Sandra and Jerald Tanner Part 1 of 4 - The Early Years - Mormon Stories

Jerald and Sandra Tanner were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald is the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.
As teenagers, before they met, Jerald and Sandra were challenged by different people and events to examine the origins of Mormonism. Soon after their introduction, they jointly began researching Mormonism and became engaged. Both accepted Christ during these early years of study and have left the Mormon church. They are both active members of a local Christian church in Salt Lake City.
This episode explores Sandra and Jerald's early years before forming Utah Lighthouse Ministries.
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Timecodes:
00:00 Introduction
02:46 Sandra's ancestry and early years
05:02 Her mom reads Fawn Brodie's book and starts having questions
07:52 Sandra and her sister start getting active, mom is busy doing research
09:02 Mom starts baiting Sandra with questions to ask in seminary
11:26 Gets told she can't ask meaningful questions. Visit to grandma
12:45 Grandma introduces her to Jerald, future husband
13:01 What was your testimony like?
16:18 Jerald's background
19:15 In the 50s the church sent people on mission to reform them
20:35 Jerald reads Encyclopedia Brittanica article on Mormonism and asks questions
25:04 Finds out that Revelations have been reworded
26:15 Jerald visit a splinter group of the church and stayed there for weeks
27:28 Jerald comes home. Following Christ is something else than following mormonism
28:54 Sandra describing Jeralds personality and his motivation to find truth
34:20 Jerald shows Sandra what he found, e.g the blood atonement
38:49 Jerald explains Sandra about polygamy
40:58 Sandra and Jerald deciding what this all means
42:11 Getting married outside Mormonism
46:37 First year of marriage & asking questions
47:46 Jerald questions the BoM
50:02 Visiting christian churches, they didn't fit in
52:27 Moving back to Salt Lake City for research
58:17 How do you go from Christians to criticizing LDS beliefs?
1:01:17 Gold standard for "anti mormons" in the 50s
1:02:54 Giving away, later selling pamphlets with criticism on LDS beliefs
1:04:06 Deciding to make a living of selling their own books and reprints
1:08:15 Printing the temple ceremony
1:13:54 Start non-profit
1:17:50 Conclusion
#LDS #Mormon #PostMormon #ExMormon #MormonStories

[@mothersgauri4137]

Sandra Tanner is an absolute gem !

[@thunderforce99]

I can listen to Sandra Tanner talk all day. God bless her.

[@BrandonOsborn404]

Most of the real truth I have learned about the LDS church derives from the Tanners and their work - I am thankful to them for helping me get free from that horrible cult.

[@refermanjon]

😂

[@bridad]

I exchanged a several emails with Sandra Tanner a few years ago. I was never a Mormon, but I had a friend from high school who is from an Alaskan Tribe. She was treated very cruelly during her high school years as part of the Lamanite program. She was used as a household servant and was kept socially isolated. Sandra gave me some reading recommendations for her to help with the therapy she sought for those experiences. Sandra was very kind and very informative.

[@tracygrist9828]

Sandra is as smart as a whip! And her integrity?!? Off the charts!

[@AuroraP4t3L]

Exactly! TSCC cannot squash her integrity which they say is supposed to be one of "our" top virtues as Mormons. Her integrity is greater than the church's. ExMo here since 2006

[@refermanjon]

😂😂

[@gregbooker3535]

Much respect to the Tanners. They were nuking Mormonism from ground zero years before the internet. I can't even imagine how much trouble such a ministry brought to their lives.

[@Audrey-km9in]

Gerald Tanner was clearly anointed & called by God to seek and find The Truth. The work he & Sandra have done (and continue to do) has impacted millions.

[@AuroraP4t3L]

At age 24/25 I studied my way out of the church after having been endowed and married in the Houston temple. I tried to help my age 70-80 year old grandma know the truth and she wouldn't have it. So sad. She's a highly intelligent woman. I hate what the church has done to my family. God bless Sandra and Jerald. I didn't find them until after I left the church. It strengthens my knowledge that I did the right thing. Integrity to me is one of my most important virtues.

[@deborahroghair5993]

I did my CE internship in Salt Lake city. Sandra was the CE director of the Salt Lake Alliance church. What a woman of God! Just adore her. So loving and caring.

[@bowrudder5634]

John, I am so thankful you were able to get Sandra on film. You have had many significant interviews over the years, but this may be the most significant of them all. Sandra doesn't look quite her normal self and seems to have a cough, but I am so glad she granted you the interview. She is such a precious woman, so gentle and generous, so honest and principled. She would be the first to admit she is a sinner, but she is so dignified. Thank you for capturing this for posterity. The Tanners were decent people, and have been vilified for too long.

