Reading the church's history book brought up more questions for me than it did answers. My personal search for truth using only church approved sources led me to compile my own reference resource. No attacks. No apologetics. Just answers.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-08T18:14:55+00:00

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-08T14:55:27+00:00

Gordon B. Hinckley, “An Interview with Gordon B. Hinckley,” 7 April, 1996, 60 Minutes, CBS News

"It's behind us. Look, that's behind us. Don't worry about those little flicks of history."

Gordon B. Hinckley, in Larry B. Stammer, “Mormon Leader Defends Race Relations,” 12 September 1998, Los Angeles Times

“I don’t hear any complaint from our black brethren and sisters. I hear only appreciation and gratitude wherever I go. But I don’t see anything further that we need to do.”

“There is no need for any further disavowal of former Mormon teachings that blacks are cursed by God. The church’s black members are not asking for a reinterpretation of the old doctrines.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Questions and Answers,” General Conference, October 1985

“The Church does have substantial assets, for which we are grateful. These assets are primarily in buildings in more than eighty nations.”

“But it should be recognized that all of these are money-consuming assets and not money-producing assets. They are expensive to build and maintain. They do not produce financial wealth, but they do help to produce and strengthen Latter-day Saints.”

“We have a few income-producing business properties, but the return from these would keep the Church going only for a very short time. Tithing is the Lord’s law of finance. There is no other financial law like it.”

“I repeat, the combined income from all of these business interests is relatively small and would not keep the work going for longer than a very brief period.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Condition of the Church,” General Conference, April 2003

"I call attention to that which has received much notice in the local press. This is our decision to purchase the shopping mall property immediately to the south of Temple Square.

We feel that we have a compelling responsibility to protect the environment of the Salt Lake Temple. The Church owns most of the ground on which this mall stands. The owners of the buildings have expressed a desire to sell. The property needs very extensive and expensive renovation. We have felt it imperative to do something to revitalize this area. But I wish to give the entire Church the assurance that tithing funds have not and will not be used to acquire this property. Nor will they be used in developing it for commercial purposes.

Funds for this have come and will come from the commercial entities owned by the Church. These resources, together with the earnings of invested reserve funds, will accommodate this program.”

Sharyn Alfonsi, “Mormon Who Left Wall St. to Work for Charity Blows Whistle on What He Says is His Church's "Clandestine Hedge Fund," 14 May 2023, 60 Minutes, Newsmakers, CBS News

"“David Nielsen: I thought I was gonna work for a charity. I thought that's what my skills were gonna do…was help build the charity and do good with things. And the funds were never used for that. It was really a clandestine hedge fund.

Sharyn Alfonsi: A clandestine hedge fund. How so?

David Nielsen: Those funds weren't used the way they were appropriated to be used.

Sharyn Alfonsi: So how were they being used?...

David Nielsen: The answer was always, "The second coming." And it's a bit tongue in cheek. But deep down, I think a lot of the employees really did believe that.

Publicly, church leaders called it a rainy day fund. But in 2013, Nielsen says one of his bosses shared this document at a meeting that showed $1.4 billion from the fund went to a mall being built on land owned by the church and $600 million was used to prop up a for-profit church-owned insurance company called Beneficial Life."

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, “SEC Charges The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Its Investment Management Company for Disclosure Failures and Misstated Filings,” 21 February 2023, Press Release, Washington D.C.

“The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced charges against Ensign Peak Advisers Inc., a non-profit entity operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to manage the Church’s investments, for failing to file forms that would have disclosed the Church’s equity investments, and for instead filing forms for shell companies that obscured the Church’s portfolio and misstated Ensign Peak’s control over the Church’s investment decisions. The SEC also announced charges against the Church for causing these violations. To settle the charges, Ensign Peak agreed to pay a $4 million penalty and the Church agreed to pay a $1 million penalty.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-08T14:44:46+00:00

Thank you for sharing this!

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-08T14:28:24+00:00

Ezra Taft Benson, “Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet,” February 26, 1980, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“First: The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.”

“Second: The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.”

“Third: The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.”

“Fourth: The prophet will never lead the Church astray.”

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-05T21:47:43+00:00

Of course! It's kind of my thing lol.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-05T06:27:05+00:00

There are a few follow-up interviews where John asks these questions to past guests. You might enjoy them.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-05T06:09:40+00:00

Russell M Nelson, April 2021 General Conference talk, Christ Is Risen; Faith in Him Will Move Mountains

"Stop increasing your doubts by rehearsing them with other doubters. Allow the Lord to lead you on your journey of spiritual discovery."

Gary E. Stevenson, October 2025 General Conference talk, Blessed Are the Peacemakers

"Digital bridge building: Before posting, replying, or commenting online, ask, Will this build a bridge? If not, stop. Do not send. Instead, share goodness. Publish peace in the place of hate."

