Authorship Of The Mormon Church's Anonymous Essays on Blacks, Polygamy, etc.
Steve Benson Dec. 2013
I have had a recent, long, direct and informative discussion with a well-placed and highly-credible Mormon Church source, which focused on the question of who, specifically, authored the historically-revisionistic essays that the Mormon Church has now placed on its official website. Just let me say that these essays were not written by members of the Quorum of the Twelve or the First Presidency.
(My source is aware of the fact that I am posting this on the Recovery from Mormonism discussion board, since I told the source I would be doing so).
Per mutual agreement with the source, I will not, at this time, be disclosing the names of those who participated in the writing of the essays--although the identities of certain specific individuals were given to me who, directly or indirectly, assisted in the authorship of the essays.
Just let me say that these essays were not written by members of the Quorum of the Twelve or the First Presidency.
I was told that the directed goal of the essays' authors was to craft statements that would satisfy everyone--an assignment which the source said was their first mistake. These publicly-unidentified-authored efforts, I was further told, ultimately were required to pass what was described as the paranoid approval of the Quorum of the Twelve--a group that was also characterized as being full of egomaniacs who needed to be humbled.
The authors of these essays were said to represent a wide variety of people employed by the Mormon Church in the LDS Historical Department, some of whom are historians themselves. In authoring the essays, these individuals were also given the task of contacting others outside the Mormon Church Historical Department who were considered by the LDS Church's Historical Department to be experts and scholars, and from whom all kinds of input was sought. I was told that the Mormon Church, in present circumstances, was doing the best it could.
The source noted that these essays would not be laying blame at the feet of the Mormon Church's founder, Joseph Smith, because that was simply not possible to do at the present time. From the source's perspective, the decison not to take problematic issues back to Joseph Smith (especially on the issue of race) was understandable, given what were characterized as current complicated realities facing the Mormon Church--although the source said that they (meaning the source) was not pleased with the essay on polygamy.
I was told that employees of the Mormon Church Historical Department were given the assignment of hammering out statements in their essay documents that would:
1) repudiate racism and sexism;
2) create pronouncements that strike a balance; and
3) lay the groundwork for the release of new information in the future.
I told the source that the sooner the Mormon Church quit mischaracterizing the historically-doctrinal (not policy) nature of official Mormon Church positions--(particulary as related to its historically-racist ones that are currently embedded in the LDS Church's canonized scriptures, notably the Book of Mormon and Pearl of Great Price, as well as in the officially-authoritative statements of the First Presidency that have traced Mormon Church doctrine directly back to Joseph Smith)--the better,
During the course of our lively one-on-one discussion, the source and myself did not agree on all points, although our discussion was quite cordial, as it typically is.
So, there you have it:
"Revealed" Mormon Church truth, brought to you by anonymously rolled out, correlated committees.
In the name of, "Is this all you folks have got?"
Amen.
mythb4meat
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Wow.......excellent, cutting edge stuff. It is amazing, if not ironic, that here on RFM we are on the "frontlines", privileged to be informed as to the truth behind the scenes. Many, many thanks to you, Steve, for being on top of this. It is a vital subject, and 98% of TBM's have no idea what is really going on.
sonoma
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Thanks for the interesting report, Steve.
Any theory on why the cult's politburo thinks that it reflects better on the cult if Mormon racism was "just a policy" and not doctrine?
Seems to me that saying to the world, "our God was never a raging Racist, it was just us" doesn't really improve their image.
Also, how does your source justify his/her membership in an organization that goes to such efforts to deliberately mislead members and non-members alike on its history?
steve benson
Personal opinions . . .
1) The Mormon Church is issuing these essays because it wants desperately to be regarded by larger society as mainstream and progressive,
2) The Mormon Church is confident that its blindly-obedient flock (conditioned, as it is, to unquestioningly accept their Church's statements as God-revealed) will go along with these essays as being sufficient to counter criticism of Mormon Church history and doctrine.
3) I know my source's justification for remaining in the Mormon Church; however, I think it is best not to address it in this forum, given the sensitive nature of the topic and the need to protect confidentiality.
verilyverily
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
"who were considered by the LDS Church's Historical Department to be experts and scholars" - Steve, do you think these people are scholars? Sorry but I don't place much credence in scholars who are deemed so just by TSCC. Its history is why.
Is the anonymity in place to protect the scholars, or TSCC or both? If it is not for protection, why must these essays by anonymous?