[@Mindy14]

I just love Sandra Tanner. I am so happy I stumbled upon her through Mormon stories. Hearing her speaking on her hearing and understanding the scripture of John on the love and and grace through Jesus Christ made the holy spirt leap inside of me and reaffirming my own belief.

[@thecatman4ever]

Luv me some Sandra Tanner, she's a wealth of knowledge. Thank you so much for the video!

[@barbarajoanne6320]

Mrs Tanner is wrong about one thing (see Part 4), she is educated. She may not have a degree in this or that, but neither did Abraham Lincoln, Shakespeare, Tchaikovsky, Truman Capote, etc. She and her husband are self-taught scholars whose research stands up more than well against that of other historians in this field and her logic is spot n.

[@BarbaraJoanneBJ]

Correction: her logic is spot ON. (Typo)

[@AlexParker-zg9hp]

Well , the problem is not so much in what mormonism tells you but rather in what they Don’t tell you . The Holy Bible is loaded with historical and geographic evidence !

[@pastmomo3959]

Sandra is finally getting some respect. Thanks for these videos. Truth will always prevail. TBM, don't be ashamed of your doubts about the church. Scrutiny is a good thing.

[@adamgoodword7888]

It's always great to hear stories from people who have been lead out of the deception that is mormonism.

[@Longe]

This was the BEST Mormon Stories EVER! Thank you John & Sandra!

[@lauraoverstreet9987]

Always loved and admired Sandra! She rocks!!

[@anthonyquinata4843]

I have to say, as a non-LDS member, and never have been, but having an intense curiosity about the religion, I love these videos as a whole. Thanks for creating and sharing them!

[@lashandajones2724]

Anthony Quinata I thought i was the only one!! Very interesting religion...must be all the secrecy..

[@jennygump9250]

Richard Holmes they’re the best people to go with when it comes to Mormonism because they experienced being active and believing the Mormon church wholeheartedly just to know later on, that it’s not true. That they were deceived and being deceived. And they know what they’re talking about because these people went through it all...

[@TheShodan92]

@Anthony Quinata & ItsanARTtoLIVE ... Yes... very secret. By all means find out about Mormonism via Sandra & Jerald Tanner (may Jerald R.I.P). They have done decades of thorough historical and doctrinal investigation. On other threads Richard Holmes calls the Tanners "Liars". Another excellent historian is Grant Palmer, another one Richard Holmes calls a "Liar", on other threads. These people have no need or any reason to lie, it never gave them any financial benefit. They were honest always. Remember to Mormons, the real and uncomfortable facts do not matter. The good people (Tanners and Palmer), are made out to be bad, and the bad people (Joseph Smith & Brigham Young and leaders who committed serious crimes), are made out to be the good guys.

[@davidg4512]

I too have been instructed in mormonism, but not to join it. I have a neighbor that gave me a book of mormon and I've been researching and learning ever since.

[@bradchristensensonoftherev4214]

Awesome conversation, this moved me to a level of comfortable transformation, thank you for this great work.

[@barbarajoanne6320]

I mean her logic is spot ON!

[@72alta]

This is my third time watching thru this series of interviews. They were absolutely awesome.

[@pamelaq6185]

Watching in 2021 after the 'Murder Among the Mormons' interviews. Sandra Tanner is a wealth of knowledge and a true gem! Going to order the Tanners' book, Tracking the White Salamander from ULM ❤

[@catchyadreams]

Sandra is a very courageous woman and very honest and fair minded. Thanks John Dehlin for this interview. Credit to you as well. You are risking your own LDS membership in speaking up on controversial issues. I like Sandra's balanced faith position in tolerating myth, but rejecting fraud. Mormonism falsly claims antique history and hence it is indefensible. Christianity's antique history is real at least in part and hence it is defensible. #xmormon

[@TheShodan92]

Thank you Walter Strohbeck ... You said it well.

[@joools1953]

Love Sandra. She's not dogmatic; if she doesn't know something, she says so.

[@melwooden2291]

I appreciate Ssndra Tanner and her great courage to stand fot TRUTH...INTERESTING face of the opposition... Thank zyou Mel J Wooden

[@alanam9103]

Love her! She's brilliant!!!

[@kentthalman4459]

Sandra is such a treasure to Mormonism. So grateful that she's lived a full life. We were cheated by Jerald's early death.

