Janis Hutchinson

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About Janis Hutchinson
Janis Hutchinson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction, graduated Summa Cum Laude with B.th and M.A. degrees in Theology, and was awarded "Writer of the Year" (2008) by the American Christian Writers Association. A former (very active), member of the mainline Mormon Church for 35 years and 2 years in Mormon Fundamentalist organizations, she is in demand as a speaker on Christian radio and TV, and lives near Seattle, Washington.
Website: www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com
Blog: wwwjanishutchinson.blogspot.com (no dot after the www)
Email: janishutchinson@comcast.net. She loves to hear from her readers.
The following are more highlights about my background and what triggered the writing of my first book:
As a child growing up in Southern California, I devoured books--Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Oz books, Lassie books, and a zillion novels, plus was an avid movie-goer. I made my first attempt at writing when I was twelve. However, I was put down so drastically by a relative that I did not begin any serious writing until in my thirties. Then, it became my passion. In my early years as a Mormon, I sold articles to the Improvement Era (the official LDS Church's magazine), excerpts of which were used in their radio commercials on the family.
Regarding family, I married my husband (now deceased) in the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple. After seven years, he died. I remarried, and after six years that husband died. Later, I became engaged and he died. (I quit trying after that.) I had three children with my first husband, a daughter and two sons, one of whom was killed in a hang-gliding accident. My daughter Debra lives in Texas, loves to sing, is worship leader at her church, and President of the local chapter of Ignite your Life. My son, Blake, lives in California, works for the government, and is involved in my writing ministry. He works very hard to host an additional website at janishutchinson.com and I appreciate him very much. My grandson, Isaac, is head of the youth program in his Ft. Worth church and teaches a Bible class. He also wants to go on a mission to China.
In 1978 I secretly joined a Mormon Fundamentalist group while still retaining my membership in the mainline church. You can read my story on my blog of how the group held me prisoner for nine months in a small room after they discovered me sneaking away to a Christian church. Conditions were such that I nearly died, but God spoke to me and enabled my escape. I was, however, left with serious health problems. I had a severe hemorrhage requiring six blood transfusions, then surgery. I had crippling back spasms that required the use of a neck brace; had a completely paralyzed colon and was facing a colostomy, but was miraculously healed; all in all, I was a physical mess. Today, thanks to the Lord, I am in excellent health. My only problem? I am gluten and lactose intolerant, which is no big deal. To read my story, go to my website, www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com and click on "My Blog," and then on the dashboard, "Escape From the Cult."
After I escaped, I requested my excommunication from the LDS Church in 1980 and entered Christianity. I knew I made the right decision, and that Mormon doctrines were unbiblical; nevertheless, I still went through twelve years of traumatic aftereffects trying to undo my mental baggage. The reason it took so long is that I didn't realize there were Christian ministries that could have helped me through the transition. I went to Bible College, then on to the University to earn an M.A. in Theology, which led to writing my first book. The reason? During the time I was going through the emotional aftereffects of leaving Mormonism there were no Christian books describing why I was having such repercussions. Other ex-Mormons were going through the same thing. I decided someone needed to write such a book, so I did.
In 1994, my first book, "Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and encouraging ex-cultists," was published by Kregel Publications. The book describes the emotional difficulties ex-cultists experience after leaving their cult and try to transition into a traditional church, and how Christians and pastors can help.
Then, in 1995, Kregel published my second book (1st edition), "The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods". I self-published an updated 2nd edition in 2012 updating the information (dates and statistics) and included an extra chapter covering the new missionary manual, "Preach My Gospel" that Mormon missionaries now use. Kregel also published a Spanish version, "Misioneros Mormones."
I recently published my historical suspense novel, "Unfinished Justice," inspired by a true crime event of which I played a part when I lived on the salt flats of Wendover, Utah. It is a gripping and powerful story that probes the depths of one man's determination to fight for justice. Check out my Amazon page for the story line.
Throughout my years of writing, my secular employment was working as Administrative Secretary to corporate officers. The last twenty-three years I worked as legal assistant to an attorney. I retired in 2008.
