Sorting Through History, Conclusion

"If you can control people's ideas of the past, you control their ideas of the present and hence the future" (Nibley, Of All Things, p. 247).

I have not followed the advice of that visiting Seventy during the last decade.  It would have altered my gospel study dramatically, and I’m grateful it hasn’t.  While I have read, learned from, and enjoyed many of the articles, talks, and books written by leaders in the Church, I have found truth from others sources, too; truth that, in all likelihood, I would never have discovered had I limited my search to the brethren.  This is particularly true of my efforts to learn Church history.

Honest questions about history lead to real answers.  Those who are determined to find answers to their questions cannot be contented with non-answers.  They will very likely persist until they acquire the sources that will deliver the answers they seek.  Those who have earnestly sought an answer know how this feels.  That feeling could be expressed in words like these: “I know there’s got to be an answer to this question.  I know some person or some book or some place has the answer I’m seeking, and I’ll not rest until I find it.”  Fortunately for us, Joseph Smith felt that way in 1820 in his search for which church to join.  In his case, the answer was only to be found by prevailing upon heaven for answers.    

Assistant Church Historian John Jaques put it well:

Yes, say, what is truth? 'Tis the brightest prize
To which mortals or Gods can aspire;
Go search in the depths where it glittering lies
Or ascend in pursuit to the loftiest skies.
'Tis an aim for the noblest desire.

(Hymn 272, “Oh Say, What is Truth”)

David, in his Psalm expressed this eager sentiment:

“Teach me, O Lord, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.

“Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

“Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.

“Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness” (Psalm 119:33-35, 40). 

The Lord does not expect his Church, or any of his children for that matter, to believe in fabrications about the past.  He has always desired from the beginning that we seek further light and knowledge.  This light and knowledge of the truth make a man like his God (D&C 93:36).

Many members have begun asking honest, tough questions, but been disappointed to discover that the answers they’ve been seeking are to be found outside of “approved” channels of dissemination.  In the recent interview done with Elder Marlin Jensen, he acknowledged this and explained the Church is trying to find solutions to this problem.  Some of the brethren are supportive of that effort and others are not. 

While men are trying to decide how much truth is too much, we are meanwhile faced with the challenge of finding true answers to honest inquiries.  But where do you go looking?  You look wherever you need to look to find your answers.  Truth is truth whether it is found here or there.

The historians who authored the recent book on Mountain Meadows provide a good example of diligently searching into history.  Where did they look for answers?  They looked wherever they needed to look to find their answers.  Their project was so comprehensive it really required them to look everywhere. 

But what about you?  Are you allowed to do that?  Are you allowed to seek out matters in that kind of depth?  What if the source is Jerald and Sandra Tanner, or Ogden Kraut?  They’re the bad folks, right?  If they present a true doctrine, or provide credible information about our history that cannot be found in Deseret Book publications, should it not be accepted?  Or must the facts provided by their research first be acknowledged by the brethren before you can accept them as truth?  What if the information they provided even helped somebody find faith in Christ, or find the determination to stay in the Church?  Would you be justified in judging a woman as "on the fringe" because she finally found a helpful, straight-forward answer but it happened to come from them?

Ogden Kraut was a fundamentalist and I’m not.  Though I don't agree with some of his views, much of his work is superb.  There are few authors I’ve read who seemed so bent on understanding and living what he believed the scriptures were teaching.  He and his research are respectable to me. 

From his writings I could give examples where history is presented in a more faithful manner by a fundamentalist than by our own church’s portrayals.  I could give examples that demonstrate a more clear understanding of and faithful devotion to Joseph Smith’s teachings than our own practices do.  I could show a man who studied, understood, and lived the doctrines in the scriptures better than many Mormons would ever contemplate trying.  I didn’t know the man, but I like what he wrote.  He seems to me to have cared very little about popularity, the praise of men, the lusts of the flesh, or Babylon.  I'm not suggesting you need to read his books though.  He's only a useful example in making a point.  There are others I could have chosen.            

The Tanners are anti-Mormon and I’m pro-Mormon.  They have come to a very different conclusion about Mormonism than I have, but their research has sometimes been helpful to me.  To be clear, I’m not recommending their work to you either.  But, when I’ve needed to get to the bottom of a matter in the Joseph Smith History, for instance, they’ve been happy to oblige.  Their work is well documented.  I'll provide only one example: 

In what has become accepted as an official record we now read this:

“Dr. Richards was taken sick, when Joseph said, ‘Brother Markham,…go and get the doctor something he needs to settle his stomach,’ and Markham went out for medicine.  When he had got the remedies desired, and was returning to jail,…” (History of the Church, vol. 6, p. 614).