[@lozganon64]

What a fun lady! In a way I'm glad I hadn't heard of her before leaving, otherwise I'd laugh at myself for thinking so ill of a woman I never knew that turns out to be this good and friendly

[@dm7876]

Me too. I happened to be watching a lot of content on another channel recently and thought I’d give a video of her a try, not knowing her name or having any expectations, then was amazed by her. She’s so dang cool.

[@mds000123]

I really appreciate your interviewing style. Great job.

[@marilynnoosterhof1853]

This video is well done, unbiased and fair. I've been listening to the other videos and really didn't like the way the person put her on the spot about things like the resurrection of Jesus Christ. She's not an apologist like Josh or Sean McDowell, James Warner, and other eminent scholars who can identify very important facts. She did an excellent job answering some very pointed questions. The History of the LDS etc. is well documented by the work she and her husband Jerald did -- especially given the fact that there was no internet.

[@rebeccakimbel]

God bless sandra Tanner. She is my ROCK. Rebecca Kimbel

[@82566]

Wow what a neat lady thank u for sharing this I really enjoy listening to her !!first time I've listened or heard of her .

[@barbarajoanne6320]

An inspiring woman.

[@sue6002]

Never heard of them. I’m on the east coast and an LDS member for 33 years. Interesting.

[@BruceLee75750]

What do you think Sue after listening to Sandra’s story? Are you still Mormon?

[@gfullmer]

Love the interview. Thanks John and Sandra. I really appreciate the Journey that Jerald and Sandra have taken. Like their Journey, I am going down the same path that they have but still believe in the Book of Mormon and the Jesus taught therein. One of the evidences that the they were on the right track was during the Hoffman forgeries that the Brethren bought into. The Tanners called them forgeries. Looking for the Second Part. Thanks again.

[@1stcorinthians1vrs18]

The Bible is the word of God. The Book of Mormon contains some of the word of God and mingles it with Satanic doctrine. Salvation begins and ends with Jesus Christ alone John 14:6. John 3:3,14-18,36. Romans 11:6 Ephesians 2:8,9. When John 3:3 happened to me, the Bible came to life and the errors mingled into the Book of Mormon stuck out like a lion sitting at the dinner table.

[@cc-mk2hp]

@@1stcorinthians1vrs18 😊Yes.Well said.

[@prestonflatt]

That Sandra could have ever been vilified says a lot more about her critics, than about her. Accessing this information on the internet is like turning on a light in a cockroach-infested apartment, and watching the light of truth restore things to a new level of balance.

[@hudsmack]

I remember being told that the Tanners were anti-Mormon liars and now we're learning that everything they have published in true and the church is even having to admit it themselves.

[@cc-mk2hp]

Me too, l was so surprised to learn that it was the church leaders who had been lying about the truth. The Tanner s are God fearing Christians who tell the truth.

[@BottleConcreteBlond]

Very interesting. Thank you.

[@Maymm87]

Hola!. Quisiera hacer un pedido, ojala pudieran poner subtitulos en español, creo que la mayoría de los que somos miembros en America latina no hablamos inglés y por eso seguimos viviendo en la mentira, no tenemos acceso a esta información por estar en otro idioma. Mientras tanto, seguiré estudiando inglés para poder entender esto. Gracias

[@AuroraP4t3L]

Sí necesitan subtítulos en muchas idiomas. Todos los Mormones en el mundo necesitan esta información verdadera.

[@fabianafonsecacampos5631]

Por favor, em português tbm. 🙏🙏🙏

[@karenberhow7483]

Amazing story.

[@gregfisher]

I first heard of the Tanners about 45 years ago. I was serving a small church in Boise, ID. One Sunday afternoon the state superintendent for our churches in Idaho called me and said, "Did you talk about the Mormon Church in your sermon today." "Yes". "A Mormon Bishop called me this afternoon to mention that wasn't really good idea...something bad could happen." "What do you want me to do?" ... "Keep on preaching the truth." Shortly after that I discovered the Tanners were publishing materials about the beginnings of Mormonism, and that material became the source materials for a class on the Cults that I was teaching at my church. Nothing ever happened to me--that I know of--but, for a long time I expected to find a horse's head in my bed or something.....

[@marysalisbury9270]

Thankful (Tefft) Tanner is an ancestral cousin. Her son John travelled west with Joseph Smith. Thank you for this.

[@gracebe235]

See, that’s the problem....the archives and original writings of the church history are in Utah. Not everyone can go to Utah to check these things out for themselves. Plus, I’ve heard from someone who worked in the archives department, that they know that some of the history archives had been taken out.....altered......then returned. So there’s that too. What does one believe then?

[@cc-mk2hp]

Sandra is telling the truth. Keep researching.

