Former Church historian Davis Bitton once gave a talk titled "I Do Not Have a Testimony of Church History."
The mere title of this talk should remind us all that our testimonies should be rooted in Jesus Christ. Studying history is intriguing but we should always remind ourselves that history is a series of snapshots -- NOT a video!
There are many things so easily misunderstood without their proper context. Enemies of the Church are masters in exploiting these things to make them appear sinister when they are not.
ViJuly 30, 2013
If at the time of our baptism, we felt how the power of the Holy Ghost works for all of us, then there is no way we will ever deny the truth no matter what happens later.
Of course we are all human here on earth and subject to human failings. There is not one of us who has not made mistakes. All we can do is try to live our lives the best way we can from the things we have learned from the past.
'A man ( or woman) convinced his will is of the same opinion still' is a true statement .
The best way to learn anything worth learning is to get on our knees and talk to The Lord.
If we are in tune we will know what is the truth. If we are not in tune we will have the spirit of contention with us.
It is all up to each one of us.
I have found that the best way to live my life is to follow The Lord Jesus Christ and to love everyone but I am now 83 so what do I know, Right?
efdubJuly 29, 2013
"All the other kids were doing it," is an excuse my 5 year old would use to explain his behaviour. It's a poor excuse to explain the church's involvement with polygamy.
Willa SparksJuly 27, 2013
Elijah Able(s) was not temple-endowed.
RosieJuly 26, 2013
Quite a few years back we moved from Utah's cushy comfort zone and lived a rustic, pioneer life among many "saints" who struggled and fell after experiencing great challenges such as this article talks about.
A couple of conclusions:
I no longer worship the "pioneers" and feel strongly they would prefer not to be romanticized and deifyed. They were just people like all the rest of us ordinary mormons . (Too much of this romanticizing has gone on over the pulpit over the years). But now I just respect the strength they had and what they had to endure and overcome and apply some of that tenacity to my life and situations now. I'll never forget in my early youth in downtown SLC the senior white haired children of pioneers hobbling to the pulpit to bear amazing testimonies of their beliefs and heritage. They literally glowed as they spoke. I'll never forget!
Second - too many LDS folks slide along without taking the time to really search and study the gospel and polish their testimonies so that they know beyond any doubt that God is directing this work and when these contradictory statements and articles come out they aren't so shaken.
I have seen so much of this. We were warned that the days ahead would be treacherous- not physically but instead spiritually. Lets "gird up our loins and fresh courage take". The fruits are worth it!
Vai RuaJuly 26, 2013
AMEN AND AMEN!!!
Larry WhaleyJuly 25, 2013
The way I look at it is the doubters never had the faith to fully take on the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They think they did. On the subject of plural marriage there is one thing people forget, it was a commandment of God for anyone to take on another wife. Everyone in the church should already know that. If God tells our leaders to do anything we are called upon to do it. You do not question the Lord.
Larry TippettsJuly 25, 2013
As a recently retired seminary and institute teacher of 42 years, I would say that all of these difficult topics were discussed either as a part of the prepared curriculum, or in response to questions students raised in class. I have always believed that our youth and new converts should become familiar with the realities of the history of the Restored Gospel in a context of faith. I am increasingly surprised to hear of life long members who were not aware of plural marriage, priesthood denial to blacks, or the Mountain Meadows massacre. Most of the published books dealing with church history discuss these issues to one degree or another. I once had a troubled student come to my office to tell me that he had never heard there were many different accounts of the First Vision, some with seeming contradictions. I opened my file on the First Vision and pulled out an Ensign article from the 1980's summarizing the various First Vision accounts. He was surprised, but a little sheepish, and agreed that perhaps he had not spent much time studying the history of the church as he might have. My heart goes out to those who hear this difficult issues from less than friendly sources, for their are plausible responses to them, for those whose hearts are still open to such explanations.
