Breaking the Mormon Code


Book Description

In Provo, Utah, there exists the Foundation for Ancient Research and Mormon Studies (FARMS) renowned as a Mormon think-tank, FARMS is owned and operated by Brigham Young University (BYU) and the Mormon Church. Their mission seeks to repudiate the opposition, applaud its supporters, and justify many peculiar Mormon doctrines. This book demonstrates that FARMS often twists the truths to justify Mormon doctrines. To justify their position they often will utilize inane accusations, misquotes and equivocation. This collection of deceit from Mormon scholarship is what Matt Paulson has identified as the breaking of the Mormon Code.




The Mormon Mirage


Book Description

In the first edition of The Mormon Mirage, Latayne C. Scott shared her remarkable journey out of Mormonism as she uncovered shocking inaccuracies, inconsistencies, and contradictions in the faith she had loved and lived. Thirty years later, Mormonism and Mormon scholarship have evolved with the times. In this third, revised and updated edition of her well-known book, Scott keeps pace with changes and advances in Mormonism, and reveals formidable new challenges to its claims and teachings. The Mormon Mirage provides fascinating, carefully documented insights into • DNA research’s withering implications for the Book of Mormon • the impact of new “revelations” on Latter-day Saint (LDS) race relations • new findings about Mormon history • increasing publicity about LDS splinter groups, particularly polygamous ones • recent disavowals of long-held doctrines by church leadership • the rise of Mormon apologetics on the Internet More than a riveting, insider’s scrutiny of the Mormon faith, this book is a testimony to the trustworthiness of Scripture and the grace of Jesus Christ.




Another Jesus, a Different Spirit, a Different Gospel


Book Description

Its the Christmas seasonthe most wonderful time of the year for most people in River City, California. But for Jehovahs Witnesses Lawrence and Brad, its a time for them to try to explain the truth about this holiday season to the people of the community. Their earnest efforts may earn them ridicule, disagreement, or a door slammed rudely in their faces, but they persistand are sometimes able to find a mind and heart receptive to their urgent message about Jehovahs coming Kingdom. Whereas for Elders Skousen and Marshalltwo Latter-day Saint (Mormon) missionariesthe season is another opportunity to share their Churchs distinctive interpretation of the Christian gospel; but their efforts are often rebuffed, as well. In the course of their work, these two pairs of men engage in dialogue with traditional Christians, as well as members of the Church of Christ; the Community of Christ (RLDS); Seventh-day Adventists; and Oneness Pentecostalsnot to mention skeptics, atheists, and the increasing numbers of people who lack any particular religious beliefs. But when a local church brings in a researcher to give a series of lectures on Cultsand specifically targeting the Jehovahs Witnesses and Mormonsa confrontation is ensured, where theological and biblical concepts collide in a public forum. Who, if anyone, really has the Truth? Can one still discover the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of passionate disagreements over the validity of the holiday season? Are objections raised about the secularization and rampant commercialism of the modern celebration valid? Spend a holiday season (or any other season) with some interesting and intellectually-stimulating characters, as they explore these and other challenging questions. (Readers of the authors earlier novel, A Multicultural Christmas, will be pleased to see a brief reappearance of two characters from that book.)




Irenaeus, Joseph Smith, and God-Making Heresy


Book Description

Irenaeus, Joseph Smith, and God-Making Heresy seeks both to demonstrate the salience of “heresy” as a tool for analyzing instances of religious conflict far beyond the borders of traditional historical theology and to illuminate the apparent affinity for deification exhibited by some persecuted religious movements. To these ends, the book argues for a sociologically-informed redefinition of heresy as religiously-motivated opposition and applies the resulting concept to the historical cases of second-century Christians and nineteenth-century Mormons. Ultimately, Irenaeus, Joseph Smith, and God-Making Heresy is a careful application of the comparative method to two new religious movements, highlighting the social processes at work in their early doctrinal developments.




