It is challenging to find the truth. It should be. We should have the very gates of hell beckoning us into a false path more or less continually, so that we become skilled in determining truth from error. If we do not face constant invites into error, then we cannot polish our skill at prizing the truth.
William Marks was the Nauvoo Stake President from 1839 to 1844. He was in that position when Joseph and Hyrum were murdered. Commenting on the uproar involving plural wives and Joseph Smith, William Marks explained Joseph Smith said the following to him:
‘We are a ruined people.’ I asked, how so? He said: ‘This doctrine of polygamy or Spiritual wife system, that has been taught and practiced among us, will prove our destruction and overthrow. I have been deceived,’ said he, ‘in reference to its practice; it is wrong; it is a curse to mankind, and we shall have to leave the United States soon, unless it can be put down, and its practice stopped in the church. Now’ said he, “Brother Marks, you have not received this doctrine, and how glad I am. I want you to go into the high council, and I will have charges preferred against all who practice this doctrine, and I want you to try them by the laws of the church, and cut them off, if they will not repent, and cease the practice of this doctrine; and’ said he, ‘I will go into the stand, and preach against it, with all my might, and in this way we may rid the church of this damnable heresy.’
This is a well-known quote. Based on what I now understand about this topic, when Joseph said, “I have been deceived in reference to its practice” it is evident to me now that he was deceived by leading church authorities who were trying to practice it in secret.
I also believe that when Joseph said polygamy “will prove our destruction and overthrow” he was not talking about the 1840s. I believe it was a prophecy being fulfilled today; right now. It is the topic that will destroy and overthrow the LDS church.
It will overthrow the LDS church because they teach that Joseph Smith lied publicly to hide his adultery. Make no mistake, under the then-existing laws, the practice was adultery. It was a crime. Therefore, the LDS church is claiming it was founded by a criminal, who lied publicly. It just does not fit the moral character expected of us by God.
Testimonies are being destroyed and confidence in the restoration is being lost because of this lie connecting Joseph Smith to something he fought, denounced, and said would lead to hell.
Here is a link to a new presentation that everyone ought to consider. It is less than an hour, and lays the matter out clearly: Joseph Smith was not the author of D&C 132
The thing about liars is that they lie. Joseph Smith did not lie about this part of his history. But the LDS church did, and has consistently lied about numerous other matters involving their history. Their lies are causing an out-migration that seems to be accelerating. That is something tragic for them, for society, for Utah, Idaho, Arizona and California. Latter-day Saints make good citizens and good neighbors. When disaffected members depart, they often become far less benign. All of society is harmed.
I wish the LDS leaders would see what is happening and tell a more truthful account of their history. Joseph Smith does not deserve to have them claim to be his greatest legacy. They are Brigham Young’s and not Joseph’s.