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Guide Home > Critics > Anti-Mormons
Additional TopicsThe following are additional topic areas related to Anti-Mormons. If there is a bracket number after the topic, that number indicates how many actual articles there are related to that subject. If the link for the topic is not live, it simply means the topic is a 'planned area' for future growth.
FAIR ResourcesThese links are either to Web pages hosted on the FAIR Website, or to FAIR Papers. FAIR Papers are short articles about specific topics or questions, written by members of FAIR. These articles can be downloaded and read in PDF format and are intended to be distributed by e-mail or print for the general use of our patrons. (To read FAIR Papers you will need to have Adobe Acrobat Reader. It can be downloaded free from the Adobe Web site.) Click on a title below to visit a FAIR Web page or to read the latest version of a FAIR Paper. Book review of Richard Abanes, One Nation under Gods (New York: Four Walls Eight Windows, 2002), reviewed in One Nation under Gods. A review of the anti-Mormon book by Richard Abanes. Michael R. Ash, "The Impact of Mormon Critics on LDS Scholarship," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 2002 FAIR Conference presentation.) Lehi said that there must be an "opposition to all things." Is there a silver lining to arguments made by critics? Gary Bowler, "Anti-Mormon Efforts at the 2002 Winter Olympics," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, February 2002) A visual sampling of anti-Mormon efforts outside Temple Square during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Matthew B. Brown, "An Early Anti-Mormon Prediction," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2003) An examination of the prophetic ability of early anti-Mormons. Aaron Christensen, "Celsus and Modern Anti-Mormonism," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 14 November 2002) This enlightening FAIR Paper discloses that the tactics of modern anti-Mormons are not new. Indeed, they were used by anti-Christians shortly after the Apostolic period. Steven J. Danderson, "God the Father," Mormonism 201 (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Steven reviews McKeever and Johnson's anti-Mormon charges against the LDS doctrine of God. Steven J. Danderson, "Jesus," Mormonism 201 (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Steven examines the ways that Mormonism 101 twists the LDS view of Jesus. Craig L. Foster, "Old Themes and Stereotypes Never Die: The Unchanging Ways of Anti-Mormons," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, October 2004) Sensational and lurid exposes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been circulating since the earliest days of the Restoration. Despite the almost total absence of any supporting evidence, and regardless of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary, these stories and accusations continue to be brought forward with each generation of anti-Mormon writers. In this transcription of his 2003 FAIR Conference presentation, Foster places these literary productions into their historical context-- showing how this form of street literature was common in the era when The Church of Jesus Christ was established. In addition, the attacks against Mormonism closely follow the patterns used in attacks against many religious movements and organizations. Anti-Mormon authors, from Eber D. Howe in 1834 to Jon Krakauer in 2003, use identical tactics and methods in attacking the leaders and adherents of Mormonism. Foster concludes by pointing out that lurid, unsubstantiated tales of secret immorality and demonic practices are nothing more than classic themes that have reappeared with nearly every out-of-favor religion, including first and second century attacks against Christianity itself. William J. Hamblin, Their "Little Corner of Cyberspace". An analysis of an ex-Mormon message board. Cooper Johnson, Anti-Mormon Sensationalism and Shock Value! The Tools of the Critics of the LDS Church. Cooper Johnson, Breaking the Rules: Critics of the LDS Faith. Krister Stendahl, Lutheran Bishop of Stockholm, offered three rules we should all use when engaging in comparative religion. Johnson shows that most critics are far less charitble then Stendahl and they would do well to follow his suggested rules. Cooper Johnson, "Real Answers for the Bible Answer Man," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2002) One of the most well-known and widely broadcasted religious radio talk shows in the country is The Bible Answer Man, hosted by Hank Hanegraaf. On April 2, 3, and 4, 2002 Hank's guest was Richard Abanes, an anti-Mormon author. This series of Web pages directly addresses inaccurate and twisted assertions about Mormonism made on the show. Greg Kearney, "Anti-Mormons at Temple Square," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, November 2003) A cartoonist weighs in with his assessment of street preachers and their activity around Temple Square in recent years. Bob Lonsberry, "How About Tolerance for All?," (October 2003) Popular columnist and radio personality Bob Lonsberry weighs in on the behavior of the protesters at General