Joseph Smith 1826 trial, glass looking, Book of Mormon, First Vision, Moses, Anachronism, Anachronisms, Anachronistic, Pearl of Great Price, con man, problems, false teaching, Incredible Story Series, Rich Kelsey The first three parts of the Incredible Story Series on Mormonism by Rich Kelsey document Book of Mormon changes, problems with Joseph Smith’s First Vision, the 1826 People vs. Joseph Smith glass looking trial, as well as testimony from Book of Mormon witnesses.
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Comments on,
9-2-09
"Rich's articles are such a wonderful read, he
has done very thorough and impressive research on the LDS church, and its
history.
It is refreshing to read something that isn't just angry
bitter words which is what most non-Mormon articles seem to be. His article's
present the facts with sound logic behind his statements.
As an ex-Mormon, I find myself enjoying his writings, I think it is
because his articles come off as a relaxed conversation instead of somebody
ranting about the LDS church; it's a new perspective."
Jodi, ex-Mormon
7-3-10
"I really enjoyed your writing, it was very good. Clearly, for a 'never-mo', you have a good grasp of Mormon claims and the real history. Your articles are very absorbing, well researched and well written."
Jim Whitefield — author of the book series: The Mormon Delusion, Volumes 1., 2. & 3.
Link to read more about, and / or buy or download Jim's books: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3194881
Website: Themormondelusion.com
An Incredible Story Part I — The Book of Mormon
2-11-08
Hi Rich
“You have a great lead-in, with the "clean cut Mormon" approach, and I think your organization is great. I considered suggesting you follow up the lead-in with the Book of Mormon Story, taking it chronologically, but I think you're right to give readers the "Reason for Doubt" as soon as you do, so you can hook them with wanting to know more.
You've done a mind-boggling amount of research here--very, very fascinating. (There were times I exclaimed my responses aloud. Wow!)
Argumentation: For the most part, your arguments are clear and valid. I really believe in the importance of this piece.
Sincerely,
Katie — professional review from an editor in the literary market
4-17-09
Upon just a cursory review, it is
apparent you devoted a lot of time in order to ensure accuracy. Thanks for your
efforts!
Ryan
An Incredible Story Part II Joseph Smith's First Vision
9-21-09
“I read your article. Great layout, easy reading, rich and documented well. Thanks; I'm always glad to get the truth out there and hoping that I may be planting a seed. I've never visited your site before the other day.
I think you have information in a great format with easy reading style to
present to investigators with open minds. It's hard sometimes to follow some
events in the Mormon church without convolution. Your work is convincing."
Dan
Comments on,
An Incredible Story Part
III — Joseph Smith on Trial
6-26-09
“…this is by far the best writing I've seen from you yet! As far as content, you do a great job of setting this up as a trial, using argumentation, evidence, etc. to back up your points. It is definitely easy to read and understand! Fabulous writing, Rich!"
Katie — professional review from an editor in the literary market
7-3-09
“Hi Rich, Thanks for the link to your latest... Very nicely written!" Richard Packham — former Mormon and retired attorney
Why I Left the Mormon Church — Richard Packham
7-27-09
“In Joseph Smith on Trial, Rich Kelsey has presented concise and well thought out evidence for the basic falsity of Smith's assertions which form the very basis of the Mormon faith. This logical well-written tome, presented in the form of a simulated "trial," should be required reading for anyone who considers Smith to be anything other than one of the greatest con artists of all time.
Thank you Mr. Kelsey!”
Steve W.
12-28-09
“I read your article. It was very good! I like how the Mormon teachings just fall apart when put to the test of the 'legal' system, which is essentially just good logic. You haven't happened to have written one on the Jehovah's Witnesses, have you? If you haven't, please do!" Jamie
1-2-10
"Thank you for your interesting and engaging treatise, Rich!"
— Administrator of http://josephsmithprophet.com/
Comments on,
Two Claims of Jehovah's Witnesses Examined
8-8-10
“Terrible lies. Jehovah witness does not say Jesus is coming again. Lol. Revelation clearly states that satan will be thrown out of heaven and woe to the earth. Book of Daniel prophecy puts the date of Satan being thrown out of heaven at 1914. I recommend you get your facts in order before you publish these things. I love the end of your message with the donate part. I can't imagine Jesus asking for money for this disservice you provide…” Lang Ngo
My response:
Charles Russell, the man whom the Jehovah’s Witnesses consider their founder, penned a pamphlet in the 1800s entitled:
THE OBJECT AND MANNER OF OUR LORD'S RETURN
In Russell's pamphlet he spelled out the word “coming” while writing of Christ's return:
(Page 21) “… at His [Christ’s] coming—alone it is said…”
(Page 23) “Peter says, at the coming of the Lord…”
(Page 39) “Briefly stated we believe the scriptures to teach, that, at His [Christ’s] coming and for a time after He has come, He will remain invisible…”
When I used the word “coming” in my article, I was using the same language that Russell used to describe this event; I was merely quoting Watchtower publications. I even quoted from a Watchtower book printed in the 1980s, which used the term "coming."
Therefore, Lang Ngo, when you verbalize,
“Terrible lies. Jehovah witness does not say Jesus is coming again."
