“Claims that polygamy was never a central tenet of Mormonism, or that it was not essential for the highest reward in heaven, ignore a large body of teachings to the contrary. The subject was frequently addressed in religious meetings where church members were told to live in a manner worthy of entering the new order. Those who turned away from it were reproached. Polygamy, some said, was as important as baptism.” - B. Carmon Hardy (1934–2016) Professor of History. Doing the Works of Abraham: Mormon Polygamy, Its origin, practice, and demise. | wasmormon.org
“Claims that polygamy was never a central tenet of Mormonism, or that it was not essential for the highest reward in heaven, ignore a large body of teachings to the contrary. The subject was frequently addressed in religious meetings where church members were told to live in a manner worthy of entering the new order. Those who turned away from it were reproached. Polygamy, some said, was as important as baptism.” - B. Carmon Hardy (1934–2016) Professor of History. Doing the Works of Abraham: Mormon Polygamy, Its origin, practice, and demise.
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/noal_rivetbear/. 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!
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/noal_rivetbear/. 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!
Life is very different now. I am married to my wonderful husband and we have two incredible dogs. I have learned to love me. I have been at the bottom many times. I have grown to the person that has lived a true and authentic life. One which has freely given me true unconditional love. I am honored and humbled by it all. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
Life is very different now. I am married to my wonderful husband and we have two incredible dogs. I have learned to love me. I have been at the bottom many times. I have grown to the person that has lived a true and authentic life. One which has freely given me true unconditional love. I am honored and humbled by it all. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I left the Mormon Church because all of the lies, abuse, cover up, dishonesty and deceit. All wrapped in a pretty bow using religion and fear and greed to control people. I've always had questions about the gospel and the unlimited and uncontrolled religions power over people. But it came down to the simple fact that when I needed someone the most, everyone turned on me. It was confirmed in me that nothing good comes from religion. And all the lies became clear. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I left the Mormon Church because all of the lies, abuse, cover up, dishonesty and deceit. All wrapped in a pretty bow using religion and fear and greed to control people. I've always had questions about the gospel and the unlimited and uncontrolled religions power over people. But it came down to the simple fact that when I needed someone the most, everyone turned on me. It was confirmed in me that nothing good comes from religion. And all the lies became clear. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
Every mistake I've have made was used to learn and become who I am. But the biggest lessons I've learned in life have taught me that everything in this existence is about money and control. Especially in the LDS Church. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
Every mistake I've have made was used to learn and become who I am. But the biggest lessons I've learned in life have taught me that everything in this existence is about money and control. Especially in the LDS Church. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
While I was free from hiding and able to live my true life, everything turned away from me. I was never perfect. I made a lot of mistakes. I've paid a lot of dues. I've lost everything and then some. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
While I was free from hiding and able to live my true life, everything turned away from me. I was never perfect. I made a lot of mistakes. I've paid a lot of dues. I've lost everything and then some. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I was Baptized, Priesthood, Seminary Council, Eagle Scout, Endowments, Mission, Married in the temple, College including a Masters degree, 3 incredible and beautiful children, many callings and service projects. I gave all I was able to give. And when I was finally exhausted of hiding and pretending, when I was full of all of the lies and abuse, I had to make a decision. I could run or I could continue to live and try to be the best person & father possible. I chose to live. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I was Baptized, Priesthood, Seminary Council, Eagle Scout, Endowments, Mission, Married in the temple, College including a Masters degree, 3 incredible and beautiful children, many callings and service projects. I gave all I was able to give. And when I was finally exhausted of hiding and pretending, when I was full of all of the lies and abuse, I had to make a decision. I could run or I could continue to live and try to be the best person & father possible. I chose to live. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I was born into and raised LDS. My biological family gave me the standard middle class upbringing with many happy memories and with many nightmares. Inside me I knew who I was but I lived a lie for 30 years just to make everyone else happy. I did everything I could to be loved and accepted by my parents, family and the Church. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/
I was born into and raised LDS. My biological family gave me the standard middle class upbringing with many happy memories and with many nightmares. Inside me I knew who I was but I lived a lie for 30 years just to make everyone else happy. I did everything I could to be loved and accepted by my parents, family and the Church. - Noal's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/noal_rivetbear/

Elijah Abel, the NAACP, and the Abandoned Float That Helped Pressure for Change and Revelation

In the spring of 1978, 47 years ago to the day, there was a “Days of ‘47” parade for Pioneer Day in Salt Lake City. At the time the parade was planned, the church continued its unpopular priesthood ban on black members of the church. The ban was lifted weeks before the parade occurred, but …

"Long before he received the priesthood, Joseph Smith learned of it from Moroni. According to an account of Oliver Cowdery published in 1835, Moroni appeared to Joseph in September of 1823 and informed him... While it is unclear to what extent this retrospective account may contain details that were actually learned after 1823, Joseph definitely learned more about the priesthood as he translated the Book of Mormon in 1829." - Brian Q. Cannon, Priesthood Restoration Documents, BYU Studies, Volume 35, Number 4 (1995-1996) | wasmormon.org
"Long before he received the priesthood, Joseph Smith learned of it from Moroni. According to an account of Oliver Cowdery published in 1835, Moroni appeared to Joseph in September of 1823 and informed him... While it is unclear to what extent this retrospective account may contain details that were actually learned after 1823, Joseph definitely learned more about the priesthood as he translated the Book of Mormon in 1829." - Brian Q. Cannon, Priesthood Restoration Documents, BYU Studies, Volume 35, Number 4 (1995-1996)

Priesthood Restoration Apologetics = Retrofitting and Narrative Engineering

A BYU Studies article, Priesthood Restoration Documents (BYU Studies, Volume 35, Number 4, 1996), attempts to compile and legitimize the historical claims surrounding the restoration of the priesthood in Mormonism. While the compilation appears scholarly on the surface, the conclusion it draws is apologetic rather than academic. The piece says one thing, but the data …

Retrofitting the Priesthood Restoration into the Doctrine and Covenants Revelation

The church narrative states the priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdry in 1829. There are a few Revelations used to tell this narrative. There are problems with these priesthood restoration claims, and specifically these revelations, they aren’t contemporary to the stories, and the few that are the closest, have been changed. Doctrine …

“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
“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
“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
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!
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/
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/