Conference. Russell C. McGregor, "Are Anti-Mormons Christian?," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2002) An examination of the tactics and motivations of anti-Mormons. Daniel C. Peterson, "Easier Than Research, More Inflammatory Than Truth," (2000 FAIR Conference presentation.) How critics twist the truth in an effort to make the Church look bad. Craig Ray, "A Case Study in Deception: Jim Robertson of "Concerned Christians, Inc."," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, March 2002) Documented examples of how anti-Mormons spread falsehood and deceipt. Marc A. Schindler, "Introduction: Examining Assumptions," Mormonism 201 (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) In his review of Mormonism 101, Marc Schindler explores the authors' erroneous assumptions and how they lead to errenous anti-Mormon conclusions. Lance Starr, "'The Seer:' Reliable Source?," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Discusses the tactics employed by anti-Mormons when they use quotes from 'The Seer' to show 'official LDS doctrine.' Lance Starr, "Why We Should Love the Street Preachers," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 23 October 2003) Reflections on activies by the 'Street Preachers' at the October 2003 General Conference. David Waltz, "Introduction: Back to School," Mormonism 201 (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Non-LDS researcher David Waltz examines the anti-Mormon the approach of the anti-Mormon book, Mormonism 101. Tiffany Wilde, "Without the Walls of Temple Square," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 23 October 2003) A first-hand account of anti-Mormon activitiy at the April 2003 General Conference, from the perspective of a sister missionary. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Activity at October 2003 General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 23 October 2003) A photo essay of some of the claims made by anti-Mormons protesting at General Conference. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Efforts at the 2003 Mesa Easter Pageant," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) A photo essay of anti-Mormon efforts at the annual Mesa Easter Pageant, outside the Mesa Arizona Temple. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Protesters at the April 2003 LDS General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) In this short video clip, an anti-Mormon protester at the April 2003 General Conference throws LDS scriptures on the ground and taunts those passing by. This video is the clearest example that the protesters aren’t simply “exposing the LDS church” but are trying to draw people into a fight. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Protesters at the April 2003 LDS General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) A photo essay of those who actively oppose the work of the Church. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Protesters at the April 2003 LDS General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) In this short video clip, an anti-Mormon protester at the April 2003 General Conference shouts his opinions about the Book of Mormon, drowning out nearby missionaries trying to sing hymns. Another protester waves temple garments at passersby. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Protesters at the April 2003 LDS General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2003) In this short video clip, an anti-Mormon protester at the April 2003 General Conference calls people out of the Church and out of sin. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormon Protesters at the April 2004 General Conference," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2004) A photo essay of some of the claims made by anti-Mormons protesting at General Conference. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormons at Temple Square," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, 22 October 2002) A photo essay concerning some of the "Christian" protesters at October General Conference. Allen L. Wyatt, "Anti-Mormons gather at the 2004 Mesa Easter Pageant.," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR, April 2004) A photo essay of anti-Mormon efforts and street preachers at the annual Mesa Easter Pageant, outside the Mesa Arizona Temple. Allen L. Wyatt, "Response to the "Shotgun Approach" of Anti-Mormon Argumentation," (Mesa, Arizona: FAIR) Recently a person wrote to FAIR asking for help in dealing with some anti-Mormon handouts being distributed by a local church. The person wasn't sure even where to start in order to respond. One of the respondents from FAIR was Allen Wyatt, who laid out a methodology for dealing with this common form of anti-Mormon writing that consists of vast amounts of negative material on a wide range of topics. Wyatt suggests that rather than attempt to respond in toto to the "shotgun tactics" of this type of literature, the person should identify specific topics that are of greatest interest to the inquirer and then to deal with each individually and thoroughly. Wyatt points out some general principles to follow when attempting to discuss anti-Mormon issues, and he points to some specific resources available