The Gainsayers: A Converted Anti-Mormon Responds to Critics of the Lds Church

by Darrick T. Evenson

Book Overview

When new LDS convert Darrick Evenson encountered anti-Mormon literature for the first time, it devastated him. He naively accepted it as true, and it led him out of the Church into the ranks of the Ex-Mormons for Jesus. Darrick learned their witnessing approaches and techniques and began functioning with them in their fight against the Mormon Church. But as he became familiar with them and their message, he found himself increasingly uncomfortable in their midst. What they were saying and teaching just didn''t match with the scriptures, not with what he personally knew of the Latter-day Saints. and though they professed to love the Mormons, he found the Ex-Mormon motivation to be just the opposite. Darrick began an extended period of research and assessment, trying to determine just where truth was to be found. As he encountered more and more instances of falsehood and deception in the Ex-Mormon teachings, his conscience began to work on him more and more. He finally renounced his affiliation with them and returned to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As he served a mission in California, he found his knowledge of the tactics and techniques of the anti-Mormon movement serving him in good stead. He was able to recognize and rebut many of the ploys of anti-Mormon adversaries. But Darrick is aware that the message and methods of anti-Mormon gainsayers have kept many truth-seekers from hearing and accepting the gospel of Jesus Chrsit. Seeing the need for Latter-day Saints to be able to recognize and refute the assertions of these adversaries of the truth, he has recorded his observations of their methodologies and written strong rebuttals to the things they teach. What is a gainsayer? to gainsay means to oppose or deny, to speak or act against, to contradict, to dispute or declare false. Anti-Mormon organizations such as Saints Alive and Ex-Mormons for Jesus are modern gainsayers in the truest sense of the word. In this book, the author presents evidence which shows that the same techniques used by those who fought against Christ''s Church in the Meredian of time (the anti-Nazerines) are being used against the Mormons today. Satan''s work follows the same patterns down through time. the author describes the techniques used in Satan''s counter-mission, showing numerous ancient and modern parallels. He shows that Christ''s Church in ancient time was considered a cult by the mainline churches of the day, just as major churches in today''s panorama of Protestant organizations regard the Mormons as a cult. and what is a cult? It''s a word that really says, You''re different than we are. Then he focuses on key Mormon doctrines, showing that they were clearly taughts in ancient times by the Christian community. Key concepts such as the LDS belief that man can attain Godhood and that the temple service existed in Christ''s day are carfully documented. That documentation stands as clear rebuttal to gainsayer assertions that those teachings are recent Mormon fabrications. In another highly significant chapter, the author describes many of the missionary strategies currently used by the anti-Mormon movement. He exposes numerous witnessing techniques so that Latter-day Saints will recognize them and not be deceived nor influenced by their usage. He focuses on the film the God Makers, reviewing it as an example of extreme anti-Mormon propaganda. Recognizing that most Latter-day Saints will never see the film but that many of their non-LDS friends will be exposed to it, he summarizes the major scenes so that LDS members will be more aware of the blatant falsehoods and dstortions which are being used in an effort to harm the Church. a powerful chapter is devoted to a presentation of responses to many of the anti-Mormon distortions and misrepresentations currently being used. It is obvious that the author is well acquainted with the nature of yellow journalism used against the Church. He knows very well the types of falsehoods anti-Mormon agitators are currently using in their attempts to retard the growth of the Lord''s work. the final chapter is an intriguing dialogue involving two Mormon missionaries, an investigator and an anti-Mormon preacher. Using the Articles of Faith as their outline, the missionaries systematically answer many of the distortions commonly presented by modern gainsayers. It shows many useful methods of answering objections to gospel principles briefly and concisely from the scriptures. the Gainsayers is a powerful book! It refutes many of the falsehoods currently circulated against the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by those who seek to thwart the work of God. Its insights are of value to every faithful Latter-day Saint. Carefully documented, and supported by a strong contents listing and detailed index, it''s a book that will serve as a significant tool in defense of the faith.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0882903381
• ISBN13: 9780882903385
• Release Date: July 1998
• Publisher: Horizon Pub & Dist Inc
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.5"

Customer Reviews

Negative people exposed

I read this book as a convert who had been exposed to many of the lies debunked in this book. Blowing out other people's candle doesn't make yours burn brighter. The Antis seem to forget that in America when you have a better idea you describe what it is. Not pound other people by calling them evil devils. That's just plain stupid. Even if you never plan on embracing any religion, you should read The Gainsayers just to understand the negativity some people harbor and how to avoid them.

Tolerance & Understanding X Sourness & Bitterness

This book reveals an interesting journey and findings of someone honestly looking for the truth. In comparison, LDS literature and learning materials have always a positive, unobtrusive and kind approach, always letting you decide whether you will believe or not. Anti-Mormon stuff is tyically a propaganda, negative, acusatory and bitter, trying to make you feel stupid for believing in the LDS assertions. It's a personal decision every one will eventually make, but as of me, I found the Mormon approach more christlike then the cruzaders who are busier fighting others than building something useful.

Thoughtful answers to Mormon questions

I found this to be a well-researched book that counters many anti-Mormon arguments and seeks to also explain why Mormons hold many of the beliefs they do. I wish there were more books like this. Highly recommend to Mormons and non-Mormons alike who want to know more about Mormon beliefs.

Interesting read.

"Anti-anti-Mormon" and other "bashing" books are generally a waste of paper, but I liked the way this was presented. I found it brought home the importance of looking into the facts yourself instead of taking somebody's word for it.

An excellent work

I have read this book a couple of times, and have found it very illustrative of the sorts of lies, mis-quotes, and other deceptions practiced by so-called anti-Mormon "Christians." Reading this book will give you an excellent insight into their motivations and practices, and allow you to better defend yourself and your faith from similar attacks.Scott McCarroll unix_guy@zdnetmail.com