Faith Crisis Volume 1 We Were Not Betrayed

After working with thousands of struggling members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints over many years, the authors decided to write a book offering hope and answers for those struggling with faith crisis. Unbeknownst to the general Church membership, the 20th century would witness an organized effort to rewrite Latter-day Saint history from within its own ranks. In a head-to-head, behind-the-scenes-battle, traditional leaders resisted intellectual progressives working in the Church History Department and at BYU, who claimed some forty years ago that it would take a generation to re-educate the Church membership. Where are we in this attempted re-education? What is the New Mormon History, and how does it personally affect you and your family? Join us as we explore newly-available diaries, review old books, and bring untold history into the light! Progressives claim the Church covered up its history for nearly 200 years. Is the current faith crisis stemming from unmasked history . . . or new interpretations? Why did New Mormon Historians insist Hofmann’s forgeries were legitimate, even when investigators provided convincing evidence to them of the hoax? How did Bruce R. McConkie know Hofmann’s Joseph Smith III blessing was a fake, despite authentication by document experts and pressure by historians calling him “incompetent” for questioning? Who were the “Swearing Elders”? How did this group of progressive Latter-day Saints reshape the identity of Mormonism? Why did Carol Lynn Pearson and Leonard Arrington share cards that read, “History is on our side—as long as we can control the historians?” Leonard Arrington shared that an “invisible higher power” commissioned him to rewrite or reconstruct our dominant narrative of the Restoration. Did God want our history changed? Why did Leonard Arrington say the First Vision, Nephites and gold plates were part of the Mormon “myth”? Why did Leonard Arrington note that if he were honest about his beliefs, “not many” Latter-day Saints would “want [him] to teach their children”? How did this affect his career as Church Historian and later at BYU? Progressives, working in the Church History Department and at BYU, claimed 40 years ago it would take a generation to re-educate the Church. Where are we in this re-education? “The research and findings in this volume are truly history altering. Using newly released documents, combined with deep knowledge of Church History, the Stoddards are bringing to light what could be termed a “soft coup d’état” of the Church’s scriptures and prophets by progressive historians, bent on altering its history. Hold tight to your faith in the history held by the church for over 150 years and the teachings of our prophets as you discover how deep this attempted takeover has infiltrated, and altered, our sacred history.” (Rod Meldrum, researcher, best-selling Latter-day Saint author, & international lecturer) “Years ago, we stopped going to church. Suddenly, God awakened me and brought me back into the fold. As I hungered and learned more about the restoration, it was upsetting to hear things being said about Joseph that I KNEW were not true. I hit a major faith crisis. Right as I was about to leave the church and follow another sect that follows the teachings of the Book of Mormon, I read the Stoddard’s Faith Crisis book. This book, along with promptings and teachings from the spirit helped me navigate through many questions. This book only helped grow my testimony of the truthfulness of the restoration of the gospel and of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I now stand strong in the Faith and know that I am in the only true church. I’m so thankful for the Joseph Smith Foundation and the many hours put in toward helping others stay strong in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints!” (Latter-day Saint mother of six)

After working with thousands of struggling Latter-day Saint members, the authors have written a book offering hope and answers for those struggling with faith crisis. In a head-to-head, behind-the-scenes-battle, 20th century traditional leaders resisted intellectual progressives working in the Church History Department and at BYU.

During the 20th century, an organized objective to rewrite Latter-day Saint history from within, unbeknownst to the general Church membership, went head to head behind the scenes with traditional leaders of the Church. Meet the main players of this conflict: Leonard Arrington—progressive “Father of New Mormon History,” Ezra Taft Benson—traditionalist defender, and many other advocates of traditionalist and progressive Latter-day Saint history. As traditionalists and progressives sparred during the 1970s-1980s, a covert cold war commenced in Salt Lake City, Utah, with the progressives spying on the traditionalists, and the traditionalists spying on the progressives. Secret informants, leaked documents, falsified reports, and even employed pseudonyms—all were part of this struggle to dominate Latter-day Saint history. But how did, and does, this secret conflict affect you? Progressives, working in the Church History Department and at Brigham Young University, claimed 40 years ago that it would take a generation to re-educate the Church. Where are we now in that re-education?

One of the most controversial facets of Latter-day Saint history is Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage. However, behind the controversy, lies the untold history and inspiring stories of real women with their personal experiences, successes, failures, trials, and legacies. Latter-day Saint women looking for exemplary heroines will be inspired to discover female role models of strength, intelligence, compassion, courage, determination, talent, leadership, and accomplishment.If you know someone who is struggling with the historic practice of plural marriage, this book will provide the reader with an honest and faith-filled account of the history, from the perspective of the women-the forgotten mothers of the Restoration.Volume 1 details the lives of Eliza Roxcey Snow, Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, Helen Mar Kimball Whitney and Rachel Ivins Grant.

Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim places the Book of Mormon translation on trial, presenting the latest research in one of the most comprehensive treatments of the translation process to date providing encouragement for Latter-day Saints who fear they have been “betrayed” by the translation history taught by the Church for over 190 years. Did Joseph Smith study and master the Nephite language? Did the Prophet tutor some of the early Brethren in ancient Nephite characters? Did Joseph Smith translate the Book of Mormon using a dark seer stone in a hat? Why are progressive historians creating a new history using sources from a man who vowed to wash his hands in the blood of Joseph Smith, while boasting that he had deceived the Prophet and his God? Has The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints covered up its history for nearly 200 years? Was Joseph Smith a treasure digger? During his life, did the Prophet artfully suppress his alleged treasure digging past? Did Joseph Smith cover up his use of a seer stone during the translation, feigning use of the Urim and Thummim? What new information has The Joseph Smith Papers Project uncovered that challenges our understanding of the translation process? Is David Whitmer a credible witness of the Book of Mormon translation? Did you know that David Whitmer consulted a witch and occultic seer stones, denounced Joseph Smith as a false prophet and aided the mob in the persecution of the Missouri Saints? Was Joseph Smith involved in sorcery, astrology and ritual magic? “Seer Stone v. Urim and Thummim makes a great case for simply going ‘back to the basics’! That is, accepting the translation of the Book of Mormon as Joseph said it was done, as opposed to how others claim it was done. It is well researched and very enlightening and a must read for those who are willing to accept the words of Joseph and other prophets at face value.” —Kay M Godfrey, Author, Joseph Smith Epoch Historian “As you read this book, it will validate your knowledge that the Book of Mormon is a real history of a real people. The Stoddards have once again born witness that Joseph Smith was and is truly our Prophet, Seer, and Revelator. You will love this book.” —Rian Nelson, Author and speaker, FIRM Foundation “The Stoddards present a thorough and careful analysis of the numerous errors and sometimes outright falsehoods that have crept into many of the translation narratives, even some by respected scholars, who relied on changing accounts from both fallible acquaintances and also outright enemies.” —Leslie Pearson Rees, Author, “Ye Have Been Hid: Finding the Lost Tribes of Israel”

One of the most controversial facets of Latter-day Saint history is Joseph Smith’s practice of Celestial plural marriage. However, behind the controversy lies the oft-untold inspiring history of real women with successes, failures, trials, and legacies. Latter-day Saint women looking for exemplary heroines will be encouraged to discover female role models of strength, talent, intelligence, compassion, leadership, determination, and accomplishment. This series provides the reader with honest and faith-filled accounts from the perspective of the women—the forgotten mothers of the Restoration. "I've loved “getting to know” Helen through her very own words. From experiencing rejection and slander, the deaths of her children, a battle with debilitating, chronic illness, this woman has so much wisdom to share through her incredible story. How grateful I am that she left it for us! Heaven knows I need it!" Kate, 21-year-old YSA "I have been so inspired by Helen Mar Kimball! I am excited now about defending the Restoration. I don’t feel scared about diving into Church history. I just feel really grateful to have read this book." (Lexi, mother of 2) "Polygamy is not an easy subject for me. Helen’s reaction to plural marriage was human—it made me feel seen. I feel so grateful for this book because it introduced me to a strong, special woman who will be a dear example to follow in my life." (Iris, Latter-day Saint in France)

Behind the founding of the Joseph Smith Foundation is an untold, inspirational story of a software engineer father who felt called to uphold the Prophet Joseph Smith & the Restoration with only his homeschool family as his production team! Now his children tell candid stories of what it was like growing up with the Joseph Smith Foundation—from video editing, research, and book writing to the many miracles along the way. This heartfelt narrative also embraces the challenges facing many families today: divorce, mental illness, abuse, teen struggles, a loss of a child, cancer, slander, betrayal, and financial hardship. Hannah, Leah, and Isaiah also share their individual conversions to the Gospel, along with their witness that the Gospel of Jesus Christ holds the answers to solve even the most difficult, the most heart-breaking, and the most traumatic of situations. From a family team—a dad with his kids—came the Joseph Smith Foundation and many other projects that point church members to gospel principles, blessing the lives of thousands in the Church today. This book is an inspiring guide for families to discover their own mission and inspire their youth to change the world—a testimony that the God of Israel will prevail! James F. Stoddard III was a visionary leader who felt from a very young age that he had a mission to perform. He began an intense study of the gospel before his teen years and later committed all of his time and resources to defend the Restoration. From the time he was a 13-year-old young man, he invested hours, days, weeks, and years into studying forgotten teachings from inspired prophets and presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Then, he decided to try something revolutionary! Together, he and his family would apply these teachings and live their counsel practically. Not just infusing gospel principles into school and career, but actually building his family's entire lives—diet, education, work, recreation, entertainment, etc.—around, on, and with the Rock of Revelation. He ‘experimented on the word’ by creating a home with exceptionally high standards, a home focused on consecrated service, a home that became a productive center for missionary work, entrepreneurial business, and worldwide teaching. He hit upon a secret that many may overlook: his mission to change the world would be performed with and through his family! A Christ-Centered Home is the heartfelt story told by some of his children documenting the joy—even in the midst of suffering and pain—that is possible when a family raises the bar in their standards, lives the principles of Jesus Christ, consecrates their time and talents, and follows in the footsteps of the Master, Jesus Christ. A message of hope that the Gospel can transform and heal every family in every situation.

A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days “A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”—Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church What happens when loving Jesus doesn’t cure you of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts? You might be crushed by shame over your mental illness, only to be told by well-meaning Christians to “choose joy” and “pray more.” So you beg God to take away the pain, but nothing eases the ache inside. As darkness lingers and color drains from your world, you’re left wondering if God has abandoned you. You just want a way out. But there’s hope. In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah J. Robinson offers a healthy, practical, and shame-free guide for Christians struggling with mental illness. With unflinching honesty, Sarah shares her story of battling depression and fighting to stay alive despite toxic theology that made her afraid to seek help outside the church. Pairing her own story with scriptural insights, mental health research, and simple practices, Sarah helps you reconnect with the God who is present in our deepest anguish and discover that you are worth everything it takes to get better. Beautifully written and full of hard-won wisdom, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die offers a path toward a rich, hope-filled life in Christ, even when healing doesn’t look like what you expect.