all: “Jack Mormon” is a Mormon who doesn’t practice; “born-again Mormon” is one who isn’t a Mormon but pretends to be. The website goes on to explain: “we use the term Mormon the way a Jew uses the word Jew, a woman uses the term Woman, or a South African uses the title of South African.” But the analogy fails. One is born a Jew, woman, South African—a fact that has nothing to do with one’s beliefs. Though some Mormons say they were born Mormons, to be a Mormon is a matter of one’s beliefs, not birth. These people seem to be sincere Christians, but they are very confused and are confusing Mormons and non-Mormons alike. 

Recently on TV the leader said: “I am not going to…try to discern whether you are talking about the real Jesus or the false Jesus. When you say you are talking about Jesus I believe that opens the door to the true Jesus Christ.” This could not be more irrational and unbiblical! Paul said that believing in “another Jesus [and] another gospel” opens the door not to truth but to devilish error (2 Cor 11:2-4)! The same leader also said that he would “not use Bible verses or talk about doctrine…[but] just talk about Jesus.” So the Word of God is avoided because the truth might offend! But one cannot “talk about Jesus” except as defined by sound doctrine. Furthermore, Peter declares that we are “born again…by the Word of God…which by the gospel is preached” (1 Pt 1:23-25). This group claims to oppose the false doctrines of the Mormon Church—but how can Mormonism be effectively opposed without communicating that fact and presenting the truth from the Bible?! Confusion, confusion! 

Here we have one more example of apparently well-meaning Christians hoping to get people saved with an inoffensive gospel that can’t save. We have given many examples, from Joel Osteen’s Sunday sermons to Rick Warren’s series of articles in The Ladies’ Home Journal. This delusion seems to be spreading, from President Bush’s politically correct whitewash that calls Islam a religion of peace, to the religiously correct omission within today’s church of anything offensive to unbelievers. We need to oppose this error and stand for the truth!

K2C 37 Armor of God: The Belt of Truth

 podcast  1 Response »
Nov 082023
 

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:11–17)

When we secure the belt of truth around our waists, there are six areas of truth that we must know and understand:

  • Truth about the Godhead
  • Truth about Scripture and doctrine
  • Truth about who we are
  • Truth about who the enemy is
  • Truth as pertains to reality
  • Truth in the Inward Parts

Check out this episode!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly About Church Today

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Jul 272022
 

What happened to the modern Christian Church? Things have changed in the last couple decades going from genuine worship and focus on Jesus to concert-style music and feel-good messages. Are we being led down a primrose path to destruction? We were saved to do good works that God prepared in advance for us to do. A gospel that requires nothing of its followers is not good news!

Check out this episode!

Church After Mormonism

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Jul 192022
 

Finding a church can be difficult for those leaving Mormonism. Fear and uncertainty are the biggest roadblocks. It’s helpful to have an understanding of what “church” is and what it isn’t. It’s time to move away from pablum and pious platitudes. We need pastors who study and can “rightly divide the word of truth.”

Check out this episode!

Dealing with Toxic People

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Jun 072018
 

If you’re able to walk away from the LDS Church with the support of family and friends, count yourself among the lucky ones. Most individuals leaving the Church get pushback of some kind from Mormon relatives and acquaintances. While you can expect resistance, negative reactions, heated arguments, awkward conversations, and strained relationships, what should you do if things turn toxic? How do you set boundaries to protect yourself and your family?

Check out this episode!

Throwing Baby Jesus Out with the Bathwater | Leaving Mormonism, Regaining Faith

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Dec 132017
 

Leaving Mormonism doesn’t have to mean losing faith. It isn’t necessary to throw Baby Jesus out with the Mormon bathwater. Coming to grips with whether or not God is real and relevant is a challenge facing ex-Mormons. They exit a false paradigm and consequently are fearful of being deceived again. It seems less painful to choose unbelief rather than take the chance of being hurt by religion again. But what if God (not the god of Mormonism; but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) really exists and you could have a joyful, authentic relationship with him? And what if the evidence isn’t based on subjective feelings?

Check out this episode!

Leaving Mormonism – Leading with Love

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Jun 182015
 

The Apostle Paul wrote, “If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people.” Tracy discusses the importance of transparency and patience with loved ones as you make the transistion out of Mormonism. In the words of leadership expert Simon Sinek, “Good leaders make you feel safe.” When your active LDS family members feel safe around you, remarkable things can happen. In the conclusion of this series, you will be encouraged to know that God is FOR you, not against you, as you go through the process of leaving the Church. The basis for the series on Leaving Mormonism is the Kindle book, “Confessions of an ex-Mormon: What I Wish I Knew When I Left the Church” (available on Amazon).

Check out this episode!

