QUOTE: “Questions concerning the Prophet Joseph Smith are not new. They have been hurled by his critics since this work began. To those of faith who, looking through the colored glasses of the 21st century, honestly question events or statements of the Prophet Joseph from nearly 200 years ago, may I share some friendly advice: For now, give Brother Joseph a break! In a future day, you will have 100 times more information than from all of today’s search engines combined, and it will come from our all-knowing Father in Heaven. Consider the totality of Joseph’s life—born in poverty and given little formal education, he translated the Book of Mormon in less than 90 days. Tens of thousands of honest, devoted men and women embraced the cause of the Restoration. At age 38, Joseph sealed his witness with his blood. I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Settle this in your mind, and move forward!” – Neil L. Andersen, in General Conference, October 2015. [source]
COMMENTARY: If your church is true, then your leaders welcome inquiry, critical thinking, and close examination of its doctrine and history. If your church is not true, your leaders tell you to stop asking questions, to just believe, to have faith, and to obey them. Which kind of church are you a member of? I’d offer my opinion, but what do I know? I’m just another apostate.
