After a day of being very caught up in worldly things, I’ll realize I haven’t thought to spend time with Heavenly Father, but instead of feeling like I should go right away to him I feel guilty and unworthy, like I should keep my distance. I know I shouldn’t and that his heart is so forgiving and he is always waiting, but I don’t know how to get over this. I just feel like hiding, almost in embarrassment that I got so caught up and distracted through the day. Or I find that when I struggle with my faith, I feel like I messed up and I’m stupid and I beat myself up over it LOL it’s so silly, but I would really appreciate some help.

I think the NIH article is here:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18559677/

With mormons' historical struggle with "faith promoting" integrity, would a mormon answer interview and/or survey questions more honestly if they didn't know the study was attempting to capture religion?

Here is what they took away on Latter Day Saints, for whatever reason (probably insecurity):

Last Sunday in the second hour, a leader chimed in that Joseph was "just a kid" going through "kid stuff" when he had a peninent heart and felt he needed to repent of his sins before Heavenly Father in the grove. What? I thought. He didn't have "kid stuff" on his mind. Luckily, a Sister chimed in and inspiringly said that Joseph's parents were prepared, and they knew that their son was destined for great things and the conversation steered that way.

Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God like unto Samuel and Moses, Peter and Paul. We should never trivialize the prophet of the restoration in such a way, a way in which we think of "kids" in this world.

I have walked in the areas that he walked, and know without a shadow of doubt that "no man, save Jesus only, has done more for the salvation of mankind" than he.

Never be ashamed, remove your insecurity, and stand firm in our foundation. Every prophet of this dispensation is a prophet called by our Lord and master. To Christ I bend my knee in humility, for it is that "identity" a follower of Christ and His church that is all that matters to Him and what should be all that matters to us. Not this "kid stuff" that fills our minds day in and day out, but Repentance for forgetting The Plan of Salvation and even sheepishly talking about it.

In 1930, Utah Senator and LDS apostle Reed Smoot co-sponsored the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. The tariffs led to counter tariffs, and reduced imports and exports by 67%. This action is seen by historians as one of the key factors that led to the largest economic crisis the world has ever known. Thomas Lamont said Smoot had “intensified nationalism all over the world” just before WW2.

I am aware of two claims that have been made that God commanded someone to translate the sealed portion. One from Christopher Nmelka, and the second from Mauricio Berger. Are there others?

This is not a gotcha question intended to prove a point. I’m genuinely curious to know if there are other published works that claim to be the sealed portion of the gold plates, and more importantly, if they are available for review. Both the Nmelka and Berger version are readily available for free on the internet, and are fascinating to read.

We studied some of the Joseph Smith History from the Pearl of Great Price today (sigh, it’s going to be a long year as a PIMO…).

As we read the account of Moroni’s visits to JS, our teacher compared the various instances of the scriptures Moroni quotes (Isaiah, Malachi, etc.) and where they show up throughout the standard works. I noticed that Moroni (or Smith) adds “the priesthood” as one of the things that will be restored in the last days that the ancient prophet does not mention.

It got me thinking that this account was written decades after it supposedly happened and conveniently incudes the touchstones that Smith needed to solidify his claim to power and leadership as prophet. In light of Smith’s rewriting of the first bison history, this just reeks of more of the same.

Does anyone if Smith made earlier records of these events to compare this one to? Did any of his family members who were involved write anything contemporaneously?

https://preview.redd.it/lgdjwsfmlrge1.png?width=468&format=png&auto=webp&s=4a0fb8dc765f50ae93227e760e65cfd2e29a55ce

Lavina wrote:
May 1983

Other writers questioned are Armand Mauss, Thomas G. Alexander, David John Buerger,

David John Buerger's article, "'The Fulness of the Priesthood': The Second Anointing in Latter-day Saint Theology and Practice," was published in Dialog of 1983. I recently posted about DJB's article which was tangentially rebuked by Elder Packer. Packer cautioned scholars to avoid writing about the temple and its rituals.

https://www.reddit.com/r/mormon/comments/1iajht8/lavina_looks_back_the_first_rule_of_2a_club_is_we/

University of Utah has archived his works and research sources. https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv54592#dscID

The largest body of documents on any one subject (of DJB's files) pertains to LDS temple ceremonies and ordinances. Buerger compiled a file of one hundred and one published articles written between 1842 and 1985 which describe temple ceremonies.

[This is a portion of Dr. Lavina Fielding Anderson's view of the chronology of the events that led to the September Six (1993) excommunications. The author's concerns were the control the church seemed to be exerting on scholarship.]

