LDS approach to history.

[deacon blues]

I came across an interesting metaphor in reading Leonard Arrington's 1978 diaries today. To paraphrase- He said the Mormons believe in baptism by immersion, but many prefer to teach Church History by sprinkling. I thought it was clever and insightful explanation of the Church History which was being promoted by Church leaders when I was young. Hence, to borrow a John Dehlin idea, I was not informed when I consented (1975) to go on a mission, go to the temple, etc.
I use the word 'consented' because it wasn't my idea to go, although my mission was the first time I was exposed to the warts in Church history.

[Hagoth]

... but many prefer to teach Church History by sprinkling. .

It's not just THAT they're sprinkling, it's WHAT they're sprinkling:
https://youtu.be/VAAwjGKxxIs

[Gatorbait]

It has been my experience that true believers in Mormonism have little desire to delve into church history unless it is something that they feel will not be a conflict with the "true" church that they belong to.

They have no trouble believing that Lucy Smith, Joseph's mother, who said her son a stoic and brave and good and never had sex with 14 year olds.

They believe Joseph Smith had super human strength to run hither and thither into the woods with the golden plates in a pillow case, but not that the plates would have had to weigh at least 50 pounds. They are not interested in trying to pick up a chunk of metal with no handles on it that weighs that much.

They love to get all teary about how Joseph Smith would never shot and kill anyone before he was "martyred" in a jail.

True history gets in the way of their core beliefs. History is what church members say it is, regardless if there is evidence to back it up.

I think "sprinkling" does not describe real Mormonism history. Mormons would rather believe lies. It is just that simple.

As in the movie "A few good men", with Jack Nicholson- "They can't handle the truth".

[blazerb]

... but many prefer to teach Church History by sprinkling. .

It's not just THAT they're sprinkling, it's WHAT they're sprinkling:
https://youtu.be/VAAwjGKxxIs

Sometimes they fling it. It hits the fan. It's a real mess.

[Hermey]

... but many prefer to teach Church History by sprinkling. .

It's not just THAT they're sprinkling, it's WHAT they're sprinkling:
https://youtu.be/VAAwjGKxxIs

Sometimes they fling it. It hits the fan. It's a real mess.

[blazerb]

It's not just THAT they're sprinkling, it's WHAT they're sprinkling:
https://youtu.be/VAAwjGKxxIs

Sometimes they fling it. It hits the fan. It's a real mess.

I love this picture. Thank you.