Faithful Historian Deceives Mormons - Keith Erekson | Ep. 1990 | LDS Discussions Ep. 61
Feb 7, 2025
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In this discussion, historian Keith Erekson, who oversees historical research for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addresses sensitive topics in Mormon history alongside researcher Sandra Tanner. They delve into polygamy, including Joseph Smith's controversial marriages, and the church's historical transparency regarding events like the Mountain Meadows Massacre. The duo debates the church's narratives, the consequences of unveiling hidden histories, and the ongoing challenges of reconciling faith with historical accountability.
Keith Erekson's fireside discussion highlights the LDS Church's ongoing attempts to address and defend its controversial historical claims.
The podcast critiques the portrayal of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, emphasizing the need to acknowledge the church's deeper involvement in its history.
Sandra Tanner's extensive research underscores the importance of uncovering suppressed aspects of Mormon history and challenging official narratives.
The conversation about polygamy reveals the coercive nature of these practices and the misleading claims surrounding Joseph Smith's plural marriages.
The hosts stress the importance of transparency in discussing the Book of Abraham, raising concerns over the legitimacy of Joseph Smith's translations.
Deep dives
Overview of the LDS Discussions Series
The podcast discusses the LDS Discussions series, initiated by Mike, which provides a thorough analysis of Mormon Church truth claims. This extensive review aims to cover various aspects of Mormon history, starting from Joseph Smith's treasure digging to modern-day issues within the church. The hosts emphasize the importance of the series, noting the value that many listeners find in it. They highlight their commitment to continuing the series even after Mike's departure, underlining the unresolved topics that require further exploration.
Discussion on Keith Erickson's Fireside
Gerardo introduces the episode's focus on a fireside event led by Dr. Keith Erickson, who aimed to address challenges in Mormon history. The discussion centers on how Erickson, as a church history professor, navigated difficult questions about contentious topics like polygamy and the Book of Abraham during his presentation. The hosts point out that Erickson's approach to these subjects reflects broader church efforts to defend its history and claims. They emphasize the significance of understanding how church authorities presently address historical issues.
Role of the Tanners in Challenging Church History
Sandra Tanner shares her background as a fifth-generation Mormon who, alongside her husband, dedicated their lives to researching and documenting inconsistencies in Mormon history after confronting contradictions in church teachings. The hosts acknowledge the pivotal role the Tanners have played in uncovering and presenting suppressed aspects of church history to the public. They encourage listeners to explore the research and resources available on the Tanners' website, which contains extensive information on various church-related topics. This background establishes the Tanners' credibility in the ongoing discourse about Mormon history.
Questions Raised on Mountain Meadows Massacre
The podcast delves into the Mountain Meadows Massacre, a tragic event in Mormon history, with hosts and guests challenging Erickson's portrayal of the massacre as solely the actions of rogue members. They critique his attempt to minimize the church's responsibility by suggesting it was not officially sanctioned. Dissecting his narrative, they argue that the events leading to the massacre were deeply rooted in church culture and teachings of the time, including ideas around blood atonement and violent rhetoric. The group stresses the importance of accurately acknowledging the complex dynamics surrounding this event.
Polygamy in Early Mormon Doctrine
The discussion turns to the contentious issue of polygamy, with Erickson attempting to defend its historical significance while acknowledging its problematic nature. The hosts highlight the various leaders' teachings on polygamy, emphasizing that it was portrayed as essential for exaltation and church members were often coerced into these arrangements. They scrutinize claims of no sexual relations occurring between Joseph Smith and his plural wives who were already married, labeling such assertions as misleading or erroneous. The podcast highlights the need for openness and honesty regarding this difficult part of church history.
Interpretation of the Book of Abraham
The conversation shifts to the Book of Abraham and the papyri associated with it, emphasizing discrepancies between Joseph Smith's translations and the actual contents of the papyri. The hosts point out that even the church's current stance on the Book of Abraham admits that it has no legitimate basis in the papyri. The discussion underscores the problematic translations and the historical understanding of Joseph Smith as a translator when it comes to the Book of Abraham, arguing that this severely undermines his prophetic claims. They argue that the lack of accurate historical context further complicates the church's narrative.
The Role of Death and Afterlife in Mormonism
The subject of eternal sealing practices and their implications for women in the afterlife dominates the latter part of the discussion. The panel examines the church's current teachings that claim no coercion will be applied to women regarding plural marriages, while examining how this contradicts existing scripture and historical practices. They highlight the troubling aspects of sealing relationships, particularly when a woman is encouraged to accept an eternal condition that might not align with her own beliefs or desires. The topic reveals the powerful pressures women face within the culture of Mormonism as they navigate marriage, exaltation, and the afterlife.
Critiques of Keith Erickson's Historical Presentation
The podcast culminates in a critical evaluation of Keith Erickson's presentation style and content. The hosts express disappointment in his failure to properly address significant historical issues, viewing his comments as dismissive and evasive. They critique his tendency to downplay or overlook critical events and teachings in church history while promoting a false narrative of harmony and understanding. This lack of accountability in addressing the complexities of Mormon history reflects broader issues faced by members when examining the church's teachings.
Emerging Themes in Mormon Discourse
In closing, the conversation highlights recurring themes within contemporary Mormon discourse, such as the handling of historical truths and the church's evolving narrative. The hosts stress the need for transparency and honesty to foster healthy discussions about the church's past. They argue that engaging with difficult historical issues and acknowledging the church's failings can ultimately strengthen faith and community bonds. As they reflect on the responsibility of both leaders and members, the discussion serves as a call for critical thinking within the church.
Keith Erekson serves as the director of the historical research and outreach for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On January 12, 2025 he gave a fireside in which he answered tough questions. Today we are responding to that fireside and discussing such topics as polygamy, Joseph Smith marrying women who were already married, and the church hiding aspects of its history.
