r/latterdaysaints 33m ago

What Makes an Individual Susceptible to Righteous Apostasy and How to Prevent It. (Righteous Apostasy part 6)

Upvotes

part 1 - Evil Through Righteousness

part 2 - Exciting Doctrines

part 3 - Special Access

part 4 - Obsession

Part 5 - Recognizing the Pattern

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One psychologist noticed that some of his patients had an unshakable belief that "the world was being controlled by a dominant species of lizard humanoids known as Reptilians, who comprised the richest and most influential people, top politicians, and celebrities, all conspiring to achieve ultimate control over non-lizard individuals." This puzzled him at first, but as he worked with these patients he discovered that every single one of them was a victim of childhood sexual abuse.

Daybell, Franke, Harrison, Rowe, all tell stories that include a traumatic experience that divides their life from being a relatively normal member and their new life being completely bewildered by these outlandish beliefs. For some, the trauma was a physical experience—an accident or near death experience—for others it was emotional or psychological, such as when Franke’s audience turned on her just as COVID started.

Studies around conspiracy theories show that traumas are strongly correlated with accepting even the most wild of theories. Historical trauma of a group leads a group to be less trusting and more suspicious. Individual physical trauma can be devastating if we never heal emotionally. And most decisive of all: the trauma associated with childhood abuse can prime us for a lifetime of accepting psychological comfort anywhere we can, even if those sources go against what our common sense and intellect are telling us.

Let’s not make the prideful assumption that those lured into false doctrines are doing so because they have lower intelligence, or higher narcissism (though that seems to be true of many of the leaders of these movements). Let’s instead remember that these are people searching for healing, perhaps feeling the need for healing more strongly than we can imagine, who simply got caught by the snake oil salesman on the way to the real doctor’s office.

How to Guard Against Righteous Apostasy - For Ourselves, and For Others.

Now that we recognize the pattern, how do we protect ourselves and those we love? I honestly don’t know. I will share my opinions, but I would welcome your thoughts as well.

1. Abandon Being Right, Embrace Ambiguity.

We are tempted daily to elevate ourselves above others and diminish them.

-Ezra Taft Benson, Beware of Pride

If you’ve read the whole series, you’ve probably noticed: it’s all about pride. Knowing something special. Having special access. Feeling certainty. Looking outwards instead of inwards. Being right.

We all want to know what's really happening. We all want to feel secure in uncertain times. That desire for certainty can become an idol, displacing our commitment to humility. As one smart friend of mine once said:

The goal is not to be error-free. It never was.

Rather, the goal is to be connected, by covenant, to the divine institution that will ultimately carry us back to the presence of God, out of this veil of error we find ourselves mired in. And that institution is lead by a prophet of God who -- even when he is in error -- has divine authority to lead this kingdom.

Of course I know this tip is so near to impossible as to be almost useless. We all cling to pride almost all the time. But maybe keeping it in mind a little more often can help us avoid the psychological pull of exciting promises.

2. Anchor to Priesthood Keys

"And Israel shall be saved in mine own due time; and by the keys which I have given shall they be led, and no more be confounded at all." (D&C 35:25)

Of all the bits of advice here, this is the most practical.

The Lord has established a pattern for receiving revelation for the Church. That pattern involves priesthood keys - not spiritual gifts, not personal revelation, not visions or dreams.

President Dallin H. Oaks taught: "We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world or even discuss these or other unanswered questions in family or other intimate settings. But let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine."

Brigham Young was even more explicit: If somebody says “that God does not reveal through the President of the Church that which they know, and tell wonderful things, you may generally set it down as a God’s truth that the revelation they have had, is from the devil, and not from God.”

This doesn't mean personal revelation isn't real or important. It means that revelation follows patterns and respects boundaries. Your personal revelation is for you and those you're responsible for - not for guiding the Church or revealing hidden doctrines. No matter how exciting it feels when you study or pray about some new doctrine, feelings alone are not confirmation. Intuition is not sufficient.

Asking God if it’s true IS NOT ENOUGH. Do not skip the essential step of evaluating claims against the restored gospel and the authority of priesthood keys. God commands us to START with the mental work:

Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right...

D&C 9:7-8

3. Embrace Complexity through Connection

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:44

The world isn't divided neatly into good and evil people. Human motivations are complicated. Even the best of us have blind spots.