The Millennial Star, where the account was originally published, read like this:

“Dr. Richards was taken sick, when Joseph said, ‘Brother Markham,…go and get the Doctor a pipe and some tobacco to settle his stomach,’ and Markham went out for them.  When he had got the pipe and tobacco, and was returning to jail,…” (Millennial Star, vol. 24, p. 471).

Now, some might ask: So what?  What is the big deal that these changes have been made?  This really isn't a big deal.  These are just small things.  

The big deal is this: These aren’t the only changes that have been made.  These aren’t the only things that have been covered up.  There are more changes and cover-ups than any one of us could find or want to count.  Some of them seem harmless, as does the change just mentioned.  But when a man or woman who’s been raised in the Church finds one or two of these changes for the first time in their 30s or 40s, they begin to wonder what other changes have been made.  They wonder what other information has been withheld from them.  In rapid succession, they go uncover a heaping pile of history and teachings that smothers them.  They are unprepared and often too tender for the cruel manner in which much of the information has been portrayed by enemies to the Church.  They wonder whether the leaders knew about these things, and if so, why they have not been honest with the members.  They are deciding to leave the Church over these “small things.”  It's happened to people I know.

To me, these are all small things.  Probably no harm was intended when changes were made, but harm is being done.  Nobody who made decisions to edit the texts probably ever foresaw the kind of trouble it would get folks into years down the road.  These are unintended consequences of hiding the truth, but consequences nonetheless.  Folks are struggling because of this stuff.      

J. Reuben Clark, who was a councilor in the first presidency of the Church for 27 years said: 

"One of the reasons why the so-called 'Fundamentalists' had made such inroads among our young people was because we had failed to teach them the truth" (Elder Statesman: A Biography of J. Ruben Clark, p.249).

Where do you look for answers?  Look wherever you need to look to find your answers.  "Thy mind, o man, ..." et cetera; remember that quote from Joseph Smith?

At the root of all of this seeking, of course, is a personal attempt at coming unto Christ.  That is why you should be seeking answers.  That is ultimately what you should be seeking for.  

Piecing together the puzzle pieces to get an accurate view of Mormon history will help you understand the scriptures.  The reverse is also true.  You cannot properly understand Mormon history without first considering and believing in the prophecies in the scriptures.  Understanding and believing the warnings of the Book of Mormon will help you interpret our history more accurately.  In fact, it is impossible to accurately interpret the whole of our history independent of those prophecies and warnings.

Sorting Through History

“And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.”

“And whatsoever is more or less than this is the spirit of that wicked one who was a liar from the beginning” (D&C 93:24).

Honest students of history have the dilemma of sorting through what is true and what is false.  This is true of the history of any subject, but becomes particularly important in matters of religion.

At times, this is easy to do.  Blatant lies are often easy to detect, especially when not substantiated by other contemporaneous accounts.  But when the perpetrator of an historical event is himself misinformed, or wittingly or unwittingly exaggerates or leaves out important details, it becomes rather difficult for the reader to sort through the data and develop an accurate picture.

Latter-day Saint history is filled with the miraculous, and with accounts of God’s dealings with men in our own day.  Many of the accounts are both faithful and faith-promoting.  These recorded events, like ancient scripture, invite you to improve upon your time and to obtain from God what others have received.  It is appropriate for us to be excited about and delight in the retelling of these accounts.

Some events in our history are ugly and alarming.  Plenty of Mormons refuse to acknowledge this.  Other folks, however, may be constituted so as to acknowledge nothing but the ugly.  Some go to great lengths to point out discrepancies, errors, failings, and lies.  Various authors may or may not choose to confront certain events from our past.  Both sides are inevitably criticized by the others who disagree with the approach they’ve taken to the study of the faith.

Much of the time, reaching a sound conclusion about a matter requires you to exhaust the resources available to you.  Adding up the details, while considering the pertinent context, paints the true picture.  At times you will be forced to choose between sources, as one may present a different view of the events than another.  You may choose to believe one man’s witness as credible and honest, for instance, while putting off ten other witnesses who all agree with one another, but who propound a contrary view to the one.  That is every man’s prerogative.  You may not know about the ten other witnesses at all.  Perhaps you will choose to suspend judgment on a matter for now.  Whatever the case, these things take work. 

We need context to truly understand people and events.  Ignoring some aspects of the overall context could cause us to miss out on some truth.  Without understanding the cultural context surrounding the massacre at Mountain Meadows, for example, it is impossible to begin to understand the event.  The culture of violent rhetoric that preceded the massacre helps you not only understand how such an event could have transpired, but provides a lens through which to discern varying contemporaneous accounts that were given of it.    

Historians only offer their opinions about what really happened in the past.  They pick and choose their sources according to their motive, and present the data they've gathered.  Some are more honest than others; some more intelligent.  Usually, an eager student of the gospel will find his opinion may change a number of times about a doctrine or historical event depending on which sources he encounters, when, and to which sources he gives credence.  