The Book of Mormon Code


Book Description

Could the ancient authors of The Book of Mormon have strategically encrypted additional layers of sacred messages beneath the surface of the text we have yet to notice and benefit from? After a decade of exhilarating and meticulous research into this theory, educator and author Natasha Pizorno unearths countless astonishing divine Hebrew ciphers throughout this sacred book. This fascinating, faith promoting book is a game changer for anyone ready to take scripture study to the next level. By learning the code you'll discover:*Laban's sword, Lehi's tent, and Nephi's ship are actually Hebrew cryptograms. *"And it came to pass" is an ancient encoded symbol of the crucifixion of Christ. *How and why the entire Hebrew alphabet is embedded in 1st Nephi. *How the modern sacrament prayer retains the Hebrew word for blood and water. *Why the pattern of three is so prolific and profound in The Book of Mormon, and much more. Those who know the code, will never read the scriptures the same way again!"The author's comprehensive examination of ancient cryptograms is not only eye-opening, but also enthralling. Written in a user-friendly format that defies the dry and often pretentious presentation of research of this caliber, this book could be categorized as a non-fiction mystery thriller. The Book of Mormon Code is truly a page turner you will want to refer to frequently whether you're studying The Book of Mormon or The Bible. Anyone with a desire to enhance his or her knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ and grow closer to the Savior should read this book!"Ardeth Kapp, Young Women's General President 1984-92




Understanding OCD


Book Description

One of the most experienced therapists in the world for treatment-resistant obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) explains the disorder, the treatments available, and the skills needed to overcome and outsmart OCD. This is an eye-opening study of one of the most common psychiatric ailments diagnosed today—obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Written by Leslie J. Shapiro, a renowned therapist at one of the most well known OCD facilities in the world, this reference shares effective treatment strategies and clinical factors for helping therapists, mental health professionals, psychology students, clergy, and others deal with patients coping with this illness. The author offers case examples from her 15 years of residential work with patients, demonstrating how sufferers—even the most treatment resistant—can get control of the condition. Organized into three sections, this guidebook first reveals how OCD and guilt are intertwined and explores survival instincts, cultural factors, and the nature of thoughts. The second section covers aspects of the obsessive conscience such as scrupulosity, moralosity, and obsessive guilt. The book's conclusion describes effective exposure and response prevention strategies for these symptoms and examines methods of treatment that augment and help maintain recovery. An in-depth discussion on the differences between compulsive and impulsive behaviors—as well as other treatment impediments—is included.




Pre-Columbian Trans-Oceanic Contact


Book Description

Pre-Columbian Trans-Oceanic Contact examines the discovery and settlement of The New World hundreds and even thousands of years before Christopher Columbus was born.




Latter-Day Cipher


Book Description

When rebellious Utah socialite Kirsten Young is found murdered in Provo Canyon with strange markings carved into her flesh and a note written in a 19th Century code, questions arise about the old laws of the Mormon Church. Journalist Selonnah Zee is assigned the story, which quickly takes on a life of its own. Even before the first murder is solved, several more victims appear, each one more mysterious than the last. Meanwhile, Sedonnah is distracted by her mother's onset of Alzheimer's and her sudden attraction to the mysterious Salt Lake City police chief who is investigating the murder. Adding to a slew of other distractions, Selonnah’s cousin, Roger, has recently converted and is now a public spokesperson for the Mormon faith. But paradoxically, Roger's wife, Eliza, is struggling to hold onto the Mormon beliefs of her childhood. If something is really from God, she wonders, why does it need to be constantly revised? Could the murderer be asking the same questions? And most importantly, will they be able to stop him before he commits his biggest crime, taking out a Mormon landmark and dozens of sightseers?




Under the Banner of Heaven


Book Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From the author of Into the Wild and Into Thin Air, this extraordinary work of investigative journalism takes readers inside America’s isolated Mormon Fundamentalist communities. • Now an acclaimed FX limited series streaming on HULU. “Fantastic.... Right up there with In Cold Blood and The Executioner’s Song.” —San Francisco Chronicle Defying both civil authorities and the Mormon establishment in Salt Lake City, the renegade leaders of these Taliban-like theocracies are zealots who answer only to God; some 40,000 people still practice polygamy in these communities. At the core of Krakauer’s book are brothers Ron and Dan Lafferty, who insist they received a commandment from God to kill a blameless woman and her baby girl. Beginning with a meticulously researched account of this appalling double murder, Krakauer constructs a multi-layered, bone-chilling narrative of messianic delusion, polygamy, savage violence, and unyielding faith. Along the way he uncovers a shadowy offshoot of America’s fastest growing religion, and raises provocative questions about the nature of religious belief.




Putting Jesus in His Place


Book Description

Putting Jesus in His Place is designed to introduce Christians to the wealth of biblical teaching on the deity of Christ and give them the confidence to share the truth about Jesus with others.