HaleyJuly 25, 2013
I am an active member of the church who has had many of the same doubts and feelings that were addressed in the New York Times article. I was so glad to see that someone who held a high position in the church would have the courage to admit his doubts as well. I found your response to be very condescending to those of us inside the church who have come across troubling issues with church history (and not only the ones you addressed here, but many others). Optimism alone will not make these issues go away and restore our faith. "Facing Down" those who doubt is probably not the best tactic either. Doubt is an important part of learning and growing. I find this quote by Rene Descartes to be quite fitting:
Rockgod28July 25, 2013
You have died and after a time you are brought to your time of judgment. Are you really going to try to justify disobedience or doubt for your thoughts, words and actions with questions like these:
Why didn't you [God] clarify with detailed evidence how exactly Joseph Smith Jr. translated the golden plates?
Answer: D&C 9
Why didn't you immediately correct the policy of the Priesthood ban or give more detailed revelation for the reasons for the ban?
Answer: D&C 105:6
Why did you [God] allow solid evidence of the Book of Mormon (golden plates and other records as well as historical relics), Book of Abraham, Book of Moses and other confusion by not having solid tangible proof to be examined by more than just 11 witnesses?
Answer: Moroni 10:4-5
Why did you [God] have Joseph and the early saints practice polygamy?
Answer D&C 132
So where is the justification to doubt and make excuses at our judgment? There isn't.
Alma 43:11 - The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
janetJuly 24, 2013
I am perplexed by people who feel "the church" has "hidden" things in the past and betrayed them. I have slowly heard about the past and have been glad to know real people lived back then..with real feelings...including my ancestors at Hauns Mill...and the leaders led the best they could with the what truths they knew. Even Moses had a tough time ...Imagine what people will say of us in 150 years....maybe we should be careful what we write in our journals...LOL!!!
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Teresa HumphreyJuly 24, 2013
I will forever be grateful that my seminary teacher in 10th grade didn't sugarcoat anything for us. He discussed the issues openly and probably the most useful thing he did was tell us that our ancestors were not driven out of all those places because of their benign beliefs - they were chased out because too many of them said and did stupid and arrogant things that gave their neighbors cause for alarm. Brother Thompson was big on history and didn't want us repeating the pioneer's mistakes.
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
R TaylorJuly 24, 2013
I do appreciate the "hopeful" tone of this article. However, there are many wonderful books by non-Mormon authors that are unbiased but do not accept as fact every generational recollection. Wallace Stegner, for example, in "Mormon Country" is respectful for the most part, if skeptical. His writing is superb and his skepticism tolerable because our basic difference is one of faith. My faith is not threatened by skepticism or lies. My ancestors did join the Church in early days paid the price in suffering, death, sacrifice to make the trek. Were they perfect? Of course not. But "FAITH" is the question. They had that and thankfully I have the gospel because of them and have had the opportunity to test my own faith.
Renaissance NerdJuly 24, 2013
And you didn't even get to the ridiculous libels that still resurface every few years that have been shown to be frauds for 150 years! I know people who read on the internet the very libels of William & Wilson Law's in the Expositor without attribution and just believed it uncritically. And any lifelong Mormon who doesn't know Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage is not living his or her religion. What else are we directed to do but learn learn learn? You're always going to find some ulterior motive in that situation. Nobody can be that blind on purpose.
Brent TaylorJuly 24, 2013
What is the outrage with polygamy? I just do not understand why this bugs people. Our nation, our states and our cities around us are filled with people being intimate with, and parenting children with, multiple partners to whom they are not married or legally committed -- often simultaneously. Exactly how is taking legal responsibility a worse thing? Baffling.
Gary EJuly 24, 2013
Those who criticize and find fault, including member of the Church, should take a second look at the Bible. Adam and Eve's children paired off to produce offspring. How do you explain that? Great Biblical leaders practiced plural marriage, and one of them, Abraham, drove one of his wives with a small child into the desert. Explain that. Moses was commanded to destroy entire cities, including men, women and children. Christ was born of Mary, a daughter of God, with God as the father. Explain that. Will the critics then abandon the Bible? Give up on Christianity? We must be consistent in our application of standards, rather than picking at some and ignoring others.