Having done these things, you also must consider prophetic descriptions of our day - as found in the scriptures - to inform your reading of history.  Without the context of prophecy, events in our history can bend to fit the desired outcome of any historian; or any student.  When we take the prophecies seriously, we begin to see that our traditional telling of some aspects of Mormon history may be off.  We've sorely neglected the prophecies of the Book of Mormon in this regard.    

You should desire to work these things out.  The truth will empower you.  It will make you free, and enable you to forsake the enemy of your soul (John 8:32; D&C 93:37). 

Confronting Truth

"Wo unto them that call evil good, and good evil, that put darkness for light, and light for darkness" (2 Ne. 15:20). 


For those who are not used to confronting the truth of difficult issues within Mormon history, it may be easy to pass quick judgment upon those who have decided to do so with candor.  Because something seems contrary to your assumptions does not mean it is unimportant, or untrue.  Be humble enough to at least consider whether or not these things are important.  If you decide they're unimportant, fine.      


The truth is not always kind in its confrontation with error (2 Ne. 9:40).  My intent is not to be critical of the Church or its leaders.  I sustain the leaders.  But there remains things to which you must draw your attention.  I'm not the only one singing out about these things.  It's really unfortunate that we cannot candidly discuss our own history in an attempt to better understand our faith, without being considered suspect by those who share our faith.  It's really a shame.  I accept that's the way it is and will remain for now.         


It is important to bring up these issues.  It is important because in order to grow in truth, you at some point need to begin shedding error. You cannot gain further light and knowledge building upon a false foundation.


It is important to consider these things, because it allows you to step outside of your present world, and view the history that has created the Mormonism you've inherited.  What you have inherited is not what Joseph Smith intended to create.

We read, memorize, and parrot many gospel precepts that we do not understand correctly.  It's easy to use the words of scripture and have no idea what the prophet-author had in mind when he penned the words.  Words written by the power of the Spirit of God can only be fully understood by that same Spirit.  We are blind.  We are gone into captivity, because we have no knowledge (2 Ne. 15:13).  Our honorable men are famished, and the multitude dried up with thirst (Ibid.).  


This terrible dilemma we find ourselves in is not completely our fault.  We've inherited many ideas about the gospel.  Some are correct and have their roots in the restoration the Prophet was trying to accomplish.  Others are innovations from more recent history.  But you shouldn't be surprised you didn't know that.  How could you?  When a man walks into a room that is painted blue, he does not naturally begin wondering what color the room used to be painted.  Not until the paint begins to peel away does he entertain questions about the original.  


When we are born into a culture that teaches reliance upon the arm of flesh, it's easy to adopt unbelief, and to persist in spreading the disease.  We do so without malice, and even good intention.  It's so difficult to break the cycle.  It's too comfortable to pursue our present course and think all is well.     

There are many people looking for answers. People are beginning to ask important questions. Not everybody, however, is interested right now in shedding their biases, and traditions.  Not everybody is willing to be burdened with correction.  All things must be done in wisdom.  God wants to save his children, not harm them.   


It is easy to allow yourself to become a critic of the Church, or an "accuser" of the brethren, when you've seen enough of the weakness and failings of men.  It's unfortunate that some decide to become critics and to indulge in the spirit of the evil one.  The critic attempts to destroy faith and unity.  


Criticism is addictive.  This is a new challenge that folks face when they begin to wake up from that awful slumber, and shake off the dust that covers them.  The natural man would have you point a finger of scorn and condemnation at a brother.  Christ would have us cover another in the cloak of charity.


"I do not dwell upon your faults, and you shall not upon mine.  Charity, which is love, covereth a multitude of sins, and I have often covered up all the faults among you...We should cultivate a meek, quiet and peaceable spirit" (Joseph Smith, TPJS, Section Six 1843-1844, p. 316)


I see a day coming in which many people will lose their faith.  Those who have placed their faith in men will lose it, while those who have developed faith in Christ will save it.  My effort is to reach out to those who desire to come unto Christ.  Inasmuch as the Spirit of the Lord will guide me, I will continue the effort.


Here's something to remember: sometimes wicked people are very nice; and very good people, deceived.

I Show Unto You the Way to Judge

“But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

“Wherefore, take heed my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.

“For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night.

“For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every things which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God.

“But whatsoever thing persuadeth men to do evil, and believe not in Christ, and deny him, and serve not God, then ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of the devil” (Moro. 7:13-17).

More than once in the past week I’ve heard a member of the Church voice concern about the message of repentance.  The concern is expressed more or less as follows:

Unless the call to repentance comes from a leader of the Church, we as members of the Church have no right to share the message of repentance with one another, especially if 1) those with whom we share that message are not members of our own family over which we preside, or 2) are in a position of authority or office over you in the Church.

