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Richard (Dick) Baer's 
"Letter to Family & Friends"


Richard (Dick) Baer's "Letter to Family and Friends" outlining his reasons for leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  See link to John Tvedtnes' response to Mr. Baer's "reasons" at left.


August 5, 1979


Dear Family & Friends,

In October, 1977, while visiting a friend in Saint George, Utah I noticed a book on his coffee table with a curious title.  The title was Mormon Spies, Hughes & the CIA, by Jerald & Sandra Tanner of Salt Lake City, Utah.  Because my friend had been a very close aid of Howard Hughes for over 20 years, I thought the book was about Howard Hughes, the CIA, and the Mormons that worked for them.  After reading portions of the book, I discovered that it was written for the purpose of exposing certain problems regarding the authenticity of the Mormon Church.

I was only able to read small portions of the book before my friend came home from a meeting.  When he returned home I asked him why he had an anti-Mormon book in his home (incidentally, this was the very first piece of anti-Mormon literature I had ever seen).  He stated that a friend of his had sent the book to him for his comments on the accuracy of the material regarding Howard Hughes, and indicated that most of the material was accurate.

Following my visit with my friend (who I will leave nameless to prevent any embarrassment to him), I felt compelled to obtain a copy of the book to finish reading it.  In June of 1978, without thinking of what I was doing, I went into the Berean Book Store (a Christian Bible book store) in Bakersfield, California to see if they might have a copy of the book or if they might know how to get a copy.  Much to my surprise, I found that Jerald and Sandra Tanner are very prolific writers of books regarding the authenticity of the Mormon Church.  The store did not have a copy of Mormon Spies, Hughes & the CIA, but they did have a copy of the Tanners' Mormonism - Shadow or Reality?  After looking through the table of contents, I purchased a copy.

During the next five or six weeks I read the book from cover to cover (which was no small task).  I found that the information and charges in the book were devastating to the Mormon Church (if the information and charges were true).   I felt anger and frustration with the information and charges, and felt that there must be an answer to the charges.  I wanted to find the answers and set the Tanners straight.

I wrote to Truman Madsen at Brigham Young University, told him


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what I had read, and asked him if there were answers to the charges.   I must point out that the nature of the charges DEMANDED an answer.  If the charges were true, then the Mormon Church could not possibly be the only true church on the earth.  In fact, if the charges were true, then the Mormon Church would not only have to be false, but it would have to have been founded by Satanic forces.  I thought, is it possible that I and other Mormons have been deceived all of these years?   I realized that the only literature I had ever read on the Church was what I was taught in church, and at BYU, and that all I had ever read was that which the Church had allowed to be printed.

About this time I drove to Utah to take my son, Travis, to the language training school prior to his departure to the Ecuador - Quito mission.   While in Utah I obtained a copy of Jerald And Sandra Tanner's Distorted View Of Mormonism: A Response To Mormonism - Shadow Or Reality?   This 63-page booklet was written anonymously "By a Latter-day Saint Historian."  I also obtained a copy of Answering Dr. Clandestine: A Response to the Anonymous LDS Historian, by Jerald & Sandra Tanner.

Upon returning home I read the new books I obtained in Utah.  I also received a letter from Truman Madsen after I returned home.  He referred me to Assistant Church historian Dean Jesse, in Salt Lake City.

I wrote to Dean Jesse, outlining what I had been reading, and asked for direction in study materials refuting the Tanners' charges.  My objective at this point was to become very knowledgeable regarding answers to the Tanners' charges.  I didn't receive an answer for sometime, so I finally called him.  He indicated that he had just written a letter to me outlining materials to study.  We had a long discussion on the phone about the Tanners' and other anti-Mormon writers.  A few days later, I received the letter that he had written.  I was disappointed in the small number of articles and books that he had referred me to; nevertheless, I immediately began to acquire all of the books and articles that he had referred me to.  I went to the LDS Institute in Bakersfield and found most of the materials.

Under Dean Jesse's direction, I read the following:

1. Dean C. Jesse, The Early Accounts of Joseph Smith's first Vision, Brigham Young University Studies 9 (Spring 1969): 275-94.

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2. James B. Allen, Eight Contemporary Accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision What Do We Learn from Them?, Improvement Era 73 (April 1970) 4-13.
3. Hugh Nibley, Prolegomena to Any Study of the book of Abraham, Brigham Young University Studies 2 (Winter 1968): 171-178.
4. Hugh Nibley, The Meaning of the Kirtland Egyptian Papers, Brigham Young University Studies 4 (Summer 1971): 350-399.
5. Several articles by Hugh Nibley in the Improvement Era on the Book of Abraham issue (January 1968-May 1970).
6. James B. Allen and Glen M. Leonard, The Story of the Latter-day Saints, Deseret Book Company, Salt Lake City, Utah: 1976.

After I had read the above books and articles that Dean Jesse had listed or alluded to, I began to read articles that I found listed in the bibliography of The Story of the Latter-day Saints, Jerald And Sandra Tanner's Distorted View Of Mormonism: A Response To Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? and the BYU Studies articles.  I read a total of over 100 articles in BYU Studies (written between 1960 and the present).  I read numerous articles that were published in Dialogue A Journal of Mormon Thought.

All of the above material dealt with the subject matter of the charges, but the charges were not answered by them.  There were attempts to answer the charges, but there were no real answers.  I was especially disappointed with the response by the "Latter-day Saint Historian."   This source admits that several of the charges that the Tanners make are true.   In fact, in all of the above literature I found more information that confirmed the Tanners' charges than refuted them.  The most surprising thing is that the confirmation was coming from Church publications and Church scholars.  At this point I began to wonder if I would find any answers to the charges I continued to fast and pray.

I believe that about this point in time my search took me in a new direction.  Now I wanted to find the truth.  The problem was, who could I believe?


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Having read everything that Dean Jesse had directed me to, I began to find other books and articles that he had not mentioned.  I found and read the following books and articles:

1. LaMar Peterson, Problems in Mormon Text.
2. David Whitmer, An Address To All Believers In Christ.
3. Walter Martin, The Maze Of Mormonism.
4. Fawn M. Brodie, No Man Knows My history.
5. Hugh Nibley, No Ma'am, That's Not History.
6. Hugh Nibley, The Myth Makers.
7. Snake River LDS Seminary District, Is There An Answer?
8. Lucy Mack Smith, Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors for Many Generations.
9. Milton Backman, Joseph Smith's First Vision.

After reading the above books and articles I started to be depressed. Instead of getting answers, I was getting more confirmation of the charges.   I wondered, am I the only Mormon who has learned about the Tanners charges?  I called the Tanners, and talked with Sandra Tanner, (in fact, I talked with Sandra Tanner on a number of occasions).  I learned that there were thousands of persons like myself that were investigating the charges that they and others had made about the authenticity of the Mormon Church.  I was told that there was a group in Southern California by the name of Ex-Mormons for Jesus.  I called one of the leaders of this group (Cindy Bauer - formerly a seminary teacher for the Church) and spoke at length with her.  I also went down and met with her personally.  She was a very active member of the Church at one time.  Now she and her husband are on a mission to the Mormons in Hawaii.  She gave me a number of back issues of the Ex-Mormons for Jesus Newsletter, and a number of other materials pertaining to the Church's authenticity.

Throughout the time I was reading and searching, I prayed that I would find answers to refute the charges that the Tanners and others had made.  At the same time I also prayed that I might know the truth regarding the charges against the Church.


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Finally, I started reading the Bible.  I obtained a copy of The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, and read the scriptures along with it.  I read the entire New Testament, and a number of books of the Old Testament.   Suddenly, the bible came alive to me, I started to get answers to questions.   I was really being directed by the Word of God; He was directing me through it.