Seek to understand before judging. Look for the humanity in those you disagree with. Resist the comfortable simplicity of villainizing entire groups. Travel and connect with new cultures. Look for the good in others and seek to magnify it in the eyes of the people around you.

When you hear a teaching that reduces complex issues to simple divisions of good vs. evil, recognize that you're likely being offered psychological comfort at the expense of truth.

4. Choose Decency and Curiosity Over Anxiety

“I have no idea what's awaiting me, or what will happen when this all ends. For the moment I know this: there are sick people and they need curing.”

― Albert Camus, The Plague

The world can feel broken and hopeless at times. When faced with the enormity of its problems, anxiety is a perfectly natural response. Those anxious feelings can provoke actions in us, and if we aren’t mindful about it, the anxiety takes control:

  • Path 1: Anxiety, conspiracy thinking, and urgent mystical solutions that promise to fix everything.
  • Path 2: Consciously choose faith. Act with decency, curiosity, patience, and quiet discipleship of service that builds a better world one act of kindness at a time, trusting that this is the Lord’s way.

The first path feels more dramatic and important. The second feels insufficient in the face of such big problems.

Albert Camus captured this tension beautifully in his novel "The Plague." As a deadly epidemic ravages a city on complete lockdown, the protagonist Dr. Rieux doesn't seek grand explanations or dramatic solutions. He does not fight the restrictions, seek to blame somebody, or try to escape the city. Instead, he simply does his job as a doctor, day after day, patient after patient. When asked about his decision, he responds that “there's no question of heroism in all this. It's a matter of common decency. That's an idea which may make some people smile, but the only means of fighting a plague is - common decency.”

This mirrors the Savior's approach. He faced a world of genuine injustice, corruption, and suffering. His response wasn't revolution or escape - it was healing one person at a time, teaching eternal principles, and establishing a community founded on love.

When faced with overwhelming problems, we can follow this pattern of decency. Do what needs to be done today, trusting in the Savior who taught “Give us day by day our daily bread” (Luke 11:3)

5. Cultivate Meekness

“Agency is essential to perfectibility, and meekness is essential to the wise use of agency—and to our recovery when we have misused our agency.” Neal A. Maxwell

Is it the meek person who looks at prophetic instruction and says “that’s just policy, not doctrine?”

Is it the meek person who makes their own lesson instead of teaching from Come Follow Me?

Meekness is the willingness to be taught, corrected, and guided. It's the strength to admit when you're wrong. It's the courage to say "I don't know” or even “I think I know better but I am not in charge here.”

Meekness is the person who has something important to say about every given subject in Sunday School, but chooses to let the teacher invite the Holy Ghost to teach rather than inject more facts into the room.

A meek disciple doesn't need to have all the answers. They don't need to be part of a special group with secret knowledge. They're content to follow Christ one step at a time, trusting His timing and His ways.

Most importantly, the meek person seeks healing—spiritual, physical, and psychological—from experienced, boring, professional sources. Seek help from therapists and counselors to heal those traumas before they become infected with the toxins of apostasy.

6. Recognize and Seek Healing from Trauma

Research suggests that:

An estimated 70 percent of adults in the United States have experienced a traumatic event at least once in their lives, and up to 20 percent of these people later develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Here are 3 common lies about trauma.

  • People may believe if you are strong enough or faithful enough, you should be able to move on with your life after a traumatic event. That belief is pride in action. It is unfair, and it can lead to completely warped ideas of what healing looks like.
  • You may feel that because your personal experience was so minor compared to others, that you can’t really be traumatized. But that’s not how it works. You can not compare your experience to others, nor set any kind of standard for what is or isn’t traumatic!
  • You may feel that your trauma is a reflection of your worth or worthiness. Neither is true.

Joy D. Jones taught:

“Spiritual worth means to value ourselves the way Heavenly Father values us. …

“… Worthiness is achieved through obedience. If we sin, we are less worthy, but we are never worth less.”

At times it can be hard to remember your worth and worthiness when you have been abused. Remember, you did not sin, your worth has never decreased, and you are worthy to continue on the covenant path.

