Check "What's New Here" for changes since your last visit.
Email me at packham@teleport.com with your comments.
(But, please, no testimonies, preaching or hate mail.)
TOPICS ON THIS PAGE:
OTHER STUFF
PERSONAL:
A Short Personal Introduction.My Autobiography Only my dearest friends or most fervent enemies would want to know this much about me. (109K - It's so long because I'm so old!)
Stories From My Childhood Stories that I heard as a child about my parents and grandparents, and stories that happened to me as a child. Some of them are funny.
How I Became an Atheist: My reasons for not accepting a belief in any kind of god. *sp*
Growing Up In The Mortuary: Thoughts on Death (not at all grim)
Why I Left the Mormon Church: My story of how I came to realize that the faith of my fathers was false. *sp*
My First Temple Experience (1952) My receiving the Mormon "endowment" on my wedding day.
Tribute to Howard Packham: The eulogy I gave at my father's funeral.
Tribute to Delmar Packham: The eulogy I gave at my mother's funeral.
Traditional Baby Bootees - The pattern for the baby bootees that have been knitted in my family for several generations for our family's newborns.
MY FICTION & POETRY:
"Red Roses, White Roses: A Family Portrait"; An original drama, by Richard Packham. The premiere was in Roseburg, Oregon, November 1997.Read the preview and the review of Red Roses published in the News-Review (the Roseburg, Oregon, newspaper) by its drama critic Tricia Jones (© 1997 Oregon News Network; reproduced with permission).
"The Ties That Bind" - a trilogy of original one-act plays by Richard Packham:
"Just Like Old Times" - Two lovers are reunited after many years (.PDF version)Selected Sonnets Everyone's a poet, including me - I like the sonnet form.
"What Goes Around" - A married couple learn about their past (.PDF version)
"Your Soul, My Soul" - A wife makes an effort to save her husband's soul (.PDF version)
A Parable: The Man Who Bought A House. Some people would rather not know the truth.
*sp*
Another Parable: The Great Ship. How many "explanations" are enough?
My Lucky Rabbit's Foot: A gentle parody on superstition, including religious superstition. *sp*
"Gus And His Friends, A Parable Drama": Gus is such a great guy - he wants everyone to be his friend, and he'll kill you if you aren't.
Translations of German Poetry My translations of a few of my favorite German poems (and a few of my own German poems, with English translations).
RECIPES:
About Sourdough An introduction to using sourdough starter in baking (includes easy instructions for making a starter).
Sourdough Recipes A selection of about a dozen recipes for using sourdough: bread, muffins, pizza, French bread, hamburger buns, even flaky croissants.
Homemade Granola A delicious, easy, and inexpensive dry cereal - the only one we eat at our house.
Pecan Pie My own recipe for a nuttier, less rich version of this wonderful dessert.
Prune Bar Recipe The family recipe for our favorite "granola bar" type cookie, quick, delicious and easy (made available in response to popular request)
My own Recipe for home-made dog biscuits, quick, easy, and cheap.
Home-made Salad Dressings, including several low-calorie versions
Successful Weight Loss Plan How I permanently lost 25% of my (overweight) body's weight.
Fruitcake Recipes: several good recipes for this holiday treat (make in October!)
BIBLE & CHRISTIANITY:
How I Became an Atheist: My reasons for not accepting a belief in any kind of god. *sp*What Is An Atheist?: To say that someone is an atheist is not an affirmative statement, because atheists are not a definable class.
Atheist Spirituality: Can one be an atheist and still be "spiritual"?
Morality and Religion: Can we raise moral children without religion?
"Can Atheists Be Ethical?" John Quinley's rebuttal of an article on the Christian Apologetics website, which argued that atheists cannot be ethical.
FAQ: "What is the meaning or purpose of life for an atheist?" As a Christian minister asked me: "Why not just kill yourself now?"
FAQ: "What about faith?" A response to religionists' arguments that religious faith is no different from our "faith" in science or history
"A New Baby - God's Miracle?" Brent Allsop argues that the miracle of a new baby shows the real cynicism of believers in God.
Bible Notes: My research notes about the problems, contradictions, immoralities, and absurdities in the Bible (about 70 pages).
