Tag Archives: First Vision

“The sweet dream of a pure minded boy”

In the spring of 1820 Joseph Smith went into the woods to pray. “Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing–‘Twas the boy’s first uttered prayer” says the Mormon hymn (“Joseph Smith’s First Prayer”). Joseph sought to know “Who of all these parties [Presbyterians, … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, LDS Church, Mormon History, Polygamy | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 39 Comments

A mediator between God and man

The other day I was invited to attend LDS seminary classes at the public high school my youngest daughter attends. Seminary, for those who don’t know, is a four-year program put together by the LDS Church for their high school … Continue reading

Posted in LDS Church, Mormon Culture | Tagged , , , , | 114 Comments

A Remarkable Prophecy About Joseph Smith?

In Joseph Smith’s official History (found canonized in the Mormon book of scripture Pearl of Great Price), the Prophet relates a prophecy delivered to him by the angel Moroni: “He called me by name, and said unto me that he … Continue reading

Posted in D&C and Pearl of Great Price, Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Mormon Historian Responds to Tough Questions

On December 16, 2013 the reddit exmormon forum held an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Q&A with highly respected Mormon historian Richard Bushman. Following are a few forum-member questions, along with Dr. Bushman’s answers (in no particular order). You will also … Continue reading

Posted in Book of Abraham, Book of Mormon, Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Mormon Scripture, Pearl of Great Price | Tagged , , , , , , , | 37 Comments

Do Mormons Really Believe They Have the Truth?

This past summer I was in Nauvoo, Illinois to distribute Christian information and answer questions about my faith and how it differs from Mormonism. This I did each evening for a week, standing adjacent to the outdoor Nauvoo Pageant grounds … Continue reading

Posted in Friendship, Interaction, and Evangelism, Mormon Culture, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 72 Comments

Joseph Smith and Honesty

In the July 2013 issue of Ensign magazine, young Mormons are taught about the importance of “Honesty and Integrity.” One suggestion given for use in teaching the youth the principles of honesty and integrity is a 2005 General Conference address … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

What does it mean to be a Christian? A Mormon apostle explains.

In October 2012 Mormon Apostle Robert D. Hales spoke at the Mormon Church’s General Conference regarding what it means to be a Christian. He defined a Christian like this: “A Christian has faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, that He … Continue reading

Posted in General Conference | Tagged , , , , , , , | 106 Comments

The Importance of Joseph Smith’s First Vision

At the October 1961 general conference of the Mormon Church Gordon B. Hinckley said, “I would like to say that this cause is either true or false. Either this is the kingdom of God, or it is a sham and … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , | 36 Comments

Mormon History: Here a blip, there a blip…

Latter-day Saint Melissa Inouye writes, “Mormonism isn’t like a string of Christmas lights.” She would rather liken Mormonism to a loaf of sourdough bread, and here’s why. Each light in a string of Christmas lights is dependent on the other … Continue reading

Posted in Early Mormonism, Mormon History | Tagged , , , , , | 69 Comments

The Heart of Mormonism

Townhall.com posted an article on April 15 (2012) titled, “The Truth About Mormonism.” The article is a basic rehash covering some social aspects of Mormonism that are sometimes misunderstood/misrepresented in the media. Nothing much in the article caught my attention, … Continue reading

Posted in Great Apostasy | Tagged , , | 112 Comments