Mormonism and history/Attitude of the Church toward historians

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Attitude of the Church toward historians

Mormonism and history: Statements attributed to Boyd K. Packer

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• Question: Why did Elder Boyd K. Packer state that "Some things that are true are not very useful"?
• Question: Did Boyd K. Packer say, "I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth"?

Boyd K. Packer's talk: "The Mantle is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect"

Summary: Elder Packer gave an address to religious educators called "The Mantle is Far, Far Greater Than the Intellect." The following quote is a favorite of critics who wish to demonstrate that the Church wishes to suppress its history and independent thought: "There is a temptation for the writer or the teacher of Church history to want to tell everything, whether it is worthy or faith promoting or not. Some things that are true are not very useful."

Jump to details:

• Question: Why did Elder Boyd K. Packer state that "Some things that are true are not very useful"?

Boyd K. Packer: "I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth."

Summary: There is much that critics do not reveal about this quote or its context, which is attributed to Elder Packer. The source of this quote is the now excommunicated D. Michael Quinn, who wrote in a footnote that, "When Elder Packer interviewed me as a prospective member of Brigham Young University's faculty in 1976, he explained: 'I have a hard time with historians because they idolize the truth.'" This quote is not from any recorded address by Elder Packer, nor is it in any of his writings.

Church discipline of scholars: The "September Six"

Summary: Some claim that the Church excommunicates or disfellowships scholars who publish historical information that is embarrassing to Church leaders. Despite the fact that these disciplinary actions are carried out by local leaders, some critics insist that they are in reality instigated by general authorities.

Telling only part of the truth

Summary: The author of the critical book One Nation Under Gods claims that "Mormon leaders, especially since the 1970s, have repeatedly called for LDS historians to 'tell only that part of the truth that is inspiring and uplifting.'"