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It seems generally accepted that Paul H. Dunn lied about some of the details of his life, but why?

I know he was a popular author, and I assume his books and cassette taps made him money, but did he need the money that badly?

And why would he lie, in print, about something like playing major league Baseball.

As baseball was America's pass time when he told his stories, the amazing thing is that he wasn't caught in this lie sooner.

Does anyone know why he did it?

Is it possible he wanted to discredit the Church?

It was a well practiced historically known art of "story-telling"....
It was common sometimes for "speakers" to sometimes tell story's as if they were their own, even though they were not. It was not considered "lying". It was simply considered a part of the art of story-telling that some utilized.

In our modern world, this is no longer acceptable.
Previously, it was simply known as a good story, even if not actually true of the individual in question, it was true "somewhere" thus not considered a lie, but embellishment to teach lessons, values, etc.

Thus, he wasn't "trying" to lie.... It's just when a person talks so much, they sometimes try to find new things to talk about, to tell other peoples story's as if they are your own, to bring the feeling and impact of the story.

by the way, why are my posts now being "censored", when I've been following the rules of the Celestial forum for some time now?

Paul Dunn is not exactly ancient history. It proves nothing either way about Mormonism but the man flat out shaded the truth about his life and events that supposedly took place in it. Which part of claiming to have been a major league baseball player when he wasn't is not a falsehood?

Albion wrote:Paul Dunn is not exactly ancient history. It proves nothing either way about Mormonism but the man flat out shaded the truth about his life and events that supposedly took place in it. Which part of claiming to have been a major league baseball player when he wasn't is not a falsehood?

But did he do it to make money, or did he have some other reason?

inquiringmind wrote:

Albion wrote:Paul Dunn is not exactly ancient history. It proves nothing either way about Mormonism but the man flat out shaded the truth about his life and events that supposedly took place in it. Which part of claiming to have been a major league baseball player when he wasn't is not a falsehood?

But did he do it to make money, or did he have some other reason?

I always just thought that he let himself get carried away over the years. I think he started to believe the stories himself. I don't think that he was lying to make money. I still see him as a decent guy who let a little church fame go to his head.

How do you start to believe your own best friend (who is still alive) died in your arms in the war?

LOL

I think he was trying to make himself a hero and he was trying to make people get the tingles about LDSism.

Dear Brother Mind,

There are deeper truths and meanings in life than what can be seen on the surface of simple stories. Those that care not to delve beneath the fragile line defined by facts alone will be left holding the empty bag of reality. But for those that seek the true meaning of creative revisionism, the world can be whatever they want.

In response to your questions I ask, Which stories do you prefer?

Paul H Dunn wrote:Dear Brother Mind,

There are deeper truths and meanings in life than what can be seen on the surface of simple stories. Those that care not to delve beneath the fragile line defined by facts alone will be left holding the empty bag of reality. But for those that seek the true meaning of creative revisionism, the world can be whatever they want.

In response to your questions I ask, Which stories do you prefer?

Best pseudo-Mormon quote ever: "But for those that seek the true meaning of creative revisionism, the world can be whatever they want"

So is it possible he did it all for the money, or was he too well off for that?