My Favorite Quotations on Religion: a growing collection (54K - frequently updated)
Is God Perfect? to claim that God is perfect is to deny his existence
God: An Abusive Parent: How the Christian/Bible God is like an abusive parent.
"Some Thoughts On Violence", by Doug Ward; although written shortly after the Columbine school shootings in Spring 1999, the topic is timeless - published here for the first time with permission of the author.
Who Causes Disasters?: Disasters are caused by God, according to the Bible.
Probabilities: Using the favorite Christian device of estimates of probabilities, the chances that the Bible is true are almost zero.
Miracles: Is it really so difficult to prove a miracle? "The Man With No Heart: Miracles and Evidence"
Prayer: A critique of this essential element of most religions
The Evidence for Christianity: Can Christianity's claims withstand examination using the ordinary rules for evidence?
FAQ: What about Jesus? "If Jesus wasn't what he claimed to be, he must have been a madman, and he certainly wasn't that!"
Martyrs: What Do They Prove? FMA: "The martyrdom of Jesus' apostles proves that Christianity is true." No, martyrdom proves nothing.
Critique of John Warwick Montgomery's Legal Evidences For Christianity: Montgomery asserts that Christianity's claims survive examination using the legal tests for evidence. He does this only by misstating and twisting the rules of evidence and the facts.
Christmas: a Christian Holiday?: The pagan origins of "Christmas" - Let's bring back its true meaning!
Easter - A Pagan Festival: The true meaning of Easter.
Is the United States a "Christian" Nation? Some people contend that America was "founded on Christian principles." What then are those principles?
Headline: GOVERNMENT APPROVES FAITH: Did you miss this news story?
My Lucky Rabbit's Foot: A gentle parody on superstition, including religious superstition. *sp*
"Gus And His Friends, A Parable Drama"; Gus is such a great guy - he wants everyone to be his friend, and he'll kill you if you aren't.
Critique of Lee Strobel's book The Case For Christ
Books & Web Links: Books and links to other web sites dealing with the Bible and Christianity.
MORMONISM:
 on LDS Issues in 2009" |
Some of the following materials on Mormonism are being translated into Spanish. Spanish versions are indexed here and marked below with *sp*. Click on the *sp* to see the Spanish version. Portuguese translations (all offsite) of some articles are also available, marked with *po*. Click on the *po* for Portuguese.
Collected Comments on my Mormonism materials: I receive a lot of comments, both favorable and unfavorable. These are comments that I have received during the year 2000.Comments Received, Summer 2006 - E-mail comments on my Mormon materials, received in June and July, 2006 (typical in volume and tone of what I receive year-round)
Why I Left the Mormon Church: My story of how I came to realize that the faith of my fathers was false. *sp*
My Testimony Response to a request for a submission to the website Ex-Mormon Scholars Testify.
Mormonism in a Nutshell: A very concise (and blunt) introduction to Mormonism. *sp*
An Introduction to Mormonism: To Those Who Are Investigating Mormonism: What the Missionaries Won't Tell You. This is an excellent summary of basic Mormon beliefs, with links to many websites showing the contradictions in Mormon history and doctrine. *sp*
For a German translation of this tract (offsite), click
here.
Questionnaire For Those Considering Mormon Baptism A tool for investigators to help them make their decision
For a Finnish version (offsite), click here.
For a Portuguese version (offsite), click here.
For a Russian version (offsite), click here.
For an Italian version (offsite), click here.
For a Chinese version (offsite), click here for traditional Chinese, or here for simplified Chinese
A Korean version is available here
A Glossary of Mormonism Many non-Mormons have difficulty in reading about Mormonism because of the many unusual terms used by Mormons. Mormons also use familiar terms in unusual ways. This listing is intended to explain the special Mormon meanings of these terms. *po*
Leaving the Mormon Church: How to Get Out: For Mormons who have come to realize they cannot continue - options available; detailed suggestions about how to write an effective "exit letter" *sp*
101 Reasonable Doubts about Mormonism - Mormon claims should be supported by evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt." Is there a "reasonable doubt"? Yes, not just one, but over a hundred.
