July, 2025 - wasmormon.org

“The Melchizedek Priesthood, Mormons now believe, had been bestowed a year or two earlier with the visit of Peter, James, and John. If so, why did contemporaries say the high priesthood was given for the first time in June 1831? Joseph Smith himself was ordained to this 'high priesthood' by Lyman Wight. If Joseph was already an elder and apostle, what was the necessity of being ordained again?” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158 | wasmormon.org — “The Melchizedek Priesthood, Mormons now believe, had been bestowed a year or two earlier with the visit of Peter, James, and John. If so, why did contemporaries say the high priesthood was given for the first time in June 1831? Joseph Smith himself was ordained to this 'high priesthood' by Lyman Wight. If Joseph was already an elder and apostle, what was the necessity of being ordained again?” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158

“During the turbulent [June 1831] meeting, Joseph ordained five men to the high priesthood, and Lyman Wight ordained eighteen others, including Joseph. The ordinations to the high priesthood marked a milestone in Mormon ecclesiology. Until that time, the word 'priesthood,' although it appeared in the Book of Mormon, had not been used in Mormon sermonizing or modern revelations. Later accounts applied the term retroactively, but the June 1831 conference marked its first appearance in contemporary records.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158 | wasmormon.org — “During the turbulent [June 1831] meeting, Joseph ordained five men to the high priesthood, and Lyman Wight ordained eighteen others, including Joseph. The ordinations to the high priesthood marked a milestone in Mormon ecclesiology. Until that time, the word 'priesthood,' although it appeared in the Book of Mormon, had not been used in Mormon sermonizing or modern revelations. Later accounts applied the term retroactively, but the June 1831 conference marked its first appearance in contemporary records.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 157-158

“The late appearance of these accounts raises the possibility of later fabrication. Did Joseph add the stories of angels to embellish his early history and make himself more of a visionary? If so, he made little of the occurrence. Cowdery was the first to recount the story of John's appearance, not Joseph himself... When Joseph described John's visit, he was much more plainspoken. Moreover, he inserted the story into a history composed in 1838 but not published until 1842. It circulated without fanfare, more like a refurbished memory than a triumphant announcement.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75 | wasmormon.org — “The late appearance of these accounts raises the possibility of later fabrication. Did Joseph add the stories of angels to embellish his early history and make himself more of a visionary? If so, he made little of the occurrence. Cowdery was the first to recount the story of John's appearance, not Joseph himself... When Joseph described John's visit, he was much more plainspoken. Moreover, he inserted the story into a history composed in 1838 but not published until 1842. It circulated without fanfare, more like a refurbished memory than a triumphant announcement.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75

“Not until writing his 1832 history did Joseph include 'reception of the holy Priesthood by the ministring of angels to administer the letter of the Gospel' among the cardinal events of his history, a glancing reference at best... His reticence may have shown a fear of disbelief. Although obscure, Joseph was proud. He did not like to appear the fool. Or he may have felt the visions were too sacred to be discussed openly. They were better kept to himself. The late appearance of these accounts raises the possibility of later fabrication.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75 | wasmormon.org — “Not until writing his 1832 history did Joseph include 'reception of the holy Priesthood by the ministring of angels to administer the letter of the Gospel' among the cardinal events of his history, a glancing reference at best... His reticence may have shown a fear of disbelief. Although obscure, Joseph was proud. He did not like to appear the fool. Or he may have felt the visions were too sacred to be discussed openly. They were better kept to himself. The late appearance of these accounts raises the possibility of later fabrication.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75

“Joseph did not tell anyone about John the Baptist at first. Summarizing the key events in his religious life in an 1830 statement, he mentioned translation but said nothing about the restoration of priesthood or the visit of an angel. The first compilation of revelations in 1833 also omitted an account of John the Baptist. David Whitmer later told an interviewer he had heard nothing of John the Baptist until four years after the Church's organization.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75 | wasmormon.org — “Joseph did not tell anyone about John the Baptist at first. Summarizing the key events in his religious life in an 1830 statement, he mentioned translation but said nothing about the restoration of priesthood or the visit of an angel. The first compilation of revelations in 1833 also omitted an account of John the Baptist. David Whitmer later told an interviewer he had heard nothing of John the Baptist until four years after the Church's organization.” - Richard Bushman, Rough Stone Rolling, Page 75

