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
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.

Trust Us—We Don’t Know: Dallin H. Oaks, Polygamy, and the Promise of Mormon Heaven

In a 2019 talk, Dallin H. Oaks—apostle and current First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—responded to a question that hits at the heart of the legacy peculiar Mormon doctrine of plural marriage, especially for women today: If a woman marries a widower sealed to his first …

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:23 (KJV Bible) We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. VS And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me ye that work iniquity. - JST Matthew 7:33 Joseph Smith Translation. Inspired JST, more revelation than literal translation, restores truths to the KJV text that had become lost or changed. VS And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - 3 Nephi 14:23 - The Book of Mormon - The most correct of any book on earth. | wasmormon.org
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - Matthew 7:23 (KJV Bible) We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly. VS And then will I say, Ye never knew me; depart from me ye that work iniquity. - JST Matthew 7:33 Joseph Smith Translation. Inspired JST, more revelation than literal translation, restores truths to the KJV text that had become lost or changed. VS And then will I profess unto them: I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity. - 3 Nephi 14:23 - The Book of Mormon - The most correct of any book on earth.
Anachornistic Bible Quotes in Book of Mormon - Helaman 5:8 - Book of Mormon “I have somewhat more to desire of you, ... that ye may not do these things that ye may boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away;” vs Matthew 6:20 - Bible, New Testament “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” and 1 Peter 1:4 - Bible, New Testament “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you” | wasmormon.org
Anachornistic Bible Quotes in Book of Mormon - Helaman 5:8 - Book of Mormon “I have somewhat more to desire of you, ... that ye may not do these things that ye may boast, but that ye may do these things to lay up for yourselves a treasure in heaven, yea, which is eternal, and which fadeth not away;” vs Matthew 6:20 - Bible, New Testament “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” and 1 Peter 1:4 - Bible, New Testament “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you”
Anachornistic Bible Quotes in Book of Mormon - Helaman 5:44 - Book of Mormon “they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory” vs 1 Peter 1:8 - Bible, New Testament “they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory” | wasmormon.org
Anachornistic Bible Quotes in Book of Mormon - Helaman 5:44 - Book of Mormon “they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory” vs 1 Peter 1:8 - Bible, New Testament “they were filled with that joy which is unspeakable and full of glory”
Anachronistic Bible quotes in The Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 22:15 - Book of Mormon “For behold... the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned” vs Malachi 4:1 - Bible, Old Testament “For, behold, the day cometh, that... all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up” | wasmormon.org
Anachronistic Bible quotes in The Book of Mormon: 1 Nephi 22:15 - Book of Mormon “For behold... the day soon cometh that all the proud and they who do wickedly shall be as stubble; and the day cometh that they must be burned” vs Malachi 4:1 - Bible, Old Testament “For, behold, the day cometh, that... all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up”
Anachronistic Bible quotes in The Book of Mormon: Mormon 9:24 - Book of Mormon “And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;” vs Mark 16:17-18 - Bible, New Testament “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” | wasmormon.org
Anachronistic Bible quotes in The Book of Mormon: Mormon 9:24 - Book of Mormon “And these signs shall follow them that believe—in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover;” vs Mark 16:17-18 - Bible, New Testament “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
“The revelation is clear in its purpose... President Taylor’s God declares, when “my everlasting covenants cannot be abrogated nor done away with.” All who wish to enter into God’s highest glory “must and shall obey my law.” ... it raises thorny issues for Latter-day Saints. Was Taylor’s revelation true, and were the prophets who followed him traitors? And what does it mean for Latter-day Saint authority if revelations — and revelators — are fallible?” - Benjamin Park, Teacher, Author, President of the Mormon History Association | wasmormon.org
“The revelation is clear in its purpose... President Taylor’s God declares, when “my everlasting covenants cannot be abrogated nor done away with.” All who wish to enter into God’s highest glory “must and shall obey my law.” ... it raises thorny issues for Latter-day Saints. Was Taylor’s revelation true, and were the prophets who followed him traitors? And what does it mean for Latter-day Saint authority if revelations — and revelators — are fallible?” - Benjamin Park, Teacher, Author, President of the Mormon History Association
