The LDS Church History Transparency Quiz - Please Complete and Share | Ep. 1994
Digest
John Delin introduces a 15-question survey designed to gauge the LDS Church's transparency concerning its history. The survey covers crucial historical events and controversies, including Joseph Smith's early life, the Book of Mormon translation, polygamy, priesthood restrictions, and the Book of Abraham. The goal is to understand what members have been taught and whether they feel the Church has been honest. Delin encourages listeners to take the survey, share it widely, and discuss the results with others, including believing and non-believing individuals and Church leaders. He envisions a larger, scientifically-backed study based on the survey's findings and invites participants to share their experiences on the podcast. The project emphasizes the importance of informed consent, ensuring individuals have access to accurate historical information before making significant faith-based decisions.
Outlines
Introduction and Survey Overview
John Delin introduces a 15-question survey assessing the LDS Church's historical transparency, focusing on key events and controversies to encourage open dialogue.
Survey Questions: Key Historical Events
Delin details the 15 survey questions, covering Joseph Smith's early life, Book of Mormon translation, polygamy, priesthood restrictions, and the Book of Abraham, aiming to understand members' knowledge and perceptions of Church honesty.
Call to Action and Future Implications
Delin urges listeners to complete and share the survey, engage in discussions, and participate in potential future research and podcast episodes, highlighting the importance of informed consent and open dialogue.
Keywords
LDS Church History Transparency
The degree to which the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has openly and honestly presented its historical narrative, including controversial events and practices.
Joseph Smith's Polygamy
The practice of plural marriage by Joseph Smith, raising ethical and theological questions.
Book of Mormon Translation
The process by which Joseph Smith claimed to have translated the Book of Mormon, involving discussions about historicity and translation methods.
Priesthood Restriction
The historical policy restricting Black men from the priesthood, raising questions about race and theology.
Informed Consent
The ethical principle of having access to all relevant information before making significant life decisions, crucial for faith-based choices.
LDS Church History
The historical narrative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encompassing both accepted and controversial events.
Historical Controversies
Debated and contested events in the history of the LDS Church.
Open Dialogue
Encouraging frank and honest conversations about the LDS Church's history.
Q&A
What is the main goal of the LDS Church History Transparency Quiz?
To assess the LDS Church's transparency regarding its history and encourage open dialogue.
What are some key historical topics covered in the survey?
Joseph Smith's early life, Book of Mormon translation, polygamy, priesthood restriction, and the Book of Abraham.
How can listeners participate?
Complete the survey, share it, engage in conversations, and potentially participate in future podcast episodes.
What is the significance of informed consent?
Having access to accurate historical information before making significant faith-based decisions.
What are the potential outcomes of this project?
Fostering open dialogue, increasing awareness of historical controversies, and potentially influencing the Church's future approach to transparency.
Show Notes
A 15 question quiz has been designed to facilitate healthy discussions about factual LDS Church history, and LDS Church historical transparency. It should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Audience: This quiz is for anyone who has ever been an LDS Church member, including active and inactive LDS Church members, and former LDS. Please take this quiz yourself, and then please invite family, friends, and (most importantly) LDS church leaders and missionaries to take the quiz as well.
We are hopeful that the survey can serve as a way for you and others to healthily discuss factual LDS Church history, as well as the LDS Church's overall record of historical transparency. NOTE: All of the historical facts below have been recognized by the LDS church as valid, to the best of our understanding. References have been included for discussion.
We will be awarding a modest number of cash awards to those who complete the survey in its entirety, and who are willing to share compelling insights or experiences - which might include coming on the podcast to discuss their experiences. We are also considering the option of administering this survey as a scientific, random survey. If you are interested in supporting such a project, feel free to donate at the link below.
Enjoy! And please email us with any feedback or experiences you'd like to share.
Survey link: https://forms.gle/3o7Tr6ZHKzoEBpMs8
To donate to this project: https://donorbox.org/ldschurchresearch
00:08:30 Going over the survey together, email, etc.
00:12:00 Question one - Were you taught about Joseph Smith’s 1826 Treasure digging trial?
00:14:10 Question two: What were you taught regarding the Book of Mormon translation?
00:15:50 Question three: What were you taught about the priesthood restoration?
00:17:18 Question four: Were you taught that Joseph Smith had over thirty wives?
00:18:20 Question five: Were you taught that Joseph Smith hid his first marriages from his wife Emma?
00:22:20 Question six: Were you taught about the different accounts of the First Vision
00:24:55 Question seven: Were you taught that Joseph Smith allowed black men to have the priesthood?
00:27:44 Question eight: Were you taught that Joseph Smith was a Freemason?
00:29:40 Question nine: Where you taught that the Book of Abraham is a false translation?
00:32:10 Question ten: Were you taught about Joseph Smith destroying the Nauvoo Expositor?
00:35:00 Question eleven: Do you feel like the Church has been fully honest?
00:35:35 Question twelve: Do you feel like the truth claims are important?
00:36:55 Question thirteen: Would you have made different decisions had you known?
00:38:29 Question fourteen: Did the church intentionally withhold this information?
00:58:40 Why did the church even release the Gospel Topics Essays?
01:30:00 Share this survey with friends and family
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