Introduction
A prominent Mormon leader has written a confident statement concerning his faith—a statement every thinking person must take seriously. President Joseph Fielding Smith (the 10th President of the LDS Church) declared:
Mormonism must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a Prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground. If Joseph was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead people, then he should be exposed, his claims should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false…. (Doctrines of Salvation, 1:188-89)
When one reads the statement above, an investigation — through a study of the pertinent documentation — is called for. Historically, the Mormon story is a young one, and for that reason alone is relatively easy to investigate.
Try the Spirits
If you believe that the LDS Church is true, you should not fear to investigate it, but welcome the challenge. The truth will not change. Only lies have to be protected and hidden.
If we have made any errors in our presentation of facts we have learned, we would like to know so that we can correct them. We have documented for you some samples of our studies in the history of the LDS Church, its doctrines and claims. Study them and see if they are correct.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
—1 John 4:1