At this time I obtained a copy of Joseph Smith begins His Work, Volumes 1 and 2.  Volume 1 is an exact copy of the 1830 edition of The Book of Mormon; Volume 2 contains an exact copy of the 1833 edition of The Book of Commandments, the 1835 edition of the Doctrine & Covenants, The Lectures on Faith, and the Fourteen (yes, 14) Articles of Faith.  I found that there were thousands of changes between the original books and the present editions, many of them drastic.  Why?

I obtained a set of the History of the Church, and confirmed that there had been numerous changes.  Again, I ask why were there so many changes in the books?  Why are they denied and concealed?

Well, without going into great detail, after over a year of very intensive study, fasting and prayer, and talking with numerous persons who I respect, I HAVE COME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Of LATTER-DAY SAINTS WAS FOUNDED BY A FALSE PROPHET WHO FOUNDED THE CHURCH BY LYING AND DECEIVING THE PEOPLE.

I believe that I have followed the advice given by the apostle Paul to the Thessalonians (1 Thessalonians 5:21): "Prove all things; Hold fast that which is good."  I have proved to myself that without a doubt the Mormon Church is FALSE.

I John 4:1 says, Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."  I believe Joseph Smith, Brigham Young and all of the successive prophets of the Church are FALSE PROPHETS.  I believe some of them knew they were not true prophets, and others have not known.

Some of you will say, "Well, look how much good there is in the Church." Proverbs 14:12 says, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."


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I am often reminded of the example given in Ezekiel 33:6, wherein the Lord states, "But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them; he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman's hand."   The 7th verse goes on to say, "So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me."

Following the word of the Lord to Ezekiel, I MUST warn all of my family and friends that THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS ARE FALSE DOCTRINES THAT WILL LEAD TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THOSE THAT FOLLOW AFTER THEM.

I would plead for all of you to obtain some of the books and materials I have listed above, and to follow Paul's advice and "Prove all things."

Oh, how I wish that the Church were true and that its doctrines were true.  I have sought out the very best minds of the Church to prove that the Tanners and others are wrong, but to no avail.  Dean Jesse sums it up very nicely when he says, "there are no answers."

I want you all to know that I am very open-minded about my findings.   If someone can prove me wrong in my findings, I will be delighted.  Job 6:24 says, "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred."  If I have erred, I don't know where.  If someone could show me, I would be the happiest man on earth; however, the evidence is overwhelmingly against the Church.

I would like to bear my testimony that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that he was born of the Virgin Mary (not as a sexual intercourse between God and Mary, as the Church teaches) by the power of the Holy Ghost, and that He died so that all who repent and follow Him will have eternal life.

I have now received Christ into my life, and am trying very hard to follow his teachings.  Christ is the most important person in my life now, not the Church.  The Church cannot do anything for the salvation of the individual, only Christ can.


I want you all to know that I love you all and pray for you always.   I would be happy to discuss this with any of you at any time, and would also help you obtain books and materials if you need help

God bless all of you, I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

With All My Love,

Richard D. Baer
P.O. Box 530
Orangevale, Ca. 95662
(916) 723-4537




ADDENDUM

 

September 11, 1979

 
Since writing the letter on August 5, 1979 regarding my discovery of the LDS Church's fraudulent nature.  I have had a number of responses to the letter which prompt me to make some additions.

Some persons who have read the letter have asked me about my academic and Church background. In answer to those questions, I offer the following:

I was born in San Francisco, California on May 28, 1934, and I was raised in Oakland and Berkeley. In 1951, I joined the Air Force and served for 31 months, receiving an honorable discharge in January 1954.  I attended West Contra Costa Jr. College for two semesters.  In addition, I attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah between 1955 and 1960, graduating with a B.S. Degree in June 1960.  I majored in Sociology and minored in Psychology; I also completed 30 hours of credits towards my master's degree in Sociology.

Upon graduating, I accepted a position as a research associate with the International Survey of Corrections in Berkeley, California. Having completed the study, I was appointed as a Deputy Probation Officer in Contra Costa County, California, where I worked for one year.  Between 1962 and 1970 I worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative for Riker Laboratories, Schering Corporation and E.R. Squibb & Sons.

From 1970 to 1973 I worked as a professional financial planner for Capital Analysts, Inc. in San Francisco.  Since 1973 I have been pioneering the creation of a new profession in the financial services industry, and now work as a Financial Ergonomist.

Regarding my background in the Mormon Church I was born into a Mormon family.  My parents were lifetime members of the Church.  My mother passed away in October, 1977, and my father has since remarried.  He and his wife are presently on a fulltime mission in Guatemala.  My grandparents on both sides were members, as well as my great grandparents on my father's side and great grandmother on my mother's side.  With very brief exceptions, I have always been an active member of the LDS Church.


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My oldest son just completed a mission to Argentina and is now attending Brigham Young University; my number-two son is presently serving a mission in Ecuador; and my youngest son is 17, and is preparing to go on a mission.  Most of my family and relatives on both sides are active members of the LDS Church.

My first wife and I were married in the Los Angeles temple I have been to the temple (Manti, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and Oakland) many times.

I have read and studied all of the standard works of the Church (Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price).  I have read many, many books written by Church leaders (probably over 100).  I have read Church publications for at least 20 years.  I believe I can safely say that I have knowledge of the doctrines of the Mormon Church that is well above average.

The above information, although brief, should cover my academic and Church background.

Now, regarding responses to my letter dated August 5, 1979:

A statement that I am hearing from many of my Mormon friends (and one family member) is: "If the Mormon Church isn't true, then no church is true."  That statement is partially true I believe that there is no church organization (such as the Baptist, Lutheran, Episcopalian, etc.) that is the one and only true church on earthThe only true church is composed of the body of believers in Christ.  Christ said "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).  Mormons have been deceived into believing the lie that there is only one true church on earth.  They have also been deceived into believing that all other churches are false, that all other churches teach false doctrines and that all other professors of religion are corrupt.  This teaching is a lie.

The Mormon Church teaches that when Christ was on the earth He personally organized His church, and that the organization was perfect (with the inference that everyone had to belong).  As I was reading in the 9th chapter of Mark, verses 38-40. I came across an interesting situation in the life of Christ.  Let me quote the passage "And John


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answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us.  But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in My name, that can lightly speak evil of Me.  For he that is not against us is on our part."

I believe the above scriptures show that even Christ Himself showed that you didn't have to belong to his followers to be for Him.  In other words, it was not a person's relationship with a group of people that was important, it was his relationship with Christ.

For a Mormon to say that "if the Mormon Church isn't true, then no church is true" is the end result of the lie that Joseph Smith began when he said in the so-called "First Vision" account that he was told that "...I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof."  Mormons who have been enticed into believing this fantastic lie feel they are left with utterly nothing if they find out that the Mormon Church is false.

Christ Himself said in Matthew 16:18: "And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."  The rock that Christ was to build His church upon was the saving faith and belief in the Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and that He was and is the Son of God, and God the Son. The church is that body of people who have faith and believe this.

Another statement I am hearing is, "Show me something that is better."  Again, Mormons have been brainwashed into believing that all other churches are false and that the Mormon Church is the only true Church on earth.

The bottom-line answer is that Jesus Christ himself is better.   As it stands now, the Mormons worship a false God and a false Christ.  The Mormon Church is full of false doctrines.  The scriptures are full of


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passages regarding false Gods, false Christs and false doctrines.

If Mormons would only understand that by leaving Mormonism and embracing the true God and Christ they will gain Eternal Life and leave behind a church that will lead them to destruction (ETERNAL DESTRUCTION).

I plead for all of my Mormon family and friends -- read some of the books and articles I have outlined in my August 5, 1979 letter.  Especially read Mormonism-Shadow or Reality? by the Tanners.  Read Fawn Brodie's book No Man Knows My History.   Read David Whitmer's An Address to All Believers in Christ.   Read Lucy Mack Smith's Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet and His Progenitors for Many Generations.  Obtain a copy of Joseph Smith Begins His Work, Volumes 1 and 2.  Check the books for the thousands of changes that have been made in the Book of Mormon and Doctrine & Covenants.

