1578: Sandra Tanner’s Journey with the Book of Mormon - An Interview with Chris Thomas

Ronald V. Huggins's biography offers a comprehensive account of Jerald and Sandra Tanner, tracing their transition from Latter-day Saints to prominent critics of Mormonism. The book covers their personal histories, publishing efforts, and influence on Mormon studies over many decades. It situates the Tanners in the broader context of 20th-century debates about Mormon origins and scripture. Huggins draws on archival material and interviews to reconstruct their intellectual and activist journeys. The biography is aimed at readers interested in religious history, dissent within Mormonism, and the role of critics in shaping public perceptions of the LDS Church.

Jerald Tanner's 'Joseph Smith's Plagiarism of the Bible' compiles instances where language and phrasing in the Book of Mormon parallels the King James Version of the Bible, arguing these similarities indicate dependence rather than independent ancient composition. The work presents numerous textual examples and was influential among critics highlighting anachronistic language in the Book of Mormon. Tanner's analyses sought to challenge claims of unique translation and divine provenance by demonstrating clear nineteenth-century biblical influence. While supporters of the Book of Mormon have offered alternative explanations, Tanner's compilation remains a frequently cited resource in critical discussions of textual sources. The book contributed to later computerized and scholarly studies cataloguing parallels between the Book of Mormon and contemporary nineteenth-century texts.

Jerald and Sandra Tanner's 'Mormonism: Shadow or Reality? ' compiles historical documents, analysis, and critiques challenging the claims and history of the LDS Church. The work covers issues such as changes in scripture, polygamy, prophetic claims, and textual inconsistencies, aiming to present evidence that undermines orthodox Mormon narratives. It became a central text for twentieth-century critics and influenced subsequent scholarship and apologetics by prompting responses from defenders of the faith. The Tanners' approach combined archival research with polemical interpretation, making the book both influential and controversial. Over decades the book and related publications from the Tanners shaped dialogues between Mormon critics and believers.

B. H. Roberts' "No Man Knows My History" is a monumental work of Mormon history, offering a comprehensive account of the life and teachings of Joseph Smith. The book delves into Smith's early life, his religious experiences, and the development of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Roberts presents a detailed narrative, drawing on a wide range of sources and offering a critical perspective on the historical record. The book is considered a classic of Mormon scholarship and has influenced generations of historians and theologians. It is known for its meticulous research and its insightful analysis of the complex historical context of early Mormonism. The book's impact on the understanding of Mormon history is undeniable.

M. T. Lamb's 'The Golden Bible' is a 19th-century critique that scrutinizes the historical and textual claims of the Book of Mormon, arguing against its divine origin. Lamb canvassed linguistic issues, anachronisms, and theological inconsistencies he perceived in the text and presented them for readers skeptical of Mormon claims. His work represents one of the earlier sustained non-Mormon examinations of the Book of Mormon and influenced later critics seeking historical explanations. Though written long before modern textual scholarship, the book raised questions that have persisted in subsequent debates about the Book of Mormon's provenance. It served as a reference for mid-20th-century readers like Sandra and Gerald Tanner as they explored critical perspectives.

Francis W. Kirkham's 'A New Witness for Christ in America' is an early apologetic study seeking to defend the Book of Mormon's authenticity and divine origins. Kirkham examined evidences and arguments intended to bolster faith in the text for believers and inquirers, addressing alleged discrepancies and presenting supporting contexts. His work engaged with historical and textual questions of the day and aimed to persuade skeptics of the Book of Mormon's legitimacy. While influential among some Latter-day Saint defenders, later critics found his treatments insufficient for certain anachronisms and textual problems. The book is often referenced in mid-20th-century debates about Mormon origins and apologetics.

The Book of Mormon is a scripture that tells the story of a group of Hebrews who migrated from Jerusalem to the Americas around 600 BCE. It describes their history, including their division into two main groups: the Nephites and the Lamanites. The book emphasizes the appearance of Jesus Christ to these people after his resurrection, where he teaches them and establishes his church. It also discusses various doctrinal topics such as the fall of Adam and Eve, the nature of God, baptism, and the importance of faith and repentance. The book ends with Moroni's testimony and an invitation to readers to come unto Christ and be perfected in him.