FAIR - Recent changes [en]

User:Rcahoon

Rcahoon — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:16:08 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 14 October 2026
Line 6:		Line 6:
	[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]

	[[~~The Church's position on abuse~~]] (Summarize/key-takeaways)		[[Abuse_and_The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints]] (Summarize/key-takeaways)

Ritual child abuse accusations in the 1990s

Rcahoon — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 17:09:23 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:09, 14 October 2026
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~{{Main Page}}~~		<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\|Abuse and the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Position</span></small>

			__NOTOC__

	{{Navigation:Abuse}}{{blankline}}		{{Navigation:Abuse}}{{blankline}}

	=What was the ritual child or Satanic abuse in the 1990s?=
	==Accusations by a Therapist in Lehi, Utah==		=<b>What was the ritual child or Satanic abuse scare in the 1990s?</b>=
	The ~~the~~ ritual child or Satanic abuse scare in the 1990s in Utah began in 1985 in Lehi, Utah, as described by social historian Massimo Introvigne:		{{Summary1}} In 1985, an accusation by Dr. Barbara Snow, a child therapist, called out the Burnham family after a mother of some children who were babysat by the Burnhams started saying that her children were showing increased interest about sex, and may have been abused. This led to an investigation and more reports of abuse starting being reported, as well as accusations from Dr. Snow of a nearby abuse cult— amounting to forty active LDS adults being accused. No evidence was found aside from one individual who was charged with child abuse. Rumors further rose in 1989, when Glen Pace, a bishop, mentioned he had met with many victims of abuse and satanic cult activity and rumors of other events that matched brought mass hysteria across the Mountain West. A task force was organized to investigate the claims but they found no evidence that cult activity was taking place. The Church warns its members against participating in anything that may be seen as dark or occult.
			----

			{{CollapseHeaders
			\|title = ===Accusations by a Therapist in Lehi, Utah===
			\|state = closed
			\|content = The ritual child or Satanic abuse scare in the 1990s in Utah began in 1985 in Lehi, Utah, as described by social historian Massimo Introvigne:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	During the Summer of 1985 Mrs. Sheila Bowers of Lehi, Utah, contacted Dr. Barbara Snow, a therapist working with the Intermountain Sexual Abuse Treatment Center. Bowers was worried about her three small children, who seemed to talk too freely about sex. Dr. Snow interviewed the children and concluded that they had in fact been sexually abused. Dr. Snow claimed that the children had told her about the perpetrator, a teenage babysitter who was the daughter of Keith Burnham, the respected Bishop of the Lehi Eight[h] Ward of the Mormon Church. Dr. Snow also asked to interview other Lehi children who had been attended by the same babysitter, and most of the families involved decided to comply.<ref>Massimo Introvigne, [https://www.academia.edu/28764492/A_Rumor_of_Devils_The_Satanic_Ritual_Abuse_Scare_in_the_Mormon_Church "A Rumor of Devils: The Satanic Ritual Abuse Scare in the Mormon Church,"] ''Syzygy: Journal of Alternative Religion and Culture'' 6, no. 1 (Winter/Spring 1997), 87–88.</ref>		During the Summer of 1985 Mrs. Sheila Bowers of Lehi, Utah, contacted Dr. Barbara Snow, a therapist working with the Intermountain Sexual Abuse Treatment Center. Bowers was worried about her three small children, who seemed to talk too freely about sex. Dr. Snow interviewed the children and concluded that they had in fact been sexually abused. Dr. Snow claimed that the children had told her about the perpetrator, a teenage babysitter who was the daughter of Keith Burnham, the respected Bishop of the Lehi Eight[h] Ward of the Mormon Church. Dr. Snow also asked to interview other Lehi children who had been attended by the same babysitter, and most of the families involved decided to comply.<ref>Massimo Introvigne, [https://www.academia.edu/28764492/A_Rumor_of_Devils_The_Satanic_Ritual_Abuse_Scare_in_the_Mormon_Church "A Rumor of Devils: The Satanic Ritual Abuse Scare in the Mormon Church,"] ''Syzygy: Journal of Alternative Religion and Culture'' 6, no. 1 (Winter/Spring 1997), 87–88.</ref>
Line 10:		Line 19:
	As a result of the interviews, the Burnhams were accused of abusing a number of children in the area, and the Burnham parents were accused of abusing their own children. Utah's Family Services division investigated the Burnham parents and found no evidence of abuse. Additional interviews with other children led to claims that children in the area were being forced to participate in Satanic rituals.		As a result of the interviews, the Burnhams were accused of abusing a number of children in the area, and the Burnham parents were accused of abusing their own children. Utah's Family Services division investigated the Burnham parents and found no evidence of abuse. Additional interviews with other children led to claims that children in the area were being forced to participate in Satanic rituals.

	Police began investigating these various claims. "When the police concluded their investigation in 1987, Dr. Snow had accused ~~fourty~~ adults—almost all of them active Mormons in Lehi's Eight[h] Ward—to be ritual child abusers and members of a secret Satanic cult."<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 88</ref> Only one individual was charged with child abuse, and during his trial a county attorney asserted that Dr. Snow was forcing children to admit to abuse that the children never experienced.		Police began investigating these various claims. "When the police concluded their investigation in 1987, Dr. Snow had accused forty adults—almost all of them active Mormons in Lehi's Eight[h] Ward—to be ritual child abusers and members of a secret Satanic cult."<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 88</ref> Only one individual was charged with child abuse, and during his trial a county attorney asserted that Dr. Snow was forcing children to admit to abuse that the children never experienced.