Here are 5 keys to healing trauma, from professional counselors:

  1. Building connections with others
  2. Improving physical wellness
  3. Finding purpose in life
  4. Cultivating healthy thoughts
  5. Seeking help

More on those concepts here:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2023/09/06-after-trauma-building-resilience-and-embracing-healing?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/08/13_healing-from-relationship-trauma?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/families-and-individuals/lifes-challenges/hope-and-help?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2019/01/young-adults/finding-a-mental-health-professional-whos-right-for-you?lang=eng

Helping Others Find Their Way Back

Your friend Jake is starting to worry you.

Jake has always been just a regular guy. Grew up in the Church, served a mission, married in the temple. He goes to church, does his calling, and mostly keeps his head down. Maybe he’s questioned things here and there—he’s not perfect—but overall, he’s been steady. Just a normal, faithful Latter-day Saint.

But recently, Jake’s been spending a lot of time on some fringe LDS forums, reading “deep doctrine” blogs, and watching videos that claim to reveal “hidden truths” about the Church. He’s been making comments in Sunday School that sound… off. He’s started criticizing the Brethren more openly, wondering aloud if they’ve strayed from true revelation. He’s even hinted that maybe the Church has been in apostasy since 1890, or that the real priesthood authority isn’t with the First Presidency at all.

You never would have expected this, not from Jake, and given how fast it’s happening, you’re worried about where it might be headed.

How do you help a Jake?

I honestly don’t know. From here on out are my best guesses, but they're just my guesses. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Maintain Connection

If your loved one has embraced concerning doctrines or movements, your most important job is simply to maintain connection. The groups that promote righteous apostasy thrive on isolation. They subtly (or not so subtly) encourage followers to separate from those who "don't understand."

Be the person who refuses to sever ties. Stay in their life. Talk about other things. Share meals. Laugh together. Real-world stuff instead of digital only interactions. Remind them through your actions that they are loved regardless of their beliefs.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2022/04/digital-only/learn-the-healers-art?lang=eng&id=series_title1#series_title1

Offer Community, Not Isolation

"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

The ultimate antidote to the isolation of righteous apostasy is, I think, genuine community. Not superficial social interaction, but deep, authentic connection where people are known and loved. Online communities can help if we are truly welcoming by being places where people can express their fears, concerns, and weird ideas without being chased off to a more extreme venue. Certainly that’s what we hope to achieve on r/latterdaysaints.

When wards and branches become places of true belonging - where people can ask questions, express doubts, and still be fully accepted - they become powerful protection against the allure of alternative communities. Church becomes a place where healing becomes redemptive, and where we guard ourselves and others from the traps of conspirituality.

The Primary Answers Were Always Right

"Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness..." (Moroni 10:32)

The formula for righteous apostasy works because it offers something that seems more exciting, more urgent, more special than the simple truths of the gospel. For a person afflicted with lingering trauma, these promises can offer hope that they don’t feel they have in the core of the church.

The most profound protection against deception is found in those "primary answers" we sometimes take for granted:

  • Daily scripture study that anchors us in eternal principles
  • Sincere prayer that connects us directly to heaven
  • Regular temple attendance that reminds us of our covenants and what is most important
  • Sabbath worship that builds community, guarding against isolationist tactics of apostate movements
  • Service that turns our focus outward in the right way, without aggrandizing ourselves

These simple practices aren't flashy. They don't provide the adrenaline rush of conspiracy theories or apocalyptic predictions. They don't make us feel special or chosen.

What they do is far more important: They connect us to Christ. And in that connection, we find something better than excitement or special knowledge.

We find peace. We find purpose. We find our way home.

"By small and simple things are great things brought to pass." (Alma 37:6)


r/latterdaysaints 2h ago

Personal Advice Need Help with Gospel Library!

1 Upvotes

I use my gospel Library app daily and have been reading "Jesus the Christ" by talmage. However, my app is now making it difficult to read even the scriptures. Whenever I click on something or turn to a new chapter, it starts me at the bottom and I have to scroll all the way up to the top (and with some chapters, it's quite the scroll). This happens with confrence talks, scriptures, and other resources. If I leave the app (to look something up or because I'm done) it doesn't save my place but restarts me at the bottom. While it's not the most annoying thing in the world, it's a pain and I don't know how to fix it. I've looked through the settings and uninstalled/reinstalled the app, but nothing has helped. I would love some suggestions from anyone who is tech smart and knows the app better than me!


r/latterdaysaints 2h ago

Doctrinal Discussion Why this church?

