QUOTE: “I am grateful for the gift of the Book of Mormon. I know that it is true! It contains the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am unaware of anyone who is diligently reading the Book of Mormon each day with pure intent and with faith in Christ who has lost their testimony and fallen away. Moroni’s prophetic promise carries with it the key to know the truth of all things—including having the ability to discern and avoid the deceptions of the adversary.” –K. Brett Nattress, in General Conference, October 2016. [source]
COMMENTARY: Brett, it sounds like you are accusing those who left the church of personal failings. Like maybe if we had just been more diligent, we would never have left. If we had only been more obedient, all the lies in your church would suddenly have been true. If we had only been sincere in our reading, the Nephites would have really existed, Joseph Smith wouldn’t have coerced young women into marrying him, and the church wouldn’t have engaged in over a century of racism. But maybe you’re just trying to be tricky. I noticed the verb tense shift in your statement. No one who is reading … has lost their testimony. And yes, of course. Once we have learned the truth, why would we keep reading a book we know is nineteenth century fiction, and not even very compelling fiction at that? In any event, Brett, congratulations. You just added one more concrete example of your church using cult-like tactics by trying to tarnish the reputation of those who have left. If you want people to think your church is a cult, that’s the way to do it. But what do I know? I’m just another apostate.
