ENSIGN ARTICLE -LIVING THE ABUNDANT LIFE -Thomas S Monson

Living the Abundant Life

By President Thomas S. Monson

Living the Abundant Life

At the advent of a new year, I challenge Latter-day Saints everywhere to undertake a personal, diligent, significant quest for what I call the abundant life—a life filled with an abundance of success, goodness, and blessings. Just as we learned the ABCs in school, I offer my own ABCs to help us all gain the abundant life.

Have a Positive Attitude

A in my ABCs refers to attitude. William James, a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher, wrote, “The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.”¹

So much in life depends on our attitude. The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference. To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment.

Charles Swindoll—author, educator, and Christian pastor—said: “Attitude, to me, is more important than … the past, … than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day.”²

We can’t direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails. For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude.

Believe in Yourself

B is for believe—in yourself, in those around you, and in eternal principles.

Be honest with yourself, with others, and with your Heavenly Father. One who was not honest with God until it was too late was Cardinal Wolsey who, according to Shakespeare, spent a long life in service to three sovereigns and enjoyed wealth and power. Finally, he was shorn of his power and possessions by an impatient king. Cardinal Wolsey cried:

Had I but served my God with half the zeal

I served my king, He would not in mine age

Have left me naked to mine enemies.³

Thomas Fuller, an English churchman and historian who lived in the 17th century, penned this truth: “He does not believe that does not live according to his belief.”⁴

Don’t limit yourself and don’t let others convince you that you are limited in what you can do. Believe in yourself and then live so as to reach your possibilities.

You can achieve what you believe you can. Trust and believe and have faith.

Face Challenges with Courage

C is for courage. Courage becomes a worthwhile and meaningful virtue when it is regarded not so much as a willingness to die manfully but as a determination to live decently.

Said the American essayist and poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide on, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action and follow it to an end requires some of the same courage that a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men and women to win them.”⁵

There will be times when you will be frightened and discouraged. You may feel that you are defeated. The odds of obtaining victory may appear overwhelming. At times you may feel like David trying to fight Goliath. But remember—David did win!

Courage is required to make an initial thrust toward one’s coveted goal, but even greater courage is called for when one stumbles and must make a second effort to achieve.

Have the determination to make the effort, the single-mindedness to work toward a worthy goal, and the courage not only to face the challenges that inevitably come but also to make a second effort, should such be required. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says, “I’ll try again tomorrow.”

May we remember these ABCs as we begin our journey into the new year, cultivating a positive attitude, a belief that we can achieve our goals and resolutions, and the courage to face whatever challenges may come our way. Then the abundant life will be ours.

Teaching from This Message

Consider inviting family members to share personal experiences when a positive attitude, belief in themselves, or courage helped them. Or invite them to find examples of these three principles in the scriptures. You might prepare to teach by prayerfully thinking of scriptures or experiences of your own.

Youth

Courage to Weather the Storm

By Maddison Morley

On the second night of my stake’s Young Women camp, we had a big rainstorm and tornado. My ward had about 24 young women attending the camp with two leaders, and we all had to fit into one small cabin for protection. The rain was falling hard, and the wind was getting worse. I had to continually remind myself of the prayer for safety our stake president had offered earlier. Our ward also said our own group prayer in our cabin, and I said my own personal prayers.

A lot of girls were scared, and it was easy to see why. Our cabin was not very sturdy, and we were right by a river. In about 20 minutes the storm got so bad that the whole stake had to run from their ward cabins to the counselors’ cabins, which were on higher ground. My stake president said another prayer, and we sang hymns, Primary songs, and camp songs in an attempt to comfort ourselves. Yes, we were scared, but we felt that everything would be all right. Half an hour later it was OK to go back to our ward cabins.

We later found out what had happened to the tornado that night. It had split into two storms. One of them went around us to the right and the other to the left. What we got wasn’t even the worst of it!

