Mormon Stories Podcast

The LDS Church History Transparency Quiz - Please Complete and Share | Ep. 1994

Feb 19, 2025

A thought-provoking quiz encourages discussions about LDS Church history and transparency. It dives into Joseph Smith's credibility, highlighting contrasting narratives around his leadership and the Book of Mormon. Personal anecdotes shed light on how church teachings impact individual faith journeys. The varying accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision spark vibrant debate, urging listeners to reflect on their beliefs. The call to engage in conversations about church history fosters community support and invites shared experiences.

01:41:30

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Quick takeaways

The LDS Church History Transparency Quiz aims to foster honest discussions about the church's historical transparency among its members and leaders.

This quiz is designed to empower individuals, particularly those distanced from the church, by preparing them for discussions about faith and history.

By examining responses from the survey, the initiative seeks to reveal gaps in historical understanding within the church and enhance communication strategies.

Deep dives

Introduction of the Transparency Quiz Project

A new initiative named the LDS Church History Transparency Quiz has been proposed to foster open discussions about the church's historical transparency. This project aims to address concerns regarding the Mormon Church's honesty in presenting its history. Individuals who have distanced themselves from the church often face inquiries from church leaders or family about their decisions, and this quiz is designed to prepare them for these conversations. Participants are encouraged not only to complete the survey themselves but also to engage in dialogue with ward members, family, and church leaders.

Intro

13min

Exploring Joseph Smith's Credibility

39min

Exploring Church Teachings and Historical Impact

2min

Exploring Joseph Smith's First Vision

47min

Engagement Encouragement on Church History Conversations

1min

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

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Show Notes

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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Mormon Stories Podcast

The LDS Church History Transparency Quiz - Please Complete and Share | Ep. 1994

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Introduction of the Transparency Quiz Project

History as a Factor in Faith Transition

Format and Importance of the Survey

Engagement with Church Leaders and Family

Plans for Academic and Randomization Efforts

Acknowledgment of Responses and Future Exploration

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts