The Mormon Church has painted itself into a theological and historical corner. Its unwavering position—that all teachings and policies come from direct revelation from God through a living prophet—has created a system resistant to introspection and allergic to correction. For nearly 200 years, this stance may have worked for the institution. But in the age of the internet, where the collective knowledge of humanity is instantly accessible, this rigidity has become its greatest liability.
The Trap of Prophetic Certainty
The church’s foundation is built on prophetic authority. Members are taught that when the prophet speaks, the debate is over. Teachings are canonized, policies are proclaimed as eternal doctrine, and obedience is expected. But what happens when these “eternal truths” are quietly altered or outright contradicted later?
The result is not clarity. It’s cognitive dissonance.
To believe that God reveals unchanging truth and yet repeatedly contradicts Himself through His prophets requires either a complete disregard for logic or a willful surrender of integrity.
The Internet Remembers Everything
In previous generations, the church could more easily control the narrative. Changes in doctrine could be minimized or reframed without fear of widespread scrutiny. But today, with just a few clicks, anyone can access past sermons, journal entries, policy manuals, and primary source documents that reveal a troubling pattern:
- Claim certainty.
- Disavow criticism.
- Quietly make changes.
- Pretend the past version was never official.
The internet has become a magnifying glass, and what it reveals isn’t just doctrinal evolution—it’s institutional dishonesty.
The Prophets Themselves Say It Best
Here are just a few statements by LDS leaders that show how entrenched the problem is.
“Some things that are true are not very useful.”
Boyd K. Packer, LDS Apostle
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/teaching-seminary-preservice-readings-religion-370-471-and-475/the-mantle-is-far-far-greater-than-the-intellect?lang=eng#subtitle2
This quote reveals a conscious choice to hide the truth if it doesn’t serve the church’s goals. It’s not about transparency—it’s about preserving an image.
Not everything that’s true is useful
Dallin H. Oaks, LDS Apostle, PBS documentary The Mormons, 2007
https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/elder-oaks-interview-transcript-from-pbs-documentary
A built-in justification for shifting doctrine while maintaining the claim that it was always right “in context.”
“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray.”
Wilford Woodruff, Official Declaration 1
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/od/1
A nice sentiment—until you consider Brigham Young’s blood atonement, racist teachings, polygamy, or more recent scandals around tithing transparency.
“Our leaders have the best intentions, but sometimes we make mistakes.”
M Russell Ballard, LDS Apostle
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/god-is-at-the-helm
“We have been misled in the past. We’re not perfect. Mistakes have been made.”
Jeffrey R. Holland, LDS Apostle (privately, according to multiple member accounts)
This quiet acknowledgment of mistakes, regretted or not, doesn’t match the bold declarations from the pulpit that leaders cannot lead us astray. It leaves those struggling with doctrinal contradictions without answers.
Why It Matters
The problem isn’t that prophets are human. The problem is the institution demands we treat them as infallible—until it’s inconvenient. This leads to a cycle where members are forced to gaslight themselves, to believe black is white, because to doubt the leadership is to doubt God Himself.
The church has changed major doctrines—racism, polygamy, LGBTQ policies, women’s roles—but rarely with honest acknowledgement. Instead, changes are attributed to “new revelation” rather than admitting past prophets were simply wrong. The message? Revelation is fluid, but always right—even when it contradicts itself.
The Bottom Line
The church’s own rhetoric has created a situation where past mistakes become theological landmines. Its refusal to acknowledge error openly only compounds the crisis. But healing begins with truth. And truth begins with your voice.
Tell Your Story
If you’ve felt this tension between what the church says is true and what your conscience, research, or experience tells you, you are not alone.
Your experience matters. Sharing your story gives voice to those navigating the same painful realization. And it prevents the church from continuing to define your narrative with false assumptions about doubt, sin, or offense.
Your journey can be a light to others. Visit wasmormon.org and add your story to the growing chorus of honest voices.
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