I know that God heard our prayers that night and that He protected us from the worst of the storm. Why would a tornado split unless God needed it to? I know that in the storms of life, we can always pray to Heavenly Father and He will hear and answer us, giving us the courage and protection we need to make it safely through.

Children

Captain Moroni 

Captain Moroni had courage as he faced challenges. He loved truth, liberty, and faith. He devoted his life to helping the Nephites preserve their freedom. You can be like Captain Moroni by facing your challenges with courage. You can even make your own title of liberty by writing on the flag below or on a separate piece of paper the things that are important to you and your family.

ARTICLE - MORMON DEFENSE LEAGUE LAUNCHED (www.MDL.org)

Mormon Defense League launched

Aug. 4, 2011

By Michael De Groote, Deseret News

SANDY — Jewish people have the Anti-Defamation League "to stop the defamation of the Jewish people." Muslims have the Council on American-Islamic Relations "to enhance understanding of Islam." Now some Mormons are launching their own group to "respond to false information put forward in the media."

The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research is announcing at 9 a.m. this morning the formation of the Mormon Defense League and the new website MDL.org. FAIR is a volunteer organization that attempts to answer criticism and questions about LDS Church doctrine and history. The announcement takes place at FAIR's 13th annual Mormon Apologetics Conference, which runs today and Friday at the South Towne Exposition Center in Sandy.

Unlike its sponsoring organization FAIR, the new Mormon Defense League project won't be directed towards members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It also won't duplicate FAIR's scholarly articles that go into small details. Instead, it aims to help journalists do their jobs better.

"We hope to be a resource for journalists," said Scott Gordon, president of FAIR since 2001, "Religion writers tend to do a good job. Problems come when you get political writers or sports writers who are not as familiar with the nuances of the religion. So when you get a Mitt Romney, Jon Huntsman or a Harry Reid, and someone makes a comment, the journalist may unknowingly pass on something that Mormons consider to be very bigoted, malicious or just inaccurate."

In addition to having articles on the MDL.org website that address common misconceptions like "magic underwear," "Jesus is the brother of Satan," and "Mormons practice polygamy," Gordon hopes journalists will contact MDL for interviews and to answer questions.

MDL will be staffed by a small group of volunteers who will update the website, field questions from journalists and keep an eye on the news for when they think Mormons or doctrines of the LDS Church are misrepresented. "If somebody writes something — whether a journalist or even a politician — that is egregiously bad, we will correct them," Gordon said.

John Lynch is FAIR's Chairman of the Board. He thinks the Mormon Defense League is a type of anti-defamation league. "Except with Mormon nice. We bite, but we are polite," Lynch said, then added, "And afterwards we show an increase in love."

Gordon said when errors are found, they don't intend to make them all public. Instead, many times they will approach the reporter directly. If that doesn't work, then MDL may post corrections on its website or resort to sending out press releases .

"The LDS Church has a long history of dealing with misrepresentations," said Lane Williams, a communication professor at BYU Idaho who writes a column titled "Mormon Media Observer" for Mormon Times. "In the past they have responded in many different ways. I'm not sure there is one best way to do it. … Different times call for different responses."

Williams said that it is difficult for journalists to convey the essence of what a church believes in a few paragraphs. "My perception is that very few reporters try to demean us."

The key, Williams said, is for reporters to let churches tell their own stories.

Although MDL and FAIR are not affiliated with the LDS Church, Gordon and Lynch hope the new project will make a difference.

"Our primary purpose is to help people tell stories," Gordon said, "not to embarrass people into compliance with what our view of the world is. … We want to be as nice as we can and as informative as we can."

