Doug’s story is one of questioning, integrity, and the courage to seek truth despite the cost. Born into a devout Mormon family, Doug grappled with doubts from a young age, his sharp mind clashing with doctrines and practices that defied logic or evidence. His search for answers, including a memorable exchange with the Smithsonian Institution …
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In Kinderhook, Illinois, about 50 miles south of Nauvoo, six bell-shaped brass plates were allegedly found when digging up a burial mound on a farmer’s land. He said he’d dreamt about finding treasure in the mound and organized a dig. A couple Mormons were present when some small plates with ancient-looking inscriptions were found and …
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Cameron’s life was steeped in the culture and expectations of Mormonism, growing up in a loving yet disciplined home in Orem, Utah, with milestones like baptism, priesthood ordination, and temple marriage shaping his path. These events were celebrated as pillars of faith and family life, and he embraced them wholeheartedly. However, as he began to …
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Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf spoke in a BYU Devotional, teaching that “We seek for truth wherever we may find it.” He invites his listeners to find truth, and bring it into their testimony. Is the church really this comfortable with members searching wherever for truth? This sentiment is often repeated by modern LDS leaders and …
The question of whether the Book of Mormon is historical—and whether it has to be historical in order to be “true”—is one that has sparked significant debate both within and outside the LDS Church. Is the Book of Mormon Historical? The Book of Mormon presents itself as a historical account of ancient peoples who traveled …
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Plato’s Allegory of the Cave serves as a timeless metaphor for the journey from ignorance to knowledge and truth. It parallels the experience of leaving Mormonism in profound ways. Just as the freed prisoner emerges into the light, grappling with the shock of a broader reality, those who leave the church often confront unsettling truths …
Reporter: In 2003 the church denounced the book Under the Banner of Heaven by John Krakauer, calling Krakauer a storyteller who cuts corners to make the story sound good. Now Krakauer’s book has been adapted for TV and is streaming on Hulu. What does the church think of the Hulu adaptation, and more generally how …
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Evil speaking of the Lord’s anointed is a phrase used in the Mormon Church to discourage criticism of church leaders. The term implies that speaking negatively about church leaders—considered “anointed” or chosen by God—is a form of disrespect or rebellion against divine authority. Members are taught that such criticism weakens faith, sows division, and leads …
Spencer grew up immersed in the Mormon faith, surrounded by the teachings and traditions that defined his childhood. Born into an intensely religious family in Michigan, he was the quintessential believer—faithful, devoted, and utterly convinced of the church’s truth. For him, the church was perfect, unchangeable, and divinely guided. He couldn’t imagine leaving. But life …
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The Ensign Peak Advisors controversy centers on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or rather the Corporation of the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, doing business as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, using a tax-exempt investment fund to manage hundreds of billions of dollars derived …
The Book of Mormon Translation Gospel Topic Essay references an article in Footnote 31 from an Evangelical Magazine titled Mormonites. The essay cherry-picks comments from Oliver Cowdery about the translation process: The principal scribe, Oliver Cowdery, testified under oath in 1831 that Joseph Smith “found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two …
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Church leader Lawrence E. Corbridge, an LDS Seventy, gave a BYU Devotional that addresses how to properly deal with questions. Corbridge explains that he’s read all the anti-Mormon literature out there, but was successfully able to put all his questions on the shelf because he was able to convince himself that his questions don’t matter …
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Tom’s journey out of the LDS Church is shaped by a lifetime of devotion and careful reflection. Raised as a descendent of early Mormon pioneers, he grew up deeply rooted in the faith, participating in every aspect from Seminary and a mission to a temple marriage, and later serving in leadership roles within the church. …
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Russell M. Nelson, in his youthful apostolic messages, taught that truth was important, but must be paired with mercy and more. He warns that simply knowing the truth does not excuse us from thoughtfully considering its use and power. He relates a story of a surgeon who spoke the truth bluntly and ended up hurting …
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What is the Mormon Prosperity Gospel? The prosperity gospel of Mormonism reflects a mindset that righteous living leads to temporal prosperity or the idea that links material wealth and success directly with divine favor. Though not an official doctrine of the church, elements of this mindset are found in Mormon culture and teachings. It is …
Have you seen the 1999 film, The Matrix? The Matrix is an excellent movie for deconstruction. Anyone familiar with The Matrix trilogy knows it presents a complex philosophical and even religious worldview. Even ordinary people, who had no education in philosophy, metaphysics, or neuroscience, came away from viewing those fanciful stories, asking themselves, “What is …