[@nportoseguro]

It would be nice to activate close caption for us that don't dominate English so much to follow the interview.

[@fabianafonsecacampos5631]

Verdade! Muitas pessoas ainda vivem na mentira por falta de conhecimento. 😢

[@IntrovertedArteest]

This interview is so strange. Mrs. Tanner is obviously such a wonderful woman and her life was transformed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The interviewer comes off as incredulous and aggressive at times but she was so gracious in her responses.

[@deaarcee3269]

At 34:34 - spider to the fly. How cute is that!

[@awolLDSasap]

Very few lds members will admit they have done enough to be saved. To say such would be considered bragging.

[@mckster56]

Called the impossible gospel, no one can. And if they could then Christ died for nothing. Even j. Smith was proven a false prophet, said bible was wrongly written yet his fakeo bible has over 4000 changes. I pray lds hearts are opened

[@user-rx6rv5bo9p]

‘Jesus ain’t having none of that!’ 😂😂😂

[@LoisZozobrado]

Literally me

[@maxfrank13]

Who sings the opening song?

[@jackloganbill605]

Oh how I hated, hated, hated the Tanners. 18 years ago I came to the realization that I was wrong. Forgive me.

[@Compulsive-Elk7103]

You are forgiven ❤

[@pamelaq6185]

If Joseph Smith was supposedly called to restore the one true church but lied about it...then it's evident that the Tanners and other truth seekers have been called by God to unravel Smith's deceit and reveal the real truth! The Tanners are doing God's work so we are not led by false prophets. 🙏

[@valeriegriner5644]

I could hardly get this video to play.....I guess that the INTERNET POLICE don't like the content. I get so SICK of being monitored 24/7! Their tactics will NOT keep the TRUTH from coming out. I really like the interviews with Sandra Tanner....very informative.

[@Mindy14]

A foreign state sounds so strange.

[@erichondel6221]

Fully committed Christians still reading the BOM? I must of missed something at 48:00.

[@annr3800]

He's trying to make her experience like becoming a Mormon. You may not feel anything when coming to Christ. It's not based on emotions.

[@karencristobal4999]

I grew up reorganized lds

[@annr3800]

Like I said it is not the same. It's not true because of a feeling. He's thinking all beliefs are the same because of him becoming a Mormon. Hope he Becomes a real Christian

[@gary_stavropoulos]

Saying i know the Bible is true because i read it is the same reason she thought the Book of Mormon was true.

[@suemailei1158]

It's simple n plain.Anything good comes from God and bad from the Evil one.

I hope not to receive criticism for this comment but how do people have enough reasoning to understand DNA issues, Geographical issues in the BOM and a bunch of other things and end up in a local christian church? haven't they analyzed christianity in general? is she trying to sells a few books so she has to say at some level that she is sort of christian? John Dehlin is a sort of crafty puzzle to understand , he certainly doesn't believe in mormonism anymore then he is worried about people not being accepted in Church, he is now some sort of activist for all causes , why doesn't he grab the mike and start telling "Let's leave the church all together and don't worry about not being accepted , I have come to think he likes the attention that he gets by the media and page views on his sites. Jeremy Runnells according to his interview is at least honest in his answers , he is receiving attention but it seems like he doesn't want it and his reasoning goes beyond mormonism if you listen to the last part of his video. if somebody knows the answer to that , please comment, I don't mean to be rude even though it sounds like it. Sorry if I disrespect these people somehow.

[@dm7876]

Yeah, had the same thoughts about John. He knows the Mormon church is a fraud, then in interviews he and a lot of his guests express their hope that the church will reform and would be more successful in doing so....?! That simply makes no sense. My hope is that people will be led out permanently so they can heal. I guess maybe he helps in a way (?)

[@geralddalling4584]

Your intro music is terrible. You need to make a change to something not so repulsive. The current performance cheapens your production.

[@KandisSJGroup]

I am a huge fan of this version. Love it!

[@jaystannard]

Needs more cowbell... And possibly more dubstep

[@TheShodan92]

Might I suggest The Doobie Brothers : "Jesus is just alright with Me." I'm wondering if John Dehlin is taking the piss?.

[@randyclaywell1491]

Twit! Sometimes he can be a self absorbed ninny. You have done honest research and have accepted that Mormonism could hardly be more wrong. So, if you love your family you try to share your new-found. Proofs to bring your family into the light. He seems to not understand why she didn't just turn her back on, and abandon her kin.

[@scottchi666]

Some dont like sola scriptura but i beleive thats where all the problems come in, we should stick to only what we know is Godbreathed, from God alone. Any group of christians begin to look outside that source for instructioms it always leads to hell

[@FromJosephtoJesus]

Sad but true..

