RFM and Kolby Reddish are doing podcasts debunking this Light and Truth Letter chapter by chapter.

I thought I would try to steel man the arguments about the BOM Austin Fife put in his 5 chapters about the BOM.

I no longer believe that the BOM was produced by divine means. I believe JS did dictate the BOM.

Which of his points make the most sense to you? Which the least?

Does it come down to just having to accept that divine intervention is possible?

Here are Austin Fife’s points about the BOM:

Believes there is a “divine-sized gap” between Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. The author could not find a naturalistic theory explaining the BOM that “made sense”

“If not by divine means, how did Joseph Smith come up with the Book of Mormon?”

Lack of evidence of fraud

• No evidence that he fabricated plates
• Other possible authors never claimed to have written it

Critics believe Joseph Smith wrote the BOM himself or plagiarized it from someone else.

Questions asking how JS could have done it

• Complicated
• Compelling narrative
• Consistent geography
• Brilliant lectures/sermons
• Done in less than 3 months
• Was not formally educated
• No experience writing books
• Not a prolific reader
• Not a preacher
• Limited life experience
• Seems unacquainted with the BOM later in life
• Many of the claims are proving more true over time
• No examples of a similar feat
• One draft with mainly typographical changes later
• Couldn’t have done it if it wasn’t a divine source

If it wasn’t a divine source then a critic has to explain where it came from.

Plagiarism/Source for BOM - Similar Books - no evidence it came from these books

• Spaulding Manuscript
• View of the Hebrews
• First Book of Napoleon
• The Late War
• the Bible - 5 to 15% from the Bible - Bible parallels make a stronger case that the BOM has divine origin.
• Narrative of Zosimus - critics don’t cite this but it is similar to the story of Lehi. Not sure the point.
• Vernal Holley Model - many of the cities didn’t exist in 1830 and the locations aren’t consistent with the BOM

Compelling Positive Evidence - Linguistic.

The critics narrative was not compelling and an angel story was more believable. Linguistic evidence is not enough alone to prove the BOM but it was unsettling to ignore.

Names

• Many of the 188 names have Hebrew or Egyptian origin
• Nephi has been suggested as meaning good
• Alma wasn’t known as a male name in JS days but was in the semitic culture
• Sariah was thought to be a male Hebrew name but was found to be used for women in the Egyptian Jewish community around 500BC
• Jershon is Hebrew for land of inheritance

Reformed Egyptian and Hebrew

• Scholars have found connections between Egypt and Israel including language

• Criticism of the Characters Document can be duplicated with real languages including Demotic Egyptian.

• A man did an analysis to show connections of the characters document to Egyptian, Hebrew and Mayan

• Similar characters have been found on ancient statues

• A linguist published a paper identifying connections to the Uto-Aztecan and Egyptian language.

There are identifiable voices in different sections of the BOM

• An LDS researcher used a computer analysis to show there are several distinct voices in the BOM and are different from JS.

Hebraisms

• Hundreds of Hebraisms in the BOM
• And it came to pass
• If-and conditionals
• Chiasmus
• Chiasmus has been found in late Mayan texts
• These are not a bullseye but worth exploring

Archeological Evidence

There is meaningful evidence for the BOM in both the Old and New World and critics who claim there is “no archeological evidence” of the events in the BOM are wrong.

The story of Lehi’s family traveling south from Jerusalem matches what we now know of the “Frankincense Trail”. Joseph Smith could not have made up something that matched and so this is evidence he didn’t make up the story.

Archeologists found a burial mound in Yemen that has an inscription of the Hebrew letters NHM. So this matches Nahom in the Book of Mormon.

There is a location in Oman that matches the place described in the BOM as Bountiful with fresh water, large trees, fruit and vegetation. Joseph Smith could not have made up a story that matches this detail.

Critics don’t mention these when they claim there is no archeological evidence to support the BOM.

LDS scholars believe that a character in the Bible named MalkiYahu which could be referring to Mulek corresponding to the people of Mulek who also left Jerusalem. Joseph Smith didn’t know about this person as it wasn’t discovered in the Bible Story because of a mistranslation at the time of Joseph Smith.

The location of the BOM story in the Americas is unknown. There is about 98% of the Mayan lands that have not been uncovered. Lidar scanning of Northern Guatemala show 65,000 previously unknown structures. The BOM has many parallels with what researchers believe they are seeing from the scanning.

