Books & DVDs
There are 7 books here, and 4 DVDs. Books are on the top of the page, DVDs on the bottom. You can read 3 of these books online right now (Part Way to Utah, The Long Way Home & Faith Gone Astray). Just expand the Table of Contents, select a chapter, and your browser will open it as a pdf file. But please remember that each of these books is copyrighted. When you click the PayPal "Add to Cart" button, your browser will open a new window. Go to that window to review your cart contents and to checkout.
Books Published by Us
Part Way to Utah: the Forgotten Mormons
About the Book
Part Way to Utah: the Forgotten Mormons surveys and Biblically analyzes the second largest branch of Mormonism, The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). Part Way to Utah presents a brief historical sketch of Joseph Smith and the RLDS church, differentiating it from Salt Lake Mormonism. It then explains the development of 1) Joseph Smith's Book of Mormon and other scriptures, 2) his elaborate priesthood system, 3) his quest for an American Zion and 4) the doctrine that his church actually comprised "latter-day Israel." Each of these discussions is accompanied by careful Biblical analysis. The scriptural and doctrinal innovations of Joseph Smith comprise the foundation upon which virtually all of his churches rest. Unfortunately, they also constitute an irreconcilable departure from Biblical Christianity. This departure is consistently demonstrated throughout the book. The book concludes with some insights into the spiritual dilemma currently facing RLDS people and suggestions for ministry to them
About the Author
Paul Trask was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) for nineteen years, and held RLDS priesthood for fifteen years. He served as congregational pastor in San Francisco, California and Independence, Missouri, and as Counselor to the San Francisco Bay Stake Bishop.
After extensive study and prayer the Trask family left the RLDS church in 1989. In 1993, Paul earned a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
Paul and wife, Leslie, whose family has been in the Latter Day Saint movement for six generations, have founded Refiner's Fire Ministries to provide resources and support for current and former members of the RLDS church, and to equip the Christian community.
Reviews
"Paul Trask beautifully fills the void of Christian apologetics materials available on the Reorganized Latter Day Saints. He covers RLDS history, helps you understand their thinking, and helps you focus on beliefs relevant to RLDS, rather than on LDS beliefs. (Many Christians may not even realize the Reorganized church, also called "Community of Christ," exists.)
Trask has excellent analyses of RLDS scriptures, RLDS Zionism, and the RLDS priesthoods from the Christian perspective. He gives helpful, realistic guidance in winning RLDS members to Christ. This is an indispensable aid to Christian witnessing in this specialized area!"
— A Reader from Michigan, posted on the Amazon.com website
"The author meticulously interprets Biblical truth…and shows the disparity of this truth in Mormon beliefs.”
— Rev. Erwin D. Ingebretson, Religion Analysis Service, The Discerner, Jan–Mar, 1998
“The research and thorough approach was unlike other books…I could not discount the issues it brought up.”
— Todd Talcott, Lone Jack, Missouri
“Paul's study of the priesthood makes Part Way to Utah a ‘must read’ for anyone dealing with Latter Day Saints.”
— Carol Eskridge, Christian Liberty Outreach, Independence, Missouri
Table of Contents
The 2nd Edition of this book was edited with different software from that of the 1st Edition. During this process, some very important formatting was lost in the columnar presentations on three pages: 90, 94 and 100.
In each of these presentations, the use of strikeout and italics are used to facilitate comparisons between original documents and subsequent variants. Strikeout is used to indicate words omitted in subsequent versions and italics is used to indicate words which were added.
Significant italicization was lost on each of the three pages identified above. This is a very important part of the presentation. Accordingly, these pages have been corrected, and are included in the Errata below.
If you have a 2nd Edition, we encourage you to print out this pdf file and stick it in your copy to facilitate your review of these pages.