	Dr. Snow made additional accusations over the next two years about Satanic cults in Bountiful and Salt Lake City, Utah. An investigation was started in Salt Lake but discontinued after more than a year.<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 87–91</ref>		Dr. Snow made additional accusations over the next two years about Satanic cults in Bountiful and Salt Lake City, Utah. An investigation was started in Salt Lake but discontinued after more than a year.<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 87–91</ref>

	==The Glenn Pace Memo and Further Developments==		}}
	It was in this context that the "Glenn Pace Memo" was created.
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\|title = ===The Glenn Pace Memo and Further Developments===
			\|state = closed
			\|content = It was in this context that the "Glenn Pace Memo" was created.
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	On May 24, 1989 the LDS Social Services released a report on Satanism, followed by another report from the U.S. attorney for Utah Brent Ward (an active Mormon) and a further memorandum from Bishop Glen L. Pace, then Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, dated October 20, 1989. All these documents have never been published. A fourth document, a memorandum also authored by Bishop Pace and directed to the Strengthening Church Members Committee on July 19, 1990, although marked "Do not reproduce", came into the possession of Evangelical Salt Lake counter-Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner in 1991. . . . In November 1991 the Tanners published the memo.<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 93</ref>		On May 24, 1989 the LDS Social Services released a report on Satanism, followed by another report from the U.S. attorney for Utah Brent Ward (an active Mormon) and a further memorandum from Bishop Glen L. Pace, then Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, dated October 20, 1989. All these documents have never been published. A fourth document, a memorandum also authored by Bishop Pace and directed to the Strengthening Church Members Committee on July 19, 1990, although marked "Do not reproduce", came into the possession of Evangelical Salt Lake counter-Mormons Jerald and Sandra Tanner in 1991. . . . In November 1991 the Tanners published the memo.<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 93</ref>
Line 23:		Line 36:
	In the middle of these reports being written, the remains of an infant were discovered in late 1989 in southern Idaho, with the body apparently showing evidence of ritual abuse. In early 1990, a 10 year old boy in southern Idaho whose family were Latter-day Saints claimed that he had been abused and tortured as part of Satanic rituals. Both cases became national news and led to somewhat of a hysteria-like atmosphere in the Mountain West. (The Idaho Attorney General's Office thoroughly investigated both issues and concluded that the remains of the infant did not in fact show signs of abuse but rather animal mutilation, and the boy had in fact never witnessed or been abused as part of a Satanic ritual.)<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 91–92</ref>		In the middle of these reports being written, the remains of an infant were discovered in late 1989 in southern Idaho, with the body apparently showing evidence of ritual abuse. In early 1990, a 10 year old boy in southern Idaho whose family were Latter-day Saints claimed that he had been abused and tortured as part of Satanic rituals. Both cases became national news and led to somewhat of a hysteria-like atmosphere in the Mountain West. (The Idaho Attorney General's Office thoroughly investigated both issues and concluded that the remains of the infant did not in fact show signs of abuse but rather animal mutilation, and the boy had in fact never witnessed or been abused as part of a Satanic ritual.)<ref>Introvigne, "A Rumor of Devils," 91–92</ref>

	==Utah Attorney General Investigations==		}}
	It was during this period that the Utah State Task Force on Ritual Abuse was created in March 1990. This task force was created to investigate claims of ritual abuse in Utah and provide education to professionals and the public on the possibility of ritual abuse. To assist with the investigation of claims, the Utah State Attorney General's Office later assigned individuals to investigate these claims and prepare recommendations for future investigations. In a report published in 1995, the Attorney General's Office explained that "during an exhaustive two year search, the Unit has investigated over 125 cases of alleged ritual crime."<ref>[http://www.saferchildren.net/print/utahag.pdf ''Ritual Crime in the State of Utah: Investigation, Analysis & A Look Forward''] (Utah Attorney General's Office, prepared for the Utah State Legislature, 1995), 3; see also page 2.</ref> The investigation report concluded:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\|title = ===Utah Attorney General Investigations===
			\|state = closed
			\|content = It was during this period that the Utah State Task Force on Ritual Abuse was created in March 1990. This task force was created to investigate claims of ritual abuse in Utah and provide education to professionals and the public on the possibility of ritual abuse. To assist with the investigation of claims, the Utah State Attorney General's Office later assigned individuals to investigate these claims and prepare recommendations for future investigations. In a report published in 1995, the Attorney General's Office explained that "during an exhaustive two year search, the Unit has investigated over 125 cases of alleged ritual crime."<ref>[http://www.saferchildren.net/print/utahag.pdf ''Ritual Crime in the State of Utah: Investigation, Analysis & A Look Forward''] (Utah Attorney General's Office, prepared for the Utah State Legislature, 1995), 3; see also page 2.</ref> The investigation report concluded:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	The complexity of the problem required detailed planning, tireless research and cooperation. Every police chief, sheriff, law enforcement executive, many of the state's therapists, religious leaders and community leaders were contacted. . . .		The complexity of the problem required detailed planning, tireless research and cooperation. Every police chief, sheriff, law enforcement executive, many of the state's therapists, religious leaders and community leaders were contacted. . . .
Line 33:		Line 50:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	Often the reports of victims are based on "recovered memories", which were blocked at an early age and are only recalled after some intensive therapeutic intervention. This therapy often involves hypnosis. The Utah Supreme Court has said unequivocally that a prosecution cannot be based upon testimony that is hypnotically-refreshed or enhanced, dur to the unreliability and suggestibility of that process. ''State v. Tuttle'', 780 P.2d 1203 (Utah 1989), cert. denied 494 U.S. 1018 (1990). Most courts throughout the country which have addressed the issue have ruled that the outcome of hypnotherapy is not reliable enough to be admissible in court proceedings.		Often the reports of victims are based on "recovered memories", which were blocked at an early age and are only recalled after some intensive therapeutic intervention. This therapy often involves hypnosis. The Utah Supreme Court has said unequivocally that a prosecution cannot be based upon testimony that is hypnotically-refreshed or enhanced, dur to the unreliability and suggestibility of that process. ''State v. Tuttle'', 780 P.2d 1203 (Utah 1989), cert. denied 494 U.S. 1018 (1990). Most courts throughout the country which have addressed the issue have ruled that the outcome of hypnotherapy is not reliable enough to be admissible in court proceedings.
	Even when ~~hynposis~~ is not directly involved, there is enough controversy about the entire issue of "recovered memories" in the field of psychology, that the courts are unlikely to admit such evidence without showing that the memory of the victim is reliable.<ref>''Ritual Crime in the State of Utah," 4; see also page 5.</ref>		Even when hypnosis is not directly involved, there is enough controversy about the entire issue of "recovered memories" in the field of psychology, that the courts are unlikely to admit such evidence without showing that the memory of the victim is reliable.<ref>''Ritual Crime in the State of Utah," 4; see also page 5.</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	==Conclusion==		}}
	The ritual or Satanic abuse scare in the 1990s in Utah failed to reveal any cults or other systemic ritual programs. However, the Church has consistently warned its members against participating in any group or activity that may resemble the occult. A recent addition to the ''General Handbook'' states:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\|title = ===Conclusion===
			\|state = closed
			\|content = The ritual or Satanic abuse scare in the 1990s in Utah failed to reveal any cults or other systemic ritual programs. However, the Church has consistently warned its members against participating in any group or activity that may resemble the occult. A recent addition to the ''General Handbook'' states:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	"That which is of God is light" (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). The occult focuses on darkness and leads to deception. It destroys faith in Christ.		"That which is of God is light" (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). The occult focuses on darkness and leads to deception. It destroys faith in Christ.
Line 45:		Line 66:
	Church members should not engage in any form of Satan worship or participate in any way with the occult. They should not focus on such darkness in conversations or in Church meetings.<ref>''General Handbook'', 38.6.12 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number107 "The Occult"].</ref>		Church members should not engage in any form of Satan worship or participate in any way with the occult. They should not focus on such darkness in conversations or in Church meetings.<ref>''General Handbook'', 38.6.12 [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number107 "The Occult"].</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