WHATEVER YOU DO, DON'T TAKE THE OSTRICH APPROACH AND STICK YOUR HEAD IN THE SAND) AND SAY, "I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT OR SEE IT OR EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.   THIS LETTER IS YOUR WARNING.  IF YOU DON'T HEED THE WARNING YOU MAY BE HEADED FOR ETERNAL DESTRUCTION.

If you do learn the truth (which is my constant prayer), don't feel like you are alone.  There are hundreds (and perhaps thousands) of persons that are discovering the truth.  There is a very rapidly growing group called Ex-Mormons for Jesus, branches of which are being organized all over the world.  Ex-Mormons for Jesus is a group of ex-Mormons that have found out the truth and are now true Christians.   The members attend many different Christian churches, but have one thing in common -- they are ex-Mormons.

Again, I love you all and pray for you to learn the truth.  I am writing this out of my love for each of you -- not because of any ill feelings towards any of you.  I don't consider any Mormon to be my enemy.  Please don't feel that I am your enemy.  "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" Galatians 4:16.


October 10, 1961


Dear Family & Friends,

On August 5, 1979 I wrote a letter explaining why I had found it necessary to have my name removed from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   My hope was that each of you would obtain some of the books and articles and determine for yourselves if I was right or that I had in fact been led astray in my research,

The response of most of my family and friends is to take the ostrich approach.  You have all stuck your heads in the sand and declared by your inaction that you do not want to hear about it, read about it or even think about it.  This approach will lead you to your eternal destruction.

Because you will not make the effort to obtain any of the books or articles that I outlined in my August 5, 1979 letter (or won't read them even after I have traveled a thousand miles and given them to you) I am going to hopefully save you some time by reducing all of the material to what I call the "bottom line issue" in the hope that you will realize why you are being led to your eternal destruction.

If Joseph Smith was a true prophet then everyone should follow his teachings.  If, however, Joseph Smith was a false prophet, then he should be exposed as such.

There are at least twenty three references in the Bible dealing with false prophets.  Some of these references are specific tests to determine if the prophet is a true prophet of God.  I would like to apply just two of these tests to Joseph Smith,

Deuteronomy 13:1-5 is the first scripture in the Bible dealing with false prophets.  The issue in these verses is whether the prophet leads the people after another god.

The god of Mormonism was born as a baby on another world.  He grew up, got baptized by one holding the proper authority, got married in the temple for time and all eternity (probably to more than one wife), had many children, was obedient to all of the laws and ordinances of the gospel and eventually died.  Because of his obedience and faithfulness and by the Law of Eternal Progression he was Exalted and, became god.  If you know anything about Mormon doctrine you know that this is the god of Mormonism.  His name is Eloheim (or Ahman) and he lives on a planet (or star) nearest the planet Kolob.  He is a glorified, resurrected, exalted man having a tangible body of flesh and bones (see Mormon Doctrine by Bruce R. McConkie, page 250).

I declare to you that the god of Mormonism is another god as spoken of in Deuteronomy 13:2.  The god of Mormonism is not the God that I worship.  My God is not a glorified, resurrected, exalted man having a tangible body of flesh and bones.  My God is not a created being.  My God is Spirit not man (John 4:24).  My God is a Reasoning, Purposeful, Spirit-Being Who is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient, Tri-Personal (yet Singular), Self-Existent, Immutable (Unchangeable), Eternal, Holy, Love, Just, and Merciful.

Now, we can't both be right.  How can we determine which one of us is worshipping the wrong god?  The key test is in the very next scripture dealing with false prophets in the Bible, namely Deuteronomy 18:20-22.  The issue (or test) in these verses is whether the prophet speaks a thing in the name of the Lord that does not come to pass.  If we can find one thing that Joseph Smith has said in the name of the Lord that has not come to pass and can not come to pass, then we should he able to agree that he is a false prophet.  The reason that I am writing


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this letter is to list what I believe are the false prophecies of Joseph Smith.

I will try to be as brief as possible with each prophetic utterance that I believe to be false.  I pray that each of you will study the prophetic utterances and determine for yourselves whether it is a false prophecy or not.

Certain basic questions should be asked about each prophecy or revelation.  First, it must be determined that the prophetic utterance really came from Joseph Smith.  Secondly it must be determined that the prophecy purportedly came from God.  Third, you have to determine if the prophecy came to pass exactly as outlined.  Lastly, you have to determine if the prophecy can come to pass.   On this last point you should ask yourself if you are being honest with yourself or are you performing mental gymnastics in order to save Joseph Smith from being a false prophet?

I will list the prophecies or revelations according to the date that Joseph Smith is reported to have received them.  In some cases the order will be approximate.  Some of the references might be slightly different because of changes that have been made in the 1981 edition of-the "triple combination" (Book of Mormon, Doctrine & Covenants and Pearl of Great Price).

FALSE PROPHECIES

1.  September 21, 1823.  Pearl of Great Price, Joseph Smith 2:40-41.  Joseph Smith claimed that the angel Moroni told him that the prophecies in Isaiah, Chapter 11 were about to be fulfilled and that the prophecies in Joel, Chapter 2:28-32 were soon to be fulfilled.

158 years have now gone by since this was received and the prophecies that Joseph Smith referred to have not been fulfilled.  We know that these prophecies will be fulfilled in the future, but not in Joseph Smith's (or Moroni's) timing.

2.  July, 1828.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 3, verse 3.  "Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;".

This particular verse is going to come back time after time and haunt Joseph Smith.  If this verse is accepted as scripture by Mormons (which it is) then all we have to show is that if whatever is promised or prophesied by Joseph Smith is frustrated then it is the work of men.

Verses 16-20 of Section 3 prophesy that the Lamanites will be converted.  To Mormons the Lamanites are the Indians.  Well, the Mormon church has been trying to convert the Indians for 153 years and they have not done it yet.   In fact a large majority of the Indians that they have converted are totally inactive.  This is especially true in Latin America and South America.  The Indians go in the front door and very soon go out the back door.

There is another interesting scripture in the Book of Mormon regarding the Indians.  2 Nephi 30:6 includes a prophecy that the Lamanites (Indians) would turn "white and delightsome" in a few generations after accepting the gospel.  It is interesting to note that the handwritten


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manuscript of 2 Nephi 30:6 has "white and delightsome".   In 1840 Joseph Smith directed that it be changed to "pure and delightsome". Brigham Young directed that it be changed back to "white and delightsome".  It has remained "white and delightsome" until 1981 where it has now appeared as "pure and delightsome" with no footnote indicating why it was changed.  Is it possible that now that sufficient time has gone by to see that the Lamanites are not going to turn "white and delightsome" after several generations of being members of the Mormon church, that it is prudent to change the verse to "pure and delightsome" which is easier to defend?  Honest editing would at least place a footnote by the change to explain why the change had been made.

3.  Winter 1829-1830.  An Address To All Believers In Christ, David Whitmer, pages 30-31.  Joseph Smith sent Hiram Page and Oliver Cowdery to Toronto, Canada to sell the copyright of the Book of Mormon in response to a revelation that he claimed to have received from God.

The mission and the revelation was a total failure as recorded by David Whitmer. When Joseph Smith was asked why the revelation had failed he answered that he did not know how it was.  David Whitmer records that Joseph Smith "...enquired of the Lord about it, and behold the following revelation came through the stone: 'Some revelations are of God: some revelations are of man: and some revelations are of the devil.  So we see that the revelation to go to Toronto and sell the copy-right was not of God, but was of the devil or the heart of man."