Bushman on Holes in The Priesthood Restoration Story

In Rough Stone Rolling, respected Mormon historian Richard Lyman Bushman examines the origins of the Mormon priesthood narrative. What he finds should give every faithful truth-seeker pause. The church teaches that in 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were visited by angelic messengers and ordained to the priesthood, first by John the Baptist on May …

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“In no place in the word of God does it say that an Elder is after the order of Melchisedec, or after the order of the Melchisedec Priesthood. An Elder is after the order of Christ. This matter of "priesthood," since the days of Sydney Rigdon, has been the great hobby and stumbling-block of the Latter Day Saints. Priesthood means authority; and authority is the word we should use. I do not think the word priesthood is mentioned in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon. Authority is the word we used for the first two years in the church—until Sydney Rigdon's days in Ohio. This matter of the two orders of priesthood in the Church of Christ, and lineal priesthood of the old law being in the church, all originated in the mind of Sydney Rigdon. He explained these things to Brother Joseph in his way, out of the old Scriptures, and got Brother Joseph to inquire, etc.” - David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887 | wasmormon.org — “In no place in the word of God does it say that an Elder is after the order of Melchisedec, or after the order of the Melchisedec Priesthood. An Elder is after the order of Christ. This matter of "priesthood," since the days of Sydney Rigdon, has been the great hobby and stumbling-block of the Latter Day Saints. Priesthood means authority; and authority is the word we should use. I do not think the word priesthood is mentioned in the New Covenant of the Book of Mormon. Authority is the word we used for the first two years in the church—until Sydney Rigdon's days in Ohio. This matter of the two orders of priesthood in the Church of Christ, and lineal priesthood of the old law being in the church, all originated in the mind of Sydney Rigdon. He explained these things to Brother Joseph in his way, out of the old Scriptures, and got Brother Joseph to inquire, etc.” - David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887

“Some of the revelations as they are now in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants have been changed and added to... When the Book of Commandments was printed, Joseph and the church received it as being printed correctly. This I know. In the winter of 1834 they saw that some of the revelations in the Book of Commandments had to be changed, because the heads of the church had gone too far, and had done things in which they had already gone ahead of some of the former revelations. So the book of Doctrine and Covenants was printed in 1835, and some of the revelations changed and added to.” - David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887 | wasmormon.org — “Some of the revelations as they are now in the Book of Doctrine and Covenants have been changed and added to... When the Book of Commandments was printed, Joseph and the church received it as being printed correctly. This I know. In the winter of 1834 they saw that some of the revelations in the Book of Commandments had to be changed, because the heads of the church had gone too far, and had done things in which they had already gone ahead of some of the former revelations. So the book of Doctrine and Covenants was printed in 1835, and some of the revelations changed and added to.” - David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887

“Joseph Smith learned about the Aaronic Priesthood after finding mention of baptism for the remission of sins during his translation of the Book of Mormon. On May 15, 1829, Joseph and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, went to the woods to pray about what they had read about baptism. In response, John the Baptist descended from heaven and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood, which includes the authority to baptize, upon Joseph and Oliver.” - LDS Website: The Life of Joseph Smith: Restoration of the Priesthood | wasmormon.org — “Joseph Smith learned about the Aaronic Priesthood after finding mention of baptism for the remission of sins during his translation of the Book of Mormon. On May 15, 1829, Joseph and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, went to the woods to pray about what they had read about baptism. In response, John the Baptist descended from heaven and conferred the Aaronic Priesthood, which includes the authority to baptize, upon Joseph and Oliver.” - LDS Website: The Life of Joseph Smith: Restoration of the Priesthood