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Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is known for recounting dramatic and miraculous personal experiences that highlight his faith and divine protection. However, over the years, these stories have evolved into exaggerated, faith-promoting narratives, raising questions about the accuracy of his accounts. One such story is Nelson’s account …
Corey’s journey from a devout member of the Mormon Church to an individual outside its walls is a powerful example of courage, intellectual honesty, and the pursuit of truth and genuine faith. Raised in southern Idaho within a large Mormon family, Corey was deeply woven into the fabric of the Church. His identity, values, community, …
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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 …
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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The church makes misleading statements about how much the Apostles and Prophets of the LDS church are paid. They state regularly that there is no paid ministry, no professional clergy, and that no one is paid for their church service. This omits the fact that all senior leaders in the church are paid what they …
City Creek Center is a large, upscale shopping center in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, that opened in 2012. It spans over 20 acres and features retail stores, restaurants, office spaces, and residential units. The development is notable for its retractable glass roof, pedestrian sky bridge, and an artificial creek running through the property, making …
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Today, the fact that Joseph Smith was involved in treasure digging is undisputed, yet still hardly common knowledge among members of the church. This is likely due to the historic denials from church leadership on Joseph and any such occult practices. The church has sought to distance itself from the strange magic practices of the …
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If you saw a thirsty man drinking water from a well you knew to be poisoned, would you let him continue to drink or would you guide him to a safe well? This analogy embodies a profound moral duty to intervene when we see others in harm’s way. It extolls the virtues of compassion, responsibility, …
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Cognitive dissonance occurs when a person experiences discomfort due to holding conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors. To reduce this discomfort, individuals often try to reconcile these inconsistencies, either by changing their beliefs, justifying their actions, or avoiding information that exacerbates the conflict. Leon Festinger Social psychologist Leon Festinger coined the term “cognitive dissonance” in the 1950s in …
A respectful note for whoever thinks Mormonism is not a cult, please consider the BITE model developed by Dr. Steven Hassan based on his own observations and experiences as a cult survivor. The BITE model describes the four areas of authoritarian control cults exert over their followers. The acronym refers to [B]ehavior Control, [I]nformation control, [T]hought control and …
Corbin Allred is an American actor best known for his roles in film and television, particularly within the Mormon community. Born into the church in Salt Lake City, Utah, Allred was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and his faith played a significant role in some of his …
Doc Bob’s journey is one of deep involvement in the Mormon Church, from a small-town Mormon upbringing to significant leadership roles, including serving as a Branch President and on the High Council. His faith was shaped by personal interviews with high-ranking apostles and a mission to Mississippi. However, as Doc Bob delved into church history, …
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Steven Hassan Dr. Steven Hassan is a prominent mental health professional, author, and advocate known for his expertise in cults and undue influence. Having experienced firsthand the effects of mind control and manipulation as a former member of the Unification Church (commonly known as the Moonies), Dr. Hassan has dedicated his life to helping individuals …
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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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![[Joseph Smith] was again arraigned before a bar of Justice, during last Summer, to answer to a charge of misdemeanor. This trial led to an investigation of his character and conduct, which clearly evinced to the unprejudiced, whence the spirit came which dictated his inspirations. During the trial it was shown that the Book of Mormon was brought to light by the same magic power by which he pretended to tell fortunes, discover hidden treasures, etc. Oliver Cowdry, one of the three witnesses to the book, testified under oath, that said Smith found with the plates, from which he translated his book, two transparent stones, resembling glass, set in silver bows. That by looking through these, he was able to read in English, the reformed Egyptian characters, which were engraved on the plates. - Mormonites, Evangelical Magazine and Gospel Advocate, April 9 1831 - Footnote 31 in Gospel Topic Essay on Book of Mormon Translation | wasmormon.org](https://i0.wp.com/wasmormon.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Mormonites-Olivery-Cowdery-statement-under-oath-about-seer-stone-trial-showed-book-of-mormon-brought-by-same-magic-power-Joseph-discovered-hidden-treasures.jpg?fit=1200%2C1200&ssl=1)