Critics can’t use the fact that we haven’t found specific cities mentioned in the BOM because Mesoamerican civilizations were largely destroyed by colonization, the area is subject to changes from natural disasters, structures were not well cared for, the sites are challenging to discover and preservation of artifacts is less likely than the Middle East.

Critics should not use the absence of evidence as evidence of absence. There are several examples of ancient civilizations for which we don’t today find archaeological evidence.

Cement that is mentioned in the BOM is found in ancient buildings near Mexico City.

Archeologists have found remains of a city buried underwater of Atitlan Lake matching the story of a city buried in the waters in the BOM.

DNA

Critics who say the DNA evidence does not support the story of the BOM ignore certain limitations of DNA evidence that could be an explanation why DNA doesn’t show people of middle eastern descent.

Anachronisms

Scholars continue to find evidence to support items that were previously called anachronisms in the BOM. Out of 205 anachronisms proposed by critics 141 have been found and eliminated as anachronisms. This was reported by a speaker at a recent FAIR LDS conference.

If Joseph Smith made up the BOM it would prove to be more ludicrous over time but the opposite has happened.

Witnesses

There were 11 formal witnesses of the BOM all of whom never denied their testimony. Hyrum Page refused to recant his testimony in spite of being threatened by a mob in Missouri. There are over 200 accounts of the witnesses supporting their testimony and only a small handful of dubious accounts try to reframe the witnesses experiences as non-literal events of a spiritual nature.

There are several informal witnesses in addition.

Critical Theories Lack Evidence

It is difficult to accept theories about the source of the BOM because there is a lack of evidence. No negative evidence supports the theories for how JS could have created the BOM.

There is plenty of evidence for the divine claims of the BOM. Critics minimize the positive evidence for the BOM and discuss unsubstantiated negative theories.

The evidence for the BOM is persuasive however it is not irrefutable. But the evidence is interesting. The critics cannot explain where the BOM came from so without evidence of their theories it falls apart. Critics saying that JS was a “creative genius” are just saying they don’t know how he did it.

Critics at the very least should admit that the BOM is an anomaly. If a critic cannot accept the possibility that a divine intervention like an angel giving JS metal plates then of course they can’t be convinced. Once a person accepts that possibility the evidence will start to make sense.

Joseph Smith would have had to be knowledgeable about many aspects of geography and history to have made up the BOM. He was not so did not make up the BOM. Joseph was either a prophet of good or a great guesser.

I’m not Mormon but my cousin is. Her husband is under allegations of sexual assault. He is denying them and claims the women is lying. Another person came forward anonymously but my cousin just keeps blocking them. Do you think this is grounds for divorce or do Mormons not get divorced for infidelity?

I just watched a short video from CwicMedia and Greg Matsen. See it here. He is disturbed that church leaders are not speaking directly about the issues that he cares about anymore, except for "religious freedom." Starting at about the 5:30 mark to about 7:00, he talks directly about the "odd" changes in what leaders are saying. He gives a couple of reasons why they might not be addressed:

1. RMN is not a prophet. He strongly rejects this one. He calls it "preposterous."
2. The church is concerned about some sort of social conflict, perhaps it is concerned about losing tax exempt status.

I think he is missing a possibility: God does not care about the things that the most conservative members care about. He never mentions this, though it would be obvious. (Personally I have gone with option 1, to be transparent.)

In fact, he is so convinced of the rightness of his views that his concern is that "liberal" members will be able to sway ordinary members and lead them from what he views as core doctrine. He talks about "emboldened" less-orthodox members. Watch about the 8:30 mark.

While he expresses strong support for church leaders, it really seems that he wants to get them to do something to validate his views. He wants them to tell the church why they are not so vocal about conservative social values as he would like, or to go back to being very vocal about them.

I think we can see that the church is running into problems. Personally, I think the church is trying to quietly change some values that members of the Q15 are no longer willing to defend. But those changes are causing deep concern to some of the public defenders of the church, like Matsen and Jacob Hansen.

It will be interesting to watch this unfold. I could see the church saying some things to assuage the apologists' concerns. I could also imagine some quiet signals being sent to stop talking about things like this. Or maybe I'm totally wrong, and the church will start giving out the direct messages that Hansen and Matsen want. I think people would be harmed by that, more than they are already. I hope the church is changing for the sake of extended family and all those that are still in, but I'm glad my kids are out.