			}}



	{{Endnotes sources}}		{{Endnotes sources}}

	<!-- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE -->		<!-- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE ANYTHING BELOW THIS LINE -->

Violence in the scriptures

Rcahoon — Fri, 09 Oct 2026 17:27:41 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:27, 9 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~{{Main Page}}~~		<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\|Abuse and the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Position</span></small>

			__NOTOC__

	{{Navigation:Scripture}}{{blankline}}		{{Navigation:Scripture}}{{blankline}}
	<h1><b>Violence in the Scriptures</b></h1>		<h1><b>Violence in the Scriptures</b></h1>
	Violence in scripture is troubling for many believers. The following articles address issues related to violence in the scriptures.		Violence in scripture is troubling for many believers. The following articles address issues related to violence in the scriptures.

			{{Summary1}}
	----		----
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
Line 772:		Line 777:
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
	\| title = === Do the scriptures endorse child abuse? ===		\| title = === Do the scriptures endorse child abuse? ===
	\| state =		\| state = closed
	\| content =		\| content =
	{{BMCentral\|title=How Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac Illuminates the Atonement\|url=https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/how-abrahams-sacrifice-of-isaac-illuminates-the-atonement\|number=412}}		{{BMCentral\|title=How Abraham’s Sacrifice of Isaac Illuminates the Atonement\|url=https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/how-abrahams-sacrifice-of-isaac-illuminates-the-atonement\|number=412}}
Line 778:		Line 783:
	Some claim that God’s command of Abraham to slay Isaac is an example of divinely-endorsed child abuse. Anyone who knows the story is aware that the story is not about abusing Isaac. Rather, it is about God’s desire for Abraham to be willing to follow him despite hard trials. It also foreshadows the offering of God’s only begotten son—Jesus Christ—saving us in Gethsemane and on the cross.		Some claim that God’s command of Abraham to slay Isaac is an example of divinely-endorsed child abuse. Anyone who knows the story is aware that the story is not about abusing Isaac. Rather, it is about God’s desire for Abraham to be willing to follow him despite hard trials. It also foreshadows the offering of God’s only begotten son—Jesus Christ—saving us in Gethsemane and on the cross.

	== It is also claimed that God’s sending of Christ to be crucified instead of himself is such an example ==		==== <b> It is also claimed that God’s sending of Christ to be crucified instead of himself is such an example </b> ====
	In the case of Christ, some secular critics claim that God is an abuser by sending his son to die on the cross. The short answer is that Christ was foreordained to come to earth to redeem all mankind. He voluntarily gave himself in the pre-mortal council to become our Savior ({{s\|\|Moses\|4\|1-2}}; {{s\|\|Rev\|13\|8}}; {{s\|1\|Peter\|19\|21}}). Upon coming to earth, his agency was not taken away from him. He had the ability to lay down his life and to take it back up ({{s\|\|John\|10\|18}}). It was God’s plan from the beginning, through the supernal gift and voluntary sacrifice of a loving Savior.		In the case of Christ, some secular critics claim that God is an abuser by sending his son to die on the cross. The short answer is that Christ was foreordained to come to earth to redeem all mankind. He voluntarily gave himself in the pre-mortal council to become our Savior ({{s\|\|Moses\|4\|1-2}}; {{s\|\|Rev\|13\|8}}; {{s\|1\|Peter\|19\|21}}). Upon coming to earth, his agency was not taken away from him. He had the ability to lay down his life and to take it back up ({{s\|\|John\|10\|18}}). It was God’s plan from the beginning, through the supernal gift and voluntary sacrifice of a loving Savior.

KJV translation errors in the Book of Mormon

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 20:52:38 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:52, 6 October 2026
Line 18:		Line 18:
	Our answers, in brief, are as follows:		Our answers, in brief, are as follows:

	# The Book of Mormon indeed does contain some King James Bible translation errors.		# The Book of Mormon indeed does contain some King James Bible translation errors. Some of the claimed errors are not actually errors. In no case does any translation, erroneous or not, teach incorrect doctrine or compel someone to believe something false.
	# There are 12 different reasons to believe that Joseph Smith did not plagiarize from the King James Bible to create the Book of Mormon. ''None'' of the errors is unique to the 1769 edition of the King James Bible.		# There are 12 different reasons to believe that Joseph Smith did not plagiarize from the King James Bible to create the Book of Mormon. ''None'' of the errors is unique to the 1769 edition of the King James Bible.
	# In no case do any of the errors teach incorrect doctrine or compel someone to believe something false.		# In no case do any of the errors teach incorrect doctrine or compel someone to believe something false.

The Great Apostasy

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 14:09:56 GMT

Sexual assault victims and lack of culpability

Rcahoon — Fri, 02 Oct 2026 20:39:38 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:39, 2 October 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:

			<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\|Abuse and the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Position</span></small>

	{{Navigation:Abuse}}{{blankline}}		{{Navigation:Abuse}}{{blankline}}
Line 6:		Line 8:
	<h1><b>Sexual Assault Victims and Lack of Vulpability</h1></b>		<h1><b>Sexual Assault Victims and Lack of Vulpability</h1></b>

	{{Summary1}} ~~Insert text here~~		{{Summary1}} The Church reinforces the idea that sexual assault is very serious and that victims are innocent of the responsibility of what was done to them by the persecutors. Many controversies concerning sexual assault include past cultural misconceptions about the nature of sexual assault, overextrapolation of Church leaders' teachings, less careful wording, and statements being taken out of context. Awareness is higher today than in the past and there is hope for continual awareness.

