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New Scripture Translated From Sealed Portion – Jesus visits Macaroni and Condemns Viper Church Leaders of Last Days

9. Yea, for in the latter days, there shall arise a great church, yea, a church that shall build fine temples of stone, and they shall heap up treasures in hedge funds, and their storehouses shall overflow with riches. 10. Some of the principles and ideas of the church did come from the truth that is me. But behold, this church is not of me. Yea, they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. 11. For the leaders of this church shall be as wolves in sheep’s clothing, and they shall deceive the righteous and lead them astray. They shall teach the philosophies of business-men mingled with scripture, and they shall pervert my holy gospel for gain. 12. Yea, I say unto you, they shall enrich themselves upon the backs of the poor and the widows, and their wealth shall be stored up in vaults of steel and gold, hidden from the sight of the people. 13. And they shall turn my holy church into a corporation, where profits lead and prophets are silenced. The Book of Macaroni 21:9-13 | wasmormon.org

A few years ago, Russell M. Nelson revealed how Joseph Smith would translate by using a rock in a hat a few years ago. Suppose, for a moment, that he could know this technique from experience. What if President Russell M. Nelson knew more about the translation process? What if he used the same technique …

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Moroni’s Promise and Begging the Question

The catch is—it's a trap! This is flawed logic. The trap of Moroni's Promise lies in its circular reasoning and built-in assumptions. It suggests that if we read the Book of Mormon and pray with a sincere heart and real intent, we will receive confirmation from the Holy Ghost that it is true. However, if we do not receive this confirmation, the promise implies we either lack sincerity, genuine intent, or sufficient faith. This creates a no-win situation: if we believe, it confirms the Church's truth claims; if we don’t, the fault lies with our efforts or intent, not with the promise or the church. This circular logic traps individuals in a cycle where any outcome reinforces the belief system, making it difficult to evaluate the truth of the Church’s teachings. It is dangerous to base a belief on something so subjective and manipulative. | wasmormon.org

Moroni’s Promise is a passage found in the Book of Mormon, Moroni 10:3-5, where the prophet Moroni invites readers to test the truthfulness of the book. According to the scripture, Moroni promises that if readers sincerely ask God in prayer, with a genuine heart and real intent, they will receive a confirmation through the Holy …

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Erica Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Meet Erica, a woman with deep spiritual roots and pioneer ancestors. Raised as a devout Mormon, Erica valued her spirituality and sees it as a vital part of her identity. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when a prayer about tithing led to a surprising answer that she did not need to pay money …

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Larry Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Meet Larry, from Southern California and a Mormon family. Despite a relatively normal upbringing, Larry began noticing the differences his faith brought into his life. Larry enjoyed a balanced childhood, all while Larry harbored doubts about the truth of Mormonism. His doubts deepened when a Patriarchal blessing of protection for his family during his mission …

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“I finished the Book of Mormon. As I kneeled to pray and asked if the book was true, I remember thinking that this was it - I would finally have the experience that everyone seems to talk about where they are overcome by the Spirit. The truth is, when I prayed, I didn't feel that way... Just because you may not receive an extremely strong confirmation does not mean the Book of Mormon isn't true or that your testimony is not as strong as someone else's. It simply means that the Spirit can speak to people in different ways and at different times... For me, this experience taught me that we don't always receive answers in the way we expect. I thought I would feel an overpowering spiritual impression after I prayed about the Book of Mormon - but I didn't. Honestly, I believe I already knew it was true.” - An Unexpected Answer, By Amy Carpenter. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2011 | wasmormon.org — “I finished the Book of Mormon. As I kneeled to pray and asked if the book was true, I remember thinking that this was it - I would finally have the experience that everyone seems to talk about where they are overcome by the Spirit. The truth is, when I prayed, I didn't feel that way... Just because you may not receive an extremely strong confirmation does not mean the Book of Mormon isn't true or that your testimony is not as strong as someone else's. It simply means that the Spirit can speak to people in different ways and at different times... For me, this experience taught me that we don't always receive answers in the way we expect. I thought I would feel an overpowering spiritual impression after I prayed about the Book of Mormon - but I didn't. Honestly, I believe I already knew it was true.” - An Unexpected Answer, By Amy Carpenter. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2011