[@MarkEmmett]

It breaks my heart that Sandra can't see that her well-taken criticisms of Mormonism apply equally well to Christianity in general: history, doctrine, all of it.

Even though I am still active member , I think reasoning should move beyond mormonism.

[@ednawhitney8749]

Mark Emmett

[@BeardedDisciple]

Like what? Give me one example just one.

[@eugeneprewittforieat5073]

The categories of arguments are similar (science, history, archeology, internal consistency) but the quality of the arguments are not at all similar. As research progresses, the Bible is vindicated ever more; the BOM ever less.

[@dm7876]

@@eugeneprewittforieat5073 that’s been my observation in the past year since I began my journey to understand the Bible. It’s actually amazing and the BOM makes me laugh out loud.

[@annr3800]

He's so anxious to dismiss her being a Christian.

[@shupark9796]

Sobre el señor joseph smith les diré soy colombiana y el señor Jesucristo me a dado una iluminación me a dicho k numero 1830 josseph smith cambio las palabras de las placas ,,, de la biblie inimigos da verdadera voce no le dara nao teconcederei u otro don. a través de la distancia saludos cambio total mente las verciculos de la biblia no nos dejemos engañar ............

[@goscott444]

Blood Atonement is still practiced.....Ask Jodi Arias! REV18

[@Applest2oApples]

Too soon?

[@Longe]

Yes it is! That is why there is a choice in Utah for the death penalty to be killed by firing squad, so that the criminal's blood would be spilled!

[@SequentiallyCompact]

Tanners' research might be useful but why not just skip the middle man and go to DeGrasse-Tyson and Hitchens? Why bother with finding flaws in one particular church when the greater truth about them all is easily revealed?

[@TheShodan92]

Other church's may have similarities, but the doctrine and core beliefs are black is to white. Given they were Mormons they have helped many of us open our eyes to the massive fraud perpetuated upon us.

[@valeriegriner5644]

Sandra Tanner is the most CREDIBLE ex-Mormon and Christian that I have EVER heard. The interviewer here....not so convincing.

[@nisunderstud861]

Man, am i happy to have left that cult, and as an extension "christianity" wohooo ;). After watching this video my testimony of the fakefulness everything religious is not only strengthened but i feel vindicated lol. I think all religions should be required to prove their outlandish claims or shut up otherwise !!!!

[@markgo106]

+John Lee Hahahaha! Such anger for a person who is happy. Why are you so distraught? You may want to shore up your faith Johnny. You sound a bit unstable. A member of the second highest regarded family in your cult called it complete bullshit! Ever heard of the saying "If we have truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not truth it ought to be harmed."?

[@markgo106]

+John Lee Where did Judas make that claim? Do you have a reference?

[@markgo106]

Not according to the Gospel of Judas. You don't need to resort to name calling John. I forgive you. Take a breath and respond in a calm rational manner.

[@markgo106]

John Lee Please explain these............ No Mormon is allowed to drink a hot beverage. ‘hot drinks are not for the body or belly’ -Doctrine and Covenants 89: 9. Mormons should bathe in alcohol. ‘strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies’ - Doctrine and Covenants 89: 7 converting dead people to Mormonism. ‘For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh’ - Doctrine and Covenants 138: 10 The teaching that Joseph Smith translated the original holy Mormon scriptures by staring into a hat. The Garden of Eden is in Missouri.

[@markgo106]

John Lee John, There is no need to get so defensive. I'm just asking a few questions because I am genuinely curious as to what the answers were. Don't you think questions like that warrant an answer? Are you afraid that those types of questions would expose the truth? Ask your CES director. "If we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed"

[@francissaxor530]

According to the SUFI teacher Kabir Sahib ..... Holy books and holy men are useless, find for yourself a competent guide ..... Each holy books has several versions/editions and therefore subject to many interpretations, holy men play this game of acting and posing 😇😇😇😇😇.

[@annr3800]

Her mind was involved when coming to Christ.