Mormon Historian and Apostle B.H. Roberts records the following regarding this Toronto revelation.  "...May this Toronto incident and the Prophet's explanation be accepted and faith still be maintained in him as an inspired man, a Prophet of God?  I answer unhesitatingly in the affirmative.  The revelation respecting the Toronto journey was not of God, surely; else it would not have failed; but the Prophet, overwrought in his deep anxiety for the progress of the work, saw reflected in the 'Seer Stone' his own thought, or that suggested to him by his brother Hyrum, rather than the thought of God...in this instance of the Toronto journey, Joseph was evidently not directed by the inspiration of the Lord."  (A Comprehensive History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 165)

There is no way that a reasonable, rational person can escape the reality that this was a false prophecy.  Remember, Deuteronomy 18:22 records that all you need is one false prophecy to have a false prophet,

3.  September, 1830.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 29:10-11.  In these two verses Joseph Smith prophesied that the "...hour is nigh..." for Christ to return.

151 years have gone by since Joseph Smith stated that the hour was nigh.  Only by performing mental gymnastics can this prophecy be accepted as one that can be fulfilled.

4. March, 1831.  (Doctrine & Covenants, Section 49:9-10.

9. Wherefore, I say unto you that I have sent unto you mine everlasting covenant, even that which was from the beginning.

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10. And that which I have promised I have so fulfilled, and the nations of the earth shall bow to it; and, if not of themselves, they shall come down, for that which is now exalted of itself shall be laid low of power.

Mormon Apostle Bruce R. McConkie on pages 529 and 530 of his book Mormon Doctrine makes it quite clear that the "everlasting covenant" is the gospel that has been given thru the Mormon Church.  The gospel according to Mormonism is composed of all of the laws and ordinances and commandments that God has given to man.

According to verse 10 above "...the nations of the earth shall bow to it" (The Mormon Gospel).  150 years have now gone by since this revelation was received and no nation has bowed down to the Mormon gospel.  And no nation has been laid low of power for not bowing down to it.

5.  July, 1831.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 57:1-3.  Independence, Missouri is named as the center place of Zion.   Independence is appointed and consecrated for the gathering of the saints.   Independence is indicated to be the land of promise.

This is a very important revelation because it names the location of the city of Zion.

This revelation is false by virtue of the fact that Section 3, verse 3 has declared that any work that is frustrated is not from God but from men.  There is no question that the gathering of the saints in Zion (Independence) has been frustrated.  They tried to gather in Independence and were physically driven out.

6.  August 13, 1831.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 62:1, 6 & 9.  Joseph Smith declares in this revelation that God told him that "...the faithful among you should be preserved and rejoice together in the land of Missouri, I, the Lord, promise the faithful and cannot lie..."  Verse 9 says "Behold, the kingdom is yours.  And behold, and lo, I am with the faithful always.  Even so.  Amen."

The facts are these:

1. The faithful were not preserved,
2. The faithful did not rejoice together in the land of Missouri.
3. The kingdom was not theirs - they were driven out.

All you have to do is read some of the history regarding the Mormons between 1831 and 1847 and you will see that this revelation and prophecy was, and is a total failure.  The least that you can say is that the prophecy was frustrated therefore indicating that it was not from God (Section 3, verse 3).

7.  September 11, 1831, Scrap book of Mormon Literature, by Rich, Vol. 2, p. 259.  "For behold, I say unto you that Zion shall flourish, and the glory of the Lord shall be upon her, and she shall be an ensign unto the people, and there shall come unto her out of every nation under heaven."


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The above revelation (or prophecy) is reported by Rich to be a revelation from God that was given to Joseph Smith.  Being as it is reported by a Mormon (Rich) we can assume that it is an undisputed statement of Joseph Smith.

If Zion (Independence, Missouri) has flourished, the glory of the Lord is upon it, it is an ensign unto the people and people from every nation under heaven have come to Independence it most certainly is not because of anything that the Mormons have done.  As far as Mormons are concerned Independence has not flourished, the glory of the Lord is not upon it, it is not an ensign to the people and people from every nation have not gone to Independence.  The least that can be said about this revelation (prophecy) is that it has been frustrated, therefore, it cannot be from God (Section 3, verse 3).

Of course the Mormons would say that this prophecy will still come to pass.  Only by performing mental gymnastics can this prophecy come to pass.   Remember, all that has to be shown is that it was frustrated, and it certainly was frustrated.

8.  November 1, 1831.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 1:35 & 37.

35. For I am no respecter of persons, and will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand, when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his dominion.

If God is no respecter of persons according to Joseph Smith then why did he record the following in the Pearl of Great Price, Moses 5:20 & 21?

20. And Abel he also brought of the firstlings of his flock, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel, and to his offering;
21. But unto Cain, and to his offering, he had not respect. Now Satan knew this, and it pleased him. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell.

The book of Moses directly contradicts the Doctrine & Covenants.  Joseph Smith further contradicted himself when he had recorded in the Doctrine & Covenants, Section 124:102 the following:

102. Behold, I Say unto you, I have a mission in store for my servant William and my servant Hyrum, and for them alone;...

Why not Brigham or Parley or Orson?  If this is not enough then let us look at verse 37 in Section 1,

37. Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.

This is stating that all of the prophecies and promises that are in the Doctrine & Covenants are going to be fulfilled.  If ever Joseph Smith uttered a false prophecy this is it.  I have already listed a


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number of prophecies and promises that have not been fulfilled.   I will be listing a considerable number below.  I believe that only an unreasonable, irrational, deluded person will not be able to see the simple truth that Joseph Smith has failed the test of a prophet according to Deuteronomy 18:22.  In the event that you haven't seen it yet, I will proceed with more.

9.  November 3, 1831.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 133:17, 26-30.

17. For behold, the Lord God hath sent forth the angel crying through the midst of heaven saying: Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his paths straight, for the hour of his coming is nigh ---
26. And they who are in the north countries shall come in remembrance before the Lord; and their prophets shall hear his voice, and shall smite the rocks, and the ice shall flow down at their presence.
 
27. And an highway shall be cast up in the midst of the great deep.
28. Their enemies shall become a prey unto them,
29. And in the barren deserts there shall come forth pools of living water; and the parched ground shall no longer be a thirsty land.
30. And they shall bring forth their rich treasures unto the children of Ephraim, my servants.

150 years have gone by and Christ has not returned.  Another prophecy that has been frustrated.

10.  December 1, 1831.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 71:6-10.

6. For unto him that receiveth it stroll be given more abundantly, even power.
7. Wherefore, confound your enemies; call upon them to meet you both in public and in private; and inasmuch as ye are faithful their shame shall be made manifest,
8. Wherefore, let them bring forth their strong reasons against the Lord.
9. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you --- there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper;
10. And if any man lift his voice against you he shall be confounded in mine own due time.

To begin with the Mormons are disobeying the commandment given in verse 7.  I have been asking the Mormons, one and all, to meet with me to talk about the doctrinal heresies of Mormonism.  Only a few have made the decision to meet with me.  I don't believe any Mormon has claimed that my shame has been made manifest.   I don't know of any other person that is involved in the ministry to the Mormons that has been put to shame by any Mormon.

Myself, and many other Ex-Mormons are bringing our strong reasons against the doctrines of the Mormon church.  Our weapon against the Mormon doctrine is the Word of God as found in the Holy Bible.  The weapon that we have chosen (the Bible) is prospering.  Just today I mailed out information to 14 persons that want to have their name a removed from


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the records of the Mormon church.  There are literally hundreds (and possibly thousands) of persons that are leaving the Mormon church every month,

All you have to do is read a little church history (Mormon) to see that the weapons used against the Mormons did prosper.  They were driven from one city to the next and finally to Salt Lake City.  Certainly the guns that were used to murder Joseph Smith prospered.  Only the blind and deluded will try to defend Joseph Smith in this prophecy and others that are listed above and below.

