Greetings. Below for those who might be interested are the links to two documents that supplement DM, both of which were recently posted on another dedicated DM thread. The first supplement is an expanded and enhanced revision of the original document posted initially in the aforementioned dedicated thread. The second supplement provides what I hope will serve as an adequate explanation
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Greetings. Below for those who might be interested are the links to two documents that supplement DM. The first supplement is an expanded and enhanced revision of the original document that started this thread. The second supplement provides what I hope will serve as an adequate explanation and defense of the justifiability requirements proposed and utilized in my analytical deconstructi
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Greetings to you all again. It has been quite a while since I visited the forum. Hope this finds you all well. Recently my attention has once again gravitated toward Stoic Philosophy, and in particular the subject of death and dying as it might affect those Atheists who can no longer believe the unbelievable regarding the existence of gods and the myths of immortality and eternal life. My s
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Anyone interested in Christensen's review of DM posted by lemm0n above might want to check-out the recent review of it on Amazon, along with my Comment on the Amazon review. Here's the link: http://www.amazon.com/Sophic-Mantic-Vista-Deconstructing-ebook/dp/B00FSEQOJ4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1382814257&sr=1-2&keywords=deconstructing+mormonism
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

The answer to your question is in the sentence you refer to. To offer a one-sided argument, in the way I use the term "one-sided", is not to argue for a particular point of view against or instead of another. Rather, it refers to the nature or type of argument made. The reviewer's attack of the "straw man" of his making made his argument one-sided, as well as fallacious o
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Got it. Thanks. Just getting used to the "thingsuthink."
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I just did, thanks. See above posting.
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Thanks for the link lemm0n. I have (finally!) read this lengthy review with interest. Assuming that you shared this review with a genuine interest in my thoughts, I will briefly share those thoughts in this reply. The reviewer's entire argument, from my perspective, could perhaps be best characterized as a sophisticated betrayal of doubt, given a seeming disavowal or denial of the literalis
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I assume you're being facetious, right? Otherwise you wouldn't participate in this forum, right? If so, to those who do think this way I would ask that they please explain how such "instructions" enable Mormons to "get out of the box" of mormonism (or, alternatively, out of the "double-bind" of mormonism). Also, I would ask what such folks think GAS would say
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Jacob, I think your question assumes too much, i.e. that we know what we're talking about when we speak of "god", "atonement" and "intelligences". How can we sensibly or coherently ask a question about factual non-realities and their relations to each other? At most your question exposes a possible (if not likely) misunderstanding of what you or others were "
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Just published a new document on Google. Check it out and share your thoughts and suggestions. If you like it, share the link and let it go viral. Here's the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGvtJzyca8rlV2qPOyTP7eFjORxEz1wOKX-Drnbk0YE/edit T
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Just published a new document on Google. Check it out and share your thoughts and suggestions. If you like it, share the link and let it go viral. Here's the link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gGvtJzyca8rlV2qPOyTP7eFjORxEz1wOKX-Drnbk0YE/edit T
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

n/t
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I get it, thanks facs3.
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I don't disagree. An Atheist stuck in a Mormon family system would most likely be miserable. Even psychologically differentiating from the mormon family system doesn't make it easier, if possible at all other than perhaps on a very superficial basis. As for the unwelcomed after-effects, that is certainly understandable. Mormonism, like all theistic religions, exploits and trades on the regress
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What makes the analytical work I do (hopefully) therapeutic is the creation of "real doubt" through the blocking of all defensive, cognitive retreats. The wonderful thing about real doubt is that it doesn't have to be acknowledged as such (or at all) to exist and do its work. it works beneath the surface of cognitive awareness like a computer virus that gradually infects the brain. B
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My psychological "meta-conversion" experience was not widely known, and to my knowledge was not known by any in the hierarchy. Still, I address your point in the Appendix on pp. 413-16 with accompanying footnotes. My reasons for including this Appendix in my book are presented in the Prefatory Note. I also conclude, as you know if you've read the entire Appendix, that such experience
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Thanks for your thoughts on this, gentlestrength. This subject is at the heart of my indignation and contempt toward mormonism, as well as my greatest regret in joining the church. It is also the source of my greatest sadness. I address this concern throughout my book, if you have a copy. (See pp. lxxi-lxxii, 318-26, 355-9, and 385-92). If you're interested, I thought I'd also share an appr
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Thanks for your thoughts, rt. I think they certainly have merit in the context of argumentation. Still, and again, however, there is no "argument", and therefore no argument to "weaken". Even the offering of "survey" and "sociological research" as you suggest, if such existed in this regard, would only be warranted if I was making an argument or a case.
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I don't think so rt. There is no argument (or counter-argument) being made here. Nor is a definitive statement being made in an effort to reinterpret evidence or construct and then attack a "straw man" to refute a position taken. Anyone can be "in need" at particular times in their lives, to find comfort in "such familiar 'God-talk'". Moreover, it is not unreason
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

For those just starting and those who have already read the Introduction of the book, check this out from the front page of today's NYT. http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/21/us/some-mormons-search-the-web-and-find-doubt.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&hp&pagewanted=all&#comments The times, they are a changin'.
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

Glad you're all getting your books. FYI, if you have postings for the Introduction, you can make them on the thread "Betrayal of Doubt" in this dedicated forum, or just continue that thread with the same title, part 2, 3, etc. if and as needed. Similarly, if and when you get through the Foundational Preface and each successive Chapter, just post to the respective thread or continue t
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

I'm told by Amazon that they order from the publisher whenever an order is placed, which is strange since the publisher is not a POD. Asked Amazon to get with the publisher to stock to book. They're looking into it and will get back to me. Will also contact the publisher again to find out what's going on and hopefully speed this up. Sorry for the delays. I'm on it.
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You might want to contact Amazon. They have the books. Why the delayed shipping?? Usually takes 5-7 days doesn't it?
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To Any and All Who Might be Interested: The Publisher just informed me that the 2nd printing of the book is compete and the the book is available again on Amazon.com. Please pass the word. Thanks. Tom
Forum: Deconstructing Mormonism

To Any and All Who Might be Interested: The Publisher just informed me that the 2nd printing of the book is compete and the the book is available again on Amazon.com. Please pass the word. Thanks. Tom
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Thanks Thinks. Darkfem communicated that she does in fact intend to participate after she fulfills some academic commitments. Like you, I hope others participate, or follow along as well. Thanks for your interest. PS: If you have a difficult time getting the pdf on line and would like me to share my pdf of the book with you, please let me know by emailing me at tjriskas@yahoo.com.
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No idea at this time, but will check back with the publisher and let you and other what I learn. Meanwhile, I think there is a pdf of the book on the internet if you Google "Deconstructing Mormonism," or I would be willing to share a pdf of the book if you'd like.
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Great. Welcome aboard. Excited to have you. Take your time. If you have questions while you're reading, please don't hestate to ask. If the answers you seek are further into the chapter you're in, or have been addressed in another DM thread, either I or others will let you know and cite the pages or thread that might address your questions. If, alternatively, you have insights, experiences
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Hi. There's a discussion underway between me and one other person in the thread "Let's Get Started" in the DM Forum, if you're interested. So far, that's it for now, and for some reason(s) I'm not aware of. If you'd like to participate, please feel free. I'm available to any and all who have read or are currently reading the book. Thanks for your interest. Tom
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