The Book of Mormon adds nothing to Christianity that was not already known or believed in 1830, other than the knowledge of the book itself. The Book of Mormon testifies of itself and reveals itself. That’s it. Nothing else is new or profound. Nothing “plain and precious” is restored. The book teaches nothing new about heaven or hell, degrees of glory, temple worship, tithing, premortal life, greater and lesser priesthoods, divine nature, family salvation, proxy baptism, or anything else. The book just reinforces Protestant Christianity the way it already existed.

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/times-and-seasons-1-april-1842/9

This 1842 edition of the Times and Seasons has an article that everyone universally agrees was penned by Joseph as the Editor of the periodical at this time.

The article is titled: "Try the Spirits"

I recommend first reading of the Editor notes (for some insight into how Joseph wrote "I" (which explains the "I, Nephi") as well as how he quoted or misquoted scriptures, etc.

I highly recommend the reading of it for many reasons but of note is the knowledge that its author has of the following individuals:

Joanna Southcott

Jemima Wilkinson

Edward Irving (this was was after Joseph's self proclaimed Seership and then Prophethood)

All three were forerunners of Joseph Smith in proclaiming themselves prophets/prophetesses and in claiming divine visitation of angels, etc.

It also mentions modern "French Prophets" as a group.

I have been recently reading the memoir (expose') of Jemima Wilkinson (which incidentally could have been written about Joseph Smith with minor changes). (this is the 1844 printing of an earlier 1821 edition)

https://www.google.com/books/edition/Memoir_of_Jemima_Wilkinson/0hMUAAAAYAAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

Her bedroom visit by an angel hearkens to Joseph's:

Having seated herself, and rested a few minutes, Jemima rose and addressed her people in her usual style, expressing great tenderness and anxiety for their happiness, and exhorting them to be strong in the faith, and to be content with whatever was allotted them, adding that the Lord would provide for them, that they were the peculiar objects of divine care and protection, that the Friend had come among them to save from falling all such as had faith, and should persevere to the end. After much circumlocution she arrived at the critical point, the vision-" I have a message from Heaven for this people, therefore listen, and let thine ears give head to what the 'Universal Friend of mankind' saith :Last night, while reflecting on the labor of love which was about to be undertaken for the conversion of distant and precious souls, my mind became wearied, sorrow and sadness sat heavily on my spirits. Suddenly a ray of light from above shone with unutterable splendor, and illuminated the room, -an Angel from Heaven stood before me! and with a placid smile, and sweet voice pronounced these words: "Put off the journey which thou hast undertaken, the time of thy sojourning among the faithful, in this vale of darkness, is not yet accomplished: go meet thy people, and inform them that it is the will of the Lord that the Shepherd abide with the flock, that no evil come nigh unto them.' Here, my beloved, ye have heard the words of the Lord, the Friend will therefore remain with this people for the edification and strengthening of their souls."

This discourse, and the impious pretence that she spoke the words of the Lord, completely satisfied her deluded followers, and they retired more firmly fixed in their faith than before the getting up of this farce; and those who had parted with their money, finding themselves without any redress, were among the most ready and zealous in expressing their entire devotion to Jemima and her cause, in the hope, no doubt, that others might, in their turn, be as badly cheated as themselves. 

All of this is to say, that's it apparent that Joseph was indeed knowledgeable of other people proclaiming to be prophets/prophetesses at least by this time if not from a much earlier time in his life.

There is a common belief that if you stop reading the BoM every day, you will apostatize. My first question is—has any church leader said this? None of the conference talks that I've found which encourage us to read it every day contain this warning.

Secondly, my retort to that is "well of course, reading something every day for extended periods will make it much more likely that you will accept what it teaches. But that's not the Spirit, that's just indoctrination." However, I don't see this as being particularly persuasive to a TBM. Do you have any thoughts on other ways to dismantle this line of thinking?

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.32044014185326&seq=5

From the Advertisement:

ADVERTISEMENT.

The hint for the fable of the following poem was furnished by the numerous ruins which yet remain visible in the interior of North America, and particularly in the vicinity of the Ohio and the Mississippi: ruins which demonstrate, that, long anterior to the first voyage of Columbus, the section of country which I have designated, was inhabited by a nation more civilized than the wandering tribes in whose possession it was found by the English and French. Indeed, even at that early day, the imperfect and perishable traditions of the North American savages seem to have preserved no trace of a record to whom those ruins belonged; or by whom, for what purpose, or at what period they were reared. Towers of stone, containing implements and idols of copper; the embankments of fortresses, judiciously located and traced with all the accuracy and mathematical skill which the ablest modern engineer can boast; and barrows or tumuli, in which have, for ages, been inhumed the bones of forgotten thousands; all proclaim the country to have been, "in the olden time," the seat of a people, numerous, warlike and civilized, far beyond what can be predicated of either the present aborigines, or their ancestors.

