Being integrous in all areas of one’s life is, I believe, the central issue to this question. Most TBM’s (“True Blue Mormons”) rely on the accuracy of reports handed to them by others… “on faith.” I know. I lived and breathed the deepest level of “Mormonism” from birth (1962) until spring of 2001. (If one cares to read about my “exit story,” that can be found at: Kimberly Davis Wallis' answer to If you left the Mormon church, why did you leave? )
Today’s Mormon Church, on top of today’s culture, has most members running so ragged they barely have time to breathe. The stress ensures that many of them do not have the time nor desires to really dig down deep and discover what really, actually, IS the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth regarding the history of their (eternal) “life-line”: The LDS Church. Although this question addressed Mormons specifically, this can also apply to most any area that a child has been brought up to believe and accept as “truth,” right, good, acceptable.
Like everything else, trace the money trail. Trace the (“Priesthood”) “power” trail. Go UP-Stream for your answers. Some of us decide we want no “middle man” (or men) between our self and “God.” We want Truth (with a capital “T”) at all costs. For some of us, that “pearl of great price” DID exact a great price. Yet, the resulting wealth of Knowledge (“Intelligence”) awaiting is way beyond worth the redemption voucher.
This question makes an assumption that “history has been removed or turned into fiction.” BUT… has it? If so, how would one ever know that (OR what the True Story IS) if that one hasn’t first and foremost done as ALL religions plead: “Become as a little child” and mentally be willing to throw out everything that one has been taught, endorsed, believed, lived. Seek/ knock/ ask “with a sincere heart” and “with real intent.” The key is to do this seeking, knocking, asking NOT through “church authorized” sources only, nor to one who benefits from your receiving a certain answer (and churches certainly benefit through “power,” notoriety, tithing money, etc.) but as fully and conclusively as one’s childlike curiosity leads. The way to prove is included in their own Book of Mormon. Moroni
10: 4 “And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
IF one’s path is ready for “more,” then their personal, private “Holy Ghost” WILL bring them that “more.” “Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” By applying that new “truth” and “tasting” the relative sweetness of it in comparison to one’s former “truth,” the individual may indeed “know the truth of all things.”
Several years after my own child-like mind and heart assisted my exit from the LDS Church (2001), a book that COULD assist a “childlike” yet critical thinking Mormon became available: Without Disclosing My True Identity--The Authorized and Official Biography of Joseph Smith Jr. This book has great power to help those so prepared know just WHAT IS THE TRUTH—the REAL Truth—about the early origins and history of the LDS Church? and WHY did Joseph say that: “No man knows my history. If I told you everything I know, you would surely rise up and kill me.”
Many members of the LDS church today have been led to believe that “ignorance is bliss” on some issues. “We are not supposed to know certain things at this time.” “Don’t question the leaders or church-sanctioned doctrine.” “Once in ‘heaven’ you will have your questions answered for you.” Etc. Etc.
The Imporovement Era, June 1945, contains the following quote as part of a Ward Teachers’ message:
“When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done. When they propose a plan–it is God’s plan. When they point the way, there is no other which is safe. When they give direction, it should mark the end of controversy. God works in no other way. To think otherwise, without immediate repentance, may cost one his faith, may destroy his testimony, and leave him a stranger to the kingdom of God.”
Another (of many) source(s) for the same message of “Follow the Prophet,” let HIM think for you is:
“The Debate Is Over” - Ensign Aug. 1979
“Recently, at the Churchwide fireside meeting held for the women of the Church, Young Women President Elaine Cannon made the following statement:
“When the Prophet speaks, … the debate is over” (Ensign, Nov. 1978, p. 108).
“I was impressed by that simple statement, which carries such deep spiritual meaning for all of us. Wherever I go, my message to the people is: Follow the prophet. Why else has the Lord placed prophets on the earth throughout the dispensations of time?…”
(This was written by… of course… a “prophet, seer, and revelator”: N. Eldon Tanner.)
YET, in many places WITHIN their “church-sanctioned doctrine” it states otherwise. For instance, again in their Book of Mormon: Alma 12:
9 “And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.
12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly concerning death, and being raised from this mortality to a state of immortality, and being brought before the bar of God, to be judged according to our works.
13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word, insomuch that it has not been found in us, then will our state be awful, for then we shall be condemned.
14 For our words will condemn us, yea, all our works will condemn us; we shall not be found spotless; and our thoughts will also condemn us; and in this awful state we shall not dare to look up to our God; and we would fain be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us to hide us from his presence.”
Regardless of where one finds one’s self on the stairway to lasting peace and True Success, one can be a “True Blue” ANYTHING as long as they are truly doing THEIR best, seeking and searching with an OPEN, childlike mind and heart and… drumroll, please… “treating all others as they want to be treated”… to the ultimate degree one understands at the time. This injunction is not only contained in the Mormon church, but within EVERY religion and culture throughout time. The premise to “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you” is buried within every heart. As one clings to THIS, one will be led to understand all things, even the history of one’s “beloved church.”
Thus, IF a person Truly, deeply resonates with the Mormon church and it serves their needs, no questions, no doubts, just total and lasting peace… then the history does not even matter. However, if there is the slightest cognitive dissonance when one allows one’s self to privately ponder, then one just might be ready for “the ride of a lifetime” to find the ultimate, precious “Truth” (with a capital “T”).
All the best to each of you in your individual pursuits.
I hope this has been helpful.
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