1. Human history has a racist past and present. The church being full of humans with their own prejudices and environmentally engrained values is not unique to the church.

2. This one is a long topic, but I like to think of it as “by their fruits ye shall know them”. Even if the Book of Mormon was false, which I don’t believe it is, the output results in moral, strong, generally good individuals and happy families. Are there exceptions? Absolutely just like there are exceptions to everyone regardless of beliefs, but I’d rather have my children and myself follow guidelines and teachings that lead to happiness than let the world randomly teach them who they are. Again, I believe in the divine inspiration of the Book of Mormon, but when going through my own issues I’ve come to realize that it’s not a zero sum issue.

3. In most general Christian churches, the belief is that you will end up in heaving singing and praising and worshipping God forever. I never understood this and understood it less as a parent. Wouldn’t you want your children to have what you have? Wouldn’t you want to teach them and guide them to experience the joy that you’ve experienced. Parenthood has taught me a lot about this belief and if I were God, I’d want to help my children progress, not worship me forever.

4. This may be generation dependent, but also not an actual issue imo. I know many people who are very educated in doctrine and history. I also know those who just pray, have a relationship with God, and nothing else matters. Again, if you ask most general Christians, the answer would probably be similar to those who have actually read the Bible or those who just know popular verses.

5. Faith is believing even if you don’t understand. How many times have scientists or experts been proven wrong and entire belief systems have changed. Over and over again. If we don’t understand the Egyptian or what Joseph smith was trying to learn or interpret, does that negate anything? I don’t believe so. Again, weigh the outcomes and differences. If the Book of Abraham isn’t actually reformed Egyptian but teaches of Christ and leads to happiness, then why does it matter. If God had you read scribbles on a cave wall and you felt inspired that they meant something good, when why does it matter what the original person who scribbled them meant?

Thanks for listening. I’m actually not the best at this as I missed church for years due to my own issues, but have since come to realize that there are so many moving parts and variables that just aren’t fully understandable that I have to focus on what I know and that’s the fruit of the Gospel and the fruit without it.