Guys... I presume most of you know my story with Mormonism and the missionaries. This evening I was out shopping with some friends when I got a phone call from one of the guys, the missionary.

He called from an unknown number but not to harass me to come back, but to ask for more information. To say that I was surprised is an understatement. He gave me his e-mail and asked me to send him the material I've found in my research. He told me he was very confused, didn't know what to think and that he was scared to even imagine the possibility that the life he's been leading might be a lie.

I've told him I'll e-mail him, but right now I don't even know which sources are the best. I don't want him running into some obviously heavy anti-Mormon sites and thinking I was swayed with lies.

What are the absolutely best, objective sites I can recommend to him?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:13PM by Susan I/S.

Lds-mormon.com is a really good place to start.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:13PM by Susan I/S.

http://www.mormonthink.com/. They are objective and give both sides of the argument, but it's obvious by the end of it that mormonism is a fraud. They cover quite a few issues, but they also leave out some of the heavier "anti" stuff.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:13PM by Susan I/S.

IMO three great websites loaded with info that hits just about all critical areas of Mormonism are:

www.mormonthink.com
www.lds-Mormon.com
www.utlm.org

I would go in that order. www.utlm.org is probably the most comprehensive but may come across as too "anti" even though their info is spot on. Tell him to use his brain and judge the evidence for himself. Tell him to study BOTH sides ("pro" & "anti"). Its the only way to get a well balanced understanding of things. It's all true and can be confirmed by LDS apologists but they put a pretty pathetic spin to it all.

Let us know if he want books and I can give some recommendations.

I think it is a great comprehensive website, but if you are trying to avoid the thinking you're just "anti." I would stay away from anything by The Tanners until he's a little more used to the waters.

Any TBM who hears "The Tanners" immediately equates them with the most anti of the anti. The fearmongering surrounding The Tanners was designed to discredit one of the best sources for truth. Good job lds, Inc. There are many urban legends about how anti they are.

Everyone is giving great suggestions. Ones that helped me immensely.

YES, Utah Lighthouse Ministries in SLC. They helped me sort out all their lies.

Sorry, just a little grumpy arguing about stuff I don't want to but won't back down from, either...

Good stuff so far... Validate that you realize your missionary friend is confused and you're not insensitive to how big of an issue this is to him...

This website is a good source:
http://www.i4m.com/think/

The site is well-designed, with the subjects sorted into easy-to-find categories. The content is well-written, and facts are backed up with references to original sources.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:14PM by Susan I/S.

OnceMore Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> This website is a good source:
> http://www.i4m.com/think/
>
> The site is well-designed, with the subjects
> sorted into easy-to-find categories. The content
> is well-written, and facts are backed up with
> references to original sources.

That one is good too.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:15PM by Susan I/S.

Mormonthink.com was by far the best for me. It didn't scare me away and it really got me thinking. It shows both sides witch is a plus, but it is pretty obvious that the church isn't true



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:14PM by Susan I/S.

My favorite sites:


www.mormonthink.com

www.lds-mormon.com/

www.bookofabraham.com/

www.i4m.com


Good Podcasts (easy to listen to privately if he wants):

An Interview with Grant Palmer
http://mormonstories.org/?p=92

Interview with Todd Compton
http://mormonstories.org/?p=65 (part1)
http://mormonstories.org/?p=66 (part2)


Books to read:

In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith
http://www.amazon.com/Sacred-Loneliness-Plural-Wives-Joseph/dp/156085085X

An Insider's View of Mormon Origins
http://www.amazon.com/Insiders-View-Mormon-Origins/dp/1560851570/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1292454614&sr=1-1

Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0252062914/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=156085085X&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0R4ATTWQE4AH1HVYZQNA

No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith
http://www.amazon.com/No-Man-Knows-My-History/dp/0679730540/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292454659&sr=1-1

Solemn Covenant: THE MORMON POLYGAMOUS PASSAGE
http://www.amazon.com/Solemn-Covenant-MORMON-POLYGAMOUS-PASSAGE/dp/0252018338/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1292454749&sr=1-1



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/15/2010 07:15PM by Susan I/S.

"No Man Knows My History" is excellent but is infamous among Mormons as a classic "anti-Mormon" book. He may, or may not, want to read it. If his mission president or companion saw it, they might confiscate it or pressure him to get rid of it. If he does want to read the book he will have to keep it a secret until he's done reading it.

In your previous thread, it sounded like you were frustrated by your discussion with the mission president. However, look at the amazing result! Thanks to you, the missionary who phoned you now wonders—as all of us on RfM did at one point-- why the so-called One True Church has been hiding facts from him!

Best of luck as you assist him in locating relevant sources so he can make an informed choice. I’m happy for you in your “near miss” with the church, and happy for the missionary on his path to Truth!

You go, girl!

I have to throw my vote in with mormonthink.com as well. Once I was open to the idea that the church might not be true, this is the site that gave me all the facts without coming across as anti. I made up my own mind with cold hard facts from both sides.

and let us know how it goes and if we can help you in any way.

I think he would find a lot of support here.

My vote is also for MormonThink.com Almost anything he could want to know is there, along with many links to dozens of other sources.
It isn't scary because it is run by active Mormons.

You did such a great job of asking questions, and the Mission President obviously gave unsatisfactory answers. The missionary could see who had reason on their side. Congratulations for helping him start on his journey before wasting a lifetime in it, as I did.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 12/17/2010 02:49AM by Dianne Ormond.

There are lots of good sites out there, I'm not sure if this site has been mentioned but I would imagine lots of folks here are familiar with it, it is by a guy who defended the church as an apologist up until 2001 and then it got to him and he realized it was all a fraud. He then gave the other side of the argument. It is very straightforward and in all fairness should not be labeled "anti."

http://www.exmormon.org.uk/tol_arch/atozelph/twosides.htm

First, I'd make sure that this is not a ploy to get you back. I'd make sure that he is serious about his doubts and willing to read what you'll give him.

Since his companion will be aware of any contact, this elder will probably be shipped out right away in order to keep him from you.

But, since this could very well be a ploy, I'd give him the most useful, non-threatening material and then tell him to read it and not to contact you unless he needs a ticket home.

be quiet about it. But he all ready knows that! Or just send him one web site, maybe packham's page on this site:http://www.exmormon.org/tract2.htm .
This might be best. One web link - it has lots of references.

If he is sincere and honestly concerned and looking, this info hits him as factual and true, he may have a big dilemma on his hands, and may want to leave his mission. It has happened before.

I can't help with suggestions - nevermo here- but love the fact this is happening. Just think how you may save this person from a life of Mormonism. How great is that!!!

mormonthink.com was what really did it in for me. I had read "anti" stuff before, but mormonthink really covered its bases.

The fact that he is confused will eventually lead him out. It means somewhere a seed was planted that will eventually grow whether he wants it to or not.

Just pass on all the info I gave you previously, like The Kinderhook plates, JS printing his own money, a magic rock,AND, about how he was marrying other mens wives. That should be enough to get him started researching. Hope this helps, Best wishes.