Errata
Foreword to the Second Edition
Acknowledgements
The "Community of Christ" Name Change
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Beginnings 1 – Reorganized Mormons? Who are these people? 2 – Beginnings: Myth and Reality 3 – Joseph Smith's Concept of Zion and Latter Day Israel RLDS Scriptures 4 – RLDS Scriptures: An Introduction 5 – The Book of Mormon – Part One 6 – The Book of Mormon – Part Two 7 – The Book of Mormon – Part Three 8 – The Doctrine and Covenants 9 – Joseph Smith's Inspired Version of the Bible 10 – The Pearl of Great Price RLDS Priesthood 11 – RLDS Priesthood 12– Ministry in the Early Christian Church 13 – The Melchizedek Priesthood – a Biblical Analysis 14 – The Aaronic Priesthood – a Biblical Analysis 15 – The Heresies of Joseph Smith's Priesthood 16 – True Christian Priesthood Understanding — and Helping 17 – Understanding the RLDS Dilemma 18 – Helping RLDS to Victory Appendix A – Statements of the Book of Mormon Witnesses Appendix B – Joseph Smith's “Sealed Book” of Isaiah 29 Appendix C – The RLDS Epitome of Faith Appendix D – The Melchizedek of Joseph Smith Bibliography Index
Foreword to the Second Edition
Acknowledgements
The "Community of Christ" Name Change
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Beginnings 1 – Reorganized Mormons? Who are these people? 2 – Beginnings: Myth and Reality 3 – Joseph Smith's Concept of Zion and Latter Day Israel RLDS Scriptures 4 – RLDS Scriptures: An Introduction 5 – The Book of Mormon – Part One 6 – The Book of Mormon – Part Two 7 – The Book of Mormon – Part Three 8 – The Doctrine and Covenants 9 – Joseph Smith's Inspired Version of the Bible 10 – The Pearl of Great Price RLDS Priesthood 11 – RLDS Priesthood 12– Ministry in the Early Christian Church 13 – The Melchizedek Priesthood – a Biblical Analysis 14 – The Aaronic Priesthood – a Biblical Analysis 15 – The Heresies of Joseph Smith's Priesthood 16 – True Christian Priesthood Understanding — and Helping 17 – Understanding the RLDS Dilemma 18 – Helping RLDS to Victory Appendix A – Statements of the Book of Mormon Witnesses Appendix B – Joseph Smith's “Sealed Book” of Isaiah 29 Appendix C – The RLDS Epitome of Faith Appendix D – The Melchizedek of Joseph Smith Bibliography Index
The Long Way Home:
Moving From a Pseudo-Christian Cult to Genuine Christianity
About the Book
God loves members of pseudo-Christian cults. He demonstrates this love each year by releasing increasing numbers of them from their error and spiritual deception. But the battle isn’t over when people leave a cult. They bring with them spiritual, emotional and relational wounding which takes time to process and heal. And while they may know their former cult is wrong, there is often lingering confusion over exactly what is right. The diversity and complexity of 21st century Christianity only adds to this confusion. Former cult members have unique struggles not well understood by other Christians. The Long Way Home seeks to walk along side former cult members by bringing clarity to their situation, and providing understanding and guidance for the road ahead. Most importantly, it brings a consistent message of hope to everyone who journeys out of false teaching and comes to the cross of Christ.
About the Author
Paul Trask was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) for nineteen years, and held RLDS priesthood for fifteen years. He served as congregational pastor in San Francisco, California and Independence, Missouri, and as Counselor to the San Francisco Bay Stake Bishop.
After extensive study and prayer the Trask family left the RLDS church in 1989. In 1993, Paul earned a Master of Divinity degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.
Paul and wife, Leslie, whose family has been in the Latter Day Saint movement for six generations, have founded Refiner's Fire Ministries to provide resources and support for current and former members of the RLDS church, and to equip the Christian community.
Reviews
"“Paul Trask understands, first hand, the emotional and spiritual upheaval of leaving a cult. In his book, The Long Way Home, Paul takes the ex-cultist by the hand and puts it firmly in the hand of Christ.
This book is the missing part of the puzzle in leading cultists out of their stronghold.
From now on this book will be the first I recommend in our ministry to those leaving Mormonism.”
