There are different types of people that leave the church and the reasons they leave the church vary. In my observation, the two most common reasons people leave the church are either because of the way the church handles LGBTQ issues or because they are shocked by the "history of polygamy". It is the latter I am writing on today.
My husband was talking on the phone with a loved one about Joseph Smith's innocence in polygamy and the church's attempts to cover it up and twist the story. He wanted them to watch a video which shows documents and timelines that prove Joseph's innocence. They were very reluctant and they said that they didn't want to "end up like (John Doe)". This "John Doe" character they named "found out" Joseph "practiced polygamy" and left the church.
As I sat there listening to the conversation I had to chuckle and shake my head at the realization of the irony. So I'll say it like the joke that it is:What does an active member of the church and a bitter ex-Mormon have in common?
Both believe the exact same things about Joseph Smith.
The only difference between the two is that one is disgusted by the "lies" and one justifies the "lies".
That's all.
Ryan asked them, "Why are you okay if Joseph lied to the church about polygamy but when I tell you it was Brigham who lied - you won't even consider it and it is repugnant to you?"
Fascinating conundrum. Someone is lying. Best if Brigham who 'ner saw God and hated Emma with all his soul was the good one here.
For a good time I highly recommend you go to the Joseph Smith papers and in the search bar type the word, "Sealed" and look at all the "wives" Joseph was sealed to. Open the documents and I challenge you to find ONE record showing a single sealing that took place in Joseph's lifetime. I gave the same challenge to a loved one a few weeks ago and I have yet to hear from them.
Now...who cares about Joseph when Jesus is all that matters?
Because I believe Joseph was able to produce, through the gifts of the Lord, some things that greatly enhance our journey as we work to find the path that leads to the cherubim and flaming sword and those things can teach us the key words and signs and tokens that allow us to pass the angels that stand as sentinels there to enter back into His presence.
Is it necessary to use these tools? No. But it has sure made a difference for me. But Jesus will meet us where we are at, this I know.
In this post I am including two videos that are phenomenal. These people have invested so much personal time to present the Truth. I highly recommend subscribing to their channels.
Video: Woe Unto You, Scribes
Video: Joseph Smith: The Lies, Propaganda, and the The Truth about Polygamy
In my observation, ex-Mormons and Mormons have something in common - they don't take time to dig up actual historical documents for themselves. Yes, both read other people's version of history but neither takes the time to look up each reference. And I have found the most dubious references time and time and time again!
I get it...history is too complicated to parse through and "who can really know the truth anyways" (has been said to me more times than I can count). People that are willing to dig and ask questions and look at dates and sources will find treasures. And few be there that take the time to find it.
I recently went to see the movie "Wicked". If you haven't seen it, this will give spoilers. In the movie they show you that the "Wicked Witch of the West" (Elphaba) was actually a good person who only wanted one thing - to meet the wizard of Oz so she could ask him to make her green skin "normal". The people in the story refer to Oz as though he is god. He is the only person who can read the spell book. He and his cohorts control the narrative and what the people hear over the megaphone of who is good and who is bad.
Finally Elphaba gets to meet the wizard and discovers that he can't actually read the book. But she can! She sadly sees he has no power and understands the sham Oz was built around. What's more interesting is that her best friend (Glinda) sees it too. But Glinda is more concerned with hierarchy and climbing the ladder of the system than she is about walking in the Truth.
Can you see the parallel? Have you experienced this with those you love as you come to see that the Great and Powerful Oz (the prophet) is claiming to be the only one who can read the book (though they aren't)...but all those that have the 1. desire and 2. humbly seek the Lord...can?
The movie shows a great waking up journey. In the song, "Defying Gravity" Glinda says to Elphaba, "just say you're sorry...you can still be in the church be with the wizard. What' you've worked and waited for...you can have all you ever wanted." It's so interesting because Glinda saw with her own eyes the same thing Elphaba saw - that the wizard can't read the book. But she's still so focused on the system and the power of hierarchy that she doesn't care that he can offer Elphaba nothing.
Elphaba says, "Something has changed within me...something is not the same. I'm through with playing by the rules of someone else's game. Too late for second-guessing...too late to go back to sleep. It's time to trust my instincts...close my eyes and leap!" Glinda then accuses Elphaba of thinking she is better than the prophet...I mean the Wizard of Oz. Have you been accused of that yet?
I recommend listening to the song afresh with your journey in mind. Too late for second-guessing...too late to go back to sleep. I recommend you try defying Gravity with the One who made you. He makes the weak strong. He makes the dead to rise. He makes the lame walk. And He can make you His if you ask Him. He can read the book (Revelation 5) and He wants you to read it too (Acts 2:17).
Defying Gravity