PSALMS 56:8 - PUT THOU MY TEARS INTO THY BOTTLE

 

Put Thou My Tears Into Thy Bottle - Psalms 56:8

Written by Dr. John L. Lund

2011-06-15

It is true that the Roman emperors collected their tears in these beautiful Roman glass vases. Seal them with wax and delivered them to the grieving loved ones. Collecting tears in a cup was a practice common to the entire Mediterranean area and certainly not limited to the Caesars. However to have the tears of Caesar was a special honor.  Roman glass provided a beautiful and delegate vessel for fragrant oils and perfumes and for the collecting of tears.
Long before the founding of Rome in 753 BC there were tear cups, sometimes they were referred to as tear bottles or vases but they shared a common tradition, they were used to collect the tears of the mourners at the death of the loved ones. The tear shaped cups had a flaring rim which was placed under the eye to catch the tears as they were shed.  The cup was then corked or waxed and stored as a reminder of the life of the one who passed away.  The shedding of tears was a significant part of showing grief.  Professional mourners were hired at funerals. Jeremiah 9:17-22, Amos 5:16, in the Mishnah, Rabbi Judah ruled that “even the poorest in Israel should hire not less than two flutes and not one waiting woman".
King David was inspired to prophesy about the coming Messiah and many of the Psalms.  One of the most touching references to the Saviors supernal atonement and his suffering for the sins of the world was recorded in these words put though my tears into thy bottle Psalms 56:8. The moving and tender request that Heavenly Father not forget the tears of the Savior is consistent with Jesus acting as the great advocate for mankind in the Garden of Gethsemane.
“Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified; Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren." D&C 45:3-5.
Later in the Garden of Gethsemane Jesus made reference to removing this cup, Luke 22:42.  The Greek word used here was vessel or figuratively “my lot” or “mission” Isaiah calls it “a cup of trembling” Isaiah 51:17&22 or “a bitter cup” D&C 19:18.  Because of the pain and the sorrow and the tears of water and blood that will be shed.  The Shepherd of Israel, even Jesus had warned his sheep that they would have “tears to drink in great measure" as a consequence for their sins Psalms 80:5. Jesus would also drink from that cup, not because he sinned but to conquer sin and provide a way for the return of the children of God.  The cup that Jesus would drink may be identified in different ways “And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons." Isaiah 22:24.
Flagons were large goat skins filled with water or wine, the cup could represent a flagon of tears so great that no mortal stomach could accommodate it.  Or it could represent a tear cup full of tears a symbol of sorrow so great that only one who is possessed with divine power could drink it.  The meaning may have been the amount of grief and sorrow you're asking me to carry is a tear cup larger than I can bear.  There was no other way for God's will; the cup could not pass from him. He drank from the cup of trembling in tears even the dregs of the sinful tears of all humanity and fulfilled his divine mission. In a very literal way Jesus both drank the cup of trembling’s and filled the cup with his tears for the sins of all of God's creations, truly a bittersweet cup.  Put though my tears into thy bottle. Psalms 56:8.

ARTICLE - PHANTOM SCRIPTURES DEBUNKED

Phantom scriptures debunked

Katie Barlow

We’ve all been in that church meeting where we hear someone say, “In the scriptures, it teaches that with great power comes great responsibility.” We pause for a moment and think, “Wait, that’s a quote from a Spiderman movie, not from the scriptures.” Or the seminary student who stands in front of the class saying, “One of my favorite scriptures is when Christ says, ‘I never said it would be easy; I only said it would be worth it.’” If you look, you won’t find that doctrine anywhere because it doesn’t exist.

Often in LDS culture we hear people summarize or quote scriptures not found in the delicate pages between the covers. It also happens when we attribute a saying to a general authority who never spoke the actual quote.

The Spiderman hybrid scripture in the first paragraph was a fake quote intended to portray the idea in D&C 82:3 where it starts out saying, “For of him whom much is given much is required. . .  .” Although similar in theory, it fails to portray the true meaning in the scriptures. There are two very different ideas being suggested, and one is straight out of the scriptures. The other is in a Hollywood production.

Another instance of someone struggling to find a passage that simply doesn’t exist occurred when a woman approached another at church and asked, “Where in the scriptures is the story of the footprints in the sand and how when we are at our lowest points, it is then that God carried us? I can’t seem to find it.” Although it is a beautiful poem that instills hope in others, it is just a poem—not scripture.