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/sistercushing/. 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/sistercushing/. 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 attended EFY a couple of times and absolutely lived for girls camp. I went to college at Utah State University, and took a break to serve in the Washington DC South Mission. Six months after my return I married my high school best friend in the Vernal Temple. - Erin's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sistercushing/
I attended EFY a couple of times and absolutely lived for girls camp. I went to college at Utah State University, and took a break to serve in the Washington DC South Mission. Six months after my return I married my high school best friend in the Vernal Temple. - Erin's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/sistercushing/
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/brian-caulfield/. 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/brian-caulfield/. 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!
There were times when I did believe in the church 100%. That was paying money, and following the rules. I left due to leaders and Bishops spreading lies. And finding out Jesus was not Jesus. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
There were times when I did believe in the church 100%. That was paying money, and following the rules. I left due to leaders and Bishops spreading lies. And finding out Jesus was not Jesus. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
Hi, I'm Brian. I like basketball, martial arts, dance, and rock music. I served a mission in London, 1998, when I was 19. I'm diabetic type 1, dyspraxic, and autistic. I was a Mormon. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
Hi, I'm Brian. I like basketball, martial arts, dance, and rock music. I served a mission in London, 1998, when I was 19. I'm diabetic type 1, dyspraxic, and autistic. I was a Mormon. - Brian's "I was a Mormon" story. Read more at https://wasmormon.org/profile/brian-caulfield/
“Between 1848 and 1851, Smith's household, including his slaves, settled in Utah in the Salt Lake Basin. The Mormons were generally outspoken in their belief in the inferiority of Blacks and women. Biddy and Hannah were not recognized as independent family heads, but remained with Smith's household as slaves. Given the Mormon practice of polygamy, Black women's status as slaves or indentured servants of a Southern master not only remained low, but there was also a religious justification for any sexual exploitation a master wished to enforce.” - Dolores Hayden, Biddy Mason’s Los Angeles 1856-1891. California History, Fall 1989 | wasmormon.org
“Between 1848 and 1851, Smith's household, including his slaves, settled in Utah in the Salt Lake Basin. The Mormons were generally outspoken in their belief in the inferiority of Blacks and women. Biddy and Hannah were not recognized as independent family heads, but remained with Smith's household as slaves. Given the Mormon practice of polygamy, Black women's status as slaves or indentured servants of a Southern master not only remained low, but there was also a religious justification for any sexual exploitation a master wished to enforce.” - Dolores Hayden, Biddy Mason’s Los Angeles 1856-1891. California History, Fall 1989
“Warren Snow was Bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete County, Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair, buxom young woman in the town that Snow wanted for a wife... She thanked him for the honor offered, but told him she was then engaged to a young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not marry the old priest. This was no sufficient reason to Snow. He told her it was the will of God that she should marry him, and she must do so... Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to give up the young woman. This he steadfastly refused to do... He remained true to his intended, and said he would die before he would surrender his intended wife to the embraces of another.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877 | wasmormon.org
“Warren Snow was Bishop of the Church at Manti, San Pete County, Utah. He had several wives, but there was a fair, buxom young woman in the town that Snow wanted for a wife... She thanked him for the honor offered, but told him she was then engaged to a young man, a member of the Church, and consequently could not marry the old priest. This was no sufficient reason to Snow. He told her it was the will of God that she should marry him, and she must do so... Then the authorities called on the young man and directed him to give up the young woman. This he steadfastly refused to do... He remained true to his intended, and said he would die before he would surrender his intended wife to the embraces of another.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877