The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology by Dr. Lavina Fielding Anderson

https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V26N01_23.pdf

https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/s/gifnMKiaHk

I’m unfamiliar with all the theological details of church organizations outside of Mormonism. So I am curious as to what was the interest in the BoM when it was published. Are there any gospel principles found within its pages which were shocking or different from those of the typical Christian at the time? Anything new, or exciting? Or was the interest mainly regarding the “origins” of the Native Americans?

Serving the less fortunate is, effectively, serving God. So, if you were to give 10% of your income to the less fortunate, does that count as tithing? By giving that money to those who need it rather than a corporation(who might take years to use it effectively, or might just spend it on a shopping mall), aren't you paying tithing practically DIRECTLY to God? Tell me where my logic is flawed.

Alright, so I decided upon request to read the Book Of Mormon. After completing it I've discussed with a few of my Mormon friends a dilemma I've come across with no real conclusion. The commandments the LDS believe that are required to perform in order to maintain a right relationship with the Church is not listed in the BoM. I've asked and it seems like everyone is playing something close to their chest. I wanted to ask this community as they have nothing to hide and are honest too goodness truth seekers.

So the questions, Did those who were written about in the Book of Mormon have the Doctrines and Covenants that the LDS have today? If so, wouldn't they have been translated from plates as well? If they didn't, how were they saved if they didn't follow the commandments outlined in the D&C?

I'm asking sincerely.
.what proof is there that the plates were different than the 'original' plates?

Did Joseph Smith make up the second plates thing after martin Harris lost the manuscript??

I'm trying to see both sides of the argument but it seems suspicious that the idea for the plates of Lehi (second plates) never was mentioned until after the original manuscript was lost.

And Joseph Smith feared people calling him out so he made up a other story???

I get that the Lord works in mysterious always but it all seems suspicious.

This trope being used by apologists on comment boards is ridiculous. Did they not covenant to make the church their whole personality like I had to? So forgive me for losing my crap when I find out they hid some details about church history while gladly accepting 10% of my gross income.

I’m a PIMO college student living out of state. This is my second year of school and have remained somewhat active throughout that time. I was very involved my first semester of freshman year, then with the combination of some doubts and a very busy schedule my second semester freshman year I was much less active.

Fast forward to now after months of research, praying, pondering, and discussing with friends and family I no longer accept the church’s doctrine or actions to be true and inspired by God. I’m still working to find my own beliefs and the truth outside of that but it seems pretty clear that it will be outside the church.

I would just stop attending, but I’m currently called as a Sunday school teacher for 11-12 year olds. This is very tough for me as now with come follow me being D&C I don’t have a true belief to teach from. It’s also tricky because I basically volunteered for this calling when my bishop asked in September before I started “soul searching” if you will.

I want to make it clear that I no longer feel comfortable teaching Sunday school, but also want to be clear that it is not because I’m lazy or not living up to my duty or responsibility. I also dont want to make it a big deal and have any heated conversations.

Im also a track athlete and with it being our competition season im thinking of just saying im too busy to do it. Is there anything else I should do or say instead?

I went to DI and found some books that I’ve been so excited to dive into including A Marvelous Work and a Wonder, Our Search for Happiness, Truth Restored, Believing Christ, and The Work and the Glory book 1. I also snagged a book called The Pilgrim Hypothesis by Tim freaking Ballard so that’s going to be wild to read. There’s also a John bytheway book in there. I’ve never read anything from him but if it’s anything like his talks I’m sure I’m in for a doozie.

I was TBM for decades. My favorite callings were with the young men. Years as the priest quorum advisor to great young men.

Since primary I heard the biblical story of the danger of building a house on sand.

I suspect most Mormon testimonies are built on sand.

I had some great experiences at church. I worked with some wonderful people. But those good feelings are not unique to Mormons. Many Catholics, Muslims, and other religions have good feelings and know good people.

The rock of the gospel is love.

The foundation of Mormonism is obedience to priesthood leaders. They mix their own philosophies with scriptures.

They then come up with ideas like God doesn’t allow his black children into his temples to be sealed.

They decide they need hundreds of billions of dollars and the finest building in many towns.

They decide they need to marry the wives of other men.

They decide God is homophobic.

Their ideas are as shifting sand. The narrative changes like sand. DNA does not support the Book of Mormon claim of the origines of the native Americans, so we change the narrative and claim there were other people here in great numbers, not mentioned in the BoM.

We decide not to talk about Zelph. Racism, misogyny, David Bednars pride, or Jeff Hollands homophobia, or Joseph Smiths magic rock and his career using it to look for gold.

Sand. They are as stable as sand. Nothing they say about anything is a rock, it is sand.