“Sometime after John the Baptist’s appearance, the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John also appeared to Joseph and Oliver, again under the direction of Jesus Christ, and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. With this authority again on the earth, the Church of Jesus Christ could be restored in its fulness.” - LDS Website: Topics and Questions: Restoration of the Priesthood | wasmormon.org — “Sometime after John the Baptist’s appearance, the ancient Apostles Peter, James, and John also appeared to Joseph and Oliver, again under the direction of Jesus Christ, and conferred upon them the Melchizedek Priesthood. The Melchizedek Priesthood holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church in all ages of the world, to administer in spiritual things. With this authority again on the earth, the Church of Jesus Christ could be restored in its fulness.” - LDS Website: Topics and Questions: Restoration of the Priesthood

Retroactive Mormon Priesthood Restoration Problems

“I heard Joseph tell his experience of his ordination [by Cowdery] and the organization of the church, probably, more than twenty times, to persons who, near the rise of the church, wished to know and hear about it. I never heard of Moroni, John, or Peter, James and John.” - William E. McLellin, Former LDS Apostle, 1870 Letter | wasmormon.org

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that in May 1829, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were busy translating the Book of Mormon and were curious about the authority to baptize. They went to ask God and were visited by a heavenly messenger, John the Baptist, who conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, …

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Luis Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Luis’s journey is a powerful testament to the cost—and the reward—of pursuing truth and integrity, even when it upends everything familiar. A convert to Mormonism, Luis threw himself into church life with sincerity, eventually marrying in the temple and serving in church leadership. But new information surfaced—thanks to the internet and resources like the CES …

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“I joined the church in 1831. For years I never heard of John the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver. I heard not of James, Peter, and John doing so.” - William E. McLellin, Former LDS Apostle, 1877 Letter | wasmormon.org — “I joined the church in 1831. For years I never heard of John the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver. I heard not of James, Peter, and John doing so.” - William E. McLellin, Former LDS Apostle, 1877 Letter

“As to the story of John, the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver on the day they were baptized; I never heard of it in the church for years, altho I carefully noticed things that were said.” - William E. McLellin, Former LDS Apostle, 1872 Letter | wasmormon.org — “As to the story of John, the Baptist ordaining Joseph and Oliver on the day they were baptized; I never heard of it in the church for years, altho I carefully noticed things that were said.” - William E. McLellin, Former LDS Apostle, 1872 Letter

“In June 1829, Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the church of Christ and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church... I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834... I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some, I regard that as an error, a misconception.” - David Whitmer, 1885 Interview | wasmormon.org — “In June 1829, Joseph ordained Oliver Cowdery to be an Elder, and Oliver ordained Joseph to be an Elder in the church of Christ and during that year Joseph both baptized and ordained me an elder in the church... I never heard that an Angel had ordained Joseph and Oliver to the Aaronic priesthood until the year 1834... I do not believe that John the Baptist ever ordained Joseph and Oliver as stated and believed by some, I regard that as an error, a misconception.” - David Whitmer, 1885 Interview

This is a spotlight on a profile shared at wasmormon.org. These are just the highlights, so please find the full story at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/. There are stories of Mormon faith journeys contributed by hundreds of users like you. Come check them out and consider sharing your own story at wasmormon.org!

I was marginalized by "church friends" and by extended "family". My side of the family are not members so they became my support system. I came back home. I no longer believe in god, and finally found peace. - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

After a tense meeting with counselors and my wife (now ex), they immediately released me from my calling. I explained to my daughters why dad was not going to church anymore. That was the last discussion as a family. - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

In December 2021, I stopped going to church after tithing settlement meeting and heated discussion with my demanding Bishop. I stopped going to church because I got ignored and experienced a very awkward and unfriendly atmosphere after that. Apparently, not paying that 10% and questioning makes you "unlikeable". - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