11. September 22 and 23, 1832. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 84:2-5, 31, 114-115

2. Yea, the word of the Lord concerning his church, established in the last days for the restoration of his people, as he has spoken by the mouth of his prophets, and for the gathering of his saints to stand upon Mount Zion, which shall be the city of New Jerusalem.
3. Which city shall be built, beginning at the temple lot, which is appointed by the finger of the Lord, in the western boundaries of the State of Missouri, and dedicated by the hand of Joseph Smith, Jun., and others with whom the Lord was well pleased.
4. Verily this is the word of the Lord, that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints, beginning at this place, even the place of the temple, which temple shall be reared in this generation.
5. For verily this generation shall not all pass away until an house shall be built unto the Lord, and a cloud shall rest upon it, which cloud shall be even the glory of the Lord, which shall fill the house.
31. Therefore, as I said concerning the sons of Moses --- for the sons of Moses and also the sons of Aaron shall offer an acceptable offering and sacrifice in the house of the Lord, which house shall be built unto the Lord in this generation, upon the consecrated spot as I have appointed---
114. Nevertheless, let the bishop go unto the city of New York, also to the city of Albany, and also to the city of Boston, and warn the people of those cities with the sound of the gospel, with a loud voice, of the desolation and utter abolishment which await them if they do reject these things.
115. For if they do reject these things the hour of their judgement is nigh, and their house shall be left unto them desolate.

History records that Independence was built, but not by the Mormons.   History also records that Joseph Smith dedicated the temple lot, however, it is interesting to note that the dedication ceremony was held on August 3, 1831 more that [sic] one year previous to receiving this revelation.

Verse 4 has some real problems in it.  It states that the city New Jerusalem shall be built by the gathering of the saints.  Whatever was built by the Mormons was built prior to the winter of 1838-1839 because the Mormons were driven out of Independence at that time.  The last few words of verse 4 present the greatest problem.  It states that the temple


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would be reared (built) in the generation then living. Verse 5 expands on this by stating that "...this generation shall not all pass away until a house shall be built unto the Lord,...".  And finally verse 31 repeats the fact that the temple would be built in the generation then living.  The fact is that 149 years have gone by and the temple still has not been built.  Unless a generation can be considered to be longer that 149 years then this revelation fails.  Joseph Fielding Smith (who became the 10th president of the Mormon church) answered the generation question by stating that "It is reasonable to believe that no soul living in 1832, is still living in mortality on the earth" (Answers to Gospel Questions, vol. 4, p. 112).

A further problem remains regarding the building of the temple.   The lot is no longer owned by the Mormon church.  It is now owned by the Church of Jesus Christ, Temple Lot and they plan on building their own temple.   Another point of failure.

Verses 114 and 115 of Section 84 record that the cities of New York, Albany and Boston were to be destroyed (desolation and utter abolishment) if they rejected the sound of the Mormon gospel.  History records that Joseph Smith and Bishop Newell K. Whitney went to these cities in response to verses 114 and 115.  There is no record of these cities ever receiving the Mormon gospel during the life of Newell K. Whitney or Joseph Smith. In fact the Mormon church is still very small in those cities.   If these verses were truly from God then these cities should have been destroyed by now.  I believe this is another evidence of Joseph Smith failing as a prophet of God.

Remember, all you need is one false prophecy to have a false prophet.

12.  December 25, 1832.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 87:1-8.

1. Verily, thus saith the Lord concerning the wars that will shortly come to pass, beginning at the rebellion of South Carolina, which will eventually terminate in the death and misery of many souls;
2. And the time will come that war will be poured out upon all nations, beginning at this place.
3. For behold, the Southern States shall be divided against the Northern States, and the Southern States will call on other nations, even the nation of Great Britain, as it is called, and they shall also call upon other nations, in order to defend themselves against other nations; and then war shalt be poured out upon all nations.
4. And it shall come to pass after many days, slaves shall rise up against their masters, who shall be marshaled and disciplined for war.
5. And it shall come to pass also that the remnants who are left of the land will marshal themselves, and shall become exceedingly angry, and shall vex the Gentiles with a sore vexation.
6. And thus, with the sword and by bloodshed the inhabitants of the earth shall mourn; and with famine, and plague, and earthquake, and the thunder of heaven, and the fierce and vivid lightning also, shall the inhabitants of the earth be made to

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feel the wrath, and indignation, and chastening hand of an Almighty God until the consumption decreed hath made a full end of all nations.
7. That the cry of the saints, and of the blood of the saints, shall cease to come up into the ears of the Lord of Saboath, from the earth, to be avenged of their enemies.
8. Wherefore, stand ye in holy places, and be not moved, until the day of the Lord come; for behold it cometh quickly, saith the Lord. Amen.

Joseph Smith received the above revelation on Christmas day, 1832.   History records that the State of South Carolina was already in a state of rebellion at that time.  It's not much to prophesy about something that is already happening.

Mormons usually refer to the "Civil War" as one of the prophecies that has been fulfilled, however, upon close examination it becomes very clear that it is a failure.  I count 20 different elements of this prophecy.  All 20 elements would have to come to pass in order for this prophecy to be fulfilled.  If all 20 elements of the prophecy were to come to pass it would truly be remarkable.   The chance of this happening without God's guiding hand would be 1 in 1,048,576.   The statistics are really stacked against Joseph Smith.

History records that the Civil War did not start until April 12, 1861, when Southern artillery shelled Fort Sumter in the harbor of Charleston, South Carolina.  It ended four years later on April 9, 1865.  The Civil War did not result in war being poured out upon all nations (verse 3).  It also did not bring about a "...a full end of all nations."

It is also interesting to note that the Civil War prophecy was not published during Joseph Smith's lifetime.  It was not printed until 1851 (19 years after Joseph Smith received it).

I would recommend that anyone wanting to read more about why this prophecy is a false prophecy should obtain a copy of The Changing World of Mormonism, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Moody Press, and read pages 424-430

13.  December 27, 1832.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 88:87.

87. For not many days hence and the earth shall tremble and reel to and fro as a drunken man; and the sun shall hide his face, and shall refuse to give light; and the moon shall be bathed in blood; and the stars shall become exceedingly angry, and shall cast themselves down as a fig that falleth from off a fig-tree.

As of October 10, 1981 more than 54,326 days have come and gone and the moon has not been bathed in blood, the sun has not refused to give light and the stars have not become exceedingly angry and cast themselves down.  I don't know of any way that this prophecy can be made to come true in Joseph Smith's timing.


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14.  January 4, 1833.  History of the Church, vol. 1. p. 315-316.

"And now I am prepared to say by the authority of Jesus Christ, that not many years shall pass away before the United States shall present such a scene of bloodshed as has not a parallel in the history of our nation; pestilence, hail, famine, and earthquake will sweep the wicked of this generation from off the face of the land, to open and prepare the way for the return of the lost tribes of Israel from the north country.  The people of the Lord, Those who have complied with the requirements of the new covenant, have already commenced gathering together to Zion, which is in the state of Missouri; therefore I declare unto you the warning which the Lord has commanded to declare unto this generation, remembering that the eyes of my Maker are upon me, and that to him I am accountable for every word I say, wishing nothing worse to my fellowmen than their eternal salvation; therefore, 'fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgement is come,' Repent ye, repent ye, and embrace the everlasting covenant and flee to Zion, before the overflowing scourge overtake you, for there are those now living upon the earth whose eyes shall not be closed in death until they see all these things, which I have spoken, fulfilled."

Almost 149 years hove gone by and the wicked are still on the earth.   The lost tribes have not returned from the north country (and they won't, either).   Most importantly, everyone that was alive in 1833 is now dead and the things that Joseph Smith prophesied have not come to pass.

There is no way that a reasonable, rational person can escape the reality that this is a false prophecy.  Why don't you give up on Joseph Smith and the false doctrines that he presented to the Mormon church and invite the real Jesus Christ into your heart to be your personal Lord and Savior! You are placing your eternal salvation at risk when you continue to believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.