Robert Line, an instructor at the Institute of Religion adjacent to the University of Utah, has taught seminary and institute. He has also been an adjunct faculty in the religion department at BYU. With 20 years of experience in Church Education, Line said there is an axiom in the Church Educational System (CES) that says: If you can’t document it, don’t tell it.

Line said one of the more famous examples of a quote supposedly given by a general authority is the “generals in the war in heaven” quote. It starts out with “The youth of the Church today were generals in the war in heaven,” and ends with the statement that when they return to heaven “all in attendance will bow in your presence.”

In a letter to mission presidents and CES instructors, Elder Packer said, “I did not make that statement. I do not believe that statement. The statement, on occasion, has been attributed to others of the First Presidency and the Twelve. None of the Brethren made that statement." (To read the news story on this, go here.)

Although there are many ways misquotes like this happen, Line gave two main reasons for why he thinks these spurious, or fake, quotes originate and spread. The first is that a quote is said and repeated but not documented. Two or three people later, someone attributes it to one of the Brethren in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. As it moves further along, someone attributes it to someone like President Hinckley or another apostle.

“They get passed along like oral traditions, but no one documents the original source,” Line said. “That comes back to the whole premise of if you can’t document it, don’t tell it. I think things get transmitted orally and no one ever stops to check.”

When undocumented doctrine is brought up in class, Line tries to encourage his students to focus on doctrines that are true.

“Rather than inventing a doctrine that may or may not be true, maybe go with doctrines that are true,” Line says to his students. “But let’s not concoct doctrines that try to make us feel better when there is no sound basis for them.”

The second main reason Line suggests often starts at a regional or stake conference or other gathering where a general authority will speak.  Someone will take notes and put it on the internet, and it will go viral. In their notes, they say “Elder Perry said this at regional conference,” when in reality he might not have said it. That’s just what the person heard and what they’re writing in their notes. Maybe they missed a word or heard it differently than what was said. Maybe they took it out of context and didn’t pick up on the subtle tone or sarcasm.

Line gives three points of caution and warning to his students as well as other teachers.

 “If you can’t document it, don’t tell it. Use only correlated quotes [from official Church sources]. Ask yourself if your attempt as a teacher is to edify students or if you are trying to sensationalize the doctrine or are trying to create a following,” Line said.
 
A few other non-scriptural phrases include:

• Spare the rod and spoil the child.
• Happiness is the object and design of our existence.
• The road to Hell is paved with good intentions.
• Faith precedes the miracle.
• God helps those who help themselves.

ARTICLE- INFERTILITY: WHEN CHILDREN DONT COME EASILY

 i wanted to add this to my blog for a few of reasons.

1- i have known, and do know people who are struggling with this issue. 

2- even tho i have one child, i struggle with this myself.

3-People need to be aware of the feelings of others who struggle with this, and are continuously reminded that they arnt like everyone else.

i realize that to the others it might not seem like i feel empty, and wanting, because i have had the chance to have a child of my own. but i still sympathies with their situation, because i have never been able to have ANOTHER baby...let alone, get pregnant but one other time, to which i lost the baby 6 weeks in.

i want another child. but for whatever reason, God hasnt allowed me that other child for almost 17 years. im 44. my clock is almost done. im almost too old to raise another child. 

i realize i do have a blessing, in my child. but id like to give my child a sibling, and my husband a child thats from his own blood.

i believe my son is a complete miracle. again, i AM blessed. 

i try to tred lightly in the areas where others suffer with what i DO have. i know the heartache. i remember, i still feel it. ill never forget the thought that God had abandoned me, and made me different. nor the way i felt when everything you hear at church has to do with 'Families' (and to one whos struggling, it seemed as if all you ever heard was about how to be a great mother. ive been there.

i cant make anyones life easier. 

but i know you are NOT alone. and im not talking about having a Father in Heaven whos always there looking over you, im talking about your not the ONLY woman...whos dealing with this issue.

there are thousands of you. all feeling the same way. at the end of this article is a link to the authors web page. maybe you can find some support there. we should have a support in this faith for just such heart breaking issues.