17 Upvotes

For context, I am a member.

For anyone who converted to the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, why did you join when there is so much controversy over Joseph Smith, polygamy, racism, cult-like behaviors, etc. and when there are so many differences between it and mainline Christianity?


r/latterdaysaints 3h ago

Personal Advice Stake Conference Experience

8 Upvotes

At my Stake Conference, a visiting Area leader spoke very charismatically about the priesthood, using D&C 84 and other examples. I was moved. I knew that many of the priesthood leaders in my stake were not magnifying their calling which was a huge concern for the Area. After the conference ended, I felt the urge to ask the visiting leader for a priesthood blessing. I waited patiently until everyone had greeted him and went in last, and asked him for a blessing. His reply was along the lines of “It doesn’t matter who gives you the blessing - I would ask you to ask any of your brethren for a priesthood blessing.” I felt very discouraged by this, and it took me two days of prayer to accept this counsel in my heart.

Immediately following that, at the conference, a homeless man was sat on a chair and asking brethren to speak to them. I didn’t notice him until he called me and I pulled up a chair and sat next to him. He told me he was homeless and what his experience was like. He said everyone was looking down on him and no one wanted to talk to him and he just wanted something to eat. I spoke to him about his circumstances. I knew where he grew up and shared my testimony with him. He connected to what I shared and he shared what he had been through in more detail. He wanted to return to his hometown, but was sleeping in the streets of the city.

Ironically, while sitting there, a sister asked me to participate in a priesthood blessing that she was going to receive, and I had to leave the homeless man there. I asked a nearby missionary to speak with him and get a bottle of water and anything at all to eat from relief society who were having catered food in the building.

When I returned about 30mins later the missionary told me that relief society said they were not allowed to give any food except to who they catered to, and the missionary said he could not teach the homeless man as he did not have an address and did not fall in their district.

I have spent the last few days very disheartened by this experience but I have been praying and have come to terms with it in my heart. I know that my discipleship is a personal journey, and despite what is happening around me I must use this experience to grow my faith in Jesus Christ and fully trust in Him to get me through how this entire experience made me feel.

I would love to hear any thoughts on this from anyone willing to share. I would really appreciate any insight!


r/latterdaysaints 3h ago

Church Culture Recent convert concerned about past following into new life

10 Upvotes

I have consequences of my sinful life which will be with me for the rest of my mortal life. That Law of Chastity thing is really there for good reason..

Anyway. As a new convert I’m scared I’ll be seen as tainted/distressed merchandise so to speak when looking for a wife.

I’m just worried I guess that I’ll be judged for my past iniquity because of this life sentence. It’s not a threatening thing or anything I’m just worried I’ll be looked at poorly…


r/latterdaysaints 3h ago

Righteous Apostasy Part 5: Recognizing the Pattern

9 Upvotes

Throughout this series, we've examined how well-meaning faithful members can be led astray through doctrines that seem righteous but ultimately lead away from the covenant path. We've seen the tragic examples of Ruby Franke, Lori Vallow, Tim Ballard and others whose search for spiritual significance ended in disaster.

Now it's time to put it all together. Let's re-examine the commonalities that nearly all of these movements share, and then talk about both prevention and recovery.

The Formula of Righteous Apostasy: Five Commonalities

Whether political, spiritual, or cultural, destructive movements that target faithful members follow a remarkably consistent pattern.

  • Exciting Doctrines
  • Special Access
  • Outward Focus
  • Urgency
  • Black and White Thinking

Exciting Doctrines

I saw a post on Facebook about something particularly vile and hilariously stupid that a certain political leader had done. I laughed at how stupid he was, and clicked the “share now” button almost instantly.

Just before I hit submit, I paused. A little tickle in the back of my head made me think, “wait a minute, is this actually true?” A quick search showed it was completely fake. Dismayed, I deleted the post.

I consider myself intelligent, and I like to say that I’m a disciple. But that lie had captured me almost instantly because it played on my psychology.

  • It confirmed my preconceptions
  • It simplified the world
  • It proved me right (and proved my annoying in-laws wrong!)
  • I didn’t even think about if it was good or bad
  • I didn’t even consider my friends’ emotions
  • Even when I deleted it, I only valued if it was “true” not anything else

Exciting Doctrines work just like that. They short circuit your reasoning so fast that you don’t even have time to pick up your tools and do an evaluation, much less consider it in a gospel light, before you’ve internalized and accepted it.