Do I have any other interests? In years past I enjoyed oil painting and won many blue ribbons. I also played the piano and organ for funerals and weddings in the community; but have done none of these for some years now, as I prefer to spend my time writing articles for my blog, working on my next book, and teaching Bible studies at my church.
Website: www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com
Blog: wwwjanishutchinson.blogspot.com (no dot after the www)
Email: janishutchinson@comcast.net. She loves to hear from her readers.
The following are more highlights about my background and what triggered the writing of my first book:
As a child growing up in Southern California, I devoured books--Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Oz books, Lassie books, and a zillion novels, plus was an avid movie-goer. I made my first attempt at writing when I was twelve. However, I was put down so drastically by a relative that I did not begin any serious writing until in my thirties. Then, it became my passion. In my early years as a Mormon, I sold articles to the Improvement Era (the official LDS Church's magazine), excerpts of which were used in their radio commercials on the family.
Regarding family, I married my husband (now deceased) in the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple. After seven years, he died. I remarried, and after six years that husband died. Later, I became engaged and he died. (I quit trying after that.) I had three children with my first husband, a daughter and two sons, one of whom was killed in a hang-gliding accident. My daughter Debra lives in Texas, loves to sing, is worship leader at her church, and President of the local chapter of Ignite your Life. My son, Blake, lives in California, works for the government, and is involved in my writing ministry. He works very hard to host an additional website at janishutchinson.com and I appreciate him very much. My grandson, Isaac, is head of the youth program in his Ft. Worth church and teaches a Bible class. He also wants to go on a mission to China.
In 1978 I secretly joined a Mormon Fundamentalist group while still retaining my membership in the mainline church. You can read my story on my blog of how the group held me prisoner for nine months in a small room after they discovered me sneaking away to a Christian church. Conditions were such that I nearly died, but God spoke to me and enabled my escape. I was, however, left with serious health problems. I had a severe hemorrhage requiring six blood transfusions, then surgery. I had crippling back spasms that required the use of a neck brace; had a completely paralyzed colon and was facing a colostomy, but was miraculously healed; all in all, I was a physical mess. Today, thanks to the Lord, I am in excellent health. My only problem? I am gluten and lactose intolerant, which is no big deal. To read my story, go to my website, www.JanisHutchinsonBooks.com and click on "My Blog," and then on the dashboard, "Escape From the Cult."
After I escaped, I requested my excommunication from the LDS Church in 1980 and entered Christianity. I knew I made the right decision, and that Mormon doctrines were unbiblical; nevertheless, I still went through twelve years of traumatic aftereffects trying to undo my mental baggage. The reason it took so long is that I didn't realize there were Christian ministries that could have helped me through the transition. I went to Bible College, then on to the University to earn an M.A. in Theology, which led to writing my first book. The reason? During the time I was going through the emotional aftereffects of leaving Mormonism there were no Christian books describing why I was having such repercussions. Other ex-Mormons were going through the same thing. I decided someone needed to write such a book, so I did.
In 1994, my first book, "Out of the Cults and Into the Church: Understanding and encouraging ex-cultists," was published by Kregel Publications. The book describes the emotional difficulties ex-cultists experience after leaving their cult and try to transition into a traditional church, and how Christians and pastors can help.
Then, in 1995, Kregel published my second book (1st edition), "The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods". I self-published an updated 2nd edition in 2012 updating the information (dates and statistics) and included an extra chapter covering the new missionary manual, "Preach My Gospel" that Mormon missionaries now use. Kregel also published a Spanish version, "Misioneros Mormones."
I recently published my historical suspense novel, "Unfinished Justice," inspired by a true crime event of which I played a part when I lived on the salt flats of Wendover, Utah. It is a gripping and powerful story that probes the depths of one man's determination to fight for justice. Check out my Amazon page for the story line.
Throughout my years of writing, my secular employment was working as Administrative Secretary to corporate officers. The last twenty-three years I worked as legal assistant to an attorney. I retired in 2008.
