The Truth About Mormonism: Illumination or Deception?

WHY INVESTIGATE? “Mormonism must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a Prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false....” —Doctrines of Salva­tion, 1:188-89 —Presi­dent Joseph Fielding Smith • 10th President of the LDS Church Such a resolute statement characterizes the faith of one who is prepared to defend its foundations. Indeed, in order to have a reasonable faith (one rooted in historical truth and supported by rational inquiry), a defense of truth requires “full disclosure” of what can be known about a given religion. Historically, the Mormon story is a young one and for that reason alone is relatively easy to investigate. If you believe that the LDS Church is true, you should not fear to investigate it but rather should welcome an examination of facts. Only lies have to be protected and hidden—and by the proclamation of President Joseph Fielding Smith, they must also be exposed at any cost. • “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” —1 Thessalonians 5:21 • “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” —1 John 4:1 • “[The Bereans] . . . searched the scriptures daily [to see] whether those things were so.” —Acts 17:11