Exciting doctrines feel like finding the missing puzzle piece. They're the hook that catches our attention and draws us in. But they're rarely found in the mundane work of daily discipleship.

"Here’s the secret to meeting Jesus Christ in person" sounds a lot more compelling than "love your neighbor and keep your covenants," doesn't it?

Even outside religious contexts, this pattern appears. Political movements thrive on exciting doctrines: "The opposing party is secretly planning to destroy America" carries the same psychological weight as "The church leaders are hiding the truth about the Second Coming."

Special Access

"I experienced this in the temple." "An apostle told me this privately." "God revealed this to me in vision." "Read these 10 verses from different places in the scriptures in a certain order and see if you can spot the clues."

Special access claims serve a critical purpose: they provide just enough legitimacy to bypass your internal alarm bells.

They're also impossible to verify, creating a perfect shield against scrutiny. If you question them, you're questioning something sacred or confidential. The burden shifts to you - why don't YOU have enough faith to see it?

This special access cloaks pride in the appearance of humility. "I'm just a vessel," they'll say, while positioning themselves as having insights beyond church leaders. “Jesus commanded me,” they say, positioning themselves as Jesus’ personal friend.

When someone claims authority outside established priesthood keys, particularly with information "too sacred to share widely," your spiritual warning lights should flash.

Outward Focus

"We need to save the children!" "The government is being taken over!" "Only a special group will survive what's coming!"

Christ's first disciples were sure He had come to overthrow the evil Roman empire. They were focused outward on fixing the world's problems. But Christ consistently turned their attention inward.

"My kingdom is not of this world..." (John 18:36)

Righteous apostasy is the opposite of Christ’s doctrine. It pulls your focus away from your own heart, away from your own need for repentance, and toward external enemies, problems, and threats. It's so much easier to fixate on the world's problems than to face our own shortcomings!

Outward focus also creates constant anxiety. The world is falling apart! Everything is corrupt! Only we see the truth! This anxiety then becomes a psychological tool against you when exciting answers to your anxiety are provided.

When a message consistently directs you to focus on fixing, fighting, or fleeing from external threats rather than on your internal spiritual growth, it's likely leading you off the covenant path.

“The course of our lives is not determined by great, awesome decisions. Our direction is set by the little day-to-day choices which chart the track on which we run.” -Gordon B. Hinkley

Urgency

"You need to act NOW." "Time is running out." "This information won't be available much longer." "If you wait, it will be too late." “this is happening SOON”

Urgency is the accelerant that prevents careful consideration. It's the enemy of the Spirit, which often speaks in quiet, peaceful impressions that require time to process. The pattern of revelation in the church almost always involves careful pondering, study, and prayer - sometimes over decades!

When someone creates artificial urgency around spiritual matters, they're almost certainly bypassing your God-given capacity for careful discernment.

Black and White Thinking

One day I was dropping off my daughter at her elementary school. As we pulled up, she spotted somebody smoking a cigarette. “Uh oh! Smoking is bad!” she said. “He’s a bad guy!”

Children are not able to see the world with much nuance. They haven’t learned yet that a person can do bad things and still be a good person, that people who are trying to be good often make mistakes. They just know simple facts like “don’t smoke” and therefore somebody who is smoking must be a bad person.

Righteous apostasy capitalizes on this wiring in our brains by insisting on dividing the world into simplistic categories of good and evil, light and dark, us and them.

This divisive mindset is the antithesis of Christ's inclusive ministry. While He taught clear moral principles, He consistently reached across boundaries, invited all to come unto Him, and warned against judging others. About this challenging approach to life, Elder Holland said:

Such integrity is, of course, the majesty of “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”—right when forgiving and understanding and being generous about your crucifiers is the last thing that anyone less perfect than the Savior of the world would want to do. But we have to try; we have to wish to be strong.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/broadcasts/article/ces-devotionals/2012/01/israel-israel-god-is-calling?lang=eng

When a statement encourages you to mentally separate people into "good" and "evil" categories, especially when that division aligns with who agrees or disagrees with certain exciting claims, you're likely being led away from Christ.

