Posted by:
SarahDee
(
)
Date: February 21, 2012 11:16AM
I know that, certainly, the leaders perpetuate more modern-day and general, acceptable values and principles, and have been trying to distance the current church with its past. For sure.
But aside from not openly teaching the history and past doctrines, it doesn't seem like they've actually HIDDEN anything. We're all quoting the Church's own history books and familysearch.org half the time - so obviously, it's there for the learning.
I've seen some members get frustrated with former members because "it was their responsibility to learn it in the first place." I do agree that a person ought to learn all they can about an organization or religion (especially when it comes to eternity) before making a decision to join it - but with the LDS Church, that's not quite how it works. You just get bam-bam-bammed with the missionary lessons, and then they just try to tie you in at Church, where none of the sketchy stuff is ever discussed (except for by a few "crazies" here and there, who everyone considers questionable).
As a member, you're definitely not ever encouraged to learn anything about the history, other than that sweet little pamphlet "Our Heritage."
I guess my question is: what's a fair way to look at this? Where does the responsibility lie?