"I'll put Moroni's promise to the test," I told myself, eager to get started. "I'll finally learn whether the Church is true." For the next 90 days, I diligently devoured the book's contents. Exultant with joy as I closed with Moroni's farewell and amen, I scrambled to my knees. Brimming with anticipation, I posed my question: Was the Book of Mormon true? As I waited for a response, a cricket chirped. The air conditioner switched on. My watch intrusively ticked off the seconds as they passed. There was no burning bosom sensation, no chorus of angels, no flash of knowing. Nothing... The truth of this book isn't always manifest in burning bosoms and visions of angels; it's manifest in the lives of the people who read it and put it to use. I don't need to ask anymore if this book is true. - Waiting for My Testimony, by Caroline LeDuc. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2010 | wasmormon.org — "I'll put Moroni's promise to the test," I told myself, eager to get started. "I'll finally learn whether the Church is true." For the next 90 days, I diligently devoured the book's contents. Exultant with joy as I closed with Moroni's farewell and amen, I scrambled to my knees. Brimming with anticipation, I posed my question: Was the Book of Mormon true? As I waited for a response, a cricket chirped. The air conditioner switched on. My watch intrusively ticked off the seconds as they passed. There was no burning bosom sensation, no chorus of angels, no flash of knowing. Nothing... The truth of this book isn't always manifest in burning bosoms and visions of angels; it's manifest in the lives of the people who read it and put it to use. I don't need to ask anymore if this book is true. - Waiting for My Testimony, by Caroline LeDuc. LDS Published New Era Magazine, Feb 2010

When Moroni’s Promise Doesn’t Work

Here are three articles from Church magazines that show the church acknowledging that Moronoi’s promise is not perfect and that many with real intent don’t get answers to their sincere heart prayers. These articles show that many do not receive the promised spiritual experience or manifestation of the Holy Ghost. Maybe it’s just that the …

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If God answers your prayer, He is increasing your faith. If He delays, He is inceasing your patience. If He doesn't answer, He has something better for you... Confirmation Bias: The tendency to search for, or interpret, information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions. Characteristic trait of cult mentality.

Elevation and Other Elevated Emotions

“The power of the positive moral emotions to uplift & transform people has long been known... an emotion that I have begun to call "elevation." Elevation is elicited by acts of virtue or moral beauty; it causes warm, open feelings in the chest; and it motivates people to behave more virtuously themselves.” - Jonathan Haidt, Elevation and the Positive Psychology of Morality (2003) Author, Social Psychologist, Professor of Ethical Leadership | wasmormon.org

Many people who have left the church report still feeling the “spirit” just as they did when they were active members. This feeling is linked to a phenomenon called “Elevation Emotion,” which is well-researched and associated with positive emotions like gratitude and admiration. Researchers can reliably induce this feeling, often described as a warm sensation …

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Moroni’s Promise – A Lesson in Confirmation Bias and Elevated Emotions

"Follow Moroni's counsel. Sincerely ask God the Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, with real intent, if the teachings of the Book of Mormon are true. Ask with a desire to receive a confirmation personally, nothing doubting. There has to be an explanation of that book you can hold in your hand. I know that you can receive a spiritual confirmation that it is true. You will then know that Jesus Christ lives, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's Church. You will confirm that the Savior guides His Church through a living prophet. These truths will become a foundation for your productive life." - LDS Apostle, Richard G. Scott, 2012 | wasmormon.org

In the Book of Mormon, Moroni offers a promise often cited by members of the LDS Church to confirm its truthfulness. This promise is foundational for many Mormons, providing a personal spiritual confirmation of the church’s teachings. Moroni encourages readers to ask God with a sincere heart and real intent if the Book of Mormon …

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Bonneville’s HeartSell® – Strategic Emotional Advertising With the Holy Ghost

One of the main messages from the church is that IF you feel a warm positive emotion, or feeling THEN you know what is being taught or said is true and from God. As long as the questions you ask align with the questions they want you to ask and your emotional response is what …