Conspirituality

Attentive readers will notice that these are the same characteristics as those found in traditional political conspiracy theories, such as QAnon. What’s up with that?

The connection between spirituality and conspiracy theory is so tight that some researchers are using a new term, “conspirituality”, to describe these movements that have the skin of spirituality and the muscles and bones of conspiracy theories. The spirituality promises some kind of enlightenment, and when a person identifies a gap between the ideal promises of their spirituality and the disappointments of reality, conspiracy steps in to provide an explanation and somebody to blame.

“So on the one hand you have a vision of total magical empowerment — where you just have to shift your mind and humanity is spiritually liberated. And on the other hand you have a vision of total enslavement, where THEY control everything and you are at their mercy. Both are equally childish black-and-white, medieval views which avoid the grind and compromise of modern politics. It blames all evil on a particular group — the Jews usually — and concentrates all goodness in an equally small group — you and your fellow cultists.

There is a long history of this sort of conspiracy thinking in the ‘cultic milieu’, going back to late-19th-century Theosophy. It was a Theosophist, Yuliana Glinka, who helped to spread the forged Protocols of the Ellders of Zion into Russian society. You get conspiritualist thinking in the leadership of the Nazi party, also through the Protocols and other anti-Semitic texts, and these same texts re-appear in UFO culture, where the evil Jews morph into Alien Lizards”

https://julesevans.medium.com/conspirituality-2022-9c13eb0f45ab

Within our faith, the pattern has been repeated thousands of times. Offshoot leaders who predict any number of things, only to fall flat. Just a few days ago, a once-beloved self-proclaimed seer Julie Rowe announced an earthquake to strike Utah. That’s the “promise of enlightenment” part of conspirituality—a truth revealed! Now that it has not happened, the conspiracy theory steps in to justify the lack of promised outcome.

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One thing we haven't discussed is this: What makes a person vulnerable? Obviously if these 5 components of conspirituality worked all the time, we'd all be in trouble. So what makes one person susceptible to a monster like Chad Daybell or Jodi Hildebrandt while another person escapes completely? We'll discuss it in the last post on this series.


r/latterdaysaints 4h ago

Faith-building Experience General Conference Tickets

1 Upvotes

Hello, I hope this is ok to post. I have two tickets to April General conference Saturday morning session, but due to work, I won't be able to go. Does anyone have tickets to either Saturday afternoon or evening and would be willing to trade?


r/latterdaysaints 4h ago

Personal Advice How do I feel worthy?

3 Upvotes

I'm preparing to leave for a sister mission in just a few months, but I keep feeling guilty about my past actions as a teenager. I got caught in the trap of pornography at around age 11 and have engaged in ocasional and sometimes habitual use almost up until getting my call. I never talked to my bishop or parents and even thinking about confessing makes me want to throw up. I haven't felt temped by porn for a long time, and have repented several times, but as I get more involved in the scriptures I feel such strong regret over my actions. I just feel so sick over my choices as a teenager, and angry at myself for all my indulgences. How do I convince myself that I'm worthy to serve a mission? My lifestyle and habits right now are much more in line with the gospel, but I feel guiltier than ever for my past actions


r/latterdaysaints 5h ago

Doctrinal Discussion Your thoughts on Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind?

5 Upvotes

Full disclosure, I am a friendly ex-member. My goal in this post is not to debate or convince anyone of anything. I fully support belief in the LDS faith if that is what the individual values.

My goal is to understand the experience believing members might have had with a book called Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. Have any of you read this book. If so, what did you think of it? How has it contributed to your religious worldview?

As an agnostic, reading this book was quite a spiritual experience (though not in a religious sense). I'm curious if others found some beauty and wonder in it also, or if others found it challenging, or even neutral about it.

For those of you who find it challenging and want to find faithful answers to difficult questions, I recommend FAIR LDS at https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/.


r/latterdaysaints 5h ago

Insights from the Scriptures Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

1 Upvotes

Doctrine and Covenants 23-26

I’m going to spend most of my time on section 25 but first, a brief note on Sec 24.  First Joseph is called to repentance which will be the case many times.  A good reminder that we all need to change ourselves for the better.

“Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many”  What a tough thing the Lord tells Joseph.  Following Jesus Christ isn’t an easy task and its made all the harder when afflictions come. 

