This Page is NEW! To your left are headings for forthcoming articles. The articles are not up but will be posted as they become available. Some of the headings may change or may be deleted, while new headings are sure to be added. Because of space limitations, the headings do not always accurately reflect the depths of the topics which they will address. Some of the headings will delve into articles which discuss topics for which we have limited information that may or may not be true-- in other words, topics for which we have speculations (perhaps accurately) but no revelations. I hope to have some articles soon. Check back in the near future. -- Mike.
Before anyone thinks I’ve gone “anti” let me explain the purpose of this page.
In 1981, LDS scholar Martin Raish, noting the same problems discussed by Sorenson, cautioned students of Book of Mormon studies to “be more aware of the potential pitfalls, the fallacious methodologies, the pseudo-scholarly tactics which stand ready to thwart our best efforts.”8 Unfortunately Book of Mormon archaeological myths and other Mormon myths are often perpetuated by misinformed Sunday School and Seminary teachers, ward and quorum leaders and other Latter-day Saints in general. Some members, in taking a defensive role with which to support their cherished myths, create a dichotomy between intellectualism and faith. In reality, there is no such dichotomy. Truth is truth. Joseph Smith once said:
Sometimes, gaining knowledge means dispelling myths which we once believed. I’m not suggesting that we become cynics. And I’m not suggesting that we need to conform LDS theology, to the demands of continually changing directions of secular research. I am suggesting, however, that we use our intellects, learn that truth is truth– regardless the source– and that often times seemingly irreconcilable differences between traditional– but non-official– Mormon concepts and secular learning, are not always irreconcilable. Sometimes we blindly and unknowingly cling to myths. In general, Latter-days Saints are– perhaps because of their appreciation for the importance of faith– trusting. This commendable trait, however, can lead some to gullibility. Sometimes Latter-day Saints (and I’m sure many other people– based on the evidentiary receptiveness of urban folklore by the general public) accept outrageous claims, stories handed down by tradition, and illogical assumptions, as fact. To liken a quote of Dr. Hugh Nibley’s to this aspect of Mormonism: “Fool’s gold, the glittering yellow pyrites that one finds sometimes on the beach, is so called not because it pretends to be gold, but because fools take it for gold. ”14 We need to use our brains when accepting LDS “truths” which are not explicitly revealed in the scriptures, to the prophets, or through personal revelation. As Hyrum Smith once said, “It is better not to have so much faith, than to have so much as to believe all the lies.”15
In conclusion, this particular section of Mormon Fortress– which hopes to dispel many Mormon myths in a positive perspective– takes an approach similar to that of LDS scholar, Truman G. Madsen:
Michael R. Ash
1. In this section of Mormon Fortress I use the term “myth” in the sense of a folklore, or traditional belief, which is incorrect or untrue. I don’t use the term in this section of my website in the traditional scholarly usage wherein a “myth” can refer to a story which is based on factual events.
2. James Talmage, Improvement Era, January 1920, p. 204.
3. Dee Green, “Book of Mormon Archaeology: The Myths and the Alternatives,” Dialogue, Vol.4, No.2 (Summer, 1969), p. 76.
4. John L. Sorenson, “Instant Expertise on Book of Mormon Archaeology,” BYU Studies 16:3 (Spring, 1976), p. 429.)
5. Ibid., 429-30.
6. Ibid., 431.
7. Ibid.
8. Martin, Raish, “All That Glitters: Uncovering Fool’s Gold in Book of Mormon Archaeology,” Sunstone 6:1 (January, 1981).
9. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 316.
10. Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 1.
11. Journal of Discourses 9:369.
12. John A. Widtsoe, Joseph Smith as Scientist, 156.
13. Edwin B. Firmage, The Memoirs of Hugh B. Brown: An Abundant Life, 139.
14. Hugh W. Nibley, Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 3: The World and the Prophets, 254.
15. Times and Seasons 5:598.
16. Truman G. Madsen, (Defender of the Faith: The B. H. Roberts Story, 363.
Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—
When our beliefs are grounded on falsehoods and myths we set ourselves up for a fall.1 It is not entirely uncommon to see someone lose their testimony in real truths– spiritual truths– because they have seen a cherished myth collapse. Often, when a myth is exposed as a falsehood, it takes place in a negative environment. For example, many anti-Mormon publications expose such myths along side charges against the Church which are unsupported. Sometimes uninformed members who read such material lose testimony in authentic truths because they see that some of their beliefs-- their myths-- are false and therefore they question the veracity of other precious beliefs. If critics are right about some Mormon misconceptions, they surmise, then maybe they are right about other beliefs, such as the authenticity of the Book of Mormon, or the Restoration, etc. When a myth is exposed in a negative context the frequent outcome is depression, mistrust, and confusion– all which can lead to feelings of betrayal, animosity and bitterness. When such feelings take over, the spirit withdraws and a tender testimony may fizzle out.
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand—
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it. (3 Nephi 14:24-27.)