	----		----

Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Reconstruction of Facsimile 2

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:58:29 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Reconstructing Facsimile~~ 2</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Reconstruction of 2</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Reconstruction of Facsimile 1

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:58:13 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:58, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Reconstruction of ~~Facsimile~~ 1</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Reconstruction of 1</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

Joseph Smith's Explanations of Facsimile 1 of the Book of Abraham

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:57:20 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Facsimile~~ 1</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">1</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

Joseph Smith's Explanations of Facsimile 2 of the Book of Abraham

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:57:05 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Facsimile~~ 2</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">2</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

Joseph Smith's Explanations of Facsimile 3 of the Book of Abraham

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:56:53 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Facsimile~~ 3</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| [[The Facsimiles of the Book of Abraham\|Facsimiles]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">3</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

The Book of Abraham and Joseph Smith Papyri XI

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:56:09 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|~~Joseph Smith's~~ "Incorrect" Translation]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">JSP XI</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| [[Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri\|"Incorrect" Translation]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">JSP XI</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

Joseph Smith's "Incorrect" Translation of the Book of Abraham Papyri

SpencerMarsh — Thu, 01 Oct 2026 20:55:50 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:55, 1 October 2026
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Joseph Smith's~~ "Incorrect" Translation</span></small>		<small>[[Book of Abraham]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">"Incorrect" Translation</span></small>
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

PDF Sandbox

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 01:05:19 GMT

SpencerMarsh deleted page PDF Sandbox content was: "<pdf>File:Ion_of_scripture_in_early_christianity_163_204_8067a2c6c3.pdf</pdf>", and the only contributor was "SpencerMarsh" (talk)

Sexual assault victims and lack of culpability

SpencerMarsh — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 01:03:23 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 01:03, 29 September 2026
Line 178:		Line 178:


	~~=====~~Those That Are Faced With Abusive Situations Should Feel Empowered to Leave Those Situations~~:=====~~ The abuse victims face is not their fault; but those who face it should feel empowered to leave abusive situations. We don’t need to stay in abusive situations and it’s not our fault that we are in them. Elder Holland has told us that we may be in the midst of an abusive or violent marriage and that abuse/violence may justify exiting it.<ref>Jeffrey R. Holland, "Keep a sense of humor in your marriage, because you can’t survive without it. You’re going to have to laugh at some of the problems and some of your reactions and some of your spouse’s reactions. You’re going to have to see the bright side of things. I’ve always tried to do that with Pat and she with me. But also, in marriage, there is nothing tentative. We must sit down, buckle up, and get on the road. Do not leave yourself an escape route. Don’t say every 20 minutes, 'Well, I’m not as excited about this as I thought I’d be! This isn’t how they told me it would be.' It’s not fair to anybody—it’s not fair to you, it’s not fair to your spouse, it’s not fair to God—for you to keep asking that question. We ask it once, in a sense, when we make the decision to marry, and then we buckle down and stay true to our eternal covenants. It is a gospel truth that you can make the marriage you want. That’s the issue of agency. It doesn’t mean that bad days won’t come, because they will. It doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be sorrow and sadness and arguments, some highs and lows, and some things that don’t work out. That’s life. I would not want anyone to misinterpret what I’m saying—I realize there may be an abusive or violent situation giving a legitimate reason to get out of a marriage. When there is a legitimate exception, you’ll know, your priesthood leaders will know, and God will know. But the rule is, you work and pray and serve and love and laugh and forgive and hang in there. That’s the rule. You can make the marriage you want. That is a gospel truth. We should cultivate relationships and find resources that can help us process and confront trauma and abuse," Facebook, September 30, 2018, https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyr.holland/posts/keep-a-sense-of-humor-in-your-marriage-because-you-cant-survive-without-it-youre/1708280149280788/. Elder Holland echoed those same points in Jeffrey R. Holland, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2018/11/sunday-morning-session/the-ministry-of-reconciliation?lang=eng The Ministry of Reconciliation]," ''Ensign'' 48, no. 11 (November 2018): 77–79.</ref>		* <h5>Those That Are Faced With Abusive Situations Should Feel Empowered to Leave Those Situations</h5> The abuse victims face is not their fault; but those who face it should feel empowered to leave abusive situations. We don’t need to stay in abusive situations and it’s not our fault that we are in them. Elder Holland has told us that we may be in the midst of an abusive or violent marriage and that abuse/violence may justify exiting it.<ref>Jeffrey R. Holland, "Keep a sense of humor in your marriage, because you can’t survive without it. You’re going to have to laugh at some of the problems and some of your reactions and some of your spouse’s reactions. You’re going to have to see the bright side of things. I’ve always tried to do that with Pat and she with me. But also, in marriage, there is nothing tentative. We must sit down, buckle up, and get on the road. Do not leave yourself an escape route. Don’t say every 20 minutes, 'Well, I’m not as excited about this as I thought I’d be! This isn’t how they told me it would be.' It’s not fair to anybody—it’s not fair to you, it’s not fair to your spouse, it’s not fair to God—for you to keep asking that question. We ask it once, in a sense, when we make the decision to marry, and then we buckle down and stay true to our eternal covenants. It is a gospel truth that you can make the marriage you want. That’s the issue of agency. It doesn’t mean that bad days won’t come, because they will. It doesn’t mean there isn’t going to be sorrow and sadness and arguments, some highs and lows, and some things that don’t work out. That’s life. I would not want anyone to misinterpret what I’m saying—I realize there may be an abusive or violent situation giving a legitimate reason to get out of a marriage. When there is a legitimate exception, you’ll know, your priesthood leaders will know, and God will know. But the rule is, you work and pray and serve and love and laugh and forgive and hang in there. That’s the rule. You can make the marriage you want. That is a gospel truth. We should cultivate relationships and find resources that can help us process and confront trauma and abuse," Facebook, September 30, 2018, https://www.facebook.com/jeffreyr.holland/posts/keep-a-sense-of-humor-in-your-marriage-because-you-cant-survive-without-it-youre/1708280149280788/. Elder Holland echoed those same points in Jeffrey R. Holland, "[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2018/11/sunday-morning-session/the-ministry-of-reconciliation?lang=eng The Ministry of Reconciliation]," ''Ensign'' 48, no. 11 (November 2018): 77–79.</ref>

			* <h5>There Are Things We Can Do To Avoid Abusive Situations</h5> The abuse victims face is not their fault; but there are times where we do things that aren’t wise that might put us in dangerous situations and we should do what we can to avoid those situations. There’s a reason that, when walking or jogging somewhere at night, we should try and stay in lit areas. There's a reason that a Trump supporter would be wise to not show up to a Black Lives Matter rally in full MAGA regalia. There's a reason that a black person would be wise to not show up at an alt right or Nazi rally. While we aren’t at fault for whatever kind of harm or action comes on us during those moments (since that would be the product of another’s choices), there are still dumb things that we can do that more likely put us in harm’s way. We should take appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of that happening to us. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about the many types of dangers that could come upon us and we would be able to go wherever we like, dress however we want, and act however we please. We don't live in a perfect world, though, and thus can't act, dress, and go where we please. We have to take precautions.

