Tom noted to Unka Dale: "Does this mean that "something", "somewhere", "somehow" might "possibly" exist that we know nothing about? Of course. But to argue for the present existence of stated realites on this basis is not only question-begging, but invalid on the basis of the "evasive possibility strategies" and the "parity argument"
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I had already come to wonder about the reality of what is termed "spiritual" in the first place. I can't help but think that this is a smoke-screen to cover over the lack of actual physical evidence of whatever theological assertions are made about God, church, salvation, miracles, etc. The other problem that I have discerned (perhaps incorrectly) is that Joseph Smith said spirit is si
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

The Outsider Test of Faith is one of the most powerful devised ideas I have ever read. Now then, I agree with Satan (who would have EVER thought I'd say THAT?!? GRIN!).....er, that is Satan Claus here, there is no need to rush through, and I also am intending on rewording some of the ideas Tom put in his book, and exploring it in detail with other texts that I find relevant to what Tom has sai
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

HELLO TOM RISKAS! I am the infamous (or famous) reviewer of your book out on Amazon. May I just say I am looking very forward to discussing this book with all of you and with you Tom. I hope we can all get mileage out of the discussion. Oh by the way, did I tell you I read your book Tom? LOL!
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I have always thought the whole idea of a 2nd anointing, (what the first one anointing you to prophet, priest, king, queen, GOD isn't enough?!?) is just arrogant egotism. I think it obviously is man stroking his own ego about being even MORE special and privileged than the mere regular folk and regular gods beneath them.
Forum: Recovery Board

Heh, thanks Joan, yeah I heard that podcast also. Interesting to me was that the one time....I mean THE ONE TIME that Jesus really sincerely OUGHT to shop up is during a Second Anointing. And he didn't.
Forum: Recovery Board

Actually, I appreciate all the sentiments presented here. A very good discussion. And I will apologize for those ad hominims (I still may be guilty of more in the future, I mean, after all, now this same charge has been leveled against me by some apologists!). That apology being said, I think in the long run we work through our humanness, we all want to be right, we know all others are not near a
Forum: Recovery Board

I wonder if there is any way we could get Kai Nielsen to come and participate in the discussion? Now I would PAY for that to happen! I thought Kai's introduction was quite well done also. In fact, when I picked up the book at the Sunstone there last year (I met Loyd Erickson of Greg Kofford Books, a very COOL guy! Now I'm friends with him on Facebook also) I read through the Nielsen part and then
Forum: Recovery Board

That's very nice of you to offer Unka Dale, but give it to someone who doesn't have it already. I can still read through my scribbling - LOL! Ya gotta admit it's quite a read eh? I will say, now that I have read the first few "mandatory" chapters (the most difficult parts of the book) several times, I can see what Tom was meaning, and it is quite powerful reasoning. His man handling of
Forum: Recovery Board

It actually is VERY wonderful! I honestly thought I was motivated to learn as an apologist, but now.....NOW! Holy schmoly man! The piles of materials I am purchasing and the headaches I am causing my dear wife (LOL!) are really sumthin! I literally at this very moment have 50 different books I am making my way through, trying to takes notes, etc. My what videos THESE will make for me to talk abou
Forum: Recovery Board

Yes I am the reviewer, and yes I am in the process of analyzing all kinds of things, the actual honest way to go in my opinion. And I will sit down and have some rootbeers with you. LOL! I think Riskas has done a memorable thing by getting us to think outside the box. I hope I haven't caused a ruckus around here about the book, but it's Tom's fault - LOL! (That's a compliment Tom). I am simpl
Forum: Recovery Board

I would like to thoroughly discuss this topic, especially since Tom himself is being involved. It will be invaluable to actually have the author comment and explain things as we have ideas and questions to ask. The idea of an entire new section is a good one. However, why is it closed? In the meantime I am reading the various threads about Tom's book. Perhaps I need to start my own. I know I am g
Forum: Recovery Board