MICHELLE

Infertility: When Children Don’t Come Easily

Kerstin Daynes
I have sat in Relief Society, looking around at the sisters, certain that none of them knew how I felt. I was sure that they had no clue what it was like to feel the deep sorrow and grief caused by infertility. To others, my body looks fine and they would never suspect that inside, my soul is bruised, tender, and aching.

Though I often felt that no one knew my pain, I have learned with time that I was wrong. Perhaps every woman does not know what it is like to be infertile, but without question, every woman knows what it feels like to be saddened by experiences of life. Our circumstances are very different, but we have all wept because of heartache, misery, disappointment, and guilt when life does not turn out the way we desired or felt that it should. How common we really are!

With statistics showing that infertility affects 15 percent of the population, it could be said that each of us knows someone who is dealing with infertility—it could be a friend, a sister, a son, or, it may be you. It is incredibly painful to learn that you cannot do what comes so easily for most people. And, when you are in a religious culture that is focused on families, feelings of deep sorrow can emerge frequently.

Regardless of if we are fertile or infertile, stepping back and thinking about infertility differently can offer hope, peace, and feelings of inclusion.

If You Are Dealing with Infertility
It is easy to feel as though you live on the social periphery where you are observing everyone else living the ideal life. You feel forgotten. You feel like you do not belong. But, at the same time, you, I, and all people with this challenge have a choice. We can choose to feel isolated and alone, or we can find meaning and depth to life as it is. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Recognize your specific, individualized plan.
We all do it—we all look at our lives and how they are deficient compared to everyone else. These moments of comparison do us no good. We need to remember that in addition to His overall plan, Heavenly Father also has an individualized, specific plan for each of us. We are each given opportunities to learn and grow, tailored to our personalities, that are different from anyone else’s opportunities. It is in these differences that we can see that we are being tutored, that our souls are expanding, and that our hearts are being purified.

2. Find life in other realms.
Parenthood is only one realm of life. Each realm, even if it lasts but a small season, can add dimension, provide growth, and change us in ways that other realms cannot. Additionally, each realm can provide new friends, draw new talents from within us, and allow us to be something greater than we were before. These realms, of course, do not replace parenthood. Rather, they are what we do in the interim. Some of these other realms include volunteering, receiving an education, enjoying a career, being a temple worker, or developing a talent.

3. Educate rather than retaliate.
Be ready for questions and comments—they come when you least expect it! When you come up with exact phrases to use at specific times, you will be prepared instead of being caught unaware. When you are prepared, it is easier to remain calm and in control. Try to make your responses positive and non-offensive. If we respond negatively, we further isolate ourselves and push ourselves away from others. When we focus on educating and helping to raise awareness, we foster relationships of love and understanding.

4. Preserve your marriage.
Be careful that infertility and the quest for a child does not become a priority over your marriage relationship. Fortify your marriage by going on dates, setting goals unrelated to baby-making, learning what your spouse needs from you and providing it, and being sensitive to the emotions of your spouse. Establish “time-outs” when you keep yourself away from anything associated with infertility. If you can preserve a good relationship with your spouse, you will endure this trial.

5. Do the things you know you should.
Going to the temple won’t improve sperm count. Reading your scriptures will not open damaged fallopian tubes. But doing these things shows that we are choosing to have faith. If we want miracles to happen and doors to open, we need to do all things we have been told to do. Even after our expression of faith, the outcome of our actions may not be the exact miracle we seek, but we will have increased ability to cope, strength to endure, and ability to see interim blessings.

