Address to religious educators at a symposium on the Doctrine and Covenants and Church history, Brigham Young University, 22 August 1981.
Tthe church does not consider it is under obligation to share bad history, as advised by apostle Boyd K Packer to church employees in its Education system. “Some things that are true are not very useful”. The context of this statement is assisted by the following comment, “It matters very much not only what we are told but when we are told it. Be careful that you build faith rather than destroy it”. Shortly thereafter he declares “Some historians write and speak as though the only ones to read or listen are mature, experienced historians. They write and speak to a very narrow audience. Unfortunately, many of the things they tell one another are not uplifting, go far beyond the audience they may have intended, and destroy faith”.
Is that why my parents were not told of Joseph Smith’s thirty three polygamous wives, of which almost a third were polyandrous, that the circumstances of marrying Helen Mar Kimball and Lucy Walker, both under the age of sixteen under examination today would be grounds for an accusation of grooming. That the church did not change its policy on plural marriage until 1890 and 1904. That the saints were taught during Brigham’s tenure as prophet that they would not inherit the highest degree of glory in the celestial kingdom without practicing it.
Apostle Packer, your assessment and insight is so true! if my parents were made aware of this information by the two missionaries who taught our family we may never have joined the church. Today, the church does not openly disclose this information, you need to search for it, only if you aren’t aware it is there, why would you look for it. LDS members are not informed these facts and therefore are not given the option to consent to join or continue as members.