Accuracy of Church history

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Accuracy of Church history

Topics

Accuracy of Church history

The Church's Gospel Topics essays

Summary: The Church has posted a series of Gospel Topics essays on LDS.org which discuss a variety of issues related to Church History and belief.

Elder Oaks on Church History

Summary: Elder Dallin Oaks discusses the issue of church history and facts that are not discussed frequently in church approved curriculum during an interview with Helen Whitney (HW) for the PBS documentary, The Mormons ^[1].

Accuracy of Church art

Summary: It is claimed that the Church knowingly "lies" or distorts the historical record in its artwork in order to whitewash the past, or for propaganda purposes. A commonly used example is the inaccuracy of any Church art representing the translation process of the Book of Mormon.

Authorship of the History of the Church

Summary: I've heard that the History of the Church, though credited to Joseph Smith, was not actually authored by him. What can you tell me about this, and what does this mean for the History's accuracy?

The Seer (periodical by Orson Pratt)

Summary: Some critics of the Church quote from a newspaper called The Seer. Was this newspaper published by the Church? Are its contents considered official Church doctrine?

Who qualifies for the title "Mormon scholar?"

Summary: Critics of the Church sometimes stretch the definition of the term "Mormon scholar" in order to give their argument more weight.