[@jasonjohnson2767]

Luke 16: 19 ¶ There was **a certain rich man** [priesrcrafter], which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day**: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus [humble follower of Christ], which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the [priesrcrafter’s] table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that [the humble follower of Christ] died, and was carried by the angels [Church of the Firstborn] into Abraham’s bosom: the [priesrcrafter] also died, and was buried; 23 And **in hell he [the priesrcrafter] lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom**. 24 And he cried and said, **Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.** 25 But Abraham said, **Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receiveth thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.** 26 And beside all this, between [the Church of the Firstborn] and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then [the priesrcrafter] said, **I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:** 28 **For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.** Then this exchange will play out in our day. If we won't hear the prophets and repent! Why then, would we hear the word from the resurrected being. 29 Abraham saith unto him [ priestcrafter], **They have [Joseph] and the prophets; let [the Latter-day Saints] hear them.** 30 And [the priestcrafter] said, **Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.** 31 And he said unto him, **If they hear not [Joseph Smith] and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though [Joseph Smith] rose from the dead.** “If only the [practitioner of priestcraft,] could have seen beyond the grave, he might have started praying sooner; but only in hell [will] he become a praying man.”(Hugh W. Pinnock - Beginning Again 1982)

[@annr3800]

Also Mrs Tanner didn't have a whole new Revelation of God .

[@SamAntone]

The javelin-through-the-heart story was told only as supposition if that law were decreed by God to be in force. But Brigham cautioned that only those with clean hands and pure heart would be justified in carrying out that act of atonement. If you are going to condemn Brigham for telling that story, then you'll have to condemn your own Bible for telling a blood-atonement story in Numbers 25:6-13.

[@annr3800]

Well no her experience is not like Joseph Smith. Christianity is based on fact, historical evidence, fulfilled prophecies and more. He doesn't understand what she's talking about.

[@bryankm2]

The Bible is not a historical book even though it does contain some actual history. The Bible suffers from exactly the same sorts of anachronism problems as the Book of Mormon. If you are smart enough to deconstruct Mormonism, you're smart enough to deconstruct Christianity. But I understand why people don't want to question their most closely-held beliefs. It's hard and their biases are too strong. But Christianity (literalistic, evangelical christianity, anyway) is just as flawed as Mormonism.

[@kjvjay]

To have forgiveness of sin and God’s gift of eternal life in the presence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, is through faith and trust in Jesus Christ, of the Bible, only and not through any church or ritual or rules, that includes the Mormon Church, Catholic Church, Lutheran Church, Protestant Church, Methodist Church, The Pentecostal Church, Baptist Churches, Russian Orthodox Church, Islam, etc. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” (Romans 3:23) “For the wages of sin is death; but THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST our Lord” (Romans 6:23) It is written, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9) Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3) Jesus said, “…know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32) “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” (1John 1: 8) “And as It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”
(Hebrews 9:27)
 Jesus said, “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” (John 17:3)

[@WilliamSilva-cd7rf]

I'm a convert (32 years ago). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. Jesus Christ is my savior.

[@bossendenwoodconvict]

Willian Silva How can it be true when the scriptures are false? The papyri, from which Joseph Smith "translated" the "Book of Abraham," have nothing to do with Abraham and are too young for Abraham to have written them. Egyptologists completely reject Joseph Smith's claims.

[@jesilynne]

+Willian Silva Yes, Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. But what does that have to do with the LDS church? Why do you need all the strange and Bible-contradicting doctrines taught by Joseph Smith and his successors? Jesus Christ is all you need. His grace is the only answer for salvation, as the Bible says again and again. "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace; otherwise work is no more work." Romans 11:6

[@andrewwilliamson5049]

Well that's your opinion but according to the Bible your wrong.. So who should i believe - your opinion/experiences/the words of Smith or the teachings of Jesus Christ?

[@Charalldredge]

Good wishes upon you, but why would you listen to this type of talk then? I’m just curious.

[@martyashka]

After watching this video my testimony about truthfulness of the LDS Church is only strengthened. When you search for the answers with your own efforts + with the Lords help, patiently and with humility, you get the answers and "aha moments". We'll find the wrongs if we're looking for them, we'll find the "rights" if we're looking for them. God knows everything from the beginning. He will lead us with the Spirit if we'll seek for it. I'm sorry if there were brothers and sisters who offended you by final judging or anything else, I know it's not the main issue, just sorry if it happened. I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. Faith in Him and His Atonement includes our own actions and fulfilling his commendments. My opinion is that Christians are the people who believe in Christ and accept Him as a Savior, - those who do follow Him and do what He is teaching to do. I believe in 11th artical of faith: "We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may." I do enjoy my life, being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hope you enjoy your lives too!

[@Longe]

Whenever LDS do not have an answer for something, they resort to bearing their testimony, which is based on emotion rather than fact.

[@martyashka]

Longe Was there a certain question to answer? I've gone through my personal "apostasy" I'm glad I've been patient and wasn't categorical. Even with a good amount of sarcasm and scepticism I searched. I let both opinions exist, but I found my answers for hard questions and I found piece and joy. Faith will always be needed. It's one of the conditions.