Do I have any other interests? In years past I enjoyed oil painting and won many blue ribbons. I also played the piano and organ for funerals and weddings in the community; but have done none of these for some years now, as I prefer to spend my time writing articles for my blog, working on my next book, and teaching Bible studies at my church.
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Remember, if you would like to be automatically notified each time a new article is posted (approx. once a month), please let me know at janishutchinson@comca5 years ago Read more -
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This is the last in the 3 series on the Mormon Church’s practice of baptism for the dead.
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This is an article I posted three years ago. I’m posting it again for two reasons: (1) my workload is too heavy right now to compose a new article, and (2) many newcomers have signed on since then and have never read it. In my attempt to make each post shorter (I know my previous ones have been long), I have divided it into three parts.
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If you would like to be automatically notified each time a new article is posted (approx once a month), please contact me at janishutchinson@comcast.net and I will add you to my mailing list.
(Note: Aug. 24, 2015) I will have to forego posting a new article for August and September, as I am recuperating from an illness and my energy level just isn’t back to normal yet to post a new one.
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(If you would like to be automatically notified each time a new article is posted—approx. once a month—please let me know at janishutchinson@comcast.net and I will add you to my mailing list.)
I was asked an interesting question the other day: Why was Judah selected as the chosen line instead of Joseph? The reasoning behind the person’s question was: Joseph was a firstborn, Judah wasn’t; and in the Old Testament birthright promises were usually given to firstborns. So6 years ago Read more -
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This month, I thought I would give you something less heavy to read. Below is a copy of my recent interview on the blog of Desiree Mondesir, Managing Editor for Gospel Today Magazine.
Janis Hutchinson: Escape from Fundamental Mormonism Interview of Janis Hutchinson by Desiree Mondesir February 16 and 17, 2015 – Part I and 2 http://tinyurl.com/ogcfgmd
Desiree M. Mondesir, CEO, I’d like you all to meet Jani6 years ago Read more -
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If you would like to be automatically notified each time a new article is posted (approx. once a month), please let me know at janishutchinson@comcast.net.
Below is my article on the Mormon "Law of Adoption and Sealing of Men to Men,” including Joseph Smith’s revelation to set up an earthly Church of the Firstborn, claimed to be an exact replica of the heavenly one mentioned in the Bible, plus much more. Y6 years ago Read more -
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If you would like to be automatically notified each time a new article is posted (approximately once a month), please let me know at janishutchinson@comcast.net.
Again, I am crunched for time this month, so here's another short story of mine.
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When I am crunched for time, I often re-post one of my short stories instead of writing a new article. This is what I am doing this month. I need more time to put the finishing touches on my novel, Ultimate Justice, a historical, suspense thriller, and prepare it for submission to an agent (very time-consuming). You can see what it's about by clicking on "My Books" at the top of this page, and then scroll down.
I hope you en6 years ago Read more -
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Part 2 of "The Divine Mother Goddess of Mormonism" will investigate further the LDS belief that God has a wife—particularly LDS scholars’ claim that Asherah, depicted in the Old Testament (the wife of Baal) was really Eloheim’s wife and that Jewish scribes falsified the scriptures about her.
I’m sure you'll find the subject a fascinating one.
To read the previous Part I (or any other past article) click on6 years ago Read more
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Books By Janis Hutchinson
Out of the Cults and Into the Church
Jul 13, 2012
$2.99
Based upon her own experience in Mormonism and those of others, the author presents the difficulties and special challenges ex-cultists face when leaving their tightly structured religious community and unique doctrines and entering an orthodox Christian church. Drawing upon the composite experiences of former cult members from the Mormon Church, Unification Church, Hare Krishnas and others, she explains the emotional trauma and difficult questions faced by all who have left cults. Offering a one-of-a-kind counseling tool, the book offers practical, non-technical, suggestions for pastors, counselors and friends seeking to help and encourage ex-cultists through the difficult times of post-conversion stress.