Duane LawsJuly 24, 2013
Good to read some intelligent comments about Mormon history..
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Robb S.July 24, 2013
I agree hole heartedly. It isn't our falt that our ancesters were polygynist. Lots of people were, and we should respect the dead and there choices.
What we need now is to focus on the present and the future, and how to live are lives like Chris.
Renaissance NerdJuly 24, 2013
And you didn't even get to the ridiculous libels that still resurface every few years that have been shown to be frauds for 150 years! I know people who read on the internet the very libels of William & Wilson Law's in the Expositor without attribution and just believed it uncritically. And any lifelong Mormon who doesn't know Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage is not living his or her religion. What else are we directed to do but learn learn learn? You're always going to find some ulterior motive in that situation. Nobody can be that blind on purpose.
Ms. PetersenJuly 24, 2013
Elijah Able was not a "temple-endowed priesthood holder." He was given the priesthood, but was never allowed to go through the temple. Despite a lifetime devoted to Church service, his plea to receive his endowments was denied.
marjorie simardJuly 24, 2013
Now that's said, I hope no one will bring up those black days again. They were bad, bad, but don't cause my faith to shake, either.
Paul BohmanJuly 24, 2013
It's true that we can choose to be optimistic or accusatory in our approach to church history.
Doubters are not the enemies of truth though. Joseph Smith himself doubted and questioned. His sincere search for truth is what started the phenomenon that would later become Mormonism. It is only through doubting and questioning (pondering and searching) that truths can be discovered. Joseph Smith challenged the very foundations of Christianity, and nothing was too sacred for him to not reconsider it. That's how he became the man he became. Similarly, nothing in Mormonism's own history should be beyond questioning or reconsidering. There is still much to learn that way.
Curiosity, doubt, and questions are not antithetical to virtue or truth. They are the foundations upon which truth is built.
And yes, faith plays a role: faith in the process of discovering truth and setting aside false preconceptions.
Also: I've met and talked with Hans (the man featured in the NY Times article), and heard him speak at length. He is a good man. His motives come from the right place. What would you gain by "Facing him down" as the title of the article says? Nothing. He's not trying to destroy the church. (No, really. He's not. Spend any time actually listening to him and you'll know that's true.) But there is much to be gained by listening to him and others who have had similar experiences.
The more we put people in the "enemies of the church" category, the more we lose out on the ability to learn from them and move forward in positive, optimistic ways, which is what you seem to be saying that we ought to do in this article.
Robyn GeantilJuly 24, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had read the article and felt so frustrated. You answered with that article with power and conviction. I know that even the elect will be deceived. I 'm sure we will see more of it.
NancyJuly 24, 2013
I live in North Carolina, and although I love the state, for many years (before I moved here), it was a common practice to sterilize people who were deemed "unfit" for whatever reason to have children - mostly African Americans. The victims (or their descendants) only recently have been compensated for this travesty. It is a shameful part of NC history, yet does that make it a horrible state to live in? No! That was part of our history, but that is not who we are. That being said, although the history of the church has some questionable moments, times have changed. The internet is available to all, and even now in Primary the children are shown the picture of Joseph Smith looking at gold plates. I was SHOCKED when I learned only recently that Joseph Smith did indeed look into a stone into a hat. So what? But why are the Primary kids taught something else? My great grandfather was Joseph Smith's bodyguard and performed some of his marriages to teenagers. I don't know why-it doesn't shake my testimony. BUT at the root of my concern is having some reasonable, logical explanations for questions that any investigator can easily find on the Internet. I appreciate the efforts of Church leaders to bring these things into the open so we can all understand them for what they are rather than being blindsided by a skeptical investigator who looked to the internet for answers.