The racist behavior and malicious leanings of many members in Utah made me question my belief in the "religion" and God. How could a God just sit there and watch all the injustice, racism, and misleading information (done in his name) and do nothing? Discussions about those topics went nowhere and many just provided mental gymnastics. Those apologists puzzled me. They made me realize that "truth" was never the goal. - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

In a moment of spontaneous and mental lapse (to try to make others happy) decided to move from gorgeous San Diego to Salt Lake City. There I came across more informationm, the CES Letter, and met many going through a collapse of their faith. I realized the monumental mistake of moving to Utah, where if you are not a Trumper and a Mormon, you do not belong, and even supposed family will remind you of that at every opportunity. - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

I was assigned to the Spanish Branch as a Second Counselor, and in 2013 started finding out details that I never heard of before. This wealth of new information about the shady church beginnings and practices kept coming. Thank you internet! - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

Hi, I'm Luis. I converted in 1998 and married in the temple in 2004. I was a Mormon. - Luis' "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/elnene/

Is The Mormon Church True? Good? Useful?

Believers view faith through at least one of three philosophical lenses: as True, Good, or Useful. These perspectives help explain why some remain committed, others wrestle with doubts, and some eventually step away. Each of our paths is shaped by how we experience the Church's truth claims, moral impact, or practical role in our lives. | wasmormon.org

Different members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or any religious community, really) approach it through different philosophical lenses. These lenses often help explain why some members stay committed, some begin to struggle, and others eventually leave. A helpful way to understand these varying perspectives is to group them into three general …

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True Good Useful - church must remain true at all costs - if truth collapses everything collapses | wasmormon.org — True Good Useful - church must remain true at all costs - if truth collapses everything collapses

Those who see the church as Useful may not feel the need to declare the church absolutely true, nor do they necessarily idealize it as the ultimate good. Instead, they see the church as a practical system that brings structure, meaning, and social cohesion to their lives. It helps raise children with values, provides a rhythm to life, and offers a community of like-minded people. They may not delve deeply into doctrinal discussions or worry about historical discrepancies because those questions aren’t central to what they get from church participation. As long as the church serves a positive role in their life, they stay. But if it becomes inconvenient, emotionally draining, or irrelevant, their connection may fade without a dramatic rupture—quietly stepping back as the church’s utility diminishes. | wasmormon.org — Those who see the church as Useful may not feel the need to declare the church absolutely true, nor do they necessarily idealize it as the ultimate good. Instead, they see the church as a practical system that brings structure, meaning, and social cohesion to their lives. It helps raise children with values, provides a rhythm to life, and offers a community of like-minded people. They may not delve deeply into doctrinal discussions or worry about historical discrepancies because those questions aren’t central to what they get from church participation. As long as the church serves a positive role in their life, they stay. But if it becomes inconvenient, emotionally draining, or irrelevant, their connection may fade without a dramatic rupture—quietly stepping back as the church’s utility diminishes.

“[Many] advocate: Go to any school, take any course, or go to no school at all, and we’ll all end up in the same place with the same heavenly diploma. That just isn’t reasonable, nor is it true. The position that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church upon the face of the earth is fundamental. Perhaps it would be more convenient and palatable and popular if we were to avoid it; nevertheless, we are under a sacred obligation and a sacred trust to hold to it. It is not merely an admission; it is a positive declaration. It is so fundamental that we cannot yield on this point.” - Boyd K. Packer, LDS Apostle, General Conference, October 1971 | wasmormon.org — “[Many] advocate: Go to any school, take any course, or go to no school at all, and we’ll all end up in the same place with the same heavenly diploma. That just isn’t reasonable, nor is it true. The position that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church upon the face of the earth is fundamental. Perhaps it would be more convenient and palatable and popular if we were to avoid it; nevertheless, we are under a sacred obligation and a sacred trust to hold to it. It is not merely an admission; it is a positive declaration. It is so fundamental that we cannot yield on this point.” - Boyd K. Packer, LDS Apostle, General Conference, October 1971

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