[@Exodus314IAM]

Elena, to you, what is the LDS Church? is it an organization? is it the only true church (thus all others are wrong)? How do you "search for the answers with your own efforts"? Do you use the Bible for this? or is it just prayer and feelings? You say you find the wrongs and rights? how many wrongs does it take for a teacher or prophet to have for them to be a false teacher or prophet? (Matthew 7:21-3; Mark 13:22) You are correct, true Christians are followers of Jesus Christ. The question is who is your Jesus and how do you know you are following the correct Jesus? There is only One correct Jesus and He is the eternal God who came to earth the be the ONLY path to salvation (John 1). (Colossians 1:16) The creator of everything on earth and in Heaven (including angels). Is this your Jesus or is your jesus a god who was created and the brother of us all including Satan? Don't get me wrong my friend, I am not nor can I judge you, But God can and will judge you and me on day. On that day can you 100% say you knew Jesus (God) or will He say he never knew you and cast you out to bitter darkness? Please seek the truth my friend and not for me or anyone else accept for yourself!

[@martyashka]

Exodus314IAM Hope you want to know my opinion, not just fight, cause I'm not willing to argue. LDS Church or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the Church of Jesus Christ, as the name says. Yes, it is an organization. And everything organized very well in it. I believe there is a part of the truth in any other Church, but the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is only in this Church. When I search for the answers I use the prayer, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the word of God, written in the scriptures including the Bible. I believe the Bible is the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. I believe the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I study the words of the nowadays prophets as well. I've never thought of counting wrongs the teacher does. I think it's a matter of every case. I believe in God, the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost, they are three different beings. Thanks for your good advice.

[@BrandonOsborn404]

I was a mormon for 30 years - I pity you the delusions you have been brainwashed to live in - I had to work hard to gain understanding of the lies I was told - I hope you are not lazy like so many of your fellow white and delightsome and utterly mindless church zombies.

[@goofbalt]

I can't really say if those stories are actually true or not. I mean, for all I know, they could be scripted to make Mormonism seem like some Devil's organization that spawns evil... Even if the base of their story is true, I can't help but feel it's over-exaggerated. But I do enjoy listening to them because of the drama and emotional influence. I was a Mormon, and I can't say I've met another one who was worse than everyone from any other faith. I've met plenty of Christians, Muslims, Atheists, ect., who are also greedy, selfish, prideful, judgmental... Back in the good old days, arranged marriages were everywhere, and I like it how Mormons uphold the old fashion. Mormon faith might seem silly, but hey, this life needs some silly, because it's already painfully boring, and God just doesn't want to give any signs of his existence just because. I think we should question God, not Mormons for the madness. Though, of course, He won't give an answer... Lol, maybe I should start a religion that teaches how God abandoned us because of our selfish use of free will and teach how to get God's trust back with selfless acts of love, compassion and strength of will. :P

[@goodgirlkay]

If you started such a religion you would undoubtedly find followers...because as P.T.Barnum supposedly said, "A sucker is born every minute." Certainly con men like Joseph Smith who invented Mormonism... L. Ron Hubbard who invented Scientology... All televangelists... and shakedown artists since time immemorial know that no truer words will ever be spoken. Human beings are terrified of the reality of our condition as fragile, mortal beings in a cold, uncaring universe...and most of us are willing to pay or do near anything to those whose fairytales help us to forget the tragic nature of our existence.

[@refermanjon]

This is interesting garbage!

[@vcspoerl7453]

LOL.... What a perfect example of "leading the witness". One would think that after all these years she would have her story down so that it at least sounded spiritual. Instead she constantly had to be prodded as to where she needed to spice it up a bit, so people won’t think it’s just another non-spiritual, exMormon, “I, I, I, I… oops, I lost my faith” testimony. I actually thought she was a person of strong conviction and testimony. All I saw after watching this first installment is just how easily she was lead around by others and continues to be. And yes, I am judging another’s testimony, for that is the exact reason this video was posted. I found nothing worth emulating however, and I was really expecting more.

[@jesilynne]

+The Way What are you talking about? What she is being is real, not phony, speaking reasonably and logically, stating facts and not trying to manipulate anyone with any kind of act of a "strong conviction." Her stuttering is based on being unrehearsed, and remembering events that happened over 40 years ago. The last thing this interviewer is doing is "leading the witness." It seems to me that he is saying things and asking questions that a skeptical Mormon would be asking. Why on earth would you want her story to "sound spiritual?" It is a story of learning about facts that unequivocally prove Mormonism to be false.