Who, or whence, were the authors of these ruins? and what has become of them? are questions which curiosity has asked, and which philosophers, the orists and historians have attempted to answer, in vain. They have been ascribed to the lost Jewish tribes; to a Welch colony; and to I know not what other strange origin: and grave and learned dissertations have been penned by learned and grave men, in support of each of the theories.

In this conflict of absurd opinions, and unsupported conjectures, I have thought it allowable to embellish a poetic tale with a theory of my own: and one which, if it needs that merit, is at least as plausible and as well supported by authentic history and doubtful tradition, as either of those to which I have alluded.

This is a poetic narrative that claims a white race of Norwegians came, colonized and were destroyed by the Native Americans, etc.

This is an excerpt from Canto II of the poem Orson and Ellen:

ELLEN was chaste as new-fall'n snow,

And modest in her air;
Unlike some lasses, common known
As is a BARBER'S chair.

Of goodly parents she was born,

But in disguise did rove,
Because to her a YOUTH was false—
She left her vale for love.

Page 49 of Tears and Smiles: a Miscellaneous Collection of Poems (1801) by Peter Pindar Esq. (pseudonym)

Note that while this was first published in 1801, it was popular enough to be included in several separate collections of satirical poems by the author (whose real name was John Wolcot) published in 1802, 1806, 1812, 1816, 1819, and 1823. Also note that this was not a common phrase, meaning it was not common to describe a person's parents as being "goodly". An examination of a Google Books search for: born of goodly parents from 1600 to 1828, demonstrates that this line by Peter Pindar is overwhelmingly the strongest match, to the point of being unique for that time period.

So what do you think? Did Joseph Smith Jr. read this poem or hear it recited? Did he hear it, forget about it, and then dictate a similar line unknowingly? Or was he searching for the perfect opening line to his book (which he had a while to think about due to the Mosiah priority)?

Compare the line to

1 Nephi 1:1

I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

A final note, unfortunately a book containing this poem, whether the original or a later collection, has not yet been added to Archive.org. See results for the author from 1801 to 1828.

TLDR: How do I teach [participate] in a practice I don't believe in and view as a practice of indoctrination by conformity. Bigger question - is there anything we have in mormonism that isn't taught via conformity.

My wife is bent at me for not participating in tithing. The 16 year old doesn't want to pay and also freezes up when "confronted" by mom. Dad [me] just sat there also a bit frozen. That was a few weeks ago and I made a post about it then. Then this week the pendulum is swung back to the good side. Usually thanksgiving is an incredibly too long of a weekend that religious awkwardness sets in and it sucks. It was a great weekend ... until CFM lesson Sunday evening. EFF!!!!

Look squirrel - sorry got a bit off topic there. Anyway, earlier in the day on Sunday when we were still in the great zone she asked me to help and participate in Fasting next month. I know it is for the kids. Here's my question: How do I teach [participate] in a practice I don't believe in and view as a practice of indoctrination by conformity. Bigger question - is there anything we have in mormonism that isn't taught via conformity.

Also, I write here to help me work out these thoughts before I try or attempt to discuss them with the wife. or decide to avoid the conversation.

I am probably mislabeling these arguments in favor of fasting but it feels like post hoc / texas sharp shooter. Meaning we now know there are health benefits to fasting. I don't remember reading about health benefits of fasting in the scriptures - seems like most of the fasting in the scriptures were about self deprecating, as if there is a virtue in suffering. What kind of parent would withhold from their kid until they have suffered.

1. Mormon content on reddit

2. Apologetics sites like FAIR

I imagine it's actually pretty common, and I'm curious to hear your stories and how you dealt with it - especially for the PIMOs or those who had different beliefs? How did it impact your marriage? Did that spouse ever burnout on their end of times fervor or are they still going strong? Did they (or do they) predict when Jesus is coming back?

It seems like since COVID (and the increase in YouTube channels, Discord servers, and the like) there was a pretty stark rise in end of times fixation. President Nelson has only fanned the flames and I'm curious how that's played out in marriages.

