Difference between revisions of "Mormonism and history"

(mod)
(format)
Line 38: Line 38:
 
|summary=Quite a few items that critics claim were hidden by the Church were actually published in Church magazines such as the ''New Era'', the ''Ensign'' and the ''Friend''.
 
|summary=Quite a few items that critics claim were hidden by the Church were actually published in Church magazines such as the ''New Era'', the ''Ensign'' and the ''Friend''.
 
}}
 
}}
{{SummaryItem
+
{{SummaryItem2
 
|link=Revelation after Joseph Smith/Oliver Cowdery/Orson Hyde promise
 
|link=Revelation after Joseph Smith/Oliver Cowdery/Orson Hyde promise
 
|subject=Orson Hyde's blessing altered in the ''History of the Church''?
 
|subject=Orson Hyde's blessing altered in the ''History of the Church''?

Revision as of 15:38, 16 January 2011

  1. REDIRECTTemplate:Test3


==

Topics

==

Accuracy of Church art

Summary: Critics charge that the Church knowingly "lies" or distorts the historical record in its artwork in order to whitewash the past, or for propaganda purposes. A commonly used example is the inaccuracy of any Church art representing the translation process of the Book of Mormon.

"Some things that are true are not very useful."

Summary: Elder Packer gave an address to religious educators called "The Mantle is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect." The following quote is a favorite of critics who wish to demonstrate that the Church wishes to suppress its history and independent thought: "There is a temptation for the writer or the teacher of Church history to want to tell everything, whether it is worthy or faith promoting or not. Some things that are true are not very useful."

Censorship and revision

Summary: Critics claim that the church has "whitewashed" some of the information about its origins to appear more palatable to members and investigators. Some feel that this is done intentionally to hide negative aspects of church history. Others feel that it is done to focus on the good, but that it causes problems for believing members when they encounter these issues outside of church curriculum.

Church discipline of scholars: The "September Six"

Summary: Critics claim that the Church excommunicates or disfellowships scholars who publish historical information that is embarrassing to Church leaders. Despite the fact that these disciplinary actions are carried out by local leaders, some critics insist that they are in reality instigated by general authorities.