Aren't the TBMs P.O.d by NOT knowing who wrote the essays? Or are the TBMs even reading them?
Steve, as usual, APPRECIATE YOUR BEING WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU DO!
zenjamin
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Fascinating stuff.
What a field of view.
An expansive vista provided.
Rather explains the monotonous flat dis-inspiration characterizing these pronouncements.
An assignment for a schoolboy:
"What I did over summer."
Why now I wonder.
The primary adaptational defense of the cult is denial of reality: "all is well."
So what was the actual tripwire that propelled an aging business comfortable with denial of reality and much disliking change, into taking what is a radical departure from the historical "party line."
Has an errand boy come to collect a bill?
steve benson
The anonymity of the essays is driven by the Mormon God being a coward.
in my opinion.
deco
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
LDS Inc vs. Google...
LDS Inc is attempting to stand after a knockdown.
We will next see a standing 8 count, before a spectacular knockout.
madalice
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Enquiring minds want to know.....when will sexism become 'just a policy, not doctrine?'
Apparently they think the women are still licking the boots (or whatever) of the top 15.
Not so much. Instead of conversing with the Lor....., I mean the profit, we just leave. We pick our kids up from primary and leave, never to be seen again. Well, sorta. We have a way of showing up in places like RFM. Why? Because places like this is where we have a voice.
anybody
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Hi Steve...here's a question for you:
Does this mean that the fundamentalists are right when they claim they are the Real, Original™ Mormons?
What is your opinion?
steve benson
Well, Mormon fundies claim they're following the original doctrines of Joe-
You know, the ones that the current LDS Church has abandoned over time in terms of policy, practice and/or doctrine.
hello
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Very cool, steve, thanks, great info... :)
anointedone
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Thanks Steve. My sources also corroborate this.
The gig is up and some of the 15 know that it is and are trying to change direction. Others will go to their graves kicking and screaming, too proud to admit the errors.
They are in a catch 22. Time and information availability completely discredits their truth claims. Yet, for them to admit the obvious "Joseph made it all up", throws out their only 'unique selling point'.
Core doctrines are relegated to being 'policy' and mistaken cultural understandings of the time.
I joined the church because I was convinced Joseph spoke to God as did the successor prophets. Fool me once......
The gig is up, but cowardly, proud, greedy men are perpetuating a fraud upon the innocent and the gullible. Shame on you self proclaimed Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Your time of reckoning is fast approaching. There will be 'wailing and gnashing of teeth' amongst you.
Thanks to the likes of Steve Benson, who has done more for the cause of truth than his prophet grandfather ever did.
Tom
steve benson
Heh. In the mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses shall every Mormon lie be demolished
SL Cabbie
Let's See, That Leaves the First Vision Problems, Blood Atonement...
The truth about the Handcart Horrors, the "historicity" of the BOM (including archaeological and DNA issues), and nearly everything associated with Joseph Smith...
Hey, a guy can hope...
I don't know if the Resurrection is coming soon, but LDS Skeletons are certainly up and walking around.
newcomer
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
If the source is speaking to you he/she must not be a TBM?
iris
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Why do you think the First Presidency didn't attach their names to the essays even though they didn't author them (as previous First Presidencies have for various documents)? So they can distance themselves if the essays are a failure? Because they are cowards? Because they will do anything to maintain the comfort zone of the membership who so blindly follow due to indoctrination? The complacent membership would follow if they signed. Just wondering what your thoughts are re this?
Thank you to you and your source for this information.
canadianfriend
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
I wonder how long they will (or can) continue to protect Joseph Smith. They seem to be moving all their eggs into his basket. Unfortunately for them it's an imaginary basket.
steve benson
As mentioned up the thread, no comment on that for confidentiality purposes
Plus, too much personal information about the source would deepen the source's concerns and possibly compromise their position.
steve benson
Non-attachment allows wiggle room as the problems deepen.
in my opinion.
azsteve
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Steve, I am intrigued more about this source than by the subject matter of your article. And yet I don't want to compromise anything related to this source. Obviously this source is taking a significant risk by communicating with you. In some respects, you still have some access to the inner core of the church, even though they probably see you as an enemy now. This is the kind of thing that brings down evil empires. Is it likely to be your journalistic integrity or is it personal loyalties that makes your source feel safe enough to betray the church's inner circle? I like the fact that now the top 15 have even more reason yet to feel paranoid, wondering who the spy is. Maybe gawd will tell them who the spy is as the witch hunt is on now. Considering the narcississem that drives the church leaders, nothing less than paranoia is likely to cause them to look inwardly enough to consider that maybe they're wrong. Knock them off balance just a bit and maybe the organization will self destruct.
steve benson
The source didn't want to be identified . . .