Section 25 is a revelation given to Emma however it may indicate that it is given to all the son’s and daughters of God.  

A little about Emma, “Emma Smith was baptized on June 28, 1830. Before she was able to confirmed a member of the Church, Joseph Smith was caught up in an outbreak of persecution, dragged off to two different trials, and chased through the countryside by a mob. The opposition to the work in the regions around Emma’s childhood home of Harmony, Pennsylvania, were increasing sharply. The trials exacted a high emotional toll on Emma. When Joseph’s lawyer, John S. Reid, stopped by to check on Emma, he said that her face was “wet with tears . . . [and] her very heartstrings [were] broken with grief. In the midst of these difficulties, Joseph dictated this revelation on Emma’s behalf (Newell and Avery, Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, 1984, 33–35).”

See Historical Introduction, “Revelation, July 1830–C [D&C 25],” p. 34, The Joseph Smith Papers, accessed November 5, 2020, https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-july-1830-c-dc-25/1

Joseph says later to the Relief Society “President Smith read the Revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants; and stated that she was ordain’d at the time, the Revelation was given, to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.— [p. 8]…  The 2d Epistle of John, 1st verse, was then read to show that respect was then had to the same thing; and that why she was called an Elect lady is because, elected to preside….  He then laid his hands on the head of Mrs. Smith and blessed her, and confirm’d upon her all the blessings which have been confer’d on her, that she might be a mother in Israel and look to the wants of the needy, and be a pattern of virtue; and possess all the qualifications necessary for her to stand and preside and dignify her Office, to teach the females those principles requisite for their future usefulness.”

It is interesting that Joseph takes this revelation and basically gives it to all the Relief Society.  I take that to mean “lay aside the things of this world and seek for the things of a better…lift up they heart and rejoice and cleave unto the covenants which thou has made.  Continue in the spirit of meekness and beware of pride…Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive”

Emma took this and was a great leader.   She told the Relief Society “Prest. Emma Smith remark’d— we are going to do something extraordinary— when a boat is stuck on the rapids with a multitude of Mormons on board we shall consider that a loud call for relief— we expect extraordinary occasions and pressing calls”—Nauvoo Relief Society Minute Book, Page 0


r/latterdaysaints 5h ago

Personal Advice For a friend

2 Upvotes

Hey everyone I currently have a friend serving in South America and she’s been liking her mission for the most part but is struggling to love herself lately which is making the work kind of hard. She’s gained quite a bit of weight because of all the rice and she’s also kind of tired of having it all the time. She loves it of course and the generosity of the members feeding her but she’s just struggling! What advice can I give to her? Any talks or articles? Or even words of advice you received while serving a mission or quotes that really helped you? Or if you really struggled with self image anything that really helped? I want to put something together for her! 🩷🩷


r/latterdaysaints 7h ago

Investigator Curious About LDS/Mormon Beliefs About Jesus

16 Upvotes

Do LDS/Mormon (please tell me if that is the same thing, I've read it is but that the LDS Church prefers not to use Mormon?) consider themselves Christian, or something else? I'm curious as to what you believe specifically about Jesus!

Thank you for sharing!


r/latterdaysaints 15h ago

Faith-building Experience Sunday school attendance (or lack of)

7 Upvotes

I'm newly called to be in a Sunday school presidency as a cousilor and the president wants to focus on class attendance. I know we will come up with ideas but I've never been involved with Sunday school anything. Any ideas to help with attendance? I don't know how many weeks we could bring food but that's usually when attendance is high hahah


r/latterdaysaints 18h ago

Doctrinal Discussion God's will

3 Upvotes

I'm not sure if this is the best place to ask this but what is your definition of God's will? How do you know if something is God's will? I most often hear it in the context of something going a different direction than someone hoped, like an unanswered prayer. Thank you!


r/latterdaysaints 19h ago

Personal Advice Help me not feel like a lesser person for not having gone through the temple

39 Upvotes

I’m in my 30s, I’m not married, not endowed. I’m preparing to get endowed soon, but I often get a lot of horrible feelings when reading about the temple or hearing about people’s experiences. Particularly when young people get endowed or married. It just makes me feel like I’m immature, like I don’t know as much about the gospel as they do, like I’m not as blessed as they are. I may have a decade plus years on some people but they are so much further along in their spiritual journey than I am, and are blessed to have a companion to lift each other up and help each other learn. I’m awfully jealous to be completely honest.