JackJuly 24, 2013
The only thing the New York Times is good for is lining the bottom of your bird cage... and it isn't really very adequate for that!
Gary BealJuly 24, 2013
Juli: I liked your article as far as you took it. In "Facing down the doubters" you focused on the doubters OUTSIDE the church. I agree with your basic sentiments and approach on how to deal with them. But the article also referenced high-ranking doubters INSIDE the church. To me, this looks to be the more complicated issue. The area authority quoted was not some casual "Johnny-come-lately" Mormon, but someone who had given deeply of his time and resources, only to leave the church based on conflicting data he found at non-LDS sources. It is a problem that afflicts many apparently good and sound LDS believers, and presents a challenge both to those individuals and the body of the church. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on how to approach that problem
EricJuly 24, 2013
With all due respect, the writer of this article seems oblivious to the point raised by the people mentioned in the New York Times article.
The point isn't that things like polygamy and racial exclusion happened. The point is that some people who have had their faith shaken by history feel, rightly or wrongly, that the church has been dishonest about its history and/or that it has failed to acknowledge some of the most troublesome aspects of its history.
Nobody is expecting that the church will include in its latest missionary lessons anything about Joseph Smith and Brigham Young marrying barely pubescent girls or women married to other men. But when people find out about these things, why do they have to find them out from people hostile to the church? Why can't we, and I say this as an active, temple-attending member of the church, make accurate history a part of our narrative? While we need not dwell on the troublesome aspects of history, neither should we pretend they didn't happen.
Bob PowelsonJuly 24, 2013
The time for a weak knee approach to our critics is long past. Personally, when anyone attacks my church and my beliefs to I respond without consideration of "a soft word turneth away wrath". I respond in a very in your face, confrontational way. It works.
I am 73 and it works.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood."
Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood."
Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood."
Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Melanie AlfredJuly 24, 2013
Good one. Thanks for a thoughtful and positive article.
RobynJuly 24, 2013
In the Old Testament, Jehovah gave the power and authority of the priesthood only to the tribe of Levi. What about the other 11 tribes? Since race couldn't possibly be a question in this instance, it must be an example of prejudice. Then the Lord himself must be prejudiced since he wouldn't give the priesthood to anyone except Levites. We know that the Lord couldn't possibly be prejudiced so how do you explain it? The Lord gives and takes as he sees fit. Whatever he does is perfect and just even though we may not understand it.
Robyn
Leesburg, VA
Bev PlesterJuly 24, 2013
I've recently read Wallace Stegner's (1964) The Gathering of Zion. It was written when we still sanitized our own accounts, by a non-member with no ax to grind. I found his account very much more believable than the sanitized versions I've never been able to identify with in my 54 years in the church. His praise for the Saints has no self-serving bias, and I found myself for the first time wishing I had pioneer ancestors, imperfect, but incomprehensibly strong. We don't have to face the doubters down, that's just the combative stance they have trouble with. Anyone's doubts need acknowledgement, and the doubters our honest friendship.
AdamJuly 24, 2013
Great rebuttal article Sis. Caldwell. Thanks for taking the time to articulate a reasoned, measured response to a half-baked, shallow and frankly tired set of belly-aches. I fear your article will fall on deaf ears to those who need it most, but it will also bouy up the faithful and for that you will be blessed. Let us be judged today for our fruits, past AND present...in their totality. This faithful Mormon will sleep very well at night.
Comments | Return to Story
Lyle J.July 30, 2013
Former Church historian Davis Bitton once gave a talk titled "I Do Not Have a Testimony of Church History." The mere title of this talk should remind us all that our testimonies should be rooted in Jesus Christ. Studying history is intriguing but we should always remind ourselves that history is a series of snapshots -- NOT a video! There are many things so easily misunderstood without their proper context. Enemies of the Church are masters in exploiting these things to make them appear sinister when they are not.