What question or questions would you ask Joseph Smith, if given a chance? Or for that matter Brigham Young, or any LDS figure or person. Or for that matter Jesus Christ or any of the the apostles. or for that matter any religious figure, like Buddha, Krishna, ...or a world leader. Or any of the 'three nephites" or the Brother of Jered? (its funny I know someone locally named 'Jared", and he actually does have a brother....) Or the anti-christ? I know a few on this forum doubts its an actual person, but hypothetically if he existed, what would be a question?)

Personally, I would ask JS, really? Are you serious? I think I would potentially have some questions for the printer/publisher company for the original publication of the BOM. And the poor mummy which had the 'book of Abraham", if only an old corpse could talk....

Hi, I'm from Peru and I want to share my experience in LDS church, so sorry because my grammar, my English isn't perfect.

Honestly, I have a lot of good memories being Mormon when I was a child, remember that my mom gave pension to the elders and I enjoyed their presence in my day to day.

My family is so involved in leadership whitin the church (my grandfather was an stk president, a bishop.The same for my uncle and he was part of a Mission Presidency some years ago, and my father is a bishop rn) Now, I'm 17yo and I'm close to reaching the age to serve a mission, and well, I have a lot of pressure to be an "example" inside and out of the church.

To be true, I'm not sure if the church is actually true, I know a lot about the doctrine, about the history and all these things, had read a lot of books of history, doctrine, etc. I found some issues that make me feel insecure if I really want to be like my ancestors, I want to serve a mission but I don't want the church to get involved in all my personal life.

The church I guess is not the same here and in the US, it's smaller and has some different approaches.

I'm dating a girl rn (I don't think that I'll get married with her, I really want it, but I don't know what's going to happen in the future, but for now, she makes me feel so good, but she's not a member and i don't think she's gotta be in the close future) I talked to my parents bout that and they're so focused that she should be a member to be completely accepted. And well, all about my life, was like this, all my decisions should be focused in my image like a member, like a family that should be an example and I'm a little bit tired of this.

I don't want this for me, I want some freedom. I don't think that my situation will change in the near future, but at least, writing all that, I can get some relief.

[A continuation of writers being questioned about their work.]

Lavina wrote: May 22, 1983

Other writers questioned are Armand Mauss, Thomas G. Alexander,

My notes-- I can't find any publications by prize winning BYU history professor TG Alexander that might get him in hot water. Except... In 1974 Thomas Alexander and James B. Allen co-edited and published a book called Manchester Mormons: The Journal of William Clayton, 1840 to 1842. These two church employees published through a tiny publishing company in Layton, Utah, called Peregrine Smith instead of as a church publication. Is this even kosher? Or perhaps they didn't "edit" to the church's satisfaction. It's unclear.

Incidentally, in 2017 the church said it would publish all three complete volumes of the diaries. Where are they?

[This is a portion of Dr. Lavina Fielding Anderson's view of the chronology of the events that led to the September Six (1993) excommunications. The author's concerns were the control the church seemed to be exerting on scholarship.]

The LDS Intellectual Community and Church Leadership: A Contemporary Chronology by Dr. Lavina Fielding Anderson

https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V26N01_23.pdf

Young M30, Mormon, was living away from my wife after she was pregnant. Now the baby arrived last September. Issues have been arising between us, there's been a lot of romantic interest build up between us for the 7 years or so. We used to be in high school together 10 years ago. She has been stalking and keeping notes of who I liked photos on socials, showing a lot of interest. On the other hand, I broke off contact a few times before we actually met again 3 years ago in Summer in her country as we didn't live in the same country. We got married beginning of last year.
Ended up moving to her country for a definite period last year in October. November comes, post partum psychotic episodes kicks in, heavy medication is needed with anti-psychotics.
Had to deal with multiple instances of insults, menaces towards me and her mother. Went as far as situations in front of cameras in her family home where she claimed I used of violence against her, which can be checked and no evidence would be found even though we would have been standing in front of the cameras then.
Multiple instances of her telling me to be divorce her and marry another girl from our high school r making allusions that I'd be better suited for another girl since I have more similar taste to them than hers and how dissociated we are and unconnected we are between each other.
Situation has taken a turn to the worse when she started accusing me of raping her to have the child we have together amongst other things in the list of accusations which were made.
Then it brought hell into play, when a situation erupted and police was called, I was then taken to the station after she gave a deposition and spent my birthday in isolation.
She then took off her claim against me and says that I haven't done this to her.
I nonetheless have stood trial already and will have to stand trial again soon to debate my case.
I can claim my innocence as much as I want I cannot win from start to end as it is now in the hands off the state making a claim against me and not her anymore and she cannot influence the state making a claim against me.
Her family are not taking my side, all non mormons and antagonising me calling a psychopathic man.
I am now living on my own and have to rebuild my reputation and relationship with her.
I don't know where to start.
I had and still have an excellent work offer at 220$k in another country where I wanted her and our child to join me after I have passed the 6 months in that country mark.

