Did the LDS Church Cover Up Its True History? Examining the Evidence

LDS Perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges its commitment to transparency and accuracy in its historical record. Since its founding, the Church has placed significant emphasis on the importance of record-keeping and documenting its history. This practice stems from scriptural teachings, where sacred records are seen as vital in guiding the faithful (Doctrine and Covenants 128:7). From Joseph Smith's time to the present, the Church has consistently sought to preserve and share its history through its historians and archivists (Source 3). In recent decades, the Church has taken substantial steps to increase access to its historical documents and narratives. For instance, it has published a series of Gospel Topics Essays that address complex historical issues and doctrinal

Historical Perspective

The question of whether the LDS Church has covered up parts of its history has been a subject of debate and discussion among scholars, critics, and adherents alike. It is documented that certain historical events and practices have not always been fully transparent or widely discussed within the LDS Church's educational materials or public statements over the years. This has led to allegations of cover-ups or selective historical reporting. One major area of concern has historically been the practice of polygamy under the leadership of Joseph Smith and subsequent church leaders. Documentation and biographical studies, such as those presented in sources like the "Journal of Discourses" and scholarly works by historians like Todd Compton, detail the complex and clandestine nature of polygam