Other Formats:
Paperback
The Mormon Missionaries: An inside look at their real message and methods (Second Edition)
Jul 11, 2012
$2.99
Each year thousands of young people serve as door-to-door witnesses to spread their “restored gospel." In this second edition, author Janis Hutchinson, a former Mormon of thirty-five years (also a former missionary), goes behind the appearances to examine the real story of the Mormon missionary program—from its unorthodox theological and political beliefs, including the LDS Church's agenda for America, to its carefully planned strategies to win converts, and examines the current evangelizing manual for missionaries, "Preach My Gospel." You will learn more Mormon doctrine than you knew before; also, discover startling facts surrounding Joseph Smith's claims and receive an eye-opener on where he actually got his doctrines. The book contains updated statistics and is heavily researched and documented with 46 pages of endnotes. "A researcher's dream!" stated one reviewer. Another reviewer said: "One of the most impressive aspects of this book is the respect that Ms. Hutchinson shows toward members of the Mormon Church."
Written like a novel, the book is set against the backdrop of a Christian Bible College in San Antonio where two Mormon missionaries bravely venture onto campus. The story portrays Susan, a student, who falls for one of the handsome missionaries. Believing she can convert him she agrees to take their lessons and soon finds herself torn between her romantic feelings and her Christian faith. A concerned teacher on campus, a former Mormon, accompanies her to the missionaries’ lessons, counsels Susan about their false claims, and discusses the Mormon material in her cults class.
Written like a novel, the book is set against the backdrop of a Christian Bible College in San Antonio where two Mormon missionaries bravely venture onto campus. The story portrays Susan, a student, who falls for one of the handsome missionaries. Believing she can convert him she agrees to take their lessons and soon finds herself torn between her romantic feelings and her Christian faith. A concerned teacher on campus, a former Mormon, accompanies her to the missionaries’ lessons, counsels Susan about their false claims, and discusses the Mormon material in her cults class.
Other Formats:
Paperback
Unfinished Justice: Historical suspense thriller
Apr 13, 2016
$3.99
Limited time reduced price for early readers!
In this 1935 historical suspense novel, praised as "riveting and gripping" (Robert Dugoni, NY Times Best Seller), Ed Bowman, small town reporter for the Casey Clarion in Virginia, is unjustly convicted for the murder of his wife, committed by an escaped prisoner whose murder trial he just covered with an exclusive article that virtually guaranteed a guilty verdict.
Sentenced to life in the State Penitentiary, and losing faith in God to right his situation, he determines to redeem his shattered life and makes a daring escape to track down the killer in a high-risk chase across six states to the salt flats of Wendover, Utah. But an unexpected betrayal by a befriended Mormon leader brings his plans to a sudden stop, leaving him with no hope short of a miracle.
About the Author
Author Janis Hutchinson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. Awarded "Writer of the Year" by the American Christian Writers Association (2008), she is in demand as a speaker on Christian radio and TV. Unfinished Justice is her debut novel, inspired by a true story.
In this 1935 historical suspense novel, praised as "riveting and gripping" (Robert Dugoni, NY Times Best Seller), Ed Bowman, small town reporter for the Casey Clarion in Virginia, is unjustly convicted for the murder of his wife, committed by an escaped prisoner whose murder trial he just covered with an exclusive article that virtually guaranteed a guilty verdict.
Sentenced to life in the State Penitentiary, and losing faith in God to right his situation, he determines to redeem his shattered life and makes a daring escape to track down the killer in a high-risk chase across six states to the salt flats of Wendover, Utah. But an unexpected betrayal by a befriended Mormon leader brings his plans to a sudden stop, leaving him with no hope short of a miracle.
About the Author
Author Janis Hutchinson is an award-winning author of both fiction and nonfiction. Awarded "Writer of the Year" by the American Christian Writers Association (2008), she is in demand as a speaker on Christian radio and TV. Unfinished Justice is her debut novel, inspired by a true story.
Her knowledge of criminal law comes from court research, twenty-three years as Legal Assistant to an attorney, and study of early Virginia's prison system and chain gangs. The unique judicial stance of the Mormon Church concerning salvation and felons is from her expertise on the subject. Find out more about Janis Hutchinson at JanisHutchinsonBooks.com.
Other Formats:
Paperback
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