People may be left wondering if it is you, who does not have,
"your facts in order."
Also,
I am scratching my head, wondering what words in my article you consider,
"Terrible lies."
Rich Kelsey
8-8-10
"Coming again means returning to earth. Coming means showing his power on earth from heaven. We believe the latter. Clearly our beliefs are that Jesus will not return to earth… Yes Jesus is coming. Jesus is coming. It says so in bible many times. But not in the flesh. Not coming again. Unbelievable." Lang Ngo
My Response:
The photo above is from a Watchtower book which I have in my library: (You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth , 1982, p. 142)
Here, this Jehovah's Witness publication quotes Christ's words in the gospel of John:
"I AM COMING AGAIN" (John 14:3)
Lang,
It’s
rather ironic that when you read my article, and posted the comment above, I did
not have the words,
“coming again” anywhere in my work.
It’s more ironic that the words you claim are,
“Unbelievable”
came from Jesus
Christ.
Well, we all make mistakes. And, hopefully some of us learn from our mistakes.
I will make use of your textual criticism by including within my article the photo of the Watchtower publication containing the words,
“I AM COMING AGAIN.”
In this way, you have helped me make this article more
informative.
Rich Kelsey
My response:
Please look at the above photo one more time. In this chapter the Watchtower Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses uses Christ’s words,
“I AM COMING AGAIN” (Jn. 14:3)
to describe his return.
Not his resurrection!
Then, a few pages later they link Christ’s return to the year 1914. (see endnote # 1)
Also,
Charles Russell, the man whom Jehovah's Witnesses consider their founder wrote:
"That our Lord intended us as His
disciples to understand, that tor some purpose,
in some manner, and at some time, He would
come again, is, we
presume, admitted and believed by all familiar
with the scriptures. But the object of that
coming is viewed from
widely different standpoints…
Russell was not speaking of Christ's resurrection; he was speaking of Christ's return.
P.S.
I wonder if what we just experienced here is what the Jehovah's Witnesses call "Theocratic War Strategy:"
"As a soldier of Christ he is in theocratic warfare and he must exercise added caution when dealing with God's foes. Thus the Scriptures show that for the purpose of protecting the interest of God's cause, it is proper to hide the truth from God's enemies." ( WATCHTOWER, June 1, 1960, p. 352.)
8-20-10 — (Since Lang asked me to post his comments I added the following words to help clarify the history of the Watchtower Society concerning Christ's return):
Throughout Charles Russell's lifetime he maintained:
“Some may have confounded our remarks on the presence of Christ in a spiritual body, with the presence of the spirit of Christ; but they are quite distinct. The latter never left the church…” (Object and Manner of Our Lord’s Return, 1877, p. 51)
Russell made it clear that he believed Jesus’ return encompassed him returning,
“in a spiritual body.”
This is what,
“Herald of Christ’s Presence”
meant to those reading the Watch Tower magazine for the first 60 years.
Russell went on to say,
“…we have Christ's own words to prove that He will be present in the world, and the world will know not of it. Matt. 24:37.” (Object and Manner of Our Lord’s Return, 1877, p. 52)
Again, speaking of Christ’s return, Russell used the words,
“His arrival” (Watch Tower, June 1881)
He also claimed,
“…both the King and the Kingdom are not only coming, but are here…” (Watch Tower, July 1, 1916)
The original teaching was that Christ returned to the confines of earth’s atmosphere — this is where it is taught that Satan and his demon host dwell since they were cast out of heaven — in this way Christ began ruling in the midst of his enemies.
In the 1950s this teaching was retracted:
"…we should not even think of his [Christ] leaving heaven and coming within the confines of earth's atmosphere for him to be present. He returns or ‘visits’ the earth as did Jehovah in times past, by turning his attention to things of earth.” (The Watchtower 02/15/1955 pp. 102-103)
Some may wonder how,
“turning his attention to things of earth”
can mean, he is
“present.”
Former publications, which speak of,
“…his actual coming” (The Time is at Hand, 1902, p. 32)
are in disagreement with the
position maintained by Jehovah’s Witnesses today.
Endnotes:
1. The position maintained by Jehovah’s Witnesses today:
“I AM COMING AGAIN.” (John 14:3) Jesus Christ made this promise to his apostles when he was with them the night before his death. You will probably agree that never has there been a greater need for peace, health and life that Christ’s return in Kingdom power will bring to mankind. But how does Christ return? Who will see him, and in what way?
At his return, Christ does not come to live on earth. Rather, those who are to rule as kings with him are taken to live with him in heaven…
… Christ’s return does not mean that he literally comes back to this earth. Rather, it means that he takes Kingdom power toward this earth and turns his attention to it. He does not need to leave his heavenly throne and actually come down to earth to do this. As we have seen in the previous chapter, Bible evidence shows that in the year 1914 C.E. God’s time arrived for Christ to return and began ruling.”(You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982, pp. 142 and 147)
Joseph Smith 1826 trial, glass looking, Book of Mormon, Incredible Story, First Vision, Moses, Anachronism, Pearl of Great Price, con man, problems, false teaching, Rich Kelsey