— Judy Robertson, Co-founder of Concerned Christians, an outreach ministry to Latter-day Saints, and author of Out of Mormonism
Table of Contents
Foreword
Read This First!
1 – Christian, or Cult?
2 – A Lonely Path,Yet You Are Not Alone
3 – “Unequally Yoked”?
4 – First Steps
5 – Salvation
6 – Settling In
7 – The Bible
8 – Maturing in Christ
Appendix A – Historical Perspective: Pseudo-Christian Cults
Appendix B – For Further Reading and Growth
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church: Is it Christian?
About the Book
Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church: Is it Christian?, written by a former RLDS member, contrasts the teachings of Joseph Smith with Biblical Christianity. This book gives an overview of Latter Day Saint history from 1820 to the present day. It provides a detailed comparison of the Mormon (LDS) and Reorganized Latter Day Saint (RLDS) church. It explores subjects such as the occult origin of the Book of Mormon and the false prophecies of Joseph Smith. Perhaps most importantly it answers these two critical questions: 1) Can the Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church be considered Christian, while adhering to Joseph Smith's foundational teachings, and upholding him as a prophet of God? 2) Was Joseph Smith really a prophet of God, or was his power from another source? The book concludes with helpful tips for witnessing, and fourteen compelling testimonies of former RLDS members.
About the Author
Carol Hansen was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS) for forty-eight years. A graduate of Graceland College, she was an active and devoted member of the church she loved. However, after accepting the challenge to look objectively at the teachings of Joseph Smith, her staunch defense of the church crumbled. For the past sixteen years Carol has been involved in various ministries reaching out to Reorganized Latter Day Saints. She has recently established Life Line Ministries to provide accurate historical and doctrinal information about the RLDS church. This information is especially for RLDS members who love and want the truth and for non-members who are willing to “contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).
Reviews
""A very well researched volume that contains a wealth of information on the RLDS church. I highly recommend this book."
— Steve Lagoon, Religion Analysis Service, The Discerner, Oct-Dec. 2000
"One of the best books written about the Reorganized Latter Day Saint Church. I highly recommend it."
— Colleen Ralson, Director, Nauvoo Christian Visitors Center
"For anyone who is a serious researcher of the RLDS Church, this is a 'must read' book."
— Ernie Jorgenson, owner of Restoration Book Collection: Books on Mormonism
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements ........ i
Prologue ........ iii
Memorable Quotes from Joseph Smith, Jr. ........ v
Abbreviations & Designations ........ vi
Preface ........ vii
THE HISTORY WE NEVER HEARD IN SUNDAY SCHOOL
1 - An Historical Overview, 1820-1844 ........ 3
2 - An Historical Overview, 1844-Present ........ 29
3 - The RLDS and the LDS ........ 47
THE ANATOMY OF A CULT
4 - Earmarks of a Cult ........ 67
5 - Rejection of Biblical Reliability ........ 75
6 - False Prophets, Trustworthy Leaders and Occult Connections ........ 91
7 - False Teachings Concerning God ........ 117
8 - False Teachings Concerning Salvation ........ 135
9 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Book of Mormon ........ 153
10 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants ........ 195
11 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Joseph Smith’s “Inspired Version” of the Bible ........ 219
12 - A Different Jesus ........ 229
13 - The One True Church ........ 235
14 - Is the RLDS/COC Church Christian? ........ 243
WHAT THEN SHALL WE DO?