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Mormons Call the Church President the Prophet But Haven’t Always

"Mormons have not always seen their president as a prophet. Before 1955, every mention of the church's leader in Deseret News articles referred to him as "President." The honorific "Prophet" was reserved only for Joseph Smith, the church's founder, and prophets from the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Yet during David O. McKays popular presidency from 1951 to 1970, church publications began occasionally referring to him as "Prophet." By the late 1960s, "President" had become interchangeable, if not synonymous, with "Prophet," thanks to routine references to the latter in church publications and at General Conferences." - D. Michael Quinn, Historian on Mormonism - The Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power | wasmromon.org

There has been a significant cultural change within the Mormon Church, shifting from church leaders predominantly being referred to as “President,” to being esteemed as “Prophet.” This change evolved gradually over several decades. Initially, references to the church leader as “Prophet” were reserved exclusively for Joseph Smith, the church’s founder, and prophets from biblical and …

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Joseph Smith’s Failed Attempt At Raising the Dead

A dead body, which had been retained above ground two or three days, under the expectation that the dead would be raised, was insensible to the voice of those who commanded it to awake into life, and is destined to sleep in the grave till the last trump shall sound, and the power of God easily accomplishes the work, which frustrated the attempts, and bid defiance to the puny efforts of the Mormonite. - That an attempt was made to raise the child, is denied, of course, as every other attempt has been, after its entire failure was obvious to all. The parents of the deceased child, however, state, that they were prevented from procuring medical aid for the child, by the representations of the elders, that it was in no danger—that it would certainly be restored. The father had no other idea but that the child was to be raised; neither did his faith fail him till preparations were made for its interment. He then awoke from bis dream of delusion, and dissolved his connexion with the impostors. - Ezra Booth Letters – Mormonism Unvailed, 1834. Page 190 | wasmormon.org

The Mormons had a revival in Ohio on June 4, 1831. Joseph Smith led the meetings and there were quite a few spectacles in the meetings. The conference received a lot of hype in the area because many were converting to the church. There were rumors that there would be miracles performed at the conference. …

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Dianne Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Dianne’s path reflects a profound shift from unwavering faith to skeptical inquiry. Raised in the Mormon tradition and deeply devoted to its tenets and beliefs, her journey toward disbelief began with a clash between science and religious doctrine. As she grappled with the stark disparities between empirical evidence and faith-based teachings, Dianne embarked on an …

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Joseph Smith’s Story Parallels his Mother

“Often in my reflections I thought that life was not worth possessing. In the midst of this anxiety of mind, I determined to obtain that which I had heard spoken so much of from the pulpit—a change of heart. To accomplish this, I spent much of my time reading the Bible, and praying; but notwithstanding my great anxiety to experience a change of heart, another matter would always interpose in all my meditations—if I remain a member of no church, all religious people will say I am of the world; and if I join some one of the different denominations, all the rest will say I am in error. No church will admit that I am right, except the one with which I am associated. This makes them witnesses against each other; and how can I decide in such a case as this, seeing they are all unlike the Church of Christ, as it existed in former days! While I remained at Tunbridge, I became acquainted with a young man by the name of Joseph Smith (Sr), to whom I was subsequently married.” - Lucy Mack Smith - History of the Prophet Joseph by his Mother Lucy Smith | wasmormon.org

Joseph Smith has some interesting points in his history that stand out. Upon reading his mother’s own biography, a few of the same points stand out. Could it be that Joseph’s own story borrows from those of his mother? Could he borrow from both of his parents? We can see that he already integrated his …

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President Oaks Fibbing For The Lord Again – Prompt and Public Disavowal of Racism?

“Institutionally, the Church reacted swiftly to the revelation on the priesthood. Ordinations and temple recommends came immediately. The reasons that had been given to try to explain the prior restrictions on members of African ancestry — even those previously voiced by revered Church leaders — were promptly and publicly disavowed.” - President Dallin H. Oaks, 2018 'Be One' Celebration, 40 Years Since Priesthood Ban | wasmormon.org

The church celebrates its own decision to stop the racially discriminatory practice of banning the priesthood from anyone of African descent in 1978. To show that they are not racist, they wanted to point out that it has now been 40 years since they stopped being racist. There was a big self-congratulatory spectacle planned for …

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Lilik Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Growing up in Indonesia within a Muslim community, Lilik navigated poverty and familial expectations from a young age, leaving school at 14 and working as a nanny away from home, in Singapore, and later in Hong Kong. Amidst the challenges of her early years, Lilik’s encounter with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints …

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Don’t Pray About A Mission! Dumb Question!