"Is The Book Of Mormon Historical?" An online debate for the website Public Square, which wanted to host a debate on Mormon issues. In four parts. The Mormon defender was Rod Meldrum.
Review of Brant Gardner's book Traditions of the Fathers: The Book of Mormon As History
Authority and Apostasy: A Double-edged Sword for Mormonism Two fundamental doctrines of Mormonism which cancel each other out.
FAQs and FMAs on Mormonism: Frequently Asked Questions and Frequently Made Arguments.
"All your anti-Mormon claims are lies!": My challenge to Mormons who say that my Mormon materials are misleading. *sp*Joseph Smith as a Prophet: Mormons believe he was a "prophet of God." Examine the record for yourself. *po* *sp*Are Mormons Christian? Many Christians insist that Mormons are not Christian. Is this an accurate assessment?
"Do the Mormon leaders know that their church is false?" There is so much evidence showing that Mormon claims are false. Don't the leaders realize it?
"Why don't you pray and ask GOD?" - Mormons claim that you should not reject Mormonism and the Book of Mormon unless you ask God.
Related article:"I'm in love with a Mormon!": "I'm not Mormon, but I am in love with this wonderful Mormon! What should I do?"
Moroni's Challenge (Moroni 10:4): A Critical Analysis *sp*
"Help! The Mormons have my child!" Suggestions in response to many pleas from non-Mormon parents whose children (usually teen or young adult) have gotten involved with the Mormons.
"I am married to a Mormon spouse - What can I do?"
"Is Mormonism a cult?" - Examining Mormonism using a standard 'cult' checklist.
"Can I Sue The Church?" When Mormons leave the church, they soon remember all the time and money they spent, and they feel defrauded. Why not sue?
"Why do you attack the Mormons?" "Why not just leave the Mormons alone? It's not right to disparage someone else's religion." *po*
"Why are you breaking your sacred covenants?": Mormons believe that a "covenant-breaker" (apostate) should not be trusted.
"Even if Mormonism isn't true, it makes me a better person!" *sp*
"Isn't Mormonism a good way to raise children, whether it's true or not?" *sp*
"Why do you mock sacred things?" The re-enactment of parts of the Mormon temple ritual at an exmormon conference raises this question.
"How can I answer questions about my leaving the Mormon church?": Questions often asked of new Exmormons by their Mormon friends and relatives, with suggested answers.
Mormon Growth: Does the rapid growth of Mormonism show that Mormonism is God's church?
How Many Ex-Mormons Are There? An analysis of membership numbers shows that there are more Ex-Mormons than there are Mormons.
Persecution of Mormonism: "The True Church has always been persecuted, and your persecution of Mormonism is just evidence of its truth" *sp* (This material appeared previously under FMA: Growth of the Mormon Church
Joseph Smith as Author of the Book of Mormon: "I can't explain how Joseph Smith could have written the Book of Mormon; therefore it must be divine!"
The "Three Witnesses" To The Book of Mormon: Three men solemnly testified that an angel appeared to them and showed them the gold plates. Even though they all later left the church, they never denied that vision. *sp*
Books For Mormons FAQ: "What can I give my Mormon friends or relatives to read that will start them thinking? They refuse to read anything 'anti-Mormon'": A suggested list of books that Mormons might be willing to read: they are not forbidden "anti-Mormon" books.
Critiques of Other Religions "Why don't you criticize other religions besides Mormonism?" A response, with links to critiques of other "true" religions.
"How can we know when information is from Satan?" Devout Mormons often reject any criticism of Mormonism by saying that the criticism comes from Satan, who is trying to defeat God's work (Mormonism). Is that a valid argument? How can we tell when the source of information is Satan?
FMA: "Describe the taste of salt!" Mormons often assert that their testimony cannot be described, like salt.
Mormon Prophets After Joseph Smith Unlike the presidents of the mainstream Mormon church since Joseph Smith, who rarely have visions or revelations, and do not translate ancient documents or produce new scripture, as Smith did, there have arisen many prophets from Mormonism who have claimed to perform those divine functions, just like Smith. A brief listing and description of some of these real prophets.