ViJuly 30, 2013
If at the time of our baptism, we felt how the power of the Holy Ghost works for all of us, then there is no way we will ever deny the truth no matter what happens later. Of course we are all human here on earth and subject to human failings. There is not one of us who has not made mistakes. All we can do is try to live our lives the best way we can from the things we have learned from the past. 'A man ( or woman) convinced his will is of the same opinion still' is a true statement . The best way to learn anything worth learning is to get on our knees and talk to The Lord. If we are in tune we will know what is the truth. If we are not in tune we will have the spirit of contention with us. It is all up to each one of us. I have found that the best way to live my life is to follow The Lord Jesus Christ and to love everyone but I am now 83 so what do I know, Right?
efdubJuly 29, 2013
"All the other kids were doing it," is an excuse my 5 year old would use to explain his behaviour. It's a poor excuse to explain the church's involvement with polygamy.
Willa SparksJuly 27, 2013
Elijah Able(s) was not temple-endowed.
RosieJuly 26, 2013
Quite a few years back we moved from Utah's cushy comfort zone and lived a rustic, pioneer life among many "saints" who struggled and fell after experiencing great challenges such as this article talks about. A couple of conclusions: I no longer worship the "pioneers" and feel strongly they would prefer not to be romanticized and deifyed. They were just people like all the rest of us ordinary mormons . (Too much of this romanticizing has gone on over the pulpit over the years). But now I just respect the strength they had and what they had to endure and overcome and apply some of that tenacity to my life and situations now. I'll never forget in my early youth in downtown SLC the senior white haired children of pioneers hobbling to the pulpit to bear amazing testimonies of their beliefs and heritage. They literally glowed as they spoke. I'll never forget! Second - too many LDS folks slide along without taking the time to really search and study the gospel and polish their testimonies so that they know beyond any doubt that God is directing this work and when these contradictory statements and articles come out they aren't so shaken. I have seen so much of this. We were warned that the days ahead would be treacherous- not physically but instead spiritually. Lets "gird up our loins and fresh courage take". The fruits are worth it!
Vai RuaJuly 26, 2013
AMEN AND AMEN!!!
Larry WhaleyJuly 25, 2013
The way I look at it is the doubters never had the faith to fully take on the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. They think they did. On the subject of plural marriage there is one thing people forget, it was a commandment of God for anyone to take on another wife. Everyone in the church should already know that. If God tells our leaders to do anything we are called upon to do it. You do not question the Lord.
Larry TippettsJuly 25, 2013
As a recently retired seminary and institute teacher of 42 years, I would say that all of these difficult topics were discussed either as a part of the prepared curriculum, or in response to questions students raised in class. I have always believed that our youth and new converts should become familiar with the realities of the history of the Restored Gospel in a context of faith. I am increasingly surprised to hear of life long members who were not aware of plural marriage, priesthood denial to blacks, or the Mountain Meadows massacre. Most of the published books dealing with church history discuss these issues to one degree or another. I once had a troubled student come to my office to tell me that he had never heard there were many different accounts of the First Vision, some with seeming contradictions. I opened my file on the First Vision and pulled out an Ensign article from the 1980's summarizing the various First Vision accounts. He was surprised, but a little sheepish, and agreed that perhaps he had not spent much time studying the history of the church as he might have. My heart goes out to those who hear this difficult issues from less than friendly sources, for their are plausible responses to them, for those whose hearts are still open to such explanations.