Edit to add: based on a great comment, it would be interesting to hear which gender ended up going down the end of times rabbit hole if you feel comfortable sharing.

I was taught this growing up. I swear I remember in recent years a general authority saying that garments are NOT a physical protection. Can anyone help me find this quote if it exists?

Hi! Anyone have the 1989 EFY album: Forever My Friend? I'm specifically looking for the track This Song, by Julie de Azevedo. My sister and I used to listen to it endlessly and I'd love to track it down again. I've been able to find other tracks from this album online, so it's gotta exist somewhere. Thanks!

I went to BYU. Twice. Had a good experience there, even if my belief system hit some little snags in the last few years of grad school.

I stopped attending church in 2019, but some of my family still attend. Over Thanksgiving I was visiting, and we watched the BYU football game. I had a good time, plus they eked out a win.

In spite of no longer believing the LDS church to be true in anything like the way it taught, in spite of realizing I don't have confidence in a personal God at all, and in spite of feeling that BYU did me wrong by not requiring me to learn the unvarnished history of its sponsoring institution... I still feel feel like a BYU cougar. I still feel proud when the team does well. I still cherish the time I had there and the people I got to know.

I think people have a right to their religious and cultural heritage regardless of how their beliefs have developed. I still love Christmas and find it deeply meaningful even if I consider Jesus to be a great man rather than a god. I still respect many of the ethical and philosophical implications of Christianity and its influence on me culturally. I still think the Book of Mormon is kinda rad (if also racist) and all the folk magic nonsense too - it's all so colorful.

There's a school of thought among those who've lost belief that they have to cast it all out of their hearts and minds, that they no longer get to keep what they inherited from prior generations. I have also felt that sense of rejection toward it, but at this moment at least I suppose I feel differently. When BYU scores a touchdown, I still feel like it's part of me, like I can claim the good I see in that, and all that it's connected to, but I do it now in my own way, selectively.

When the church comes up in conversation, I still get to participate. This is still my people even if many in the church don't feel that way. I may know them better than they know themselves.

It's the church that says it's all or nothing. That you're either in or out. I just don't think anyone has the authority to deny us a connection with our own life experience, with our own past.

I was sitting in testimony meeting wondering how all these people are so sure that this church is the true church. One guy got up and said how his kids have been asking tough questions about how people all think their religion is the right one but that they sorted it out (whatever tf that means)…Does anyone have any book suggestions on how people can be so certain that their religion is the correct one? My friend suggested the Righteous Mind by Haidt. Are any of you aware of anything else. I’m not sure I’ve described exactly what I’m looking for.

I need advice Hi, recent PIMO here. Little background. I've had almost all the big callings from stake level down. Current situation is spouse is TBM (but really questioning where's Jesus, and the response to my questioning and PIMO only brought us closer)

Spouse is currently a President. So very visible.

I'm struggling and need help. I willingly and lovingly attend with my family. It's brutal tho. It's so terrible to listen to so many TBMs bash the entire world, the end is near, and they are the only righteous so superior.

Here is my struggle. This is a Newish ward. People are getting used to everyone. It's just a matter of time before I'm hunted for a calling. Currently bring texted over and over to meet with the EQ and Bishop. Having a calling and being a PIMO will just feel too triggering. And no way will I teach false teachings that go against Jesus own words.

But I don't want to rock the boat. I don't want shame to come upon my spouse because others will look down on me or the family. I don't need to be a project. I also don't want to attend the temple, but still want to keep up "appearance". My ideal would be to be left alone. Just be there for my family and be left alone. Some of you might disagree with my logic. In 6 months I will probably disagree with this logic. But for now it's what I need for my mental health.

Question What is the best approach to doge callings. Look like a normal member (just too busy). Without the whole thing coming unhinged for no reason. I'm a believer that slipping away slowly and calmly just helps because going out loud is just not my intention or wish. In the end I just want to support my spouse in peace. How do I do that? Callings? Questions? Texts? Nonstop texts? Ps, I've read most of the topics already on here. But have not seen many directly discuss how to graceful be invisible without destroying my mental health faking it.

Advice?

Please answer by number!

1. What is the official church view on the conception of Jesus? What do members actually believe?
2. If Jesus is conceived by the Holy Spirit then how is God Jesus’ father?
3. If God conceived Jesus and he is a physical being, of flesh and bone, and Mary is his daughter… I think you know where I am going.
4. If Mary is Jesus’ sister and mother then how does exhalation work for that family? Especially when they get on the other side and realize everyone is actually brother and sister?

