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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Richkelsey.org - Comments on Rich's articles:
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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. & 4.
Link to read more about, and / or buy or download Jim's books: http://stores.lulu.com/store.php?fAcctID=3194881
Website: Themormondelusion.com
Comments on,
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.
You've done a mind-boggling amount of research here--very, very fascinating. (There were times I exclaimed my responses aloud. Wow!)
Argumentation: 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
8-19-11
“Rich’s essay on the historicity and problems of the book of Mormon is very well researched, written, and rich with detail. He lays out the problems with Mormon Epistemology and the claims of the text with a clarity that is hard to dispute.” — Bob
Comments on,
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,
An Incredible Story Part IV — Those Mysterious Golden Plates
2-7-11
"Rich Kelsey, can I please be related to you or at least know someone that is a blood relative. You truly do more than merely good work. The LDS Church may either be forced to come transparently clean, or become synonymously associated with large deception, because of the great work that is accomplished under your hand."
— Joseph M.
2-13-11
"Hey Rich, thanks for the link to your latest
work. Again well thought out and presented in an easy to digest format. Lots of
rock solid facts and all well documented. You have a richly wonderful in depth
understanding of the deceptions laid out by Joseph Smith for someone who was
never in the religion. You still bring out many interesting points that I've
never considered after being exposed to the church for over 50 years. It still
fascinates me and I never tire of reading the different views, comments and
close examination from scholars who expose the inconsistencies and omissions
found in the Mormon church’s version of its own history.
Thanks again Rich, well done
2-24-11
"Rich Kelsey's article on Joseph Smith's 'gold plates' is thoroughly researched, systematically analysed and logically presented. The historical position existing at the time of Smith is accurately depicted as Kelsey takes us on a 'journey to 19th century America, to experience the Mindset and lifestyle of Joseph Smith and his colleagues' giving us a clear insight into the mystical environment in which Smith was born and raised.
The true background of Smith's early life is firmly established, laying the foundation of the origin of his hoax 'gold plates' which he pretended to translate, from which he hoped to make money by selling the resulting book. It was an almost inevitable and natural extension of his earlier confidence tricks.
Kelsey's analysis of the facts leads to only one
possible conclusion; God would never have been involved with such nonsense. What
the Mormon Church now presents as the case leaves out almost all of the
historical narrative that Kelsey here presents and instead portrays an almost
entirely fictional perspective. Kelsey asks all the right questions and provides
the answers - and the evidence."
— Jim Whitefield — Author of the Mormon Delusion Book Series 1-4
Website: Themormondelusion.com
3-14-11
“Rich, you have presented a genuinely fresh
perspective on these events, by connecting them in ways that I believe are
original. ‘Those Mysterious Golden Plates’ is exciting to read, because your frankly
brilliant linkages from what Joseph said and did at various times, as well as
what was reported by and about him, allowed me to witness the peeling of the
many layers of falsehood covering the avarice at the heart of Mormonism’s drab
origin.”
— Abinadi, Ex-Mormon Forums moderator
Link:
Ex-Mormon Forums
3-30-11
"You did an excellent job. You chose a very readable font and font size. You wrote clearly and referred back to the LDS references in proof of your comments. Overall, this is an exemplary piece of theological debate on the subject. As for your other writings; I will be reading all of them. "
— Debbi H.
5-17-11
"A couple of things stand out. It's very interesting information, and quite honestly I'm not inclined to deny any of it. I have read books on treasure (including Utah's Gold Rush and history) and it's a common theme, although fantastic, that certain treasure seems cursed in the sense that we really can't find it or once found, get our hands on it. I'm not sure why, exactly, but it happens. Not that I'm justifying Joseph's responses, I'm just mentioning what I've found. I appreciate your research, which is very good. I have no reason to doubt any of it."
— David, active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
Comments on,
An Incredible Story Part V — The Fall of Mormonism
11-2-11
"Rich,
Your article [The Fall of Mormonism] was fascinating, it grabbed my attention and held my interest which kept me reading on."
— Yasmeen
Comments on,
An Incredible Story Part VI — The Revelations of Joseph Smith
10-20-11
"Rich,
You are so right to support claims with references from neutral or pro LDS
sites. When I first started learning, I was of the mindset that people opposed
to the LDS church were out to fool members with lies and tricks and false facts
and flattering words. That's why I got my own copy of the History of the Church
and Mormon Doctrine. That's why I searched out copies of Journal of Discourse
and Lectures on Faith.
Some good souls are willing to document and share the truth. Some former LDS are
willing to share why they left. Most of those are manic about being factual.
Some few are a bit loose with the truth.
What I ended up with was an emotional argument going up against a factual
response. It was a Heart vs. Head sort of thing. It's embarrassing how long I
(math major, programmer, science guy, practical to a p, etc) took to trust the
facts I was finding. In the end though, armed with new facts and thoughts my
emotions and feelings changed about the church. What once was love became
indignation and anger over betrayal.
So Rich, that's a long way of saying that I appreciate you and people like you who do care so much to provide facts and solid references. Thanks brother."
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.
Note: I felt that I needed to respond to Lang’s comments because he clearly misrepresented the content of my work. I have meticulously documented this article; it is based on 30 years of research; I have honestly presented the facts — there are no lies in this work.
Rich Kelsey
11-10-10
"Rich - Your [JW] ‘article’ is as thorough, or more so than
any of the JW books I have.
You are a champion of JW scholarship. That is no exaggeration.
I see you have been complimented by people who are exceptionally qualified in
the analysis and critique of sectarian ecclesiastical claims - consider their
commendations to be your ‘peer review’, so your explanations, and conclusions stand on solid ground."
— Abinadi, Ex-Mormon Forums moderator
Link:
Ex-Mormon Forums
9-8-11
"What a well done article, clear and concise, a must read; especially for Jehovah's Witnesses."
— Holly
Comments on,
11-18-11
Apocalypse Now? The Great Disappointment
"Thanks for sharing such an excellent article on the Great Disappointment.
William Miller´s experience should have been a great lesson on humility for all
concerned. I don´t know how we would have treated the subject had we been in his
shoes and had we lived in his time. Yet two questions keep nagging me and surely
others, too. Was it necessary? Was not Jesus´ statement on Matthew 24:36 clear
enough for Miller to deter any and all speculations on the time of His Second
Coming? Sadly, after all these years, the Seventh-day Adventist church does not
seem to have reaped the fruit of such a hard experience. It seldom if ever
mentions a strange teaching like the closed door. It´s still living in OT times
regarding the Sabbath. The strange sanctuary doctrine is still one of its main
tenets. The SDA church now stands in the uncomfortable position of having to
either acknowledge its error and return to the plain teachings of the Bible on
many important subjects or just forge ahead, hoping for the best.
Roman — former member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church
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