			* <h5>The Abused May Abuse Their Abuser</h5> As Elder Scott rightly points out in the course of his talk, the abused may begin to abuse their abuser. The abuser should, in this instance, reflect on how their actions contributed to the retaliation that they are facing. The abuse that such a person faces is not their fault, but there must be some recognition of how their actions contributed negatively to their chances of not facing retaliation from their victim.
	*~~=====-There Are Things We Can Do To Avoid Abusive Situations=====~~
	The abuse victims face is not their fault; but there are times where we do things that aren’t wise that might put us in dangerous situations and we should do what we can to avoid those situations. There’s a reason that, when walking or jogging somewhere at night, we should try and stay in lit areas. There's a reason that a Trump supporter would be wise to not show up to a Black Lives Matter rally in full MAGA regalia. There's a reason that a black person would be wise to not show up at an alt right or Nazi rally. While we aren’t at fault for whatever kind of harm or action comes on us during those moments (since that would be the product of another’s choices), there are still dumb things that we can do that more likely put us in harm’s way. We should take appropriate measures to reduce the likelihood of that happening to us. In a perfect world, we wouldn't have to worry about the many types of dangers that could come upon us and we would be able to go wherever we like, dress however we want, and act however we please. We don't live in a perfect world, though, and thus can't act, dress, and go where we please. We have to take precautions.*



	*=====-The Abused May Abuse Their Abuser~~=====~~
	As Elder Scott rightly points out in the course of his talk, the abused may begin to abuse their abuser. The abuser should, in this instance, reflect on how their actions contributed to the retaliation that they are facing. The abuse that such a person faces is not their fault, but there must be some recognition of how their actions contributed negatively to their chances of not facing retaliation from their victim.*
	}}		}}

	~~----~~

Sexual assault victims and lack of culpability

Rcahoon — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 21:27:14 GMT

Show changes

The Church's position on abuse

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:21:24 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:21, 28 September 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">~~Abuse~~</span></small>		<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints\|Abuse and the Church]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">The Church's Position</span></small>

	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__

Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:20:00 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:20, 28 September 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 2:		Line 2:
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}
	{{UnderConstructionSuggestions}}		{{UnderConstructionSuggestions}}
	{{Summary1}} Among the many curious rumors and bits of folklore that travel around the Church, there are few that have gained as much traction as the idea that Spencer W. Kimball served as a model for the appearance and likeness of the character Yoda from the fictional space opera movie series known as ''Star Wars''. Kimball served as the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In ''Star Wars'', Yoda is a warrior known as a "Jedi" who trains other "Jedi" to fight. ~~<ref> Just testing this thingy out </ref>~~		{{Summary1}} Among the many curious rumors and bits of folklore that travel around the Church, there are few that have gained as much traction as the idea that Spencer W. Kimball served as a model for the appearance and likeness of the character Yoda from the fictional space opera movie series known as ''Star Wars''. Kimball served as the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In ''Star Wars'', Yoda is a warrior known as a "Jedi" who trains other "Jedi" to fight.

	As previously pointed out,~~<ref> No actual pointing out Elder Cahoon knows no source</ref>~~ their ears have the same natural curves and orientation, though Kimball's seem to be smaller in <b><i>'size.'</b></i>		As previously pointed out, their ears have the same natural curves and orientation, though Kimball's seem to be smaller in <b><i>size</i></b>.

	While the connection is tempting, there is no good evidence to support the notion that Spencer W. Kimball was the inspiration for Yoda.		While the connection is tempting, there is no good evidence to support the notion that Spencer W. Kimball was the inspiration for Yoda.

Sample pdf

MikeParker — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 15:17:26 GMT

Created page with "<pdf>File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf</pdf> <pdf width="900" height="700">File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf</pdf>"

New page

<pdf>File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf</pdf>

<pdf width="900" height="700">File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf</pdf>

File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf

MikeParker — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 14:51:33 GMT

MikeParker uploaded File:Sample-local-pdf.pdf

New page

The Church's position on abuse

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 21:32:42 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 21 September 2026
Line 4:		Line 4:

	<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>		<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>
			{{Summary1}} Abuse is not tolerated with the church. Certain cases can lead to the perpetrator having annotated notes on membership records, calling restrictions, excommunication, or other measures of discipline.
	----		----

The Church's position on abuse

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:25:11 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:25, 21 September 2026
Line 3:		Line 3:
	__NOTOC__		__NOTOC__

	~~{{Header}}~~		<h1><b>The Church's Position on Abuse</b></h1>

	----		----

Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 20:20:07 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:20, 21 September 2026
(3 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 3:		Line 3:
	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

	~~{{Summary1}} The position of~~ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on abuse ~~is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form~~. ~~Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate~~ the ~~laws of God and man. . . . When abuse occurs,~~ the ~~first and immediate responsibility of~~ Church ~~leaders is~~ to ~~help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future~~ abuse~~."<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/~~general~~-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse~~,~~"] General Handbook: Serving~~ in ~~The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022)~~.~~</ref>~~		The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse. Click the links below for answers to questions about the Church's approach to abuse in general, as well as its response to abuse in specific cases.

	----		----

	<i>General Principles</i>		<i>General Principles</i>

Line 21:		Line 19:
	*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]		*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]
	*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]		*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]


	~~<embedvideo service="youtube">MFIwlp-1_AE</embedvideo>~~

	~~{{endnotes sources}}~~

Events surrounding the death of Joseph Smith

TrevorHolyoak — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:59:16 GMT

Added new video

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:59, 21 September 2026
Line 200:		Line 200:

	{{To learn more box:Joseph Smith: martyrdom}}{{blankline}}		{{To learn more box:Joseph Smith: martyrdom}}{{blankline}}

			<embedvideo service="youtube">v=rX9Ma38M1AA</embedvideo>{{blankline}}

	<embedvideo service="youtube">v=VhjZ3udYv1c&t</embedvideo>{{blankline}}		<embedvideo service="youtube">v=VhjZ3udYv1c&t</embedvideo>{{blankline}}

User:Rcahoon

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:57:00 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:57, 21 September 2026
Line 5:		Line 5:

	[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]