The message of repentance is from God.  It is part of “the doctrine of the kingdom,” and we have been commanded to teach it to “one another” (D&C88:77).  It “inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ.”  The scriptures are nothing to us if they are not an invitation to repent, and follow the path taken by those who have pierced the veil.  That’s been the message of God from the beginning, and the message of all the prophets. 

The Book of Mormon’s first story is about a man who listened to the message of repentance when it was offered to him and he and his family were blessed for it (1 Ne. 1).  He was also persecuted for teaching that message.  He ended up receiving covenants from God to the blessing of his posterity in the future.

What is it about a man or a woman that is offended at this message?  What influence has crept into her heart to cause such disdain for that which is ordained of God?

In effect, what those people are arguing is that members of the Church have only the right to focus on the kind scriptures, and not on the rest of the unkind ones telling us to repent and return to Christ (i.e. “the doctrine of the kingdom”); unless that message is directed at others who are less worthy, who actually need the message, who are not members.  You may have heard before that “it becometh every man who hath been [warmed] to [warm] his neighbor.”  That’s nice, but it’s not what the scripture says (D&C 88:81), and the changed version is so typical of our attitude.

Wilford Woodruff, while serving as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, recorded:

“Joseph the Seer arose in the power of God; reproved and rebuked wickedness before the people, in the name of the Lord God.  He wished to say a few words to suit the condition of the general mass, and then said:

“’I shall speak with authority of the Priesthood in the name of the Lord God. …Notwithstanding this congregation profess to be Saints, yet I stand in the midst of all [kinds of] characters and classes of men.  If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God, or possess the principles which God possesses, for if we are not drawing towards God in principle, we are going from Him and drawing towards the devil.  Yes, I am standing in the midst of all kinds of people.

“’Search your hearts, and see if you are like God.  I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.

“’We have thieves among us, adulterers, liars, hypocrites.  If God should speak from heaven, He would command you not to steal, not to commit adultery, not to covet, nor deceive, but be faithful over a few things. …Is not God good?  Then you be good; if He is faithful, then you be faithful.  Add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, and seek for every good thing.  The Church must be cleansed, and I proclaim against all iniquity’” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, p. 72).

Also,

“You must be innocent, or you cannot come up before God: if we would come before God, we must keep ourselves pure as He is pure.  The devil has great power to deceive; he will so transform things as to make one gape at those who are doing the will of God. …Iniquity must be purged out from the midst of the Saints; then the veil will be rent, and the blessings of heaven will flow down – they will roll down like the Mississippi river” (ibid.).      

If a message that you read or hear inspires you to worship God and work righteousness, it is of God.  If it persuades you otherwise, the message is not of God.

Unfortunately, because of pride, many people we read about in the scriptures rejected the message of repentance when it was offered to them, precisely because they refused to believe the message pertained to them.  The message angered them.  As angry as they became, it may have been easy to convince themselves the message couldn’t have been from God, because God’s message will always make you feel good.  Is that true?

I wonder how the Lord’s message to Martin Harris made him feel when he said:

“And let him repent of his sins, for he seeketh the praise of the world” (D&C 58:39).

Martin Harris could have chosen to be angry because of the message, and insisted to Joseph that the message couldn’t have been from God, because it didn’t make him feel good.  Or, he could prayerfully search inside himself and ask if the message really came from God.  Because Martin Harris was an honest and sincere man, he probably recognized that the truth of the message was what made him uncomfortable, not its falseness.  The message invited him to repent and alter his course.  It persuaded him “to believe in Christ.”

The humble always accept the message of repentance.  Repentance is a reality to the humble, because they are penitent.  They accept the message and preach it because they have “tasted of his love” by their repentance and faith in Christ, and they desire all to receive it (Mosiah4:10-12; 1 Ne. 8:10-18). 

If you hear a message preached that you believe in your heart was of God, but the sister sitting next to you tells you she felt otherwise, you should be willing to trust the Spirit that invites you to worship God, and not the sister who would detract from that Spirit. 

If a brother teaches you something that does not “persuade to believe in Christ,” then you are under no obligation to believe his teaching, regardless of his office.  Truth is not determined by the office of the preacher, but is verified by the Spirit of God.  The truth of God wins out independent of office.  We should pray for those who are called to teach us (D&C 107:22).

We must judge wisely, taking the Spirit as our guide.  The Lord has warned us that in the last days there will be many who are deceived (Matt. 24:24).  We have been commanded as members of the Church to seek the best gifts that we be not deceived in these last times (D&C 46:8).   

Some topics are just taboo, it seems.  Hugh Nibley would point out that money, or riches, was one of those topics.  It is usually never a good topic to bring up, especially if you’re quoting what the scriptures have to say about it.  Some folks are too touchy about it.  It tends to stir up contention in men’s hearts.  Repentance seems to be one of those topics. 

We’ve all got justification for our present path.