As someone who is not a practicing Mormon, I am curious about the book Mormon Doctrine by Bruce McConkie. Is this an accepted work by the Church of Latter-Day Saints now?

Heavenly brothers and sisters! Are God’s commandments true on earth and heaven? Is morality the same on earth as it is in heaven? Is what is wrong on earth wrong in heaven and what is right on earth right in heaven?? Can heavenly laws/morality/commandments/practices change or are they eternal and never changing? Can you give me any church documents on this topic? Thanks!!

I read a post in one of the faithful subs about a survey that a member had received this week. The redditor said one of the questions asked them to name a website or online channel they had mistaken for an official church site but it wasn’t.

In my opinion they have just as much problems with “faithful” sites and “critical” sites.

How much of a problem do you think members falsely thinking a site is from the church is?

Do you think this happens often?

Why does the church want to know this? Evidence to make legal complaints? Are there any sites that are too similar?

One funny comment was a member said how confused they were stumbling on the website of “Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints”. This is one of the many branches of the LDS movement. The Bickertonites I believe.

Banner of heaven, secret lives of Mormon wives, American primeval, murder among the Mormons, don’t die (just watched).

There are so many. What is the sentiment in the church around this? What will the long term effects be?

I’m out of touch with the church lately but watching many of these.

Please share your thoughts.

Is a new dawn arising?

Here are three evidences that the CoJCoLDS is not what it claims to be that I rarely hear mentioned directly by apologists. I cannot find any way to get around these three issues for myself. If someone has an explanation, I’d love to hear it.

Issue 1: Facsimile 3 from the Book of Abraham

See here.

There is a lot written about the Book of Abraham. I think facsimile 3 is the most clear. Figure 2 is identified by Joseph Smith as "King Pharaoh, whose name is given in the characters above his head." The writing actually says, according to the translation given in Wikipedia, "Isis the Great, the god's mother." There's just no way to square that, that I can see. Other writings on the facsimile that Joseph Smith claimed to explain also fail to match his descriptions. I have never seen a faithful explanation for this.

Issue 2: Joseph Smith prophecy on the proximity of the Second Coming

See here.

Willard Richards recorded that Joseph Smith said, "there are those of the rising generation who shall not taste death till Christ come." This was in 1843. Bruce McConkie wrote about this prophecy in Mormon Doctrine. He asserted it was true. He explained it by arguing that there may have been a young couple with a new child there. The husband may have then taken a younger wife later in life and had a child in the 20th century. This child would then be part of the "rising generation" from 1843 in a technical sense.

Let's do some math. Suppose there was a 14-year-old young man with a child in Nauvoo in 1843. Suppose he took a young wife and had a child at 90. (I know. This is gross. I'm just looking at the most extreme ages I think are reasonable.) This would mean the younger child was born in about 1919. That child would be 105 today. All of these are possible. However, the possibility that all three would be connected in this way seems vanishingly small and gets smaller every year. About half the people older than 105 will die in the next year. However, if any of you have a living, older acquaintance with a half-sibling born in or before 1843, please comment. That person may be the key to prophecy.

The most likely answer I anticipate is that the prophecy never says that this is the Second Coming. Maybe it’s just some random visitation that Christ made a hundred years back? The problem I see is that this was a public prophecy. It ought to have a public fulfillment as Elder McConkie, sustained as a prophet, clearly taught.

Issue 3: Bishops who abuse children

See Floodlit.

This is clearly the most important of these three. Whenever I have been at the organization of a new bishopric, much has been mentioned about how the First Presidency approves all new bishops. It is stated directly or, at least, implied that their discernment has validated the new bishop's authority. When problems with bishops are mentioned in general conference, they are either humorous stories about bishops saying something wrong but harmless or bishops who give verbal offense and should be forgiven because they are working hard. Fine, I can get over either of these.

However, there is no way I can see that makes sense of God approving the call of an abuser as a bishop. Even one is way too many for a caring God to approve, and there are more than one. It seems to me that the church makes a big deal about prophetic approval when a bishop is called. When a bishop is shown to abuse children, suddenly no one knows how this guy got his calling. It's offensive.

Before someone says something about “agency,” let me point out that at least a few of these were guilty of abuse before they were called as bishops. I cannot believe that God would be unaware or uncaring about even one abuser being put in such a position.

There are more problems with the truth claims of the church. These are some that I don’t see addressed very much.

I am about to be baptized into the church, and I have a deep love for Jesus, but the church misunderstands what it is to be a homosexual, and I know that Jesus loves me. What are some of your thoughts