It is important to understand what is, and what is not, official LDS doctrine, practice, and position. Real truths, absolute truths, the Gospel of Jesus Christ which was restored in these latter days, can withstand all criticisms. There are generally solid and logical answers for all criticisms against the Church, its history, its unique scriptures and doctrines. Sometimes, however, certain aspects of the Gospel are not completely known or understood and simply require faith. Real truths can defy logic and reasoning. Christ’s walking on the water, and even the Resurrection, defy current logic and understanding. Nevertheless, as my website and other LDS apologetic websites demonstrate, real truths are defendable. Myths, however, are another story. Rather than support untruths, we should examine and expose our own myths in a positive context so that we don’t build our foundations on falsehoods– on sand. In similar thought, James Talmage approvingly cited the following from a newspaper editorial:
“‘The man who cannot listen to an argument which opposes his views either has a weak position or is a weak defender of it. No opinion that cannot stand discussion or criticism is worth holding. And it has been wisely said that the man who knows only half of any question is worse off than the man who knows nothing of it. He is not only one-sided but his partisanship soon turns him into an intolerant and a fanatic. In general it is true that nothing which cannot stand up under discussion or criticism is worth defending.’”2
Dee Green, another LDS author, has written on the false belief that the Book of Mormon has been “proven” by modern archaeology (which will be one of the topics discussed in more detail in a separate essay on this web page).
The ink we have spilled on Book of Mormon archaeology has probably done more harm than good.
Although this was written over thirty years ago, and Book of Mormon “archaeology” has changed thanks to people such as Dr. John Sorenson, there are still persistent myths among Mormons concerning the nature of archaeological discoveries and the Nephite scripture. In 1976 Dr. Sorenson wrote an article lamenting the myths contrived and perpetuated by LDS writers using bad logic and even worse science. Sorenson compared popular LDS books which claimed to prove the Book of Mormon based on New World archaeology to the looting of archaeological sites.
I am not impressed with allegations that Book of Mormon archaeology converts people to the Church. My personal preference in Church members still runs to those who have a faith-inspired commitment to Jesus Christ, and if their testimonies need bolstering by “scientific proof” of the Book of Mormon (or anything else for that matter), I am prone to suggest that the basis of the testimony could stand some re-examination. Having spent a considerable portion of the past ten years functioning as a scientist dealing with New World archaeology, I find that nothing in so-called Book of Mormon archaeology materially affects my religious commitment one way or the other, and I do not see that the archaeological myths so common in our proselytizing program enhance the process of true conversion.3
A prime force behind this piracy [looting ancient sites] is the desire of foolish people of wealth to possess tangible emblems of taste and refinement. They rarely invest their own efforts in order to understand history or to sense meaning in the art of past civilization. They are satisfied with the mere externals--with instant evidence of being cultured. And the gluttony of these ignorant rich is at least as condemnable as the looting itself.
In criticizing one popular LDS book on Book of Mormon archaeology Sorenson claimed that the book’s “naive use of sources, logical inconsistencies, [and] cut-and paste quotations” caused “harmful effects on the Church....”5 How could these myth-making publications “harm” anyone? Especially testimony-wielding members? Sorenson gives three reasons:
The LDS book market shows similar swashbuckling. Many Mormons are willing to spend money for instant evidence of knowledge rather than to labor for the knowledge themselves. The result is consumer demand for intellectual loot. This is especially true about scholarly study of Book of Mormon archaeology. At least from the time of George Reynolds the Saints have avidly bought books which claim to offer them inside information on this scripture, particularly on its geography or what are termed “external evidences.” Some of these sources have actually been helpful to the serious reader. Many more, and these are the concern here, have harmed more than helped.4
First, they train the reader that serious, critical thought is unnecessary and maybe even undesirable, that any source of information will serve no matter how unreliable, and that logical absurdity is as good as sound analysis. Second, the reader gets the false impression that all is well in Zion, that the outside world is being forced to the LDS point of view, and that the only role LDS scholars need play in Book of Mormon-related studies is to use scissors and paste effectively. Third, the underlying complexity and subtlety of the Book of Mormon are masked by a pseudo-scholarship to which everything is simple.6
This third effect disturbs me (as an LDS apologist) the most. For as Sorenson points out, this sets up “a straw-man Book of Mormon to attack based on what Mormons have said about it instead of what it says itself.”7
Have the Presbyterians any truth? Yes. Have the Baptists, Methodists, etc., any truth? Yes. They all have a little truth mixed with error. We should gather all the good and true principles in the world and treasure them up, or we shall not come out true “Mormons.”9
Truth is found not only in religion, but in the secular things of the world as well. Joseph F. Smith said that “we are willing to receive all truth, from whatever source it may come....”10 And to quote Brigham Young:
Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it.... We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work.11
Science truths are part of the great truths of this world. Mormonism embraces all truth and should embrace scientific truths as well. As John A. Widstoe warned: “Truth is truth forever. Scientific truth cannot be theological lie. To the sane mind, theology and philosophy must harmonize. They have a common ground of truth on which to meet.”12 Not only does Mormonism embrace all truth, but our religion requires that we seek out truth. We are admonished to “seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith.” (D&C 88:118.) In verses 78 through 80 of this same section we read:
Teach ye diligently and my grace shall attend you, that you may be instructed more perfectly in theory, in principle, in doctrine, in the law of the gospel, in all things that pertain unto the kingdom of God, that are expedient for you to understand;
The instructions are clear. Not only are we to gain spiritual knowledge, but these verses exhort us to attain secular knowledge as well. Hugh B. Brown once declared, “We should be in the forefront of learning in all fields, for revelation does not come only through the prophet of God nor only directly from heaven in visions or dreams. Revelation may come in the laboratory, out of the test tube, out of the thinking mind and the inquiring soul, out of search and research and prayer and inspiration.”13
Of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms--
That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you.
I find my own heart strengthened in the truth by getting rid of the untruth, the spectacular, the bizarre, as soon as I learn that it is based upon worthless testimony.16
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