Mormonism and history

1. REDIRECTTemplate:Test3

Mormonism and history

Accuracy of Church history

The Church's Gospel Topics essays

Summary: The Church has posted a series of Gospel Topics essays on LDS.org which discuss a variety of issues related to Church History and belief.

Elder Oaks on Church History

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: It is claimed 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.

1. REDIRECT Approaching history

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

Boyd K. Packer: "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: Some 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.

Authorship of 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?

B.H. Roberts' testimony of the Book of Mormon

Summary: Critics charge that the 'problems' with the Book of Mormon made Brigham H. Roberts (an early LDS apologist and member of the First Quorum of Seventy) lose his faith in the its historicity. The primary source upon which this criticism is based originates with Roberts' manuscripts detailing his critical study of the Book of Mormon, which was published under the title Studies of the Book of Mormon years after his death.

• • Use of sources—Roberts and the Book of Mormon in Richard Abanes' book Becoming Gods—
    Brief Summary: The book asserts that FARMS claims that B.H. Roberts was only playing "devils advocate" when he wrote the critical documents now contained in Studies of the Book of Mormon. The book goes on to claim that FARMS has have never provided documentation to support this assertion, and that FARMS only focuses on Roberts' declarations that were made before he reached what the book calls his "final conclusion." (Click here for full article)
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Garden of Eden in Missouri?

Summary: Is it true Mormons believe the original Garden of Eden was located in Missouri? What can you tell me about this?

Graven images and statues of angel Moroni

Summary: It is claimed that the Church violates the Biblical command against "graven images" because it displays sculptures of Christ, statues of the angel Moroni on the spires of our temples, or paintings showing scriptural scenes, within temples, chapels, visitors' centers, and publications. (See Exodus 20:3-4.)

Name of the Church

Summary: Why did the Church change its name twice during its history? Shouldn't the name have been given by revelation?

Reports of Drunken Behavior at the Kirtland Temple Dedication

Summary: Were there really spiritual manifestations attending the dedication of the Kirtland temple? I have heard allegations that it was in fact a drunken orgy.

The Seer (periodical by Orson Pratt)

Summary: Some critics of the Church quote from a newspaper called The Seer. Was this newspaper published by the Church? Are its contents considered official Church doctrine?

Succession in the Presidency of the Church

Summary: There was much contention regarding who Joseph Smith's successor was supposed to be after his death, and some claim that Joseph Smith designated his son Joseph III as his successor.

• • Seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve—
    Brief Summary: What is the seniority in the Quorum of the Twelve? (Click here for full article)
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== 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