- Progressives claim the Church covered up its history for nearly 200 years. Is the current faith crisis stemming from unmasked history . . . or new interpretations?
- Why did New Mormon Historians insist Hofmann’s forgeries were legitimate, even when investigators provided convincing evidence to them of the hoax?
- How did Bruce R. McConkie know Hofmann’s Joseph Smith III blessing was a fake, despite authentication by document experts and pressure by historians calling him “incompetent” for questioning?
- Who were the “Swearing Elders”? How did this group of progressive Latter-day Saints reshape the identity of Mormonism?
- Why did Carol Lynn Pearson and Leonard Arrington share cards that read, “History is on our side—as long as we can control the historians”?
- Leonard Arrington shared that an “invisible higher power” commissioned him to rewrite or reconstruct our dominant narrative of the Restoration.
- Did God want our history changed?
- Why did Leonard Arrington say the First Vision, Nephites and gold plates were part of the Mormon “myth”?
- Why did Leonard Arrington note that if he were honest about his beliefs, “not many” Latter-day Saints would “want [him] to teach their children”? How did this affect his career as Church Historian and later at BYU?
- Progressives, working in the Church History Department and at BYU, claimed 40 years ago it would take a generation to re-educate the Church.
- Where are we in this re-education?
New edition!
This new edition of Faith Crisis 1: We Were Not Betrayed! features a new cover and some minor additions to the text.
Reviews
“The research and findings in this volume are truly history altering. Using newly released documents, combined with deep knowledge of Church History, the Stoddards are bringing to light what could be termed a “soft coup d’état” of the Church’s scriptures and prophets by progressive historians, bent on altering its history. Hold tight to your faith in the history held by the church for over 150 years and the teachings of our prophets as you discover how deep this attempted takeover has infiltrated, and altered, our sacred history.” (Rod Meldrum, researcher, best-selling Latter-day Saint author, & international lecturer)
“Years ago, we stopped going to church. Suddenly, God awakened me and brought me back into the fold. As I hungered and learned more about the restoration, it was upsetting to hear things being said about Joseph that I KNEW were not true. I hit a major faith crisis wondering why and how this could happen within the church. Right as I was about to leave the church and follow another sect that follows the teachings of the Book of Mormon, I read the Stoddard’s Faith Crisis book. This book, along with promptings and teachings from the spirit helped me navigate through many questions. This book only helped grow my testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel and of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I now stand strong in the Faith and know that I am in the only true church. I’m so thankful for the Joseph Smith Foundation and the many hours put in toward helping others stay strong in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints!” (Latter-day Saint mother of six)
“This book is a fantastic glimpse into the making and framing of Church history and the “new narrative.” The Stoddards convincingly show that the Church did not lie about its history and the traditional narrative. Once you see where and how this new narrative began, you may become frustrated, especially considering how dominant this new narrative has become in Church education. However, this timely book will strengthen your testimony of the scriptures and the words of the prophets which will not lead us astray. If you have ever had questions about Church history and honestly want to find answers, this book is a great resource and a must read! You won’t want to put it down!” (jgundersen)
“This is a must read book for anyone who is sincerely interested in understanding the truth about Church history. Sifting through conflicting ideologies can be difficult and frustrating, but this book helps to identify which sources are trustworthy and which are not. Prepare to be taken on a journey of emotions that will ultimately leave you with increased faith in the scripture and prophets. I highly recommend this book. for all members of the Church of Jesus Christ!” (cassidyg)
jgundersen –
This book is a fantastic glimpse into the making and framing of Church history and the “new narrative.” The Stoddards convincingly show that the Church did not lie about its history and the traditional narrative. Once you see where and how this new narrative began, you may become frustrated, especially considering how dominant this new narrative has become in Church education. However, this timely book will strengthen your testimony of the scriptures and the words of the prophets which will not lead us astray. If you have ever had questions about Church history and honestly want to find answers, this book is a great resource and a must read! You won’t want to put it down!
cassidyg –
This is a must read book for anyone who is sincerely interested in understanding the truth about Church history. Sifting through conflicting ideologies can be difficult and frustrating, but this book helps to identify which sources are trustworthy and which are not. Prepare to be taken on a journey of emotions that will ultimately leave you with increased faith in the scripture and prophets. I highly recommend this book. for all members of the Church of Jesus Christ!
franklinr –
I love this book because it brings out the truth. It brings all the people like Hofmann and Arrington, out into the light, so that people do not get led away with the progressives.
Jeff Downs –
I just finished reading this book. Wow! Just having a small understanding of the mindset a progressive historians is frightening to say the least. The Stoddards make it very clear: stop putting your trust in the arm of the flesh! Get back into your scriptures! There is safety there! Sure, it involves struggle and work. Isn’t that the point!?
Julie Smith –
If you are one who knows someone struggling with their testimony, then this is the book! I can’t recommend this book enough. The scholarly research blows me away and to mention the story itself as it goes behind the scene of our LDS history and where the new narrative is coming from and who the key players are in this take over game. Just read the book, I promise you it will answer all your fears, and concerns.
natstersmith13 –
This is a great book, I would recommend everyone to buy it. This book has helped me understand that you can’t rely on flesh even for our religious history.
James Hasler –
Mind blowing! This is a fantastic book! The whole series is outstanding! As you begin reading you will soon find the book to be filled with scholarship; everything is sourced on each page with references. I was never aware of this progressive effort to re-write Mormon History until reading this volume; leaving me very alarmed. It is full of facts, evidence, doctrine, and authenticity that make it palatable for everyone to see clearly and decide, for themselves, which side of our history they will be on. As for me and my house we stand on the traditional side believing in the literal teachings and happenings as recorded in the scriptures and spoken by our prophets.
Nate Richardson –
This is a great message of faith in the restored gospel. Many today seek to undermine the foundations of the restoration and spiritualize many important actual events (like the first vision, the Book of Mormon plates, the garden of Eden, the fall of man, and even the atonement of Christ). There are 575 references in this book. It is research, reporting, and sermon all in one. Despite what some claim, this is a well-done terrific showcase of what many members are thinking and feeling – we are not okay with what some liberal scholars in the church are pushing the Church history narrative toward! In a free society, when it comes to academics, we don’t have to be experts to pick a side. We can look at all the evidence from experts on both sides and make decisions by reason and the spirit about which is right. Academics are only valid to the extent that they measure up to scriptural standards and revealed truths. Some claim this book is just about the Stoddard’s hero version of Joseph, but those who have read it know better. They don’t stand alone; they stand with the prophets in their witness. The time has long come for Church members like you and I to defend the servants of Christ so we don’t end up with one of the false Christ’s popular today.