Category Archives: Mormon Leaders

The Adam God Challenge

Posted on September 2, 2013 by grindael

Once upon a time I was a member of the Mormon Church. I was converted at age 14 and ardently followed the teachings and lifestyle of Mormonism. I went to Church every Sunday, read the Book of Mormon, and had … Continue reading →

Posted in Brigham Young, Early Mormonism, God the Father | Tagged , , , | 66 Comments

Joseph Smith and Honesty

Posted on August 22, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

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

Joseph Smith Fooled by the Devil?

Posted on July 29, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

In late 1829 or early 1830 insufficient funding held up the first printing of the Book of Mormon. Martin Harris was trying to sell his farm to raise the needed capital, but was not having immediate success. At the urging … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , | 30 Comments

The Untold Story of the Death of Joseph Smith

Posted on June 27, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

Bill McKeever explains the issues and events, the rumors and facts, that led to the death of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844.

Posted in Joseph Smith | Tagged , , | 52 Comments

An Event from Mormon Church History — in Context

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

With the June 2013 New Era article “Balancing Church History” in mind, heeding the advice of Church Historian Steven Snow to examine Mormon Church history in context, I offer this new video by award-winning author Dan Vogel. The video provides … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , , | 89 Comments

Finding Emma

Posted on May 2, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

Last week Jana Riess (Flunking Sainthood) wrote about “The Mormon Reinvention of Emma Smith.” Recapping a recent lecture by Emma Smith’s biographer Linda King Newell (co-author with Valeen Tippets Avery, Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, 1984), Ms. Riess noted that … Continue reading →

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History, Polygamy | Tagged , , , | 61 Comments

The Importance of Joseph Smith’s First Vision

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

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

Do Mormon Apostles Believe in the Restoration?

Posted on April 15, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

A little over a week ago (on April 6, 2013) Christopher Ralph at the Journey of Loyal Dissent blog posted a controversial memorandum written by author and historian Grant H. Palmer. The memo recounts details from Mr. Palmer’s “Three Meetings … Continue reading →

Posted in Book of Mormon, Joseph Smith, Mormon Leaders, Prophets, Truth, Honesty, Prayer, and Inquiry | Tagged , , , , | 87 Comments

Unpaid Mormon Leaders Get a Pretty Sweet Deal

Posted on January 31, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

Late last year (2012) a copy of the 2006 Mission President’s Handbook was posted on an individual’s blog site. This document, produced by the Mormon Church as a practical instruction manual for mission presidents, “contains basic policies and guidelines established … Continue reading →

Posted in LDS Church, Mormon Leaders | Tagged , , , | 84 Comments

Changing and Correcting Mormon Scripture

Posted on January 17, 2013 by Sharon Lindbloom

The January 2013 Ensign magazine seems to reflect a new effort toward transparency in the Mormon Church. In an article by LDS historian Gerrit Dirkmaat, “Great and Marvelous are the Revelations of God,” the author discloses “Many Revelations Were Later … Continue reading →

Posted in D&C and Pearl of Great Price, Early Mormonism, Joseph Smith, Mormon Scripture, Priesthood | Tagged , , , , , | 80 Comments