If the above false prophecies are not enough to convince you then here are some more.

15.  February 27, 1833.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 89:18-21.

18. And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;
19. And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;
20. And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.
21. And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen.

The above prophecy was part of the revelation on The Word Of Wisdom.   The promise is given that if the Mormons will obey the word of Wisdom (no coffee, tea, tobacco etc.) that they would obtain all of the promises in verses 18 thru 21.   The facts are that there are many Mormons that obey the word of wisdom to the letter and they have not found


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great treasures of knowledge or hidden treasures.  They run and get weary, They walk and sometimes faint.  And most certainly the destroying angel does not pass them by.  Mormons die just like any other group of people.

I think of all of the Mormons in and around Saint George, Utah that are dying of the effects of the radioactive fallout from the nuclear tests in Nevada.   Why didn't the destroying angel pass them by?

On the top of page 268 of a book titled View of the Hebrews, written by Ethan Smith (no relation to Joseph Smith), you will find the words "...they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint."  Of course these words can also be found in Isaiah 40:31.  While it is possible that Joseph Smith received the idea from View of the Hebrews, it is more likely that he got it from Isaiah because verse 20 above includes the word and between weary and they. In the King James version of the Bible the word and is italicized, which means that it was not in the original manuscript.  It is most interesting to note how many times Joseph Smith presents language that is supposed to have come directly from God and you find that it is an exact quotation from the Bible, including the italicized words.

As a side note on View of the Hebrews, Ethan Smith had the book published in 1825 (five years before the Book of Mormon was published).   The parallels between View of the Hebrews and The Book of Mormon are so numerous and exact that I believe View of the Hebrews was a major source for structure and content of the Book of Mormon.  In fact the parallels are so numerous and exact that it prompted B.H. Roberts (Mormon historian and Apostle) to write a 141 page report on the parallels.  The report was titled "Book of Mormon Difficulties".  Later he expanded the study into a 291 page manuscript, entitled, "A Book of Mormon Study".

If you want to read all about the parallels you can obtain a copy of View of the Hebrews from Modern Microfilm Co., Box 1884, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110.  If you want an excellent review of this matter you can obtain a copy of The Human Origins of the Book of Mormon, by Wesley Walters from Modern Microfilm

16.  August 2, 1833.  Parley P. Pratt Biography, p. 100. Also D & C 97:19.

"Surely Zion is the City of our God, and surely Zion cannot fail, neither be moved out of her place; for God is there and He has sworn by the power of His might to be her salvation and her high tower."

Zion did fail and Zion was moved out of her place.  Zion is Independence, Missouri (see # 5 above).  The Mormons were driven out of Independence in the winter of 1838-1839. Another false prophecy,

17.  October 12, 1833. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 100:13 & 15.

13. And now I give unto you a word concerning Zion. Zion shall be redeemed although she is chastened for a little season.
15. Therefore, let your hearts be comforted; for all things shall work together for good to them that walk uprightly, and to the sanctification of the church,

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148 years have gone by since this revelation was received.  Can this be considered "a little season"?  I think that the time has run out on this revelation, unless you want to do some gymnastics with the English language.

If you were to take this revelation all by itself it wouldn't look bad, however, when you combine this revelation with all of the others that have not come to pass then the picture becomes quite clear.  Joseph Smith was a false prophet.

What does it mean if Joseph Smith is a false prophet?  What will happen to the people who follow a false prophet's teachings?  Isaiah 9:16 says the following: "For the leaders of this people cause them to err; and they that are led of them are destroyed."  Matthew 7:15-20 says to beware of false prophets.  It goes on to say that the fate of a false prophet is that he will be "...hewn down, and cast into the fire."  I believe that the fate of those who follow a false prophet is that they will go right into the fire with the false prophet.  Oh, how I want to save my family and friends that are following the teachings of Joseph Smith from that fate.  Please don't discard what I am presenting to you.  Check it out for yourself.  Again, I plead with you not to take the ostrich approach and ignore it.

If you don't feel convinced about the false prophecies above, then let us go on.

18. December 10, 1833. History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 455.

"Therefore this is my counsel, that you retain your lands, even unto the utmost, and employ every lawful means to seek redress of your enemies; and pray to God day and night to return you in peace and safety to the lands of your inheritance; and when the judge fail you, appeal to the executive; and when the executive fail you; appeal to the president; and when the president fail you, and all things also fail you but God alone, and you continue to weary Him with your importunings, as the poor woman did the unjust judge.  He will not fail you to execute judgement upon your enemies, and to avenge His own elect that cry unto Him day and night.  Behold, He will not fail you.   He will come with ten thousand of His Saints, and all His adversaries shall be destroyed with the breath of His lips."

The facts are these:

1. The Mormons did not retain their lands (in Missouri).
2. They did seek redress from their enemies and were turned down by everyone.
3. The Mormon god apparently did fail them because their enemies were not destroyed.
4. The enemies of the Mormon church drove them out of Missouri.
5. The above is a false prophecy.

19.  December 16, 1833.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 101:17-20.

17. Zion shall not be moved out of her place, notwithstanding her children are scattered.

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18. They that remain, and are pure in heart, shall return, and come to their inheritances, they and their children, with songs of everlasting joy, to build up the waste places of Zion---
19. And all these things that the prophets might be fulfilled.
20. And, behold, there is none other place appointed than that which I have appointed; neither shall there be any other place appointed than that which I have appointed, for the work of the gathering of my saints---

This is almost exactly like number 16 above.  The facts are that the Mormons were driven out of Zion.  They were moved out of her place.   This is enough to make this a false prophecy.

I believe what was happening is that the people were discouraged because of the persecutions that were being heaped upon them.  These kind[sic] of statements by Joseph Smith were designed to give the people hope.  They truly were suffering because of following the Mormon doctrines.  Please don't make the mistake that because they were being persecuted that it is proof that the Mormon church is the true church.  I know that this is what the Mormon leaders say, that the persecution is evidence that the church is true.  If that argument is true then the Jehovah's Witnesses must be the true church because they are being persecuted.  You can also include the Unification church (Moonies) and Christian Science and many more churches.

The persecution that the Mormons have experienced is nothing compared to the persecution that Christians in all ages have suffered.  Obtain a copy of Fox's Book of Martyrs, edited by William Byron Forbush and published by Zondervan Publishing House.  You can get it at any Christian book store.

20.  February 24, 1834.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 103:5-7.

5. But verily I say unto you, that I have decreed a decree which my people shall realize, inasmuch as they hearken from this very hour unto the counsel which I, the Lord their God, shall give unto them.
6. Behold they shall, for I have decreed it, begin to prevail against mine enemies from this very hour.
7. And by hearkening to observe all the words which I, the Lord their God, shall speak unto them, they shall never cease to prevail until the kingdoms of the world are subdued under my feet, and the earth is given unto the saints, to possess it forever and ever.

Mormons will say that this prophecy is a conditional prophecy.   That the people were to hearken unto the counsel of God and observe all the words that God shall speak to them.  With that condition the Mormons will never prevail (3. to be or prove superior in strength, power, or influence...Random House Dictionary).  Mormons will never achieve anything until they are righteous and that will NEVER happen.  Isaiah made it very clear why Mormons will never obtain the blessings that Joseph Smith promised them when he presented one of God's eternal truths as it relates to man.  "But we are all as an unclean thing, and


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all our righteousnesses are as filthy nags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away." (Isaiah 64:6)

This prophecy can never be fulfilled because the Mormons will never become righteous.  The only way that anyone can become righteous is to receive the real Jesus Christ into his/her heart and repent of the abominations of following a false god and a false christ.

If the above is not reason enough to show why Section 103 is not from God then consider the following from Section 103:1, 13, 15, 17, 19, 24 & 25.