I found out one of my ancestors on my mothers side founded the Mormon religion, what does this mean? is it a big deal in the religion? would i be a big deal in the church?

In 1880, 12 years after making an astounding prophecy in Logan, Woodruff returns to Logan and tells them that the fulfillment is unfolding before their very eyes. Except the only part of his prophecy coming true is that they were building a temple in Logan, which is something they had complete control over. His 1868 prophecy said there would be a million people in the valley within 30 years with great towers and palaces, while here he says he only prophesied 10 thousand. He also prophesied New York, Albany & Boston would be destroyed, the US government would be on the brink of collapse and the people would beg for Brigham to be president, and other church leaders would be back in Missouri directing the building of Zion.

Here's the 1880 update to the people of Logan:

"I was thinking today of a time many years ago, when President Young and several brethren of the Twelve, were in Logan; it was a time when a railroad up to this region was not even dreamed of, the time when Brothers Ezra T. Benson and Peter Maughan presided here; when at a meeting President Young called upon me to talk to the people assembled. The night before, however, we had been met by a long line of children and young people, from three up to twenty years of age; they had come out to meet the prophet, and presented a fine sight. While talking to the people I felt led to speak to the children and young people; and I told them that I wanted them to remember the visit which the president was making them because the  day would come when they were grown up, when they would talk to one another and say, that on such a day President Young and party visited us, and we were told then that we should see the day when a temple should be built in this place, from the top of which we would be able to survey the country around which would be occupied by ten thousand of our people; and you will say that this was told to us when brother Benson and brother Maughan presided here. We never thought of building a temple here at that time, it had never entered into the heart of man to do so. Brother Benson and Maughan have been for some years now in the spirit world. Today you are engaged building a temple which will be completed and dedicated; and when this shall be done these young people will have the opportunity of going to the top of the building and will then see what I promised to you in those early days.I mention this to show you how things are presented to our minds and given utterance to in our public teachings about which, at the time, we have little or no idea."
Discourse by Elder Wilford Woodruff, delivered in the Tabernacle, at Logan, Sunday Morning, August 1st, 1880
https://journalofdiscourses.com/21/33

In 1884, Woodruff recognized none of his prophecy was coming true. Brigham was dead without becoming president of the US the million people weren't amassing there, and Boston, New York & Albany were still going strong. He decided to rewrite his 1868 journal entry with a revamped prophecy, where those cities would be destroyed sometime after his death (but supposedly still within the lifetime of the people in the congregation), reduced the population to "tens of thousands," removed the towers and palaces, and removed the bit about Missouri. In both accounts, he mentions Brigham standing up afterwards and declaring it a true revelation.

You can see my analysis of both versions of the prophecy here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/exmormon/comments/xxbd7o/wilford_woodruff_prophesied_that_new_york_boston/

Also, it's funny that in 1880 he insists it never entered into the heart of man to build a temple in Logan in 1868. Just 8 years after the prophecy, the Logan temple was announced, and possible temple locations and planning likely started a few years before that. Honestly, a temple being built in Logan was the least miraculous part of his prophecy, but for him, it counted as a bullseye!

I’m really struggling to love my calling as the YW President. We have about ten YW total and there’s not a lot of unity within the group. I dread activities and YW Sundays and I just feel a general cloud of indebtedness to my calling at all times, even when there’s nothing going on. I have young kids and I homeschool and I’m at the point where it feels impossible to have this calling while homeschooling, even though I felt like homeschooling was God directed. I’m feeling so discouraged and would love any kind of advice. Thanks!

The Church's 2023 financial report for the United Kingdom was uploaded 1 Nov this year, but the PDF file is corrupted.

https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/242451/accounts-and-annual-returns

Is it possible to request a resubmission of this annual report for 2023 for public records?

In the mean time, does anyone have tools to restore all 30 pages of the document? Have the first 14 page using free online tools, but those pages do not include the financial tables.

The financial tables break out donations by type - tithing, fast offerings, and include substantial related party donations (i.e., offsetting transfers from SLC). We use the tithing value in the UK to estimate tithing participation rates as a proxy for member activity trends. The UK is one of 5 countries, together ~2% of Church membership, where regulated disclosures provide enough information to make those estimates.