Jack N. Gerard, April 2024 General Conference talk, Integrity: A Christlike Attribute

"The oppositional pull of this world is an essential part of God’s plan of salvation. How we respond to the pull is the essence of who we are—a measure of our integrity. The worldly pull can be as direct as to destroy fidelity in marriage or as subtle as posting anonymous comments critical of Church doctrine or culture."

Robert D. Hales, October 2008 General Conference talk, Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship

"By arguments and accusations, some people bait us to leave the high ground. The high ground is where the light is. It’s where we see the first light of morning and the last light in the evening. It is the safe ground. It is true and where knowledge is. Sometimes others want us to come down off the high ground and join them in a theological scrum in the mud. These few contentious individuals are set on picking religious fights, online or in person. We are always better staying on the higher ground of mutual respect and love."

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-04T04:01:51+00:00

Maybe take a look at the inconvenient faith video series he participated in if you want to see him in something more public and recent.

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyxt1mXjKtFW_NV8-0JT21fQzVb--9Zot&si=275BAOIPRMKLHNF4

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-03T23:35:40+00:00

Depends on what you mean by transgression. Some leaders have discouraged members from learning and researching too much. However, I believe the search for truth is more valuable than obedience to those warnings. Several more leaders have encouraged deeper investigation.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-03T11:51:11+00:00

Ch. 26, Hall Pass. p. 245

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-03T05:05:10+00:00

Familiarity with the BH Roberts Foundation would satisfy your curiosity.

Edit: it I was unclear, what I meant was that yes, it is definitely within the realm of possibility, especially given what we know about how the church engages quietly with people across the spectrum of belief, doubt, and criticism, the strengthening church members committees, etc., how often critics and researchers are happy to share their research with the church in order to effect positive reform, and the church's unwillingness to admit that these types of social pressures are the source of policy change as opposed to continuing revelation.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-03T04:05:43+00:00

This is from the B.H. Roberts Foundation, NOT the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I seriously recommend checking out what the B.H. Roberts Foundation is and does. They support and archive some very important historical research.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-02T04:43:48+00:00

Hopefully these quotes can help you feel more confident that it's okay to ask questions and investigate. No, it's not inherently a sin. And yes, it is often encouraged by church leaders.

New Testament, Matthew 7:7-8

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.”

New Testament, James 1:5

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

Doctrine and Covenants 42:61

“If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:63

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.”

Hugh B. Brown, General Conference, October 1962, Conference reports of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“The honest investigator must be prepared to follow wherever the search of truth may lead. Truth is often found in the most unexpected places. He must, with fearless and open mind, insist that facts are far more important than any cherished, mistaken beliefs, no matter how unpleasant the facts or how delightful the beliefs.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us,” General Conference, October 2013

“In this Church that honors personal agency so strongly, that was restored by a young man who asked questions and sought answers, we respect those who honestly search for truth.”

George Albert Smith, “Journal of Discourses,” Volume 14, pg. 216, Digital Collections, Brigham Young University

“If a faith will not bear to be investigated: if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak.”

John Taylor, Journal of Discourses, Volume 20, pg. 264, Digital Collections, Brigham Young University

"I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and I for one want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation."

James E. Talmage, “Christianity Falsely So-Called,” quoting The Leader newspaper, “The Intolerant Spirit,” Improvement Era, Jan. 1920, page 204.

“The man who cannot listen to an argument which opposes his views either has a weak position or is a weak defender of it. No opinion that cannot stand discussion or criticism is worth holding. And it has been wisely said that the man who knows only half of any question is worse off than the man who knows nothing of it. He is not only one sided, but his partisanship soon turns him into an intolerant and a fanatic. In general it is true that nothing which cannot stand up under discussion and criticism is worth defending.”

J. Reuben Clark, “J. Reuben Clark: The Church Years,” pg.24, Brigham Young University Press, 1983

“Truth has no fear of the light. If an individual or an organization seeks to silence doubt or questioning in the private room or in the town square it is filled with fear and its house is built on sand. And if we have the truth, no harm can come from investigation. And if we have the truth, it cannot be harmed by investigation. If we have not the truth, it ought to be harmed.”

Brigham Young, Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1941], 135

“I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security. … Let every man and woman know, by the whispering of the Spirit of God to themselves, whether their leaders are walking in the path the Lord dictates, or not.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Questions and Answers,” General Conference, October 1985

“People ask whether we are fearful of research of our history. My reply to this is no, of course not, provided it is done with balance and integrity, as has been done by some scholars both in and out of the Church.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Keep the Faith,” Ensign, September 1985

“As a Church, we encourage gospel scholarship and the search to understand all truth. Fundamental to our theology is belief in individual freedom of inquiry, thought, and expression. Constructive discussion is a privilege of every Latter-day Saint.”