			[[The Church's position on abuse]] (Summarize/key-takeaways)

User:SpencerMarsh

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:56:14 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:56, 21 September 2026
Line 16:		Line 16:
	* [[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		* [[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]
	* [[The Great Apostasy]]		* [[The Great Apostasy]]
			* [[PDF Sandbox]]

	'''Colors:'''		'''Colors:'''
	*<span style="color:#7BB375">'''Soft Olive Green'''</span>: #7BB375		*<span style="color:#7BB375">'''Soft Olive Green'''</span>: #7BB375
	*<span style="color:#0e98ba">'''Blue-green'''</span>: #0E98BA		*<span style="color:#0e98ba">'''Blue-green'''</span>: #0E98BA

File:Ion of scripture in early christianity 163 204 8067a2c6c3.pdf

SpencerMarsh — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:55:47 GMT

SpencerMarsh uploaded File:Ion of scripture in early christianity 163 204 8067a2c6c3.pdf

New page

The Church's position on abuse

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 19:42:55 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:42, 21 September 2026
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	~~{{Main Page}}~~		<small> [[Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] \| <span style="color:#7BB375">Abuse</span></small>
	~~{{Navigation~~:Abuse}}
			__NOTOC__

	{{Header}}		{{Header}}

	==The Church has a no-tolerance stance toward abuse==		----
	The Church's handbooks emphasize that one purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent, especially against such crimes as predatory sexual behavior:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===The Church has a no-tolerance stance toward abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = The Church's handbooks emphasize that one purpose of Church discipline is to protect the innocent, especially against such crimes as predatory sexual behavior:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
Line 18:		Line 23:
	Victims of the evil acts of others are not guilty of sin. Church leaders should be sensitive to such victims and give caring attention to help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse. (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)		Victims of the evil acts of others are not guilty of sin. Church leaders should be sensitive to such victims and give caring attention to help them overcome the destructive effects of abuse. (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing==		{{CollapseHeaders
	#Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service.		\| title = ===Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = #Sexual crimes virtually always require excommunication from the Church, and members guilty of these serious crimes have annotations placed upon their membership record that remain even if they return to full membership. Members guilty of such crimes have a lifetime ban on service with youth, missionary service, and temple service.
	#Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Church encourages them to seek help, and to receive the healing available to all through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.		#Members who are victims of these sins are innocent of any wrongdoing. The Church encourages them to seek help, and to receive the healing available to all through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.
			}}

	==Help for victims of abuse==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Those who have been the victims of the unrighteous acts of others are not guilty of any sin. Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ can heal all suffering, injustices, and traumas through Christ's grace. Many articles and resources are available, and members with such concerns are encouraged to consult with their local leaders.		\| title = ===Help for victims of abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Those who have been the victims of the unrighteous acts of others are not guilty of any sin. Latter-day Saints believe that the atonement of Christ can heal all suffering, injustices, and traumas through Christ's grace. Many articles and resources are available, and members with such concerns are encouraged to consult with their local leaders.

	One guide for bishops begins:		One guide for bishops begins:
Line 31:		Line 42:
	Abuse includes the physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual mistreatment of others. The first responsibility of the Church is to help those who have been abused in a kind and sensitive way and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse. Abuse not only harms the body, but also deeply affects the mind and spirit. It often destroys faith and always causes confusion, doubt, mistrust, guilt, and fear. Help the member understand that he or she is not responsible for the abuser’s behavior and that faith can be regained or strengthened and hope and healing can come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.<ref>''[http://providentliving.org/bishops-guide/abuse-victim Bishop's Guide: Helping Victims of Abuse]'' (on-line, accessed 8 January 2013).</ref>		Abuse includes the physical, emotional, sexual, or spiritual mistreatment of others. The first responsibility of the Church is to help those who have been abused in a kind and sensitive way and to protect those who may be vulnerable to future abuse. Abuse not only harms the body, but also deeply affects the mind and spirit. It often destroys faith and always causes confusion, doubt, mistrust, guilt, and fear. Help the member understand that he or she is not responsible for the abuser’s behavior and that faith can be regained or strengthened and hope and healing can come through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.<ref>''[http://providentliving.org/bishops-guide/abuse-victim Bishop's Guide: Helping Victims of Abuse]'' (on-line, accessed 8 January 2013).</ref>
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Mandatory discipline for the perpetrator of the abuse==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Church disciplinary action is ''required'' for a small set of sins, such as murder. Sexual abuse and incest are included in this group:		\| title = ===Mandatory discipline for the perpetrator of the abuse===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Church disciplinary action is ''required'' for a small set of sins, such as murder. Sexual abuse and incest are included in this group:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
Line 48:		Line 62:
	A disciplinary council must be held for a member who commits a serious transgression that shows him to be a predator with tendencies that present any kind of serious threat to other persons.(Handbook 1 [2010], 6.7.3, {{io}}		A disciplinary council must be held for a member who commits a serious transgression that shows him to be a predator with tendencies that present any kind of serious threat to other persons.(Handbook 1 [2010], 6.7.3, {{io}}
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Results of discipline==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Incest virtually always requires excommunication from the Church:		\| title = ===Results of discipline===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Incest virtually always requires excommunication from the Church:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
Line 56:		Line 73:
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	==Return to Church membership==		}}
	The First Presidency must approve any restoration of Church membership for those guilty of particularly serious sins, including:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===Return to Church membership===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = The First Presidency must approve any restoration of Church membership for those guilty of particularly serious sins, including:
	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	...		...
Line 65:		Line 86:
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>

	==Flagging Church membership records==		}}
	Those guilty of abuse of a child and other serious sins which place others at risk have their Church records annotated, and this annotation remains on the record permanently (even in the event of reinstatement in the Church). Only the First Presidency can authorize the removal of such an annotation:
			{{CollapseHeaders
			\| title = ===Flagging Church membership records===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Those guilty of abuse of a child and other serious sins which place others at risk have their Church records annotated, and this annotation remains on the record permanently (even in the event of reinstatement in the Church). Only the First Presidency can authorize the removal of such an annotation:

	<blockquote>		<blockquote>
	incest, sexual offense against or serious physical abuse of a child,...predatory conduct.... (Handbook 1 [2010], 6.13.4)		incest, sexual offense against or serious physical abuse of a child,...predatory conduct.... (Handbook 1 [2010], 6.13.4)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}