15 - The Christian Response: Witnessing to RLDS/COC Members ........ 253
PORTRAITS OF VICTORY
16 - Testimonies of Former RLDS/COC Members ........ 269
Epilogue ........ 329
Appendix A: God’s Warnings About False Prophets and False Teachers ........ 331
Appendix B: The Position Papers ........ 333
Appendix C: Food for Thought. ........ 335
Appendix D: Suggested Reading ........ 339
For Additional Information ........ 344
Benediction: Our Prayer for RLDS/COC Members ........ 345
Prologue ........ iii
Memorable Quotes from Joseph Smith, Jr. ........ v
Abbreviations & Designations ........ vi
Preface ........ vii
THE HISTORY WE NEVER HEARD IN SUNDAY SCHOOL
1 - An Historical Overview, 1820-1844 ........ 3
2 - An Historical Overview, 1844-Present ........ 29
3 - The RLDS and the LDS ........ 47
THE ANATOMY OF A CULT
4 - Earmarks of a Cult ........ 67
5 - Rejection of Biblical Reliability ........ 75
6 - False Prophets, Trustworthy Leaders and Occult Connections ........ 91
7 - False Teachings Concerning God ........ 117
8 - False Teachings Concerning Salvation ........ 135
9 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Book of Mormon ........ 153
10 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Doctrine and Covenants ........ 195
11 - Nonbiblical Scriptures: Joseph Smith’s “Inspired Version” of the Bible ........ 219
12 - A Different Jesus ........ 229
13 - The One True Church ........ 235
14 - Is the RLDS/COC Church Christian? ........ 243
WHAT THEN SHALL WE DO?
15 - The Christian Response: Witnessing to RLDS/COC Members ........ 253
PORTRAITS OF VICTORY
16 - Testimonies of Former RLDS/COC Members ........ 269
Epilogue ........ 329
Appendix A: God’s Warnings About False Prophets and False Teachers ........ 331
Appendix B: The Position Papers ........ 333
Appendix C: Food for Thought. ........ 335
Appendix D: Suggested Reading ........ 339
For Additional Information ........ 344
Benediction: Our Prayer for RLDS/COC Members ........ 345
Reasons for Disbelief: One Man's Story of Leaving the RLDS/Community of Christ Church
About the Book
It takes courage and honesty to critically examine the faith you were brought up with—without rejecting God altogether. Reasons for Disbelief chronicles just such an examination. Peter Elliott’s family had been members of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS – now called Community of Christ) for five generations. In his early twenties, however, Peter began honestly exploring his family’s faith for himself. This book is the result of that investigation. Originally self-published in 1980, it documents both how the traditional RLDS beliefs were historically untenable, and also how the later RLDS leadership tried to distance itself from these beliefs without openly denying them. This expanded edition contains a new preface and postscript, and includes previously unpublished correspondence with RLDS church leadership.
About the Author
Peter Elliott grew up in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and spent most of his early twenties travelling the world (living off tinned fish and yoghurt), gold prospecting, and escaping from government jobs. Since then he has earned a bachelors degree in English Literature from the West Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) and a Bachelor of Divinity and a Masters in Theology both from Murdoch University. Most recently Peter has submitted a doctoral thesis entitled Edward Irving: Romantic theology in crisis at Murdoch University. Peter lectures in Church History in several colleges and lives near Fremantle, Western Australia with his wife Deborah and their two sons, Joel and Jason.
Table of Contents
1 – Introduction
2 – The First Vision
3 – The Witnesses
4 – The Book of Mormon
5 – The Book of Abraham
6 – The Inspired Version
7 – Polygamy/Adultery
8 – Baptism for the Dead
9 - Plurality of Gods
10 - Superstition and the Occult
11 - Prophet, Seer and Revelator?
12 - Conclusion
Bibliography
Postscript
Faith Gone Astray: Unveiling The Kirtland Cult Murders
About the Book
Joseph Smith’s Mormon Church has spawned countless splinter groups. In the late 1980s one such schism formed near Kirtland, Ohio under Jeffery Lundgren, their self-proclaimed prophet. They arose out of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS—now called Community of Christ).
On a quest to fulfill Book of Mormon prophecies, Lundgren steered his followers into increasingly dark theology and practice. He taught that some must die to “purify” the remaining believers. In 1989 an unsuspecting family—mother, father and three daughters (ages 15, 13 & 7)—were taken into a barn one-by-one, shot in the head, and buried there.
For their part in these crimes, thirteen members of the cult received sentences varying from 18 months probation to five 20-years-to-life consecutive terms. Lundgren was sentenced to death and, after 15 years of appeals, was executed by the State of Ohio on October 24, 2006.