For Those Seeking to Support
It can be difficult to support someone dealing with infertility. As with any trial, it is challenging to know exactly what to say and how to say it without offending or causing an overwhelming emotional response. No matter who you are, you are in a unique position and have a valuable opportunity to help your friend or family member find the capacity to endure this trial with greater success. Here are some things to consider:

1. Think about what you have to offer.
In a time of trial, has someone reached out to you in a way that you appreciated? Could you apply those acts of love to the situation with your friend or family member who is dealing with infertility? We all know what it feels like to feel alone, betrayed, and to be pained by a life experience. We can take what we have learned to reach out and help another.

2. Learn more about infertility.
Since statistics show that 15 percent of the reproductive-age population experiences infertility, to the other 85 percent, fertility is what is known. That 85 percent might not know that infertility affects so many people, what the causes of infertility are, and the treatment options that are available. Educating yourself about infertility gives you a greater advantage as you reach out to comfort your friend.

3. Recognize that every case of infertility is unique.
Diagnoses are different, which means the path to building a family is different for every couple. It is very easy for every infertile couple to be lumped into one category and for others to assume that what worked for Couple A will surely work for Couple B. Instead of telling your friend about someone else’s experience, focus on what your friend is talking about and learn about his or her specific experience.

4. Understand that infertility is real.
“Trying too hard” or not understanding human reproduction doesn’t cause infertility. Some causes of infertility may require medical intervention, medications, or even surgeries to improve chances of conceiving and carrying a child to full term. Some couples may never be able to conceive. A couple can be at the beginning of the road, while another is seasoned by years of disappointment. Another couple may be dealing with multiple miscarriages, while another is wondering why baby number one came so easily and number two has been a struggle. Recognize that the suffering, frustration, and anger are real.

5. Acknowledge challenges across the life span.
The topic of families and children comes up regularly as we give lessons and plan activities. It is important to acknowledge families come in all shapes and sizes. Additionally, it is healthy to acknowledge that life is far from perfect for any of us. Be honest about how these imperfections affect us and consider how the gospel can fortify us during these adversities.

Infertility does not have to be the “elephant in the room.” Rather, it is something that can be addressed and acknowledged with genuine love and understanding. As we consider our similarities and put forth a bit of effort, we will recognize that we have the capacity to reach out to offer—or accept—peace, comfort, and a place of belonging.

Hope in Treatment
If there’s one thing fertility specialist Dr. Russell Foulk could say to couples struggling with infertility, it is: “Infertility is a treatable condition.”

Foulk, a nationally recognized reproductive endocrinologist with Utah Fertility Clinic, says one of the biggest misconceptions about infertility is that it’s difficult to treat.  “As long as you can find the factor that’s keeping them from getting pregnant, you can overcome it.” In fact, Foulk says 95 to 98 percent of infertility cases can be overcome with normal processes.

Another misconception that keeps couples from treatment is that treatment is prohibitively expensive, but with lack of ovulation being the largest cause of infertility, most couples can be treated for $2,000 or less—a far cry from the tens of thousands many expect. “There are some people that have to do the expensive stuff, but the vast majority do not need that,” he says.

Psychologists have found that being infertile has the same psychological impact as being diagnosed with cancer, so even taking initial steps to treat it provides astounding relief to couples. “Don’t continue to suffer with it,” he says, knowing from his own experience, together with his wife, how frustrating infertility can be. “One of the things we see is a lot of relief. Once couples see what’s wrong and find a way to cur it, then it gives them hope and they know they will eventually achieve a successful outcome.”

*To read more about this topic, see the LDS Living magazine May/June 2011 issue.

—
Kerstin Daynes is the author of Infertility: Help, Hope, and Healing. She also maintains a website for LDS couples trying to understand infertility within a gospel framework. For more information, visit ldsinfertility.org.

ARTICLE - THE TRUTH ABPUT MORMON MYTHS

The Truth About Mormon Myths
Kate Ensign-Lewis - May 17, 2011.

It has been said that Mormons have an “exceedingly fine sense of rumor.” We certainly love a good story—after all, can’t we all admit to telling a tale we thought was good, even if we admitted we weren’t 100 percent sure it was true? In the spirit of acting under (more) perfect knowledge, and still appreciating the quality of a good story, the following is an exploration of the truth behind some of the more common or interesting Mormon legends.

