Rich's Website

[_Simon Belmont]

Simon, I'm reminding you to respond to my last post about Jesus' criticism of the religious sects of his day, if you would.

He did! But, here is the difference: Jesus knew the truth. Rich has no clue.

[_Morley]

Simon, I'm reminding you to respond to my last post about Jesus' criticism of the religious sects of his day, if you would.

He did! But, here is the difference: Jesus knew the truth. Rich has no clue.

Bold added.

So, that's for you to determine? Shouldn't Rich determine it for himself?

[_Simon Belmont]

So, that's for you to determine? Shouldn't Rich determine it for himself?

Rich certainly thinks it is he who determines truth, but neither he nor I do. He, however, choose to attack other faiths from his complete ignorance, while I do not.

[_rich kelsey]

For readers, Rich isn't at all interested in the truth.

If he were, he would not post only anti-Mormon links.

Please list each of his links that you have deemed anti-Mormon along with the reason.

Here are some of my links:

LDS / Mormon:

1830 Book of Mormon — online copy This is a copy of the original Book of Mormon

JST - Joseph Smith Inspired Version of the Bible — RLDS Smith’s translation of the Bible

Lucy's Book A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir The first draft and the printed version of Lucy Smith’s History

Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History work from BYU by Dean Jessee

Joseph Smith Papers — Early records of LDS history - abridged article Smith’s works found at LDS site: The Church Historian’s Press

Joseph Smith 1826 Glass Looking Trial Testimonies and Records — research page

The above page has much material from LDS sources if you go to this page you will find the work: Joseph Smith and the 1826 Trial: New Evidence and New Difficulties by Marvin S. Hill BYU Studies Vol 12, Winter '72, p. 223-234. The basic page was taken from a lightplanet article. I believe more than 50% of this work is from trusted LDS material.

[_Simon Belmont]

Oh yes, Rich. Convenient that you cherry-pick a small sample of your links that aren't as hostile as the others, but let's take a look:

• Joseph Smith 1826 Glass Looking Trial Testimonies and Records — research page
  Written by Rich himself, with mostly anti-Mormon sources.
  
• 1830 Book of Mormon — online copy
  Located at 2think.org, a known anti-Mormon site. When the link it clicked, the reader is brought to a "summary of changes in the Book of Mormon."
  
• The Teachings of Brigham Young — Richard Packham
  Richard Packham, a known anti-Mormon (Richard Packham on exMormon scholars testify).
  
• JST - Joseph Smith Inspired Version of the Bible — RLDS
  Sort-of neutral, but no one can doubt that the various RLDS churches and the LDS church are at odds with one another.
  
• Sidney Ridgon Creating the Book of Mormon — Craig Criddle
  Craig Criddle, a well-known anti-Mormon.
  
• Tracking Authorship Through the Book of Mormon — Craig Criddle (under construction)
  Craig Criddle, a well-known anti-Mormon.
  
• Old Newspaper Articles — Uncle Dale's Readings in Early Mormon History
  As I said before, I enjoy Uncle Dale's website and his work. This I consider a neutral link.
  
• Mormonism Unvailed — Eber Howe's 1834 book
  Obviously anti-Mormon
  
• Joseph Smith's changing First Vision Accounts — research site
  This "research site" is irr.org, a well-known anti-Mormon website.
  
• http://www.mormonthink.com/ — research site
  This "research site" is, a well-known anti-Mormon website.
  
• Jim Whitefield’s analysis of 'The First Vision' — article
  Jim Whitefield, known anti-Mormon (here he is on exMormon Scholars Testify)
  
• Letter to LDS leaders from an active Mormon — 'a must read for everyone'
  Definitely hostile toward the church, and probably fake to boot.
  
• Lucy's Book A Critical Edition of Lucy Mack Smith's Family Memoir
  Link broken.
  
• Joseph Knight’s Recollection of Early Mormon History
  No author credited.
  
• Joseph Smith Papers — Early records of LDS history
  I actually missed this one before. I consider this one positive toward the church.
  
• Thomas Stuart Ferguson and his archeological search - abridged article
  Taken from the Tanners' "Salt Lake City Messenger" newsletter. Well-known anti-Mormons.
  
• The Signature Books Library — Free online books about Mormonism
  Signature books has always been hostile to the church. This goes without saying.
  
• Remembering the Wives of Joseph Smith — research site
  I'll give this one a neutral vote.
  
• Jesus Christ Our Chosen Leader and Savior — Jesus and Satan, "two of our brothers" — LDS.org Gospel Principles 17, Chapter 3 / on-site copy with highlighted text
  I'll also give this one a neutral vote. Why? Because although it is from LDS.org, it has been mined and highlighted to support Rich's anti-Mormon agenda.
  
• Why we left — personal accounts of leaving Mormonism
  anti-Mormon
  
• Resignation letter as Bishop —
  Hostile
  
• The Mormon Curtain — over 4,000 articles
  DEFINITELY anti-Mormon
  
• Ex-Mormons Forums — Recovery from Mormonism
  VERY hostile
  
• PostMormon.org — support for people as they leave, or consider leaving the LDS Church
  Hostile

[_Simon Belmont]

And, Rich, where does that leave us?

We have 17 links to anti-Mormon sites.
We have 4 links to neutral sites.
We have 1 link to a pro-Mormon site.
We have 2 links that couldn't be categorized (author unknown and link broken).

Does this look like a balanced site to you, Rich?

[_Jersey Girl]

Belmont,

You didn't answer a question that I posed to you prior and that's okay. I don't understand why you are making this a huge issue. You are posting on a board where there are many criticisms of your church. Do you want this board taken down or do you allow for others to have a differing opinion than your own?

Jersey Girl

[_Simon Belmont]

Belmont,

You didn't answer a question that I posed to you prior and that's okay. I don't understand why you are making this a huge issue. You are posting on a board where there are many criticisms of your church. Do you want this board taken down or do you allow for others to have a differing opinion than your own?

Jersey Girl

Jersey Girl, I don't think Rich himself is evil. I'm fairly certain he believes what he is doing is the right thing to do.

The problem is -- he's wrong.

I accept criticism, but I believe my faith can withstand any of it. Just look at all of the anti-Mormon material and message board out there -- yet my faith still thrives (admittedly in cycles).

Rich is presenting himself as a fair-minded commentator on Mormonism, Jehovas Witness (ism?), and Seventh Day Adventism, but he is most certainly not. Since this is Mormon Discussions, I have focused mainly on his dishonesty concerning Mormonism.

Did you see the links on his "links" page? What do they represent to you? There is one pro-LDS link there, and zero links to any official LDS site. Does this seem like the website of a balanced commentator?

[_Jersey Girl]

Belmont,

I have one more quick question before I answer your post above.

Are you a member of the one true Church of Jesus Christ?

[_MrStakhanovite]

Something could be an evil, racist, anti-mormon website that gave no thought to accuretly presenting the other side and still offer up good criticisms. Motivation doesn't invalidate anything.