1970s Tensions Between LDS Historians and Critics - Unveiling Dr. Clandestine | Ep. 1738

Unveiling the Anxious Tensions of LDS Historians in the 1970s

The 1970s marked a tumultuous period for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), as scholars within the church grappled with emerging historical criticisms. This clash between church historians and external critics highlighted the complex struggle of preserving faith while confronting uneasy truths. One of the most emblematic episodes in this narrative is captured within the pages of "Mormon Stories Podcast" Episode 1738, titled "1970s Tensions Between LDS Historians and Critics - Unveiling Dr. Clandestine." The core tension is this: How did LDS historians balance their commitment to honest history with the institutional pressures to safeguard the church's image?

The Background of the 1970s LDS Church History Tensions

The "Camelot era" of Mormon history, spearheaded by Leonard Arrington from 1972 to 1982, marked a period when the church began to open its historical records for scholarly exploration. However, this transparency proved both enlightening and controversial. Arrington, named Church Historian during this time, faced significant challenges as evangelicals like Gerald and Sandra Tanner published critical works such as "Mormonism: Shadow or Reality?" These critiques did not merely seek to question, but aimed to dismantle the church’s foundational narratives by highlighting historical discrepancies.

The church felt compelled to respond, leading to clandestine efforts to produce anonymous defenses, like the fabled "Dr. Clandestine" pamphlet. Mike Quinn, a historian and one of Arrington's colleagues, was involved in drafting responses that worked to counteract the Tanners’ critiques. This pamphlet was intended to be a scholarly rebuttal yet was never officially sanctioned for publication by church authorities, underscoring the secretive and often tense atmosphere of LDS historical scholarship during the era.

Key Claims and Evidence from Within the Church