*The following is an excerpt of “The Truth About Mormon Myths.” To read the full article, see the LDS Living magazine May/June 2011 issue.

I can remember when I heard my very first Mormon myth. I was 8 years old, and one of my older sisters came to me and said, “Guess what? Steve Martin is a Mormon!”

She had heard from our cousins in Las Vegas about how he had gone on David Letterman, and when asked about Mormonism, replied, “That’s a very private part of my life right now.” It seemed legit enough to me. I started telling everyone in my small sphere— which was basically my friends and my Valiant class—that the star of Father of the Bride was LDS.

I don’t remember when I started to doubt the story, but years later I learned that the myth had started when a Mormon Tabernacle Choir member’s son had written home saying he had baptized Steve Martin. Only after this excited choir member had told his friends did he realize he had misunderstood—it wasn’t that Steve Martin. By then the story had spread like feathers in the wind.



“Storytelling is universal to the human species—there’s no tribe, no country anywhere that doesn’t do it,” says Eric Eliason, professor of folklore at Brigham Young University. But, he adds, “I can’t help but wonder if there’s something fundamentally oral and face-to-face about the Mormon experience.”

We Mormons go from home to home, teaching the message of our Church. We believe deeply in the importance of teaching and bearing testimony to one another. And all this is founded upon stories that affirm our faith—many of which combine the divine with everyday experience.

“We have, starting with the First Vision, a heritage of supernatural stories—stories that go beyond the everyday,” says Mike Hunter, Mormon Studies librarian at BYU and author of the book Mormon Myth-allaneous. “In sacrament meeting and in our Sunday School lessons, we like to share stories that show God has a hand in what’s going on in our lives. So we don’t find these stories necessarily incredible or unbelievable, simply because every day of our lives we have stories of people who feel they have had divine intervention in their lives. We’re going to listen to it and maybe take it seriously.”

Mormon Folklore—True or False?
Folklorists look for the principle in a story—what it says about the culture at large and how that culture uses stories to deal with life. “Mormon folklore consists of a vibrant body of oral narratives which reflect the dominant values and attitudes . . . of Church members,” says Bert Wilson, one of the foremost Mormon folklorists. “So it’s not enough just to find out if something is true or not.”

In fact, many stories aren’t so easily classified as “true” or “false.” And there’s always a debate in engaging in an exercise of “debunking” folklore: if these stories uplift and teach people, is it constructive or even fair to prove them true or false? “Sometimes it really does matter [to know if a story is true],” says Eliason, “but sometimes it doesn’t. If you become too cynical, you maybe will hear a story about the Three Nephites that’s absolutely true and is going to change your life, and you don’t believe it.” “The harm is if you’re leaning on these stories for your faith. Then, when the story suddenly crumbles, you fall with it,” adds Hunter.

In the end, all stories of folklore have value of their own, true or not. But we still think it’s of use to educate you. Stories can still uplift and teach if they’re known to be false, and any potential danger in believing their truth can be avoided. So, the following is a quick exploration of some of our culture’s favorite stories, the “kernels of truth” and principles behind them, and, where possible, the evidence to support or disprove them. Now, for a foray through the funhouse of Mormon myths.

Church Leaders
Church Leader Sits Next to Mick Jagger
Have you heard the one about the Church leader who met Mick Jagger on a plane and proceeded to have a lengthy conversation about morality and the Church? In this story, Mick Jagger says he once took the missionary discussions, indicates that his music is “calculated to drive kids to sex,” and loudly calls the leader a liar for preaching about the truthfulness of the gospel. The leader then chastises Mick for his own lies, bears testimony of the gospel, and calls him to repentance.

It’s all true. As related in an address given by Elder Gene R. Cook to Rick’s College in 1988 (starting at a time stamp of 23:51 on the audio of the talk, to be exact), the story illustrates both a recognition of the Church by the famous and the unwavering conviction of Church leaders to the truth, even in the most uncomfortable of situations.