	==Abusers ~~are~~ have lifetime ineligiblity for some callings and assignments in the Church==		{{CollapseHeaders
	Even if they repent and return to full time activity in the Church, those who commit some crimes are ineligible for some types of Church service. These include:		\| title = ===Abusers have lifetime ineligiblity for some callings and assignments in the Church===
			\| state = closed
			\| content = Even if they repent and return to full time activity in the Church, those who commit some crimes are ineligible for some types of Church service. These include:

	Temple ordinance workers must:		Temple ordinance workers must:
Line 93:		Line 121:
	A person whose membership record is annotated for having abused a child sexually or physically must not be given any calling or assignment involving children or youth. Also, careful consideration should be given to other assignments, such as home teaching or visiting teaching. These restrictions should remain in place until the First Presidency authorizes removal of the annotation. ... (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)		A person whose membership record is annotated for having abused a child sexually or physically must not be given any calling or assignment involving children or youth. Also, careful consideration should be given to other assignments, such as home teaching or visiting teaching. These restrictions should remain in place until the First Presidency authorizes removal of the annotation. ... (Handbook 1 [2010], 17.3.2)
	</blockquote>		</blockquote>
			}}



	{{To learn more box:abuse}}		{{To learn more box:abuse}}

Abuse and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:52:38 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 21 September 2026
(One intermediate revision by the same user not shown)
Line 1:		Line 1:
	{{Main Page}}		< <small>[[Main Page\|<i>'''Back to FAIR Answers Index'''</i>]]</small>

			{{Header}}

			{{Summary1}} The position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on abuse is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form. Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate the laws of God and man. . . . When abuse occurs, the first and immediate responsibility of Church leaders is to help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future abuse."<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse,"] General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022).</ref>

			----

			<i>General Principles</i>

	~~{{Header}}~~

	The position ~~of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints~~ on abuse ~~is that "abuse cannot be tolerated in any form. Those who abuse their spouses, children, other family members, or anyone else violate the laws~~ of ~~God and man. . . . When~~ abuse ~~occurs, the first~~ and ~~immediate responsibility~~ of ~~Church leaders is to help those who have been abused and to protect vulnerable persons from future~~ abuse."<~~ref~~>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/general-handbook/38-church-policies-and-guidelines?lang=eng#title_number92 38.6.2 "Abuse,"] General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (2022).</~~ref~~>		*[[The Church's position on abuse]]
			*[[Bishop interviews with youth]]
			*[[Mandatory reporting of abuse]]
			*[[Abuse victims and lack of culpability]]
			*[[Child abuse in the scriptures]]

			<i>Specific Cases</i>

	~~'''To view articles about~~ abuse ~~and the Church, click "Expand"~~ in the ~~blue bar:'''~~		*[[Ritual child abuse accusations in the 1990s]]
	~~{{Navigation:~~Abuse}}		*[[Abuse and the Boy Scouts of America]]
			*[[Bisbee, Arizona — Adams abuse case]]

User:Rcahoon

Rcahoon — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 18:26:43 GMT

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:26, 21 September 2026
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 2:		Line 2:

	'''My personal sandboxes'''		'''My personal sandboxes'''


	[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]		[[Spencer W. Kimball and Yoda]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:09, 6 October 2026
(4 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 8:		Line 8:
	In recent years, there has been a new kind of critic of Latter-day Saint Apostasy narratives. A strain of Latter-day Saint scholars has argued that Latter-day Saint Apostasy narratives suffer from intellectual deficiencies and pastoral sensitivity. They have been sensitive to notions, promoted by the likes of B.H. Roberts, Joseph Fielding Smith, and James E. Talmage, that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages Middle Ages] represented an age of spiritual rot and intellectual imbecility. They have also argued that the Lord may not have intended to restore the Church of Jesus Christ, but rather to restore a ''people'', and established a Church to that end in the last days.		In recent years, there has been a new kind of critic of Latter-day Saint Apostasy narratives. A strain of Latter-day Saint scholars has argued that Latter-day Saint Apostasy narratives suffer from intellectual deficiencies and pastoral sensitivity. They have been sensitive to notions, promoted by the likes of B.H. Roberts, Joseph Fielding Smith, and James E. Talmage, that the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages Middle Ages] represented an age of spiritual rot and intellectual imbecility. They have also argued that the Lord may not have intended to restore the Church of Jesus Christ, but rather to restore a ''people'', and established a Church to that end in the last days.

	It is a valuable exercise for Latter-day Saints to consider the historical, scriptural, and theological grounding for their belief in the Great Apostasy. While some aspects of this belief lie beyond what can be known from the existing documents (and thus beyond the ken of academics), Latter-day Saint belief is not contradicted by existing historical or scriptural evidence. Both the New Testament and other documents establish that an internal rebellion began in the Church in its first century. Those who rebelled did so to gain dominion over others and have the praise of the world. They changed scripture to support movements away from the Church. Because of these new movements, many of our Christian forefathers and foremothers innocently languished for centuries, devoting their intellectual and devotional energy to systems that did not have the power to save and exalt them. They "[were] blinded by the subtle craftiness of men~~, whereby they lie in wait to deceive,~~ and [were] kept from the truth because they [knew] not where to find it" (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12).		It is a valuable exercise for Latter-day Saints to consider the historical, scriptural, and theological grounding for their belief in the Great Apostasy. While some aspects of this belief lie beyond what can be known from the existing documents (and thus beyond the ken of academics), Latter-day Saint belief is not contradicted by existing historical or scriptural evidence. Both the New Testament and other documents establish that an internal rebellion began in the Church in its first century. Those who rebelled did so to gain dominion over others and have the praise of the world. They changed scripture to support movements away from the Church. Because of these new movements, many of our Christian forefathers and foremothers innocently languished for centuries, devoting their intellectual and devotional energy to systems that did not have the power to save and exalt them. They "[were] blinded by the subtle craftiness of men . . . and [were] kept from the truth because they [knew] not where to find it" (Doctrine and Covenants 123:12).

	However, showing that a mass internal rebellion occurred only gives us half of the puzzle. Why did God wait so long to inaugurate the Restoration after the Apostasy? Did He abandon humanity during that time? What happens to all those who did not have the Gospel during the time of the Apostasy? These are also questions we take up in this article.		However, showing that a mass internal rebellion occurred only gives us half of the puzzle. Why did God wait so long to inaugurate the Restoration after the Apostasy? Did He abandon humanity during that time? What happens to all those who did not have the Gospel during the time of the Apostasy? These are also questions we take up in this article.

