Controversial and Less Understood Topics
Genetic studies (about 100) have been performed on 75 of the known 500 American Indian groups. The results show that the genetic signatures of these populations resemble those of modern-day Asians. So, all right. Does this mean the Book of Mormon is false? No. First, for this to actually prove the Book of Mormon false, it would have to be Mormon belief in doctrine that the only ancestors of American Indians were Israelites. (Read More)
It’s true that black Mormons couldn’t receive the priesthood until 1978, but it is not true that the Mormon Church (properly called the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is a racist institution. In fact, from the beginning, the Church supported equal rights, regardless of race. The founder and first prophet of Mormonism, Joseph Smith, said this about slavery, "It makes my blood boil within me to reflect upon the injustice, cruelty, and oppression of the rulers of the people. When will these things cease to be, and the Constitution and the laws again bear rule?" (Read More)
The Book of Abraham, Mormons believe, is Abraham’s own account of part of his life. He talks about the idolatry of the Egyptian-like society he lived in, and about barely escaping sacrifice to the Egyptian gods by a priest. Jehovah saves him from death and the book then discusses the blessings promised to Abraham and his seed. (Read More)
Former members of the Mormon Church, properly named The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes call themselves ex-Mormons. People leave the Church for many reasons and end up in different doctrinal (or non-doctrinal) places. Some may no longer believe in God. Some may join other churches. There is no organized “ex-Mormon group” with all former members of the Church. Ex-Mormon, thus, usually refers to people who are former members of the Mormon Church who are actively anti-Mormon, especially on the internet. (Read More)
First, we must ask, what is a cult? The American Heritage Dictionary provides a nice, quick reference. One definition of a cult: A system or community of religious worship and ritual. Here’s another: A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader. (Read More)
Polygamy was practiced by the Mormon Church in its early days. Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church, began the practice of men marrying more than one woman. Polygamy existed in the Mormon Church for over fifty years, until pressure from the United States government forced them to put an end to its practice. The subject of polygamy is a sensitive topic for many Mormons and a great source of criticism for those opposing the Mormon Church. The prevailing social climate in the United States and most of the developed world looks at polygamy as a relic of uncivilized, patriarch-dominated peoples. It cannot be reconciled by the modern Western world’s notion of romantic love in a positive way. The Mormon Church officially ended the practice of polygamy in 1890, but as a doctrine of Mormonism it still embarrasses and confuses some Mormons, and is exploited by Mormon detractors. (Read More)
Mormon garments are underclothing received when a member becomes fully endowed in a Mormon temple. These garments are sacred, symbolic, and a sign of obedience. Mormon garments are a standard for modesty, a reminder to members of the covenants they have made with God, and a reminder to be obedient to God’s commands. (Read More)
The Mountain Meadows Massacre is an often misrepresented event in Mormon History. The event is often misconstrued by anti-Mormons as they draw conclusions about the Mormon Church as a whole. In order to fully understand the Mountain Meadows Massacre, one must understand the context of the situation and the times. The Mountain Meadows Massacre was committed by one small group of Mormons and in no way is a reflection of the beliefs of the LDS church. (Read More)