to answer the challenges frequently raised. Encyclopedia of MormonismThe resources listed below are articles available in the Encyclopedia of Mormonism. These links are to information not located on the FAIR Web site. William O. Nelson, "Anti-Mormon Publications," Encyclopedia of Mormonism, Edited by Daniel H. Ludlow (New York: Macmillan Publishing, 1992), 45-52 Other ResourcesThe resources listed below are related items available on the Web that should be of interest. These links are to information not located on the FAIR Web site. Danel W. Backman, Daniel Peterson and Scott Lloyd; Four LDS scholars e-debate different members of the anti-Mormon organization, Concerned Christians, Inc.. Ross Baron, E-correspondence between LDS apologist, Ross Baron, and anti-Mormon, Gary Wilson.. Barry Bickmore, Correspondence with Ron Rhodes of "Reasoning From the Scriptures Ministry". E-debate between LDS scholar, Barry Bickmore & anti-Mormon Ron Rhodes. Davis Bitton, "Spotting an Anti-Mormon Book," Meridian (September 22, 2003) Justin Hart, "Winning the Battle and Not Knowing It: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of 2003," (City Unknown: MeridianMagazine.com) It’s not exactly the battle for Helm’s Deep, but the clash between Mormon and anti-Mormon forces goes on. Massimo Introvigne, "Old Wine in New Bottles: The Story Behind Fundamentalist Anti-Mormonism," BYU Studies, Vol. 35:3 (1995-6), 45-73 Anti-Mormonism, a strange shadow of Mormonism, is itself a social phenomenon. In 1992 the Encyclopedia of Mormonism noted that no comprehensive history of anti-Mormonism has yet been published. Even if such a history had been published, it would need considerable periodic updating because of the changing activity of anti-Mormons. I have argued elsewhere that the 1982 film The God Makers marked the emergence of a new anti-Mormonism that I have called “postrationalist.” While “rationalist” anti-Mormonism—mostly represented by the “career apostates” Jerald and Sandra Tanner—denied anything supernatural in Joseph Smith’s experiences and regarded him as a mere fraud, postrationalist anti-Mormonism advances the theory “that Joseph Smith was in touch with a superhuman source of revelation and power.” However, according to the postrationalist theory, the superhuman source was not God, but Satan. While the postrational theory may seem new, this article will show that it is merely an example of old wine in new bottles, being part of a tradition that dates back to the nineteenth century. Although this tradition became somewhat disreputable in the first decades of the twentieth century, it continued to exist in the fundamentalist subculture. Edward L. King, Bill Schnoebelen. A review of some of the antics of anti-Mormon, Bill Schnoebelen. Hugh W. Nibley, "How to Write an Anti-Mormon Book," BYU Speeches (17 February 1962) Dr. Nibley humrously looks at some of the similarities in techniques and claims of anti-Mormon critics. (MP3) Michael Parker, Danel Bachman and Eugene Englund; Six LDS apologists e-debate the members of the anti-Mormon organization, Reachout Trust.. Daniel C. Peterson, Dr. Peterson comments on Timothy Egan's review of Richard and Joan Ostling's Mormon America ("Theocracy in the Desert," 9 January 2000).. Daniel C. Peterson, Dr. Peterson engages in e-debate with an anti-Mormon. Daniel C. Peterson, Dr. Peterson engages with an e-discussion with RFM (Recovery From Mormonism) member, Susie Q. Todd. Daniel C. Peterson, Observations About The Evangel, January 2000. Dr. Peterson picks apart an anti-Mormon newsletter. Daniel C. Peterson, Louis Midgley and John Tvedtnes; Three LDS scholars e-debate two leading members of the anti-Mormon organization, Utah Missions, Inc.. Craig Ray, Robertson's Lies or "Attacking the Messenger". Ray refutes many claims made by anti-Mormon Jim Robertson (Concerned Christians, Inc.). Gerald Smith, Critique of Issues Brought Up On Some Anti-LDS sites. Sidney Sperry, An Answer to Budvarson's Criticisms of the Book of Mormon.. Dr. Sidney responds to numerous criticisms made against the Book of Mormon. John A. Tvedtnes and Matthew Roper, A Bible! A Bible! The Canon and Ongoing Revelation. Tvedtnes & Roper review anti-Mormon, Luke P. Wilson's (Institute for Religious Research), article, "Lost Books & Latter-day Revelation." John A. Tvedtnes, A Reponse to "Opposition to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.". Tvedtnes responds to numerous anti-Mormon claims made by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. John A. Tvedtnes, An Anthropologist Looks at the Bible: A Resonse to Dr. Thomas Key. Tvedtnes responds to Dr. Key's, "A Biologist Looks at the Book of Mormon," by spoofing the critic's methods. John A. Tvedtnes, Response to "Ten Points for Disbelief in Mormonism". John A. Tvedtnes and Matthew Roper, Response to Jehovah's Witness Articles on the LDS Church. Tvedtnes & Roper respond to the many errors in an article in the Jehovah's Witness, Awake magazine. John A. Tvedtnes, Response to Questions from the Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry (CARM). W. John Walsh and Joseph Fielding McConkie, Why Does Mormonism Arouse Such Animosity Among So Many?. These two articles address the fact that some people