The Articles of Faith - with my commentary
The Book of Mormon vs Mormonism Many people assume that by reading the Book of Mormon one can learn about the Mormon religion. But Mormon doctrine is not based on this book, which often ignores or even contradicts what Mormons believe today, as this overview shows.
Teachings of Brigham Young: The LDS church's official study manual on Brigham Young's teachings is a gross distortion of his life and his beliefs. This is a supplement to that official manual, with quotations from Brigham Young that the church did not include, for obvious reasons. *sp*
Mormon Lying: Lying by Mormon leaders and official Mormon publications has characterized this church from its beginnings. Some very clear and indisputable examples, comparing the Lie and the Truth (factual, not theological). *po* *sp*
Major Contradictions in Mormonism: A sampling of contradictory scriptures and statements by Mormon prophets. Which one is "true"? *po*
A Linguist Looks At Mormonism: Notes on Linguistic Problems in Mormonism.
"or, in other words": A collection of Book of Mormon passages which show that it cannot be a translation of engravings on metal plates (a supplement to the above article)The Mormon Church vs The New Testament Church Mormons claim that the Mormon church is a restoration of the church established by Jesus and his apostles, and cite their similarities as proof. However there are more differences than similarities.
"The Jerusalem Temple vs the Mormon Temples" Mormons claim that their temples are in the tradition of the ancient Jewish temple. A brief comparison shows that this claim has no basis.
Jaredite Shipbuilding Technology by Kent Ponder, Ph. D. - a detailed analysis of the account in the Book of Mormon about the Jaredite ships: Does it really make sense?
Romans and Nephites A listing of similarities between the ancient Romans and their contemporaries in America, the Nephites
Problems With "The Brass Plates" An examination of the role of the Brass Plates of Laban in the Book of Mormon, with questions about the believability of the story.
Unasked Questions About Mormonism A few puzzling questions about Mormonism that nobody seems to have asked. *sp*
Mormon Teachings and Revelations Not Followed by the Mormon Church Scriptural commandments which the Mormon church does not follow.
How to Stump A Mormon: Sample dialogues for asking Mormons questions they cannot answer.
Twelve Step Program For Recovery from Mormonism An adaptation of the famous Alcoholics Anonymous "Twelve Steps" for use by recovering Mormons; by Matthew P. Barnson and Richard Packham
Response to Orson Scott Card's article on the authenticity of the Book of Mormon ("The Book of Mormon: Artifact or Artifice?") Although Card is a devout Mormon (and well-known author), he unwittingly gives us the very tools to recognize the Book of Mormon as a work of fiction.
Critique of an article by Mormon apologist William J. Hamblin, "Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon" Hamblin's article suffers from most of the problems he accuses the "anti-Mormons" of - a case of the pot calling the kettle black
The Mormon Church In Prophecy. Mormons claim that their church was seen in Biblical prophecy. Here are some prophecies of Mormonism that the Mormons won't mention.
Mormon Temples and Temple Rituals: An overview of the secret Mormon temple rituals, including all the secret passwords, handclasps and oaths needed for entrance into the presence of God. *sp*
A lecture based on this article was videotaped and can be viewed either here (on Google Video) or here (on YouTube).
Freemasonry and the Mormon Temple Endowment Ceremony A tabular listing of similarities between the three degrees of 1830s Masonry and the early Mormon Endowment ritual
Mormon Temples: Facts The Mormons Probably Don't Want You To Know. The text of a brochure prepared for distribution at the open house for the Medford (Oregon) temple, March 2000. This can be modified and printed for distribution at any temple open house. (A shorter introduction to temples than the previous article)
My First Temple Experience (1952) My receiving the Mormon "endowment" on my wedding day.
My Temple Experience, by a Former Temple Worker: A first-hand account by a devout Mormon (a guest author) whose disillusionment with Mormonism began when he worked in the Manti temple. *sp*
Adventure in the Temple: Five people attend an endowment session in a Mormon Temple. All are apostates, and therefore "unworthy." How? Why?
"Why do you mock sacred things?" The re-enactment of parts of the Mormon temple ritual at an exmormon conference raises this question.
The 1978 Revelation on Blacks and the Priesthood: Now published! The 1978 revelation to the Mormon prophet, changing the church policy on blacks, is here published for the first time! (13K, in three parts)
The Ex-Mormon's Skeptical Heritage: Those who leave Mormonism are in a great tradition: the tradition of the doubters and skeptics, who have given us our intellectual heritage. From a workshop at the annual Recovery From Mormonism convention, February 1999
Gordon B. Hinckley as a Prophet: Mormons believe that the late president of the LDS church was a prophet, just like Joseph Smith. Hinckley seems to disagree with Smith.
Voices of Former Mormons: A collection of comments made by former Mormons in e-mail discussions about their experiences; very candid. More at Voices 2 Voices 3 Voices 4 Voices 5 and Voices 6.
Cause of Death: Mormonism a very moving story by a young woman whose husband was literally killed by his devout belief in Mormonism.
A Mormon Scientist Looks At The Solar System: A review of John Heinerman's People in Space, with supporting quotations from Mormon prophets and scriptures.
Welcome To The Celestial Kingdom! Mormons believe that in heaven they will become gods and create their own worlds; this is (perhaps) the welcoming message they will receive when they get there (gently satiric).
Mormon Thinking: An Example of How Mormons Justify their Faith, by Linda Heinsohn
Animal Resurrection in the Teachings of Mormon Prophets - compiled by "Deconstructor" with commentary by Richard Packham
Correspondence With a Mormon Bishop: A Mormon bishop who found my website takes the opportunity to bait me 'to show [my] true colors.' He dares me to post our correspondence. Of course, I do, with my comments. An interesting example of how Mormons react when their religion is challenged.
"The Seventeen Points of the True Church": An effective missionary tool of the Mormon church is this list of characteristics of the church established by Jesus.
A Parable: The Man Who Bought A House. Some people would rather not know the truth.
*sp*
Another Parable: The Great Ship. Mormons can "explain" many of the critics' objections to Mormon history and doctrine. Are all the "explanations" enough?
My Lucky Rabbit's Foot: A gentle parody on superstition, including religious superstition. *sp*
A Mormon Warning: A Story from Early Utah - an authentic piece of oral history, published here for the first time.
A Letter to a Mormon Bishop: A dear friend of mine who is a Mormon bishop (pastor) asks me for advice on how he can prevent apostasy among his members. And I, the apostate, try to help him!
"Mormon Women, Prozac, and Therapy" by Kent Ponder, Ph.D. A report based on several years' research and numerous interviews with Mormon women, social workers and doctors. Dr. Ponder, a life-long Mormon, vividly shows the emotional damage which Mormonism can inflict on women, and why.
Families Held Hostage by Arza Evans: the false pro-family claims of the Mormon church
Response to LDS Church's Explanation of its Opposition to Gay Marriage The church launched a massive campaign supporting California's Proposition 8, which amended the California Constutition to bar gay marriage
A Visit With A Perfect Mormon Family A non-Mormon woman reports on her three-week visit with her childhood friend, the mother of a "perfect" Mormon family.
Odyssey: The Journey Continues My keynote address at the fifth annual Exmormon conference, held February 24, 2001, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Reflections of an Old Apostate" Text of my address delivered at the annual Conference of the Exmormon Foundation, October 22, 2005, Salt Lake City, Utah.
"The Everlasting Gospel In The Ever-changing Church": Text of a talk Ipresented at the annual conference of the Exmormon Foundation, October 15, 2011, in Salt Lake City.
Suggested Books On Mormonism For Library Donations: For those who want to help others out of Mormonism, a relatively small donation to a local library can make a large difference.
"Recovery from Mormonism": (off-site) Eric Kettunen's excellent site for Mormons who are beginning to wonder what they are doing in this church, and for former Mormons who are trying to adjust to using their own minds and controlling their own lives.
Books and Links on Mormonism.
For a very complete list of other websites critical of Mormonism, see Google's listing HEREFor a similar site in German, click here..