“It was then decided to call a meeting of the people who lived true to counsel... The young man was there, and was again requested, ordered and threatened, to get him to surrender the young woman to Snow, but ... he refused to consent to give up the girl. The lights were then put out. An attack was made on the young man. He was severely beaten, and then tied with his back down on a bench, when Bishop Snow took a bowie-knife, and performed the operation in a most brutal manner, and then took the portion severed from his victim and hung it up in the schoolhouse on a nail, so that it could be seen by all who visited the house afterwards. The party then left the young man weltering in his blood, and in a lifeless condition.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877 | wasmormon.org
“It was then decided to call a meeting of the people who lived true to counsel... The young man was there, and was again requested, ordered and threatened, to get him to surrender the young woman to Snow, but ... he refused to consent to give up the girl. The lights were then put out. An attack was made on the young man. He was severely beaten, and then tied with his back down on a bench, when Bishop Snow took a bowie-knife, and performed the operation in a most brutal manner, and then took the portion severed from his victim and hung it up in the schoolhouse on a nail, so that it could be seen by all who visited the house afterwards. The party then left the young man weltering in his blood, and in a lifeless condition.” - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877
It was then determined that the rebellious young man must be forced by harsh treatment to respect the advice and orders of the Priesthood. His fate was left to Bishop Snow for his decision. He decided that the young man should be castrated; Snow saying, "When that is done, he will not be liable to want the girl badly, and she will listen to reason when she knows that her lover is no longer a man." - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877 | wasmomon.org
It was then determined that the rebellious young man must be forced by harsh treatment to respect the advice and orders of the Priesthood. His fate was left to Bishop Snow for his decision. He decided that the young man should be castrated; Snow saying, "When that is done, he will not be liable to want the girl badly, and she will listen to reason when she knows that her lover is no longer a man." - John D. Lee, Mormonism Unveiled: The life and confessions of the late Mormon bishop, 1877
“On a cold winter night, Warren, the entire Manti Bishopric, and a few others secreted themselves in some willows near a creek by which the road to Salt Lake City passed. Thomas Lewis, a young member of the church ... was being taken by night to the penitentiary in Salt Lake ... When Lewis and his escort reached the creek, Warren and the others stepped out of the willows, and pulling Lewis from his horse, they dragged him into the brush and emasculated him "in a brutal manner." The prisoner's escort seems to have been an accomplice (hence the night trip), and soon the entire group fled leaving their victim lying on the snow-covered ground on what was described as "a bitter cold night." Lewis laid there in a near senseless condition for forty-eight hours before being found by someone who took him in and saved his life.” - John A. Peterson, "Warren Stone Snow: Mormon defender," Master's Thesis, BYU, 1985 | wasmormon.org
“On a cold winter night, Warren, the entire Manti Bishopric, and a few others secreted themselves in some willows near a creek by which the road to Salt Lake City passed. Thomas Lewis, a young member of the church ... was being taken by night to the penitentiary in Salt Lake ... When Lewis and his escort reached the creek, Warren and the others stepped out of the willows, and pulling Lewis from his horse, they dragged him into the brush and emasculated him "in a brutal manner." The prisoner's escort seems to have been an accomplice (hence the night trip), and soon the entire group fled leaving their victim lying on the snow-covered ground on what was described as "a bitter cold night." Lewis laid there in a near senseless condition for forty-eight hours before being found by someone who took him in and saved his life.” - John A. Peterson, "Warren Stone Snow: Mormon defender," Master's Thesis, BYU, 1985

Bishop Warren S. Snow’s Teenage Brides and The Castration of Thomas Lewis

In 1857, just as tensions with the U.S. government were escalating toward the Utah War, a dark and largely forgotten episode of Mormon frontier justice played out in Manti, Utah. It involved a young man named Thomas Lewis, potentially an unnamed teenage girl, and Warren S. Snow, a high-ranking Mormon bishop and militia leader. What …

Joseph Smith on Slavery

In recent years, LDS apostle Quentin L. Cook has claimed that early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were persecuted because they were abolitionists and anti-slavery. Today leaders promote the narrative that latter-day saints of the day were driven out of Missouri in significant part because they were opposed to slavery. …