Mormonism and history

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Mormonism and history

Accuracy of Church history

Church response

Summary: Elder Dallin Oaks discusses the issue of church history and facts that are not discussed frequently in church approved curriculum during an interview with Helen Whitney (HW) for the PBS documentary, The Mormons ^[1].

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.

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.

• • LDS histories over many years omit plural marriage—
    Brief Summary: Some critics charge that LDS histories have a long history of omitting mention of plural marriage as a cause for the Saints' troubles in Illinois. (Click here for full article)
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  • Sidney Rigdon trial in Times and Seasons versus History of the Church—
    Brief Summary: Critics charge that the account of Sidney Rigdon's 'trial' recorded in the Times and Seasons differs markedly from the version available in the History of the Church. They claim that this demonstrates the Church's tendency to "rewrite" history after the fact. (Click here for full article)
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  • Wilford Woodruff criticizes publication of polygamists—
    Brief Summary: Some critics charge that the Church's desire to hide its historical plural marriage is exemplified by Wilford Woodruff's criticism of assistant Church Historian Andrew Jenson's decision to publish the names of those who were married to Joseph Smith. (Click here for full article)
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  • Hiding the facts in plain sight using Church publications—
    Brief 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. (Click here for full article)
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  • Orson Hyde's blessing altered in the History of the Church?—
    Brief Summary: Critics claim that the ordination blessing given to Orson Hyde is an example of false prophecy. They also claim that Hyde's blessing was altered in the History of the Church for propaganda reasons. (Click here for full article)
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Authorship of the History of the Church

Summary: I've heard that the History of the Church, though credited to Joseph Smith, was not actually authored by him. What can you tell me about this, and what does this mean for the History's accuracy?

Attitude of the Church toward historians

"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."

"I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth."

Summary: There is much that critics do not reveal about this quote or its context, which is attributed to Elder Packer. The source of this quote is the now excommunicated D. Michael Quinn, who wrote in a footnote that, "When Elder Packer interviewed me as a prospective member of Brigham Young University's faculty in 1976, he explained: 'I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth.'" This quote is not from any recorded address by Elder Packer, nor is it in any of his writings.

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.

Other Church history topics

Hugh Nibley

Summary: Nibley was a pioneer in LDS scholarship and apologetics.

Miscellaneous

Summary: Uncategorized and miscellaneous issues in Mormon history.

== Notes ==

1. [note]  "Elder Oaks Interview Transcript from PBS Documentary," LDS.org (accessed 21 August 2007) off-site
2. [note]  "The Mormons," PBS.org off-site