Youth Were Generals in the War of Heaven
A favorite quote of those speaking to youth, attributed to President Boyd K. Packer or one of the other Brethren, goes something like this: “You were generals in the War in Heaven, and one day when you are in the spirit world, you will be enthralled by those you are associated with. . . . Someone will turn to you and ask you which of the prophets’ time did you live in? And when you say ‘Gordon B. Hinkley,’ a hush will fall over every hall and corridor in Heaven, and all in attendance will bow at your presence.”

In regards to this statement, President Packer has said, “I did not make that statement. I do not believe that statement. The statement, on occasion, has been attributed to others of the First Presidency and the Twelve. None of the Brethren made that statement.”

Myths of the Ancient World
Bigfoot is Cain
There may be more to fear from Bigfoot than the fact that he’s big and hairy: some say that the legendary North American woodland ape is Cain.

Though there’s no way to prove or disprove this particular tale, knowing the source of the legend can shed some light on why this conclusion has been made. Abraham Smoot recorded the following after early Church Apostle David W. Patten described an encounter he had with Cain in 1835:

As I was riding along the road on my mule I suddenly noticed a very strange person walking beside me. . . . His head was about even with my shoulders as I sat in my saddle. He wore no clothing, but was covered with hair. His skin was very dark. I asked him where he dwelt and he replied that he had no home, that he was a wanderer in the earth and traveled to and fro. He said he was a very miserable creature, . . . and his mission was to destroy the souls of men.

This entry was included in Spencer W. Kimball’s The Miracle of Forgiveness, which was originally published in 1969. In 1980, sightings of the legendary Bigfoot were reported in South Weber, Utah. Members made connection with these sightings to Patten’s story of Cain, effectively beginning the tale. Reeve believes Mormons use this story to connect an unexplainable event with proof that the Saints are doing a good job. “When Satan sends Cain against Mormons, . . . they think, ‘we must be on the right path, or Satan wouldn’t bother sending in his most evil hordes against us.’”

The Three Nephites
Who among us hasn’t enjoyed hearing a story about mysterious men blessing the life of another person? A group of friends, out in the middle of nowhere, finds one of their group in serious medical trouble. Two men walk up and offer a blessing, then disappear. A lone traveler approaches a group and asks for food; after giving the food, he imparts wisdom, blesses the group, and disappears. Brigham Young reportedly enjoyed telling his family about an experience he had while serving in Liverpool; he interviewed one of the Nephites—an old man with a long, gray beard, who spoke encouragement to him. The stories of the Nephites tell about help and support in times of personal need.

Obviously the exploits of the Three Nephites have become the stuff of legend. In fact, Bert Wilson says he has over 1,500 stories about these ancient disciples—many of which are simply older stories updated to modern needs. For instance, a wagon breaks down on the way to general conference, and a mysterious man steps into fix the axle; nowadays, it’s a car. “It’s the same story, but it’s adapted to different times,” Wilson says. “As long as people have problems that they need help solving, you’re likely going to have Nephite stories.”

Prophecies
The White Horse Prophecy
“The constitution will hang by a thread.” We’ve all heard this phrase, which is contained in the White Horse prophecy—a prophecy attributed to Joseph Smith about how the people of the Rocky Mountains (or, the Church members) will save the Constitution, among other things.

The problem? This prophecy was written over 50 years after the Prophet’s death. Scholars have identified the “prophecy” as having been a pieced-together embellishment on statements the Prophet Joseph made on several different occasions, as written by a man named Edwin Rushton. It has been officially refuted by the Church on several occasions.

One of the first (and most impressive) examples of this was with Elder Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.’s general conference talk in October 1918:

In my travels in the stakes of Zion, my attention has been called, on a number of occasions, to a purported revelation . . . supposed to have been received by President Smith . . . in regard to events of great importance dealing with the nations of the earth and the Latter-day Saints. Many things in that purported vision, or revelation, are absