All essays and chapters
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Tribe of Manasseh — North American Nephite Model
I have always loved apologetics. I enjoy discussing doctrine, scriptural versus and evidence that support or are seen as evidence against the Book of Mormon or LDS church. For that reason I…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church: A Compilation of the Evidence Against the LDS Church
I hope those of you who read this document do not get the wrong idea: I am not leaving the Church out of anger, sin, or laziness. I am not leaving due…
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Introduction to Examining Church Claims
The Church was organized in Manchester, New York, on April 6, 1830. The original name used on that date was actually the “Church of Christ.” This was changed in 1834 to “The…
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Series: My Search for Truth - Wes TWhy I No Longer Believe
I have always appreciated that LDS members are taught to value intelligence and truth. I want the church to be true. It has generally been a positive force in my life. I…
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Tribe of Manasseh — Geography Map and Supporting Verses
Verses and Geography supporting the North American model There are two places that we know for sure were the Book of Mormon took place that would be the Hill Cumorah and Zarahemla…
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Tribe of Manasseh — Hebrew and Native American Ties
Native American Hebrew and Greek language comparisons There are examples of Hebrew customs, characters, beliefs and language among Native Americans. According to Mormon, they knew how to write in Hebrew and of…
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Tribe of Manasseh — Technology and Animals
Metallurgy Hopewell gold, silver, copper, and meteoric iron artifacts have been verified by modern day archeologist. Listed below are pictures of confirmed Hopewell artifacts and accounts of early settlers. “Ornate plates or…
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Tribe of Manasseh — Native American DNA
DNA Haplogroup X a Middle East and European DNA marker found in North America Haplogroup X in DNA distribution matches Hopewell and Book of Mormon migration, expanse and trade system Legend of…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 13 — Testimony, Truth, and the Holy Ghost
1. Background: Despite my doubts and concerns about various aspects of LDS doctrine and history, I remained in the Church for several years due to the spiritual and uplifting experiences I enjoyed…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 12 — Miscellaneous Concerns
There are many aspects of Mormon theology that can be scientifically disproven. Moreover, some LDS teachings lack plausibility while others are simply bizarre. The following are several examples. 1. Death Prior to…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 11 — Temples & Freemasonry
1. Introduction: Out of respect to believing members, I will not lay out all of my concerns with the LDS temple ceremony. However, there are certain aspects of the temple that are spoken…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 10 — Prophets
1. Overview: Church members are taught that the prophet speaks for the Lord and will never lead the church astray (even when they are wrong). President Heber J. Grant said: “Always keep…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 9 — Book of Mormon Witnesses
1. Overview: The testimony of the three and eight witnesses to the gold plates is often considered a key component of the Book of Mormon’s credibility. However, the witnesses, by their own…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 8 — Polygamy and Polyandry
1. Background: The LDS Church published an essay, Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo, on October 22, 2014, discussing its polygamist past. The essay admitted the following, which will be discussed in…
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Series: Leaving the Church - Eric NelsonLeaving the Church, Part 7 — Priesthood Restoration
1. Overview: Like the First Vision story, Joseph Smith waited many years before claiming to have received the priesthood from John the Baptist and Peter, James, and John. Although the Church teaches…