HaleyJuly 25, 2013
I am an active member of the church who has had many of the same doubts and feelings that were addressed in the New York Times article. I was so glad to see that someone who held a high position in the church would have the courage to admit his doubts as well. I found your response to be very condescending to those of us inside the church who have come across troubling issues with church history (and not only the ones you addressed here, but many others). Optimism alone will not make these issues go away and restore our faith. "Facing Down" those who doubt is probably not the best tactic either. Doubt is an important part of learning and growing. I find this quote by Rene Descartes to be quite fitting:
Rockgod28July 25, 2013
You have died and after a time you are brought to your time of judgment. Are you really going to try to justify disobedience or doubt for your thoughts, words and actions with questions like these: Why didn't you [God] clarify with detailed evidence how exactly Joseph Smith Jr. translated the golden plates? Answer: D&C 9 Why didn't you immediately correct the policy of the Priesthood ban or give more detailed revelation for the reasons for the ban? Answer: D&C 105:6 Why did you [God] allow solid evidence of the Book of Mormon (golden plates and other records as well as historical relics), Book of Abraham, Book of Moses and other confusion by not having solid tangible proof to be examined by more than just 11 witnesses? Answer: Moroni 10:4-5 Why did you [God] have Joseph and the early saints practice polygamy? Answer D&C 132 So where is the justification to doubt and make excuses at our judgment? There isn't. Alma 43:11 - The spirit and the body shall be reunited again in its perfect form; both limb and joint shall be restored to its proper frame, even as we now are at this time; and we shall be brought to stand before God, knowing even as we know now, and have a bright recollection of all our guilt.
janetJuly 24, 2013
I am perplexed by people who feel "the church" has "hidden" things in the past and betrayed them. I have slowly heard about the past and have been glad to know real people lived back then..with real feelings...including my ancestors at Hauns Mill...and the leaders led the best they could with the what truths they knew. Even Moses had a tough time ...Imagine what people will say of us in 150 years....maybe we should be careful what we write in our journals...LOL!!!
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Teresa HumphreyJuly 24, 2013
I will forever be grateful that my seminary teacher in 10th grade didn't sugarcoat anything for us. He discussed the issues openly and probably the most useful thing he did was tell us that our ancestors were not driven out of all those places because of their benign beliefs - they were chased out because too many of them said and did stupid and arrogant things that gave their neighbors cause for alarm. Brother Thompson was big on history and didn't want us repeating the pioneer's mistakes.
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
R TaylorJuly 24, 2013
I do appreciate the "hopeful" tone of this article. However, there are many wonderful books by non-Mormon authors that are unbiased but do not accept as fact every generational recollection. Wallace Stegner, for example, in "Mormon Country" is respectful for the most part, if skeptical. His writing is superb and his skepticism tolerable because our basic difference is one of faith. My faith is not threatened by skepticism or lies. My ancestors did join the Church in early days paid the price in suffering, death, sacrifice to make the trek. Were they perfect? Of course not. But "FAITH" is the question. They had that and thankfully I have the gospel because of them and have had the opportunity to test my own faith.
Renaissance NerdJuly 24, 2013
And you didn't even get to the ridiculous libels that still resurface every few years that have been shown to be frauds for 150 years! I know people who read on the internet the very libels of William & Wilson Law's in the Expositor without attribution and just believed it uncritically. And any lifelong Mormon who doesn't know Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage is not living his or her religion. What else are we directed to do but learn learn learn? You're always going to find some ulterior motive in that situation. Nobody can be that blind on purpose.
Brent TaylorJuly 24, 2013
What is the outrage with polygamy? I just do not understand why this bugs people. Our nation, our states and our cities around us are filled with people being intimate with, and parenting children with, multiple partners to whom they are not married or legally committed -- often simultaneously. Exactly how is taking legal responsibility a worse thing? Baffling.
Gary EJuly 24, 2013
Those who criticize and find fault, including member of the Church, should take a second look at the Bible. Adam and Eve's children paired off to produce offspring. How do you explain that? Great Biblical leaders practiced plural marriage, and one of them, Abraham, drove one of his wives with a small child into the desert. Explain that. Moses was commanded to destroy entire cities, including men, women and children. Christ was born of Mary, a daughter of God, with God as the father. Explain that. Will the critics then abandon the Bible? Give up on Christianity? We must be consistent in our application of standards, rather than picking at some and ignoring others.
Duane LawsJuly 24, 2013
Good to read some intelligent comments about Mormon history..
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Sue BerginJuly 24, 2013
As an active and believing Latter-day Saint, I understand the feelings behind this article. I believe, however, that a "look on the bright side" approach to troubling issues and honest questions rubs salt in the wounds of our struggling brothers and sisters in the gospel. I hope we can resist dismissing them as pessimistic or not hopeful enough and instead wrap our arms around them and accompany them on their faith journeys.
Robb S.July 24, 2013
I agree hole heartedly. It isn't our falt that our ancesters were polygynist. Lots of people were, and we should respect the dead and there choices. What we need now is to focus on the present and the future, and how to live are lives like Chris.
Renaissance NerdJuly 24, 2013
And you didn't even get to the ridiculous libels that still resurface every few years that have been shown to be frauds for 150 years! I know people who read on the internet the very libels of William & Wilson Law's in the Expositor without attribution and just believed it uncritically. And any lifelong Mormon who doesn't know Joseph Smith practiced plural marriage is not living his or her religion. What else are we directed to do but learn learn learn? You're always going to find some ulterior motive in that situation. Nobody can be that blind on purpose.
Ms. PetersenJuly 24, 2013
Elijah Able was not a "temple-endowed priesthood holder." He was given the priesthood, but was never allowed to go through the temple. Despite a lifetime devoted to Church service, his plea to receive his endowments was denied.
marjorie simardJuly 24, 2013
Now that's said, I hope no one will bring up those black days again. They were bad, bad, but don't cause my faith to shake, either.
Paul BohmanJuly 24, 2013
It's true that we can choose to be optimistic or accusatory in our approach to church history. Doubters are not the enemies of truth though. Joseph Smith himself doubted and questioned. His sincere search for truth is what started the phenomenon that would later become Mormonism. It is only through doubting and questioning (pondering and searching) that truths can be discovered. Joseph Smith challenged the very foundations of Christianity, and nothing was too sacred for him to not reconsider it. That's how he became the man he became. Similarly, nothing in Mormonism's own history should be beyond questioning or reconsidering. There is still much to learn that way. Curiosity, doubt, and questions are not antithetical to virtue or truth. They are the foundations upon which truth is built. And yes, faith plays a role: faith in the process of discovering truth and setting aside false preconceptions. Also: I've met and talked with Hans (the man featured in the NY Times article), and heard him speak at length. He is a good man. His motives come from the right place. What would you gain by "Facing him down" as the title of the article says? Nothing. He's not trying to destroy the church. (No, really. He's not. Spend any time actually listening to him and you'll know that's true.) But there is much to be gained by listening to him and others who have had similar experiences. The more we put people in the "enemies of the church" category, the more we lose out on the ability to learn from them and move forward in positive, optimistic ways, which is what you seem to be saying that we ought to do in this article.
Robyn GeantilJuly 24, 2013
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I had read the article and felt so frustrated. You answered with that article with power and conviction. I know that even the elect will be deceived. I 'm sure we will see more of it.
NancyJuly 24, 2013
I live in North Carolina, and although I love the state, for many years (before I moved here), it was a common practice to sterilize people who were deemed "unfit" for whatever reason to have children - mostly African Americans. The victims (or their descendants) only recently have been compensated for this travesty. It is a shameful part of NC history, yet does that make it a horrible state to live in? No! That was part of our history, but that is not who we are. That being said, although the history of the church has some questionable moments, times have changed. The internet is available to all, and even now in Primary the children are shown the picture of Joseph Smith looking at gold plates. I was SHOCKED when I learned only recently that Joseph Smith did indeed look into a stone into a hat. So what? But why are the Primary kids taught something else? My great grandfather was Joseph Smith's bodyguard and performed some of his marriages to teenagers. I don't know why-it doesn't shake my testimony. BUT at the root of my concern is having some reasonable, logical explanations for questions that any investigator can easily find on the Internet. I appreciate the efforts of Church leaders to bring these things into the open so we can all understand them for what they are rather than being blindsided by a skeptical investigator who looked to the internet for answers.