For a Finnish language site, click here
REVIEWS, CRITIQUES, REBUTTALS:
The Five Thousand Year Leap by W. Cleon Skousen. Skousen claims that the basic principles of good government (and the American system) are derived from God and the Bible. I show how he fails to make his case.Critique of John Warwick Montgomery's Legal Evidences For Christianity: Montgomery asserts that Christianity's claims survive examination using the legal tests for evidence. He does this only by misstating and twisting the rules of evidence and the facts.
The Case For Christ by Lee Strobel
People in Space: by John Heinerman. A Mormon scientist looks at the solar system, with supporting quotations from Mormon prophets and scriptures.
Science Speaks by Peter Stoner. Stoner makes much of estimates of probabilities to support the miracles of the Bible. Applying the same technique, I show that the chances that the Bible is true are almost zero.
Creationist Videos: My notes on three videos lent to me by a Christian friend to convince me that "creationism," the "young earth" view, and a literal belief in the biblical Flood are all scientifically valid.
Review of Walter J. Veith The Genesis Conflict: Putting the Pieces Together - Dr. Veith is a former evolutionist, a scientist who became a "young earth" creationist and biblical inerrantist.
For Any Latter-day Saint: One Investigator's Unanswered Questions by Sharon Banister - highly recommended as the best one-volume tool for demonstrating the contradictions of Mormonism.
Review of The William E. McLellin Papers, edited by Stan Larson and Samuel J. Passey, 2007 (review originally appeared in the April 2008 "The New Expositor," the newsletter of the Exmormon Foundation)
Review of Charles R. Harrell, "This Is My Doctrine": The Development of Mormon Theology
Review of No Weapon Shall Prosper: New Light On Sensitive Issues Robert L. Millet, ed. A major collection of Mormon apologetic essays
Critique of Craig Foster's article on 'Understanding' Exmormons in the on-line Mormon magazine Meridian Magazine
Review of The Mormon Conspiracy by Charles L. Wood, LLC, San Diego 2001 (not recommended!)
Review of Book of Mormon Book of Lies by Meredith R. Sheets and Kendal M. Sheets (2012)
Review of Blueprint of Christ's Church by Tad R. Callister (2015)
Review of Disenchanted Lives: Apostasy and ex-Mormonism Among Latter-day Saints by E. Marshall Brooks
Response to Orson Scott Card's article on the authenticity of the Book of Mormon ("The Book of Mormon: Artifact or Artifice?") Although Card is a devout Mormon (and well-known author), he unwittingly gives us the very tools to recognize the Book of Mormon as a work of fiction.
Critique of an article by Mormon apologist William J. Hamblin, "Basic Methodological Problems with the Anti-Mormon Approach to the Geography and Archaeology of the Book of Mormon" Hamblin's article suffers from most of the problems he accuses the "anti-Mormons" of - a case of the pot calling the kettle black
Review of Brant Gardner's book Traditions of the Fathers: The Book of Mormon As History
Response to LDS Church's Explanation of its Opposition to Gay Marriage The church launched a massive campaign supporting California's Proposition 8, which amended the California Constutition to bar gay marriage
Review of Natalie R. Collins' novel Wives and Sisters, set in present-day Utah
Review of the Book of Mormon on the occasion of the publication of a "trade edition" by Doubleday
Review of Eldon Guymon, Where In The Americas Are The Lands Of The Book of Mormon?
Review of Rick Grunder's novel 116 (mystery thriller about the Book of Mormon's missing pages)
Review of Divergent Paths of the Restoration: An Encyclopedia of the Smith-Rigdon Movement (Fifth Edition) by Stephen L. Shields
Review of The King of Confidence By Miles Harvey; a biography of James J. Strang
Review of It's Not About Sex, My ASS! Confessions of an ex-Mormon ex-polygamist ex-wife, By Joanne Hanks as told to Steve Cuno
My reviews of other books relating to Mormonism (reviews which I wrote for the Association For Mormon Letters) can be found on their website, search for 'packham' .
OTHER STUFF
Traditional Baby Bootees - The pattern for the baby bootees that have been knitted in my family for several generations for our family's newborns.
How To Divide Up Fairly The Personal Property In A Decedent Estate Suggestions, based on my personal and legal experience, for avoiding the almost inevitable conflicts upon the death of the last parent.