To keep the source's confidence and trust (combined with my personal respect for this individual), I agreed.
intrigued by this
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
I have been convinced from day 1 that authorship of these articles has been carried out by a "team" assembled from those who post on the Bloggernacle. Obviously you can't confirm or deny, but the construction of the articles and the overall ambiance seem to be similar. Very much doubt we're talking Professor-level scholars.
azsteve
Re: The source didn't want to be identified . . .
Thanks for your good work here Steve, and thanks also to the source if you're reading this. After we've seen an end to the lies, the social engineering experiments, and the financial abuses, maybe the mormon church can attain a respectable place in our society. Until then, it seems most ethical to keep the pressure on them to do the right things.
darksparks
Loving this thread. Great reason to celebrate Winter Solstice
oldklunker
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Thank you Steve!
Is there a dissident among the first presidency?
Some one "pushing" the issues? I would imagine he would also have a few backing him from the twelve. The presidency not signing the essays would lead one to conclude that they are not all in agreement with the current direction of spilling "some truth".
I would also conclude this dissident is of high moral character and doing his best to correct wrongs perpetrated against the members.
One thing is true, by lying and whitewashing the history of the church is positive proof they don't trust in The Lord Jesus Christ. If they did fully trust him the history and truth of the church and how it unfolded would be manifest by the Holy Ghost through Christ to all mankind that the gospel is true.
Either it is completely true or a complete fraud, there is no middle ground.
The so called apostles of Jesus Christ are not acting like true apostles. Why would a true apostle of The Lord have to lie and hide truth?
We know how to detect false prophets and apostles...they would be lying and hiding truth by day and by night to protect their power and life styles.
Conclusion: it's a cult. A dying cult at best. The duty of the exmo's? To fight the cult with courage and strength until every member of our families are free from the evil brought upon them.
The other Sofia
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Interesting. I have spoken to a couple TBM relatives and friends. Surprisingly, some of them knew nothing of the new "announcement." Nothing. One older TBM will never question the church. Has a weird amnesia as things change over the decades. The ones I found the most shocked were the ones who were already questioning the leadership. I was just very suprised that this information was not more widely known and discussed in the general membership, the chapel Mormons.
3X
Interesting, Steve.
These are non-doctrinal, soft-pedaled, opinion pieces* - that may be revised or disavowed at a moment's notice: a new approach for the LDS Ministry of Truth :)
* unknown authors speaking as men ... (and maybe women).
Apparently Thomas Monson didn't want to affix his imprimatur to the essays? Such are the ways of mormon 'prophets'.
icedtea
Re: AUTHORSHIP OF THE MORMON CHURCH'S ANONYMOUS ESSAYS ON BLACKS, POLYGAMY, ETC
Thanks so much, Steve!
Your information makes sense. Spin-control by committee is exactly what we've seen TSCC do in the past. Anonymous authorship allows the head honchos to distance themselves when PR backlash and cog dis kick in, as will inevitably happen. At that point, I predict these essays will quietly disappear, only to be replaced by new and "better" spin control, perhaps new commercials, and more social media efforts.
Unfortunately for the "Truth Committee," Joseph Smith and his successors have been painting them into a corner from which there is now no credible escape. "The Lord" has made way too many incriminating statements over the past 180-odd years.
Either they are what they claim to be or they're not. If they were, we'd have seen an authoritative declaration from the 1st Presidency by now -- something to the effect of "God has been saying this for nearly two centuries now and we're sticking with it." If they're not what they claim, we'd expect to see precisely what we're seeing: anonymous authorship (just like the folks at FARMS and FAIR used to decry), lies, whitewashing, cover-ups, and blame placed on the culture, the members, folklore, or anything else.
That TSCC is now publicly attempting to obfuscate and whitewash its embarrassing past with even more transparent lies and lame explanations indicates that people are refusing to join and more people are leaving. We can gauge the depth of trouble leaders perceive by their increasing efforts to stem the rising tide of history, journalism, scholarship, and critical thinking avaialable on the internet -- thanks to you and others like you.
They've got nothing now and they know it.
fakemoroni
Ministry of Information, LDS Style.
"Recovery from Mormonism - www.exmormon.org"