JackJuly 24, 2013
The only thing the New York Times is good for is lining the bottom of your bird cage... and it isn't really very adequate for that!
Gary BealJuly 24, 2013
Juli: I liked your article as far as you took it. In "Facing down the doubters" you focused on the doubters OUTSIDE the church. I agree with your basic sentiments and approach on how to deal with them. But the article also referenced high-ranking doubters INSIDE the church. To me, this looks to be the more complicated issue. The area authority quoted was not some casual "Johnny-come-lately" Mormon, but someone who had given deeply of his time and resources, only to leave the church based on conflicting data he found at non-LDS sources. It is a problem that afflicts many apparently good and sound LDS believers, and presents a challenge both to those individuals and the body of the church. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on how to approach that problem
EricJuly 24, 2013
With all due respect, the writer of this article seems oblivious to the point raised by the people mentioned in the New York Times article. The point isn't that things like polygamy and racial exclusion happened. The point is that some people who have had their faith shaken by history feel, rightly or wrongly, that the church has been dishonest about its history and/or that it has failed to acknowledge some of the most troublesome aspects of its history. Nobody is expecting that the church will include in its latest missionary lessons anything about Joseph Smith and Brigham Young marrying barely pubescent girls or women married to other men. But when people find out about these things, why do they have to find them out from people hostile to the church? Why can't we, and I say this as an active, temple-attending member of the church, make accurate history a part of our narrative? While we need not dwell on the troublesome aspects of history, neither should we pretend they didn't happen.
Bob PowelsonJuly 24, 2013
The time for a weak knee approach to our critics is long past. Personally, when anyone attacks my church and my beliefs to I respond without consideration of "a soft word turneth away wrath". I respond in a very in your face, confrontational way. It works. I am 73 and it works.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood." Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood." Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Dave KJuly 24, 2013
"We should be clear that never once was there an official declaration by the prophet speaking on behalf of the Lord that said only white men could hold the priesthood." Are you serious? Have you never read the 1949 First Presidency Statement? I'll post it below for reference. We may not like it, but for many years our prophets actively taught as revealed doctrine that africans could never hold the priesthood until after all non-africans were given the chance. That's just a fact. As member of the church, we do ourselves no service in brushing facts aside.
Melanie AlfredJuly 24, 2013
Good one. Thanks for a thoughtful and positive article.
RobynJuly 24, 2013
In the Old Testament, Jehovah gave the power and authority of the priesthood only to the tribe of Levi. What about the other 11 tribes? Since race couldn't possibly be a question in this instance, it must be an example of prejudice. Then the Lord himself must be prejudiced since he wouldn't give the priesthood to anyone except Levites. We know that the Lord couldn't possibly be prejudiced so how do you explain it? The Lord gives and takes as he sees fit. Whatever he does is perfect and just even though we may not understand it. Robyn Leesburg, VA
Bev PlesterJuly 24, 2013
I've recently read Wallace Stegner's (1964) The Gathering of Zion. It was written when we still sanitized our own accounts, by a non-member with no ax to grind. I found his account very much more believable than the sanitized versions I've never been able to identify with in my 54 years in the church. His praise for the Saints has no self-serving bias, and I found myself for the first time wishing I had pioneer ancestors, imperfect, but incomprehensibly strong. We don't have to face the doubters down, that's just the combative stance they have trouble with. Anyone's doubts need acknowledgement, and the doubters our honest friendship.
AdamJuly 24, 2013
Great rebuttal article Sis. Caldwell. Thanks for taking the time to articulate a reasoned, measured response to a half-baked, shallow and frankly tired set of belly-aches. I fear your article will fall on deaf ears to those who need it most, but it will also bouy up the faithful and for that you will be blessed. Let us be judged today for our fruits, past AND present...in their totality. This faithful Mormon will sleep very well at night.
ADD A COMMENT