Why do Mormon's fear knowledge...?

[_Fence Sitter]

An easy way to demonstrate is to show a copy of "No Man Knows My History" to a member and ask if they would be interested in reading it.

I'd be happy to read it if I thought it would be worth my time. After having previously dealt with some quotes and notions from the book over time, it doesn't appeal to me as a scholarly work. However, I wouldn't even flinch if I saw it in the crook of some other TBM's arm. I highly recommend all TBM's read any antiMormon material that catches their fancy. Such is merely part of the process of the parable of the Sower. Either it will make one stronger, or it will destroy one. For me, I started out with the Godmakers movie as a teen when it first came out. I was made stronger thereby.

While I admire your approach, I suspect that the today's apostles and prophet's would not offer the same advice. Frankly, I think your method is more in line with how the leadership of a 150+- years ago. Keep up the good work!

[_bcspace]

I suspect that the today's apostles and prophet's would not offer the same advice

I would offer the same advice as well. After all, why repeat the work I and others have already done and can testify about? Why waste time with something that does not edify, tears down truth, and could destroy you and your family? But if one must, then it's part of the plan for you, to see if you are planted in good soil.

[_Fence Sitter]

I would offer the same advice as well. After all, why repeat the work I and others have already done and can testify about? Why waste time with something that does not edify, tears down truth, and could destroy you and your family? But if one must, then it's part of the plan for you, to see if you are planted in good soil.

or

I highly recommend all TBM's read any antiMormon material that catches their fancy.

So it is okay to read antiMormon material when it catches their "fancy" but other wise not.

I am glad we got that cleared up.

[_subgenius]

Thank you, I think you just made my point.

you may actually want to read for comprehension before you pat yourself on the back.

[_Fence Sitter]

.

[_Buffalo]

I suspect that the today's apostles and prophet's would not offer the same advice

I would offer the same advice as well. After all, why repeat the work I and others have already done and can testify about? Why waste time with something that does not edify, tears down truth, and could destroy you and your family? But if one must, then it's part of the plan for you, to see if you are planted in good soil.

It's a sad commentary on the Church when all that can happen just from reading unedited church history.

[_bcspace]

It's a sad commentary on the Church when all that can happen just from reading unedited church history.

Only when combined with cynical antiMormon commentary and intellectually dishonest conclusions.

[_Darth J]

There is no doctrine of the Mormon faith that "fears knowledge".

Dallin H. Oaks, October 1994 Ensign

Another strength Satan can exploit is a strong desire to understand everything about every principle of the gospel. How could that possibly work to our detriment? Experience teaches that if this desire is not disciplined, it can cause some to pursue their searchings beyond the fringes of orthodoxy, seeking answers to obscure mysteries rather than seeking a firmer understanding and a better practice of the basic principles of the gospel.

Some seek answers to questions God has not chosen to answer. Others receive answers—or think they receive answers—in ways that are contrary to the order of the Church. For such searchers, Satan stands ready to mislead through sophistry or spurious revelation. Persons who hunger after a full understanding of all things must discipline their questions and their methods, or they can approach apostasy without even knowing it. It may be just as dangerous to exceed orthodoxy as it is to fall short of it. The safety and happiness we are promised lie in keeping the commandments, not in discounting or multiplying them.

[_Drifting]

"I sat in this tabernacle some years ago as President Joseph Fielding Smith stood at this pulpit. It was the general priesthood meeting of April 1972, the last general conference before President Smith passed away. He said: 'There is one thing which we should have exceedingly clear in our minds. Neither the President of the Church, nor the First Presidency, or the united voice of the First Presidency and the Twelve will ever lead the Saints astray or send forth counsel to the world that is contrary to the mind and will of the lord'."

L. Aldin Porter of the Presidency of the First Quorum of Seventies (Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 63)


"When the Prophet speaks the debate is over".

N. Eldon Tanner, August Ensign 1979, pages 2-3


Two more examples of the Church encouraginging members to stop thinking for themselves.

[_ludwigm]

From "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young":

Each chapter contains two sections—“Teachings of Brigham Young” and “Suggestions for Study.” The first section consists of extracts from Brigham Young’s sermons to the early Saints. Each statement has been referenced, and the original spelling and punctuation have been preserved; however, the sources cited will not be readily available to most members. These original sources are not necessary to have in order to effectively study or teach from this book. Members need not purchase additional references and commentaries to study or teach these chapters. The text provided in this book, accompanied by the scriptures, is sufficient for instruction.

You can make special assignments when preparing lessons, being sensitive to the readiness of class members to participate. Carefully avoid controversy.

From "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith"

It is not necessary or recommended that members purchase additional commentaries or reference texts to support the material in the text.

From "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor"

It is not necessary or recommended that members purchase additional commentaries or reference texts to support the material in the text.

From "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Heber J. Grant"

It is not necessary or recommended...

From "Teachings of Presidents of the Church: David O. McKay"

not necessary or recommended

More...