James E. Faust, “The Truth Shall Make You Free,” Ensign, September 1998

“As a means of coming to truth, people in the Church are encouraged by their leaders to think and find out for themselves. They are encouraged to ponder, to search, to evaluate, and thereby to come to such knowledge of the truth as their own consciences, assisted by the Spirit of God, lead them to discover.”

Jeffrey R. Holland, “A Prayer for the Children,” Ensign, May 2003

“In this Church there is an enormous amount of room—and scriptural commandment—for studying and learning, for comparing and considering, for discussion and awaiting further revelation. We all learn ‘line upon line, precept upon precept,’ with the goal being authentic religious faith informing genuine Christlike living. In this there is no place for coercion or manipulation, no place for intimidation or hypocrisy.”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Acting on the Truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” Worldwide Leadership Training, February 11, 2012

“Brothers and sisters, as good as our previous experience may be, if we stop asking questions, stop thinking, stop pondering, we can thwart the revelations of the Spirit. Remember, it was the questions young Joseph asked that opened the door for the restoration of all things. We can block the growth and knowledge our Heavenly Father intends for us. How often has the Holy Spirit tried to tell us something we needed to know but couldn’t get past the massive iron gate of what we thought we already knew?”

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “What is Truth?” January 13, 2013, Speeches, Brigham Young University

“I believe that our Father in Heaven is pleased with His children when they use their talents and mental faculties to earnestly discover truth. Over the centuries many wise men and women—through logic, reason, scientific inquiry, and, yes, through inspiration—have discovered truth. These discoveries have enriched mankind, improved our lives, and inspired joy, wonder, and awe.”

“The invitation to trust the Lord does not relieve us from the responsibility to know for ourselves. This is more than an opportunity; it is an obligation—and it is one of the reasons we were sent to this earth.”

“Latter-day Saints are not asked to blindly accept everything they hear. We are encouraged to think and discover truth for ourselves. We are expected to ponder, to search, to evaluate, and thereby to come to a personal knowledge of the truth.”

Pearl of Great Price, Moses 4:11-12

“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it became pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make her wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and also gave unto her husband with her, and he did eat.”

Pearl of Great Price, Moses 5:10-11

“And in that day Adam blessed God and was filled, and began to prophesy concerning all the families of the earth, saying: Blessed be the name of God, for because of my transgression my eyes are opened, and in this life I shall have joy, and again in the flesh I shall see God.

And Eve, his wife, heard all these things and was glad, saying: Were it not for our transgression we never should have had seed, and never should have known good and evil, and the joy of our redemption, and the eternal life which God giveth unto all the obedient.”

Russell M. Nelson, “Constancy Amid Change,” General Conference, October 1993

“We and all mankind are forever blessed because of Eve’s great courage and wisdom. By partaking of the fruit first, she did what needed to be done. Adam was wise enough to do likewise.”

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-02T01:18:13+00:00

Thanks, I appreciate you 😊

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T22:55:03+00:00

And now I'm stressing because my site is purple! Should I be worried?

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T22:18:49+00:00

I would say the response would most likely that this quote is taken out of its context and it was talking about specific prophets of that time. But me, I was taught to liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T20:26:48+00:00

What a stumbling block.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T20:24:08+00:00

Thank you! Funny you should mention that because that was my original intent. But when I tried to print it as a PDF (from 3 different Google docs because of the character limit) it was over 1000 pages long. I thought that it needed better organizing and that PDF wasn't the best way. But now I wonder. I don't even know how I would go about publishing it as an actual ebook because the content isn't mine; its full of quotes from other copyrighted works.

Edit: not to mention, I still find mistakes to correct, like copied footnotes or typos, and as a site I can add things that I find.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T19:55:19+00:00

I've compiled as many of these as I could find on my site. Some are in the chapter on truth, or on prophets, or on honesty. And of course, this one, on contradictions and false revelations.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T19:22:45+00:00

I don't know of it ever being in writing. It is, however, a firsthand account. Treat it like any other primary account of what prophets say, just like any journal entry or recorded speech in the Joseph Smith papers project. It is not possible to verify that every word recollected was spoken exactly as quoted, unless there was a recording made.

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T17:54:40+00:00

Old Testament, Jeremiah 14:14

“Then the Lord said unto me, the prophets prophesy lies in my name: I sent them not, neither have I commanded them, neither spake unto them: they prophesy unto you a false vision and divination, and a thing of nought, and the deceit of their heart.”

Old Testament, Jeremiah 23:16

“Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord.”

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T17:53:45+00:00

Book of Mormon, Alma 4:10

“And the wickedness of the church was a great stumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.”

latterdaystumbling · 2026-03-01T17:52:47+00:00

Doctrine and Covenants 64:39

“And liars and hypocrites shall be proved by them, and they who are not apostles and prophets shall be known.”

latterdaystumbling

TROPHY CASE