1. Verily I say unto you,...(presented as if from God).
13. Behold, this is the blessing which I have promised...even their restoration to the land of Zion, to be established, no more to be thrown down...
15. Behold, I say unto you, the redemption of Zion must needs come by power;...
17. For ye are the children of Israel, and of the seed of Abraham, and ye must needs be led out of bondage by power, and with a stretched-out arm...
19. Therefore, let not your hearts faint, for I say not unto you as I said unto your fathers: Mine angel shall go up before you, but not my presence....
24. And inasmuch as mine enemies come against you to drive you from my goodly land, which I have consecrated to be the land of Zion, even from your own lands after these testimonies, which ye have brought before me against them, ye shall curse them;
25. And whomsoever ye curse, I will curse, and ye shall avenge me of mine enemies.

All of the above pertains to Zion's Camp.  Zion's Camp was a group of Mormons that was organized to march to Missouri and rescue the Mormons there.   History records that Zion's Camp was a dismal failure.  The Introduction to volume 3 of the History of the Church, page XXXIX (and following) describes the failure of Zion's Camp.

Again, let me state that the Mormons will never prevail over anything because they will never be able to live up to the standards set by their doctrines (complete obedience to all of the laws and ordinances of the gospel).   Rather, I should say that many of these prophecies will never come to pass because they (the Mormons) will never be able to become righteous (or perfect).

21.  April 23, 1834. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 104:1.

1. Verily I say unto you, my friends, I give unto you counsel, and a commandment, concerning all the properties which belong to the order which l commanded to be organized and established, to be a united order, and an everlasting order for the benefit of my church, and for the salvation of men until I come---

History records that the United Order failed. (The United Order was


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a communal type of order where everyone worked according to his ability, gave everything that he produced or earned to the Bishop's Storehouse and received from the Bishop's Storehouse according to his needs.)

If I were to choose a single prophecy of Joseph Smith as being false this would be it.  There is no way to escape the simple truth that it has failed.   The least that you can say about this prophecy is that it was frustrated, therefore, it was not from God, but the work of men (Section 3, verse 3).

22. June 22, 1834. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 105:13-15,

13. Therefore it is expedient in me that mine elders should wait for a little season, for the redemption of Zion.
14. For behold, I do not require at their hands to fight the battles of Zion; for, as I said in a former commandment, even so will I fulfil --- I will fight your battles.
15. Behold, the destroyer I have sent forth to destroy and lay waste mine enemies; and not many years hence they shall not be left to pollute mine heritage, and to blaspheme my name upon the lands which I have consecrated for the gathering together of my saints.

History records that the enemies of the Mormons were not laid waste in spite of the fact that the destroyer had been sent forth.  There is ample evidence to suggest that the destroyer was in fact a man named Porter Rockwell.  He was sent out to destroy those who were frustrating the Mormons.  The facts are that this is another prophecy that was frustrated because the Mormons continued to be persecuted.   In fact it was just 4-1/2 years later that the Mormons were driven out of Zion (Independence, Missouri).

23.  August 16, 1834.  History of the Church, vol. 2, page 145.

"DEAR BRETHREN ---...l shall now proceed to give you such counsel as the Spirit of the Lord may dictate....use every effort to gather to those regions and locate themselves, to be in readiness to move into Jackson county in two years from the eleventh of September next, which is the appointed time for the redemption of Zion...."

By September 11, 1836 the Mormons should have all been gathered in Independence, Missouri (Zion).  If all of the other prophecies regarding Zion were to come true (which they didn't), they should have flourished (which they didn't), overcome their enemies (which they didn't), rejoiced together (which they didn't), lived the United Order (which failed), built a temple (which was never built), etc. etc. etc.

Oh my dear family and friends, can't you see by now that the Mormon god cannot shower the promised blessings on you?  It is impossible for you to become exalted and become a god.  It is impossible for you to obey ALL of the laws and ordinances of the gospel according to Mormonism.  Romans 3, verse 23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;".  Sin means missing the mark.  Every one of you are going to miss the mark unless you turn to the real Jesus Christ.


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24.  November 25, 1834.  Doctrine & Covenants, Section 106:4.

4.  And again, verily I say unto you, the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and it overtaketh the world as a thief in the night---

147 years have gone by since this prophecy was given and the Lord has not returned.  Does nigh really mean more than 147 years?

25.  February 14, 1835.  History of the Church, vol. 2, page 182.  [In addition to Mr. Tvedtnes response to this issue, see also, The Alleged 56-Year Second Coming Prophecy by Joseph Smith:  An Analysis by Malin Jacobs.]

"President Smith then stated that the meeting had been called, because God had commanded it; and it was made known to him by vision* and by the Holy Spirit.  He then gave a relation of some of the circumstances attending us while journeying to Zion-- our trials, sufferings: and said God had not designed all this for nothing, but He had it in remembrance yet; and it was the will of God that those who went to Zion, with a determination to lay down their lives, if necessary, should be ordained to the ministry, and go forth to prune the vineyard for the last time, or the coming of the Lord, which was nigh---even fifty-six years should wind up the scene."

Jesus Christ should have returned by February 14, 1891.  He didn't.  Another false prophecy.

It is interesting to note that Matthew 24:36 says that the exact date of Christ's coming is unknown.  "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my father only."  See also Mark 13:34 and Acts 1:7.

26. February 14, 1835.  As reported in Prophecies of Joseph Smith and their Fulfillment, Nephi Morris, Deseret Book Co., 1926, page 261.

"In due time thou shalt go to Jerusalem, the land of thy father, and be a watchmen unto the house of Israel; and by thy hands shall the Most High do a great work, which shall prepare the way and greatly facilitate the gathering of that people."

This was a prophecy given to Orson Hyde, one of the twelve apostles that Joseph Smith had chosen.

History records that Orson Hyde did go to Jerusalem.  However, for those Mormons that feel that he did a great work and greatly facilitated the gathering of the Jews they are sadly mistaken.  Orson Hyde dedicated Jerusalem on October 24, 1841.  It took 107 years for the Jews to return.  I believe I can safely say that when the Jews returned in 1948 there was not one single Jew who had ever heard of Orson Hyde.  Only by performing mental gymnastics can you accept this as a true prophecy.

27. January 21, 1836. Church History, vol. 2, pages 380-381.

"The heavens were opened upon us, and I beheld the celestial


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     kingdom of God, and the glory thereof, whether in the body or out I cannot tell....
    ....I saw the Twelve Apostles of the Lamb, who are now upon the earth, who hold the keys of this last ministry, in foreign lands, standing together in a circle, much fatigued, with their clothes tattered and feet swollen, with their eyes cast downward, and Jesus standing in their midst, and they did not behold Him.  The Savior looked upon them and wept.  I also beheld Elder M'Lellin in the south, standing upon a hill, surrounded by a vast multitude, preaching to them, and a lame man standing before him supported by his crutches; he threw them down at his word and leaped as a hart, by the mighty power of God.  Also, I saw Elder Brigham Young standing in a strange land, in the far south and west, in a desert place, upon a rock in the midst of about a dozen men of color, who appeared hostile.  He was preaching to them in their own tongue, and the angel of God standing above his head, with a drawn sword in his hand, protecting him, but he did not see it.  And I finally saw the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of God.   I also beheld the redemption of Zion, and many things which the tongue of man cannot describe in full."

History does not record any of the above things ever happening.   That is not to say they didn't happen (which I doubt very seriously that they did).   I believe that it is safe to say that if they didn't happen as recorded then they can never happen in the future.

The part regarding Elder M'Lellin is suspect because he was excommunicated on May 11, 1838.  He became one of the bitterest enemies the Mormon church ever had (why wasn't he destroyed as promised by the god of Mormonism?).