	Lastly, some might note that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not follow practices taught in its scriptures. While some might believe this is evidence that the Church has apostasized, it is not. The early Church apostasized from key, essential doctrines~~. The~~ restored Church has not.		Lastly, some might note that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints does not follow practices taught in its scriptures. While some might believe this is evidence that the Church has apostasized, it is not. The early Church apostasized from key, essential doctrines; the restored Church has not.
	----		----
	{{CollapseHeaders		{{CollapseHeaders
Line 264:		Line 264:
	The Greek word translated “church” is ''ekklesia'', meaning an assembly or congregation. While the word can certainly refer to an organized body of believers, early Christian sources sometimes understood the Church in a much broader sense. For example, the early second-century [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shepherd_of_Hermas ''Pastor of Hermas''] declares that the Church “was created first of all . . . and for her sake was the world made.”<ref>''Pastor of Hermas, Vision 2.4'', in Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., ''Ante-Nicene Fathers'', vol. 2 (Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885), 305.</ref> Likewise, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Epistle_of_Clement ''2 Clement''] states that “the books of the Apostles declare that the Church belongs not to the present, but existed from the beginning.”<ref>''2 Clement'' 14:2, in Robert M. Grant, ed., ''The Apostolic Fathers'', vol. 2 (Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1964–1968), 126.</ref>		The Greek word translated “church” is ''ekklesia'', meaning an assembly or congregation. While the word can certainly refer to an organized body of believers, early Christian sources sometimes understood the Church in a much broader sense. For example, the early second-century [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shepherd_of_Hermas ''Pastor of Hermas''] declares that the Church “was created first of all . . . and for her sake was the world made.”<ref>''Pastor of Hermas, Vision 2.4'', in Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, eds., ''Ante-Nicene Fathers'', vol. 2 (Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885), 305.</ref> Likewise, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Epistle_of_Clement ''2 Clement''] states that “the books of the Apostles declare that the Church belongs not to the present, but existed from the beginning.”<ref>''2 Clement'' 14:2, in Robert M. Grant, ed., ''The Apostolic Fathers'', vol. 2 (Thomas Nelson & Sons, 1964–1968), 126.</ref>

	This conception is consistent with New Testament passages that describe God's people in heavenly and eternal terms. Paul writes that God “hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:3–4), while Hebrews describes believers as having come “unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,” and “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” (Hebrews 12:22–23). On this understanding, the Church is not simply an earthly administrative institution~~. It~~ encompasses God's covenant people and the heavenly assembly of the faithful. Consequently, even if Christ's organized Church were to disappear from the earth for a period of time, the broader reality of the Church would not thereby cease to exist.		This conception is consistent with New Testament passages that describe God's people in heavenly and eternal terms. Paul writes that God “hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:3–4), while Hebrews describes believers as having come “unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,” and “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven” (Hebrews 12:22–23). On this understanding, the Church is not simply an earthly administrative institution; it encompasses God's covenant people and the heavenly assembly of the faithful. Consequently, even if Christ's organized Church were to disappear from the earth for a period of time, the broader reality of the Church would not thereby cease to exist.
	More importantly, the language concerning the “gates of hell” does not necessarily refer to the institutional Church's survival. The Greek word translated “hell” in Matthew 16:18 is ''Hades'' (ᾍδης), which ordinarily denotes the realm of the dead rather than the place of final punishment. In ancient Jewish and Christian thought, Hades was understood as the realm in which the dead awaited resurrection. Tertullian, writing around A.D. 200, for example, stated that “all souls . . . are shut up within Hades.”<ref>Tertullian, ''On the Soul'' 58, in Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe, eds., ''Ante-Nicene Fathers'', 3:234–35.</ref>		More importantly, the language concerning the “gates of hell” does not necessarily refer to the institutional Church's survival. The Greek word translated “hell” in Matthew 16:18 is ''Hades'' (ᾍδης), which ordinarily denotes the realm of the dead rather than the place of final punishment. In ancient Jewish and Christian thought, Hades was understood as the realm in which the dead awaited resurrection. Tertullian, writing around A.D. 200, for example, stated that “all souls . . . are shut up within Hades.”<ref>Tertullian, ''On the Soul'' 58, in Roberts, Donaldson, and Coxe, eds., ''Ante-Nicene Fathers'', 3:234–35.</ref>

Line 308:		Line 308:

	=====Scripture Outside the Model=====		=====Scripture Outside the Model=====
	Some might point out that others outside of the Twelve are called "apostles" in the New Testament. These include ~~individuals such as~~ Paul, Barnabas, ~~and James~~, ~~the brother of Jesus~~ (1 ~~Cor. 15~~:7~~; Gal.~~ 1:19), ~~as well as~~ Andronicus ~~and~~ Junia (Romans 16:7)~~. Further~~, ~~one might point out that some of the New Testament scripture accepted as authoritative comes from individuals who were not part of the Twelve. This includes Jude~~ and ~~Paul~~.		Some might point out that others outside of the Twelve are called "apostles" in the New Testament. These individuals include Paul (Romans 1:1), Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Apollos (1 Corinthians 4:6, 9), Silvanus (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2:7), Jesus's brother James (Galatians 1:9), Andronicus (Romans 16:7), Junia (Romans 16:7), Epaphroditus (Phillipians 2:25), and Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23).

	First, some of these individuals may have replaced the Twelve when ~~they~~ died. That is part of our solution to Acts 12 and the death of James, brother of John, above.		First, some of these individuals may have replaced the Twelve when the Twelve died. That is part of our solution to Acts 12 and the death of James, brother of John, above.

	Second, the Greek word translated as "apostle," ''ἀπόστολος'', literally means "one who is sent ~~off~~." ~~Other common translations~~ of ~~that term include "~~messenger,~~" "envoy~~,~~" or "ambassador~~." Thus, referring to someone as an "apostle" does not necessarily make them one of the Twelve with the special authority Jesus gave them.		Second, the Greek word translated as "apostle," ''ἀπόστολος'', literally means "one who is sent on a mission/assignment."<ref>Frederick William Danker, ''The Concise Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament'' (University of Chicago Press, 2009), 50.</ref> In a “general sense,” it means messenger or delegate.<ref>Danker, ''Concise Greek-English Lexicon'', 50.</ref> It is used especially to refer to people “of extraordinary status in the work of the gospel.”<ref>Danker, ''Concise Greek-English Lexicon'', 50.</ref> Thus, referring to someone as an "apostle" does not necessarily make them one of the Twelve with the special authority Jesus gave them.

	=====The Fate of the Apostles=====		=====The Fate of the Apostles=====