"Do NOT pray about whether or not you should go on a mission!! DUMB QUESTION!!" - Kevin W. Pearson, LDS General Authority | wasmormon.org

Elder Kevin W. Pearson gave an address as a “Rising Generation” fireside in Bountiful, Utah where he made a respectable of himself spouting nonsense. He shouted at the young men the advice “Do NOT pray about whether or not you should go on a mission!” calling this a “Dumb Question!” Is he worried about the …

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Church Claims Activism a Tactic of Satan and Gaslights Members

“Activism or advocacy directed toward or against The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a secular, worldly device misapplied in a spiritual, otherworldly context... When activism or advocacy is directed at the Kingdom of God on earth or its leaders, especially prophets and apostles, it is the wrong tool for the wrong job in the wrong place.”- Brother Ahmad S. Corbitt, Activism vs Disipleship, 2022, as First Counselor in Young Men General Presidency. Now Elder Ahmad S. Corbitt, LDS General Authority Seventy | wasmormon.org

Brother Ahmad S. Corbitt, the then First Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency, gave a talk to LDS Chaplains, on October 4, 2022, in which he teaches against activism directed towards the church. He doesn’t want members getting any ideas that they can influence or change things the church does by criticizing, complaining, or …

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Mormons and Interracial Marriage

“We recommend that people marry those who are of the same racial background generally, and of somewhat the same economic and social and educational background, and above all, the same religious background, without question.” - LDS Church President, Spencer W. Kimball 1976 BYU Devotional, Marriage and Divorce | wasmormon.org

President Spencer W Kimball, as president of the church gave a speech at BYU about Marriage and Divorce in 1976. This talk is currently referenced frequently, nearly 50 years later, in church lesson manuals and by church leaders. In this talk, he spoke against interracial marriages. He advised against marriages between those from differing economic …

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Shane Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Shane’s journey unfolds as a poignant narrative of resilience, love, and profound self-discovery within the intricate tapestry of faith, family, and personal identity. A stalwart member of the LDS Church, Shane’s commitment to his beliefs and his family is evident in every chapter of his life. From the vibrant memories of a South Korean mission …

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One Mission Is Not Enough – Church Urges Seniors for Two

"We've invited you here tonight because we want to extend an invitation to each of you to serve... Will you prayerfully consider serving two missions? Not one, but two?" - Elder Kevin W. Pearson, LDS General Authority Seventy and President of the Utah Area March 19th, 2023, The Best Time of Our Lives: Senior Missionary Opportunities Broadcast | wasmormon.org

The church held a special Broadcast for the Utah Area to drum up interest and enlist more senior missionaries in the service of the church. Elder Kevin Pearson, of the Seventy, who is also the Area President of the Utah Area worked to fire up the attendees with a call to serve. He urged all …

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Censoring ‘The Gospel and the Church’ Talk

Ronald E Poelman - 1984 - The Gospel and the Church. Comparing the original and the edited talk: "Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church of Jesus Christ are true and divine. However, there is a distinction between them which is significant and it is very important that this distinction be understood." vs "Both the gospel of Jesus Christ and the church of Jesus Christ are true and divine, and there is an essential relationship between them that is significant and very important." | wasmormon.org

In the October 1984 General Conference, Elder Ronald E. Poelman of the First Quorum of the Seventy gave a talk that many who saw, heard, or witnessed live thought was an amazing talk that addressed many things that had thus far remained unsaid regarding the relationship between the Mormon church and the Mormon Gospel. The …

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I Know The Church Is True

"It is one thing to be able to say, “I believe, I think, I hope that the gospel is true,” but it requires personal revelation and personal acknowledgment and recognition to declare, “I know that the Church is true.” - Elder Charles Didier, October 1991 General Conference | wasmormon.org