Faith Gone Astray is the first book written by a participant based on personal insight, relationships, and experience. Originally written for his children, Ron Luff’s account provides valuable insight into the dynamics of cult mind control—and how far astray one’s faith can be led when not grounded on the Solid Rock of Jesus Christ and His Word alone.
About the Author
Ron Luff grew up in a conservative religious home as a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS). As an adult he held priesthood and was active in congregations. Convicted as an accessory to the crimes described in this book, he is serving five 20-years-to-life consecutive sentences without parole. Ron has given up the aberrant scriptures and theology of the RLDS church, and accepted the forgiveness and Lordship of Jesus Christ alone as his Savior. Described as a model prisoner, he has completed a Bachelor of Arts and a Master�s Degree in Pastoral Studies, is pursuing a Doctor of Ministry degree, and participates in Christian prison ministry.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Foreword
Introduction
1 – Background
2 – Home Life: Missouri
3 – First Trip To Ohio
4 – A Second Look
5 – Off To "The Ohio
6 – Postponed
7 – New Identity
8 – Preparations For War
9 - The Covenant
10 - A Nightmare
11 - In Haste And Flight
12 - Setting Up Camp
13 - Confined Without Walls
14 - Breaking Camp To Broken Hearts
15 - "My Lord Delayeth His Coming"
16 - His Kingdom Begins To Topple
17 - Almost Home
18 - Why?
Appendix - Parallels To Waco
Books Published by Others
No Man Knows My History: the Life of Joseph Smith
About the Book
No Man Knows My History (1945) is still considered by many (myself included) the best biography of Joseph Smith ever written. Fawn Brodie covers his entire life, from birth to death in meticulous detail. She unearths rare details and early documents, and weaves them into a fluid story which is most difficult to put down. Her insights into Joseph’s family life, relationships and the age in which he lived add significant insight to the movement he created.
Those who truly want to understand Joseph Smith and his Latter Day Saint movement cannot afford to ignore this wonderful volume. I wish I had discovered it much earlier in life.
About the Author
Fawn Brodie was a full professor of history at UCLA, and one of its first female professors.
A renowned biographer, she is also known for her biographies of Richard Nixon and her ground-breaking work on Thomas Jefferson, which was a best seller.
A descendant of Brigham Young, Fawn Brodie was excommunicated from the Utah Mormon church for writing No Man Knows My History.
An Address to All Believers in Christ
David Whitmer was selected by Joseph Smith to be one of only three special witnesses to the Book of Mormon. Because most of the book was produced in David’s own house, he was an eye-witness to the translation process itself, and to the early history the Latter Day Saint movement. Latter in life, David compiled this Address to All Believers, honestly critiquing actions of Joseph Smith and the early church. The reflections and honesty of an older man bring us priceless information on Joseph Smith and the early history of his movement. But it must be noted that Whitmer maintained his testimony of the Book of Mormon to death. That fact alone commands attention to the information and insights he provides. Not a few Latter Day Saints have left the movement upon becoming aware of the information Whitmer provides. For your convenience, you can read a pdf version of this book online, or you can purchase a hardcopy. "An Address to All Believers" pdf file $4.00, plus $1.45 shippingDVDs Published by our friend Joel Kramer
and Living Hope Ministries
The Bible v. Joseph Smith - DVD
In a conversation between a Christian and a Mormon, the prophets of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon are put head to head in a test to see which prophets are truly speaking for God. If even one prophecy fails to come true, that prophet is a false prophet, and must be put to death. $7.00, plus $1.35 shipping
DNA v. The Book of Mormon - DVD
The Book of Mormon claims Native Americans are descended from Israelites. What does DNA science have to say about this doctrine? $7.00, plus $1.35 shipping
The Bible v. The Book of Mormon - DVD
The Book of Mormon is sometimes called "a companion volume to the Bible." But can this be true? Do the Bible and the Book of Mormon agree? $7.00, plus $1.35 shipping