Did the LDS Church Cover Up Its True History?

LDS Perspective

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints acknowledges complex aspects of its history and actively seeks to provide a transparent account of its foundational events. The Church has made substantial efforts to address historical topics openly through initiatives like the "Gospel Topics Essays." These essays, available on the Church's official website, address various subjects including polygamy, race and the priesthood, the translation process of the Book of Mormon, along with many other pivotal topics. This transparency signifies an ongoing commitment to educate both members and the public about the Church’s history. Throughout the years, there has been a significant emphasis on record keeping within the Church, beginning even during the time of Joseph Smith, the founding prophet. T

Historical Perspective

The claim that the LDS Church has covered up its true history is a subject of considerable debate and scrutiny. Historically, the LDS Church has faced criticism for allegedly not being fully transparent about certain elements of its history, particularly those concerning controversial topics such as polygamy, Joseph Smith's translation methods, and the Church's past racial policies. Over the years, the Church has taken steps to address such concerns by publishing more comprehensive historical records and essays. In 2013, the LDS Church began releasing a series of essays on its official website to clarify its stands on various complex historical issues. These "Gospel Topics Essays" cover subjects such as polygamy, the translation of the Book of Mormon, and race and the priesthood, providin