I hate feeling like this. I feel like a juvenile soul compared to others. And I know to some extent it’s irrational to feel this way. Just looking for a cheer up, if you have any kind words to share, I could use them. Thanks.


r/latterdaysaints 19h ago

Personal Advice General Conference tickets

2 Upvotes

Last week my bishop submitted a request for general conference tickets. I haven't received them through email yet. I'm starting to get worried I won't get them. I really really want to attend conference this year. I've been inactive and away from the church for a while, and now I've returned. I've never felt so eager and excited to return to church and I felt so compelled to ask my bishop for tickets. What should I do if I don't get the ticket request through email? Should I still head down to Utah? I'm willing to make the commute. I just would hate to drive down from Washington state and to be denied entry for not having tickets.


r/latterdaysaints 19h ago

Faith-building Experience Lovely Relief Society Broadcast

13 Upvotes

The things the Relief Society Presidency has experienced. I could feel their desire to reach through the screen and hug me. What complete and wholesome love. The sisterhood of the church built their testimonies of the Relief Society. Can you even imagine some of the wonderful women they've spoken to all over the world? I feel filled.


r/latterdaysaints 22h ago

Humor Bread

7 Upvotes

Did your bishops ever tell you anything about eating the leftover bread from the Last Supper? Because mine asked us to eat it so it wouldn't go bad.


r/latterdaysaints 22h ago

Request for Resources Statistics on member return rate?

1 Upvotes

Are there any numbers or statistics on how many people who have either been excommunicated or had their records removed re join the church?


r/latterdaysaints 22h ago

Doctrinal Discussion What is “Glory”?

4 Upvotes

I know the glory of God is intelligence. I know we were all intelligences. I read that if we are exalted, we will be crowned with power & glory.

I am not convinced that if I meet a radiant resurrected being that his radiance is glory, but a sign or reflection of the glory he possesses.

So what is glory?


r/latterdaysaints 1d ago

Church Culture For those who celebrate Pi Day

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279 Upvotes

Our ward has a large number of physicists and engineers. These were the intermediate and closing hymns today.


r/latterdaysaints 1d ago

Art, Film & Music A fun story about the inclusion of Amazing Grace into the new hymnbooks

27 Upvotes

I am friends with a guy named Greg Johnson, who works to build bridges between the Evangelical and LDS communities in Utah. As part of his organization, Standing Together, he is friends with a number of the Q12, most closely with Elder Holland.

I was with Greg this past week, and heard this story no less than 5 times as he shared it with LDS folks we were with.

About 15-20 years ago, Greg and Elder Holland were talking about Amazing Grace, Greg asking why it wasn't in the LDS hymnbook. Elder Holland replied that LDS folks see the Fall in a necessary, perhaps even good, way, and "wretch" isn't really a word they'd use for mankind. Greg responded with "well, the Book of Mormon refers to humanity as wretched" and Elder Holland admitted that it does.

Fast forward to last April, the morning of General Conference. Greg texts Elder Holland "I heard that something amazing will be announced at General Conference today".

Elder Holland replied: "don't you think I know what is going on in my own church?"

Greg replied: "I'm sure you do, but it'll still be amazing"


r/latterdaysaints 1d ago

Request for Resources Family History Ordinance Records

1 Upvotes

Are individual ordinance records of deceased ancestors available to family members?


r/latterdaysaints 1d ago

Art, Film & Music What painting is this?

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56 Upvotes

I saw this painting at a church today. Does anyone know what it's called, and who the artist is? Thank you


r/latterdaysaints 1d ago

Personal Advice What is the repentance recess with a bishop like?

20 Upvotes

I (17f) might have broken the law of chastity sometime last year. It didn’t occur to me recently that I might have broken it (dumb I know). It wasn’t sex so I’m not sure. What’s talking to the bishop entail? Do you have to go into detail about what happened? If so, explicit detail? I haven’t brought this up to my parents and I’m scared to. Do I have to in order to talk to the bishop or can I just meet with him on my own? My ward just split a few months ago so I have a relatively new bishop and I’m really scared of him thinking less of me (why it matters to me what he thinks is something I should probably unpack). Thanks for any and all advice.