Nearly every speaker in a testimony meeting says “I know the church is true.” This is a nonsensical statement, but considering the Illusory Truth Effect we can see what the church may be after. We know that repetitions don’t make statements any more true, but psychologically we do tend to believe things we’ve heard repeatedly. …

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Illusory Truth Effect

What is the Illusory Truth Effect? Imagine your brain is like a sponge that soaks up information. When you hear something many times, even if it’s not true, your brain starts to believe it. This is called the Illusory Truth Effect. We tend to believe something is true, just because we’ve heard it over and …

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Unwritten Rules Are A Foundation Built On Sand

The emphasis on modern prophets and the latest general conference over the scriptures creates an atmosphere of transience that pervades everything. The only real rule is to do whatever they said most recently. Everything else is optional and unknowable. There's no foundation, or base we can trust. There is no doctrine, no catechism, and no solid foundation of rules or beliefs. It's just a doctrine of authority and spiritual coercion and abuse to ensure the sheep stay in line. The point is to obey the authorities and not question the brethren. The law of obedience is the most important law to follow, it's really the only law to follow. It's as circular as "Do as I say. Because I say so." It's shifting sands, maybes, and implied gotchas. Even though in primary we are taught the tale of those who build their house on the sand, and we know and remember that it doesn't end well for them. | wasmormon.org

Mormonism Is a Religion of Unwritten Rules Mormonism as a religion and a culture relies heavily on unwritten and even unspoken rules. The religion judges members on these rules and judges everyone for adherence to the unwritten rules. There are theological assumptions that are entirely based on some of these rules and the religion has …

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Boyd Packer’s Unwritten Order of Things

"We are called to positions in the Church by inspiration. Even if the call is presented in a clumsy way, it is not wise for us to refuse the call. We must presuppose that the call comes from the Lord." - The Unwritten Order of Things, Boyd K. Packer - BYU Devotional 1996 | wasmormon.org

Boyd K. Packer gave a BYU devotional on 15th of October 1996 called The Unwritten Order of Things in which he discusses the unwritten rules and cultural standards of Mormonism. He states “The things that I shall tell you are not explained in the scriptures.” “The things I am going to tell you are not …

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Bednar’s Faith To NOT Be Healed

“Do you have the faith not to be healed?” - David A. Bednar, LDS Apostle, 2013 | wasmormon.org

David A. Bednar, Mormon Apostle, visited the University of Texas and spoke at a devotional for young adults. He shared a story in which a friend he calls “John and Heather” faced a serious health challenge, prompting a discussion about faith and healing. Bednar surprisingly asked when about to give John a blessing, if John …

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Apostle LeGrand Richards on Lifting the Priesthood Ban

“We had a meeting in the temple, and we discussed it as a group together, and then we prayed about it in our prayer circle, and then we held another prayer circle after the close of that meeting, and President Kimball lead in the prayer; praying that the Lord would give us the inspiration that we needed to do the thing that would be pleasing to Him and for the blessing of His children. And then the next Thursday—we meet every Thursday—the Presidency came with this little document written out to make the announcement—to see how we’d feel about it—and present it in written form. Well, some of the members of the Twelve suggested a few changes in the announcement, and then in our meeting there we all voted in favor of it—the Twelve and the Presidency.”- LeGrand Richards, Senior Apostle Recounting a behind-the-scenes look at the 1978 Priesthood Ban | wasmormon.org

In this interview, LeGrand Richards discusses the revelation to lift the priesthood ban for individuals of African descent and the subsequent Official Declaration 2. He highlights the role of Spencer Kimball, the then-president of the church, in seeking guidance on this matter. An admitted catalyst for the revelation is the concern about the growing number …

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Lindee Was a Mormon, an Ex-Mormon Profile Spotlight

Lindee converted to Mormonism as a young adult and served a mission. She followed advice of her Bishop and avoided therapy and saw her mental health suffer. After a long time as a single woman, she married, had children, and continued on the Mormon conveyor belt of life. She “spent a lot of time just …

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