are very hostile to Mormonism. Recommended ReadingIf you are interested in more information about the topic of 'Critics,' you may want to refer to the books listed below. These books are available in the FAIR Bookstore; click on a link to find more information. Michael T. Griffith, A Ready Reply: Answering Challenging Questions About the Gospel (Horizon Publishers, 1994, 123 pages). This book provides clear and complete answers to numerous challenges made against the LDS Church. Michael W. Hickenbotham, Answering Challenging Mormon Questions (Horizon Publishers, 1995, 268 pages). Clear, detailed and documented responses to questions about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Duane S. Crowther, Doctrinal Dimensions: Major Missionary Messages of the Restored Gospel (Horizon Publishers, 1993, 336 pages). Biblical proofs of the restored church and Book of Mormon; Joseph Smith and prophets today; LDS view of Christ and the Trinity; Salvation and Mormon Christianity; anti-Mormon literature. Willard Morgan, From Critic to Convert: A Critic Challenges His Way to Mormonism (Horizon Publishers, 1995). A former agonistic critic gives non-argumentative answers to anti-Mormon questions using scripture, history, and common sense. Alan Denison and D. L. Barksdale, Guess Who Wants To Have You for Lunch? (FAIR, 2002, 165 pages). The five main reasons why anti-Mormons do what they do and how they go about doing it; their logical fallacies used to deceive and why their writings are not even acceptd by their own scholars. Hugh W. Nibley, How to Write an Anti-Mormon Book: A Handbook for Beginners (FARMS, 1991, 56 pages). A review of flawed techniques employed in the writing of anti-Mormon books that demean the character of the prophets, misuse sources, maintain inconsistencies and lack of grasp of vital matters. Richard I. Winwood, In Defense of Truth (Video) (Keystone Foundation). A candid video with responses to anti-Mormon criticism complemented by testimonies of scholars. Daniel C. Peterson and Stephen D. Ricks, Offenders For A Word (FARMS, 1998, 255 pages). A look at tactics anti-Mormons employ in attacking the church are reviewed in clear, straightforward terms including how to see through the word games critics use to attack the true beliefs of the church. Stephen W. Gibson, One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Horizon Publishers, 1995, 208 pages). Criticisms of the LDS Church are frequently based on intentional misinterpretations of Mormon doctrine. This book provides useful clarifications and rebuttals for many doctrinal and historical areas church critics use. Craig Foster, Penny Tracts and Polemics (Greg Kofford Books, 2003, 268 pages). A study of the thousands of pamphlets in Great Britian with sensational titles were produced with tales of Mormon duplicity, priestcraft, sexual seduction and unnhibited depravity as a way of discouraging people from joining the Mormon Church. Daniel C. Peterson, Shall They Not Both Fall into the Ditch? (FARMS, 1998, 87 pages). This is an extensive reivew of "The Mormon Puzzle: Understanding and Witnessing to Latter-day Saints," which is a series of manuals, pamphlets and a video from antagonistic critics. Inconsistencies, misrepresentations, and the lack of solid reasoning by the distributors is pointed out. Terryl L. Givens, The Viper on the Hearth: Mormons, Myths, and the Construction of Heresy (Oxford University Press, 1997, 205 pages). Strategies used by anti-Mormon writers to viilify Mormons in nineteenth-century fiction and press to condemn Mormon faith, politics and culture. Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive (Vol. 1-4) (Brownsworth Publishing, 1981, 1984, 1986, 1995). Four highly recommended volumes dealing with anti-Mormon literature and critics, including that of Dee-Jay Nelson, Walter R. Martin, the Tanners, Ed Decker, and Dick Baer. Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 1 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1981, 290 pages). A look at Dee-Jay Nelson who presented anti-Mormon lectures at the invitation of churches where false and misleading statements about Joseph Smith and the Book of Abraham were made. Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 2 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1984, 464 pages). Observations about professional anti-Mormon Walter R. Martin and his claims. Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 3 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1986, 320 pages). A report on the claimed qualifications of the man Walter R. Martin found in print, on radio, and in lectures. Robert Brown and Rosemary Brown, They Lie in Wait To Deceive, Vol. 4 (Brownsworth Publishing, 1995, 358 pages). The deceit of John Edward or Ed Decker, Richard or Dick Baer, Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Walter Martin, John L. Smith, and the film, "The Godmakers." Hugh W. Nibley, Tinkling Cymbals and Sounding Brass, Edited by David J. Whittaker (Deseret Book and FARMS, 1993, 741 pages). Exposing the faulty reasoning and flawed arguments of nineteenth-century critics arguments against Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.
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