[@vcspoerl7453]

Wrong... if you know anything about the Tanners and the AntiMormon industry, you would easily be able to recognize the lies and half truths and the real story behind them.. Many of these half truths and lies were created by the Tanners themselves. The Tanners are called The King and Queen of the ellipsis for a reason. Although I feel sorry for them, I can't help being glad that they are around, because their efforts have brought more people into the Church than have left because of their antics.

[@HelenEk7]

The Way If you knew anything about the tanners you would know that they *only* use sources found at your own church's library.

[@vcspoerl7453]

Helen E No... they only start with sources from LDS websites... they then cookie-cut quotes out of context... Ellipsis out anything which in any way could explain the meaning of the original quote... present it like it happened in today's world... add their own made up commentary... then present it with a bunch of other errant third hand gossip of AntiMormons from 150 years ago, which even contradict each other... then serve it as though that is what we really believe. Frankly, I rather have the outright lie... its a lot easier to believe. Whenever I explain to someone where the original quote came from, who really wrote it, the context, and what it was supposed to mean.... most people will then say... Oh, is that all it was... that's not a big deal because I believe the same thing.

[@HelenEk7]

The Way "No... they start with sources from LDS websites only... they then cookie-cut quotes out of context..." Most of their books containing LDS material are written way before internet. Actually most of their research was done in the 35 years before the internet even existed...

[@SamAntone]

Regarding changes from Book of Commandments to the D&C: Sandra, you are judging Joseph's works based on your own experiences and paradigms. You don't know the processes involved in recording, copying and printing revelations from God. You also don't realize that additional knowledge comes as our capacity to understand it increases. You know the scripture: "Line upon line, precept on precept..." God didn't write the verses. He dictated His words to Joseph, and Joseph, using the imperfect language of mortal men, did his best to put them down on paper.

[@tamaraelsberry6630]

Exactly. It's evidence of their spiritual inexperience or immaturity. God starts you out small, then grows your knowledge wth time. The line upon line principle. There's no way God can reveal all his purposes at once. It would be like watering a garden with a fire hose. It's only something you learn through experience, through your journey of life, once you decide to put your trust in HIM. So two young people barely out of their teens, decide to research and reveal all the flaws in "Mormonism", wth no spiritual experiences of their own, no relationship wth God or His ways, let alone life experiences.

[@SamAntone]

@@tamaraelsberry6630, good point.

[@Compulsive-Elk7103]

Spoken like a truly brain washed Mormon

[@dorisfenella]

Antimormon

[@dorisfenella]

***** I don´t think so

[@lolocsun]

+DAmina ...If you call Sandra Tanner Antimormon, are you ready to be called Anti-Christ? ...You support JS who destroys trust in the Jesus of the Bible... JS supposedly spoke for Christ (D&C132:24) and said the reason there was polygamy in the OT was that he had COMMANDED it of Abraham, and Abraham obeyed the command (D&C132:34,35&65)... if Mormons had bothered to read background in Genesis15&16, they would've found that Abram's wife, SARAI, actually made the decision (end of Gen16:2)... GOD had nothing to do with it... JS took the Lord's name in vain, said He said something He did NOT say... JS makes "Jesus" a GOD who DESTROYS people for trying their best to follow guidelines (D&C132:54&64) that He'd reinforced for people joining in marriage (Matthew19:4-6 and Mark10:6-9), "one man for one woman." The TRUE Jesus made clear that His purpose in coming was not to destroy people's lives but to SAVE them in Luke9:56 and elsewhere... Please be informed before you start tossing out labels... ST clearly doesn't have anything against Mormons, but against the man who talked you into abandoning the Jesus of the Bible, for a "Jesus" that aligns better with his own understanding, one that promises progression to GODHOOD if you behave yourself in the here and now (D&C132:end of 19 and all of 20) etc, etc...

[@TheShodan92]

More like "Pro -Truth"

[@SamAntone]

John, you are allowing deceit to control your shows. You are pulling shallow skin-deep issues out of your guests. Sandra said our own documents are condemning us, not anti-Mormon literature. But when only the surface of each issue is presented, and not the whole story, that amounts to deceit. See the following posts under my name as examples.

[@chris8pc]

This woman is so off track. It is very sad. I've spent years studying the gospel of Jesus Christ and this is all nonsense. Please don't pay any attention to it if you want truth in your life.

[@Compulsive-Elk7103]

No

[@marianocor]

Who sings the opening song??

[@n.coronel9157]

+mariano coronel e e e eeeeeeeeee eee eeeeeeeeeeee eeeee que haces aca?

[@marianocor]

Sigo sin saber, quien canta esa canción ???