Joseph Smith recorded that he saw the Twelve in the celestial kingdom of God.  How is that possible when 5 of the apostles were either excommunicated or apostatized, never to return to the church?  According to Mormon doctrine this would not be possible (for apostates and excommunicated individuals to reach the celestial kingdom),

1. Lyman Johnson----- Excommunicated April 13, 1838, Church History, vol. 3:20.
2. Brigham Young------- OK
3. Heber C. Kimball----- OK
4. Orson Hyde---------- Disfellowshipped August 4, 1335. Priesthood restored June 27, 1839. Restored as apostle at conference of October 6,7 & 8, 1839.
5. David W. Patten------ OK
6. Luke S. Johnson------ Apostatized December, 1837, Church History, vol. 2:528.
7. William E. M'Lellin--- Excommunicated May 11, 1838, Church History, vol. 3:31.
8. John F. Boynton----- Apostatized December, 1837, Church History, vol. 2:528.
9. Orson Pratt---------- Rebaptized & Ordained January 20, 1843. Restored as apostle, Church History, vol. 5:255. (what happened to him?)

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10. William Smith------- Excommunicated October 19, 1845, Church History, vol. 7:483.
11. Thomas B. Marsh-- Excommunicated March 17, 1839, Church History, vol. 3:284.
12. Parley P. Pratt------- OK

It should be noted that Thomas B. Marsh was rebaptized in 1857 and died in Utah a member of the Church, though never again a member of the Twelve.

It is interesting to note that the first part of the above vision was accepted as scripture on April 3, 1976.  The last part of the vision (listed above) was not accepted as scripture.  Is it possible that the reason that the Mormon leaders did not present the entire vision to be accepted as scripture is that it was clear that the last part could not happen?  If this is so then it would make the Mormon leaders wilfull deceivers.

It is also interesting to note that the vision has been altered by Mormon leaders.  The vision was recorded in Joseph Smith's diary under the date of January 21, 1836.  In Joseph Smith's diary the beginning of the revelation read as follows:

"The heavens were opened upon us and I beheld the celestial Kingdom of God,...I saw father Adam, and Abraham and Michael and my father and mother, my brother Alvin..." (Joseph Smith's Diary, January 21, 1836, p. 136; original in LDS historical department).

Now, what is wrong with the above part?  The problem is that in Mormon theology Adam is Michael.  Thus if Adam is Michael then Joseph Smith could not have seen "both" of them in the celestial kingdom.  Because of this problem the Mormon leaders deleted the words "and Michael" from the revelation.  I wish all of you had the time to check into the thousands and thousands of changes that have been made in Mormon scriptures including the most recent one regarding the Indians (number 2 above).  I know that you don't have that time so that is why I am writing this letter to you.  I just pray that you have not hardened your heart to the truth so totally that you have brought yourself under strong delusion from God Himself.  2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 says the following:

10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
11. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
12. That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness

I believe with all my heart that Mormons have been deceived.   They (you) have been deceived by a man.  A man who was a tool of Satan.   The apostle Paul gave some great advice in Colossians 2:18. He said:

18. Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility

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and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.

Let me apply the above verse to Mormonism.  Let no man (Joseph Smith) beguile (cheat) you of your reward (eternal Life) in a voluntary humility (conceit) and worshipping of angels (Moroni, Nephi etc ), intruding into those things which he (Joseph Smith) hath not seen (first vision, angel Moroni, celestial kingdom - number 21 above etc. etc.), vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind.  Regarding being puffed up consider the following boast of Joseph Smith.

"Come on!  ye prosecutors! ye false swearers!  All hell, boil over!  Ye burning mountains, roll down your lava!  For I will come out on the top at last.  I have more to boast of than ever any man had.  I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam.  A large majority of the whole have stood by me.  Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it.  The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet...."

Does this sound like a prophet of God?  I believe Joseph Smith sealed his own fate by his boast.  Consider the following from Doctrine Covenants, Section 3, verse 4.

4. For although a man may have many revelations, and have power to do many mighty works, yet if he boasts in his own strength, and sets at naught the counsels of God, and follows after the dictates of his own will and carnal desires, he must fall and incur the vengeance of a just God upon him

Joseph Smith made the above boast on May 26, 1844.  On June 27, 1844 he was dead.  Contrary to what you have been taught he did not die as a martyr.   He died in a blazing gun battle.  Joseph Smith had a six barreled revolver which he fired at the mob coming up the stairs.  Three of the barrels fired.   Two men were killed and one man was wounded (and probably died later according to the history) by Joseph Smith.  A martyr does not go out in a blazing gun battle.   (A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, B.H. Roberts, pages 284-285).

If this is not enough evidence that Joseph Smith is a false prophet then let us go on to more of the prophetic utterances that have not come to pass.

28.  April 3, 1836. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 110:16.

16. Therefore, the keys of this dispensation are committed into your hands; and by this ye may know that the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

145 years have gone by and Jesus has not returned.  There was a dreadful day about 2-1/2 years later when the Mormons were driven out of Zion (Independence).


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29. August 6, Doctrine & Covenants, Section 111:1-11.

This was a revelation given through Joseph Smith at Salem, Massachusetts.

1. I, the Lord your God, am not displeased with your coming this journey, notwithstanding your follies.
2. I have much treasure in this city for you, for the benefit of Zion, and many people in this city, whom I will gather out in due time for the benefit of Zion, through your instrumentality.
3. Therefore, it is expedient that you should form acquaintance with men in this city, as you shall be led, and as it shall be given you.
4. And it shall come to pass in due time that I will give this city into your hands, that you shall have power over it, insomuch that they shall not discover your secret parts; and its wealth pertaining to gold and silver shall be yours.
5. Concern not yourselves about your debts, for I will give you power to pay them.
6. Concern not yourselves about Zion, for I will deal mercifully with her.
7. Tarry in this place, and in the regions round about.
8. And the place where it is my will that you would tarry, for the main, shall be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you.
9. This place you may obtain by hire. And inquire diligently concerning the more ancient inhabitants and founders of this city.
10. For there are more treasures than one for you in this city.
11. Therefore, be ye as wise as serpents and yet without sin; and I will order all things for your good, as fast as ye are able to receive them. Amen.

History records that Joseph Smith and other leaders of the Mormon church found no treasures in Salem, Massachusetts.  The Mormons have never taken power over Salem.  The silver and gold were not given to them by their god.  If ever there was a prophecy that did not come to pass this is it.  Time has run out on Joseph again.  Actually the time ran out some time in September, 1836 when Joseph Smith returned to Kirtland, Ohio.  He returned with no treasure.

30.  April, 1837. Latter-day Saint Messenger and Advocate, page 488.

"This place (Kirtland, Ohio) must be built up, and will be built up, and every brother that will take hold and help secure these contracts (for land) shall be rich."

The Mormons were driven out of Kirtland, Ohio.  Nobody became rich by helping to secure the contracts for land.  In fact, most of the men that helped Joseph Smith in Kirtland lost most of their money in the Kirtland anti-banking Society.  Joseph Smith himself went bankrupt. Everything about this prophetic utterance failed.

31. July 23, 1837. Doctrine & Covenants, Section 112:3-12.

This is a prophecy about Thomas B. Marsh, one of the original twelve apostles.  In fact he was the president of the twelve apostles when this prophecy was given about him.


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3. Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt he exalted; therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee.
4. Let thy heart be of good cheer before my face; and thou shalt bear record of my name, not only unto the Gentiles, but also unto the Jew; and thou shalt send forth my word unto the ends of the earth.
5. Contend thou, therefore, morning by morning; and day after day let thy warning voice go forth; and when the night cometh let not the inhabitants of the earth slumber, because of thy speech.
6. Let thy habitation be known in Zion, and remove not thy house; for I, the Lord, have a great work for thee to do, in publishing my name among the children of men.
7. Therefore, gird up thy loins for the work, Let thy feet be shod also, for thou art chosen, and thy path lieth among the mountains, and among many nations.
8. And by thy word many high ones shall be brought low, and by thy word many low ones shall be exalted.