Joseph Smith’s 40 Wives: It’s What They Didn’t Say

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Nov 192014
 

I learned that Joseph Smith had many wives when I was in seminary at Provo High School in the 1970’s. It bothered me, but I figured if the Church is true we would just have to accept certain doctrines whether we liked them or not or understood them or not. It was the same with the teaching that Heavenly Father came down and had sexual intercourse with Mary, the mother of Jesus. I clearly remember sitting in my seminary class in 10th grade. The teacher said that Jesus was the “literal” son of Heavenly father and was conceived in the same way that the rest of us were. I was mortified. Just to clarify and make sure I understood him correctly, I went up after class and asked,

“Brother Tanner, are you saying that…well, you know…that Heavenly Father came down and, well, you know,” I felt my cheeks turning red, “that he ‘did it’ with Mary?”

“That’s right,” the teacher replied. “But there was nothing immoral about it. Mary was set apart as one of Heavenly Father’s wives in the preexistence.”

“But What about Joseph?” My mind was reeling. That poor man! Spending his life with Mary for “time only,” while in the eternities she would be given back to Heavenly Father.

“We don’t have to worry about that,” Brother Tanner said. “It will all be worked out when this life is over.”

My eyes welled up with tears, and as soon as I got out the door of the seminary building I ran across the lawn behind the school, weeping. “How can this be?” I cried out in silent prayer. “Heavenly Father, please help me understand!” The thought that maybe the Church wasn’t true struck me, and I was suddenly gripped with fear. What if I had made the biggest mistake of my life by becoming a Mormon?

For days I was in turmoil. Fast & Testimony Meeting Sunday approached, and when it came I heard affirmation after affirmation by all the people I respected as they testified of the truthfulness of the gospel. I felt comforted at last. I decided to put Jesus’ conception on a mental shelf tucked carefully away in the back of my mind. If the Church was true then all the things I didn’t understand at present would be sorted out in the afterlife. Polygamy was one of those issues.

The seminary program rotated the curriculum over a four-year period, so from ninth through twelfth grades students would learn about the Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants/Pearl of Great Price, Old Testament, and New Testament. During the year we studied the D&C I learned about Joseph Smith’s polygamy and how Emma had a hard time coming to terms with it. I was taught that Joseph himself was loathe to take on other wives, but that an angel with a drawn flaming sword threatened to take his life if he didn’t obey God and live the principle of plural marriage. I felt sorry for him and Emma both.

Over the years we didn’t hear much about Joseph Smith’s polygamy. The knowledge of it was always bubbling under the surface, and on the rare occasions when it was brought up in a Sunday school or Relief Society lesson it was always spoken in somber and reverential tones. If the Prophet Joseph Smith wasn’t too happy about having to have more than one wife, then we shouldn’t be happy discussing it. That was our inference.

Brigham Young and his 50-something wives was a different story altogether. It was almost an enjoyable narrative to discuss, as it was easy to imagine President Young compassionately marrying as many pioneer widows as possible, whose husbands had perished on the plains. Of course, I secretly harbored the thought that he could have just provided for them instead of marrying them, which would have been the nobler thing to do; giving to someone that you know can’t give back. Otherwise it appeared too gauche: I’ll take care of you as long as you put out once every 53 days.

I knew a lot about the Church’s history and the foibles of its leaders. I knew they weren’t perfect and didn’t expect them to be. Maybe a cut above the rest of us; after all, they were so valiant in the preexistence that they were sent down to earth to be the great leaders of The Restoration. The Church told us not to expect perfection from its leaders, although we were warned never to speak ill of them. The truth was they were human too. But that’s only half the story.

It wasn’t the half-truths (the half that I was told) that made me leave the Church. It was the other half, the untold half that caused me to realize that Mormonism is not the Way, the Truth, and the Life that leads to reconciliation with God. The Mormon Church, for all the good it may have done over the last couple centuries, is simply a religion that began in the imagination of a man named Joseph Smith and evolved into a massive organization ran by men whose ideals got confused somewhere along the way.

The history shows that Mormonism was never based on truth. It began with a con about Gold Plates that (conveniently) got taken up to heaven, that were never actually seen by the physical eyes of the Three Witnesses, but rather with their “spiritual eyes” (in other words they imagined it).

You see, as members of the Church we were told one thing, but the reality was another.

  • The Urim and Thummim? Smith buried his face in his hat.
  • The angel Moroni? The original story was the angel Nephi.
  • Joseph had a few wives? 40 to be exact, including a 14-year-old and other men’s wives.
  • The Temple Ceremony? Lifted from the Masons.
  • American Indians descended from Jews? DNA proves otherwise.
  • Book of Abraham written by the Patriarch Abraham himself? Uh, not.
  • Early Mormons persecuted? Yes, after doing some pretty horrendous things first.

I didn’t leave the Church because of the things I was taught; I left over the things I wasn’t. When I found out the details they weren’t telling me, they denied it despite the evidence, like a five year old insisting he didn’t get into the cookies when there are crumbs all over his shirt and remnants of chocolate chips in his teeth. And when I got the courage to point out that “the emperor had no clothes,” they demonized me and threatened to excommunicate me simply for speaking the truth.

To those Mormons who are now questioning, whose faith has been shaken, I implore you to do your own research. The Church lied to you about many things; how can you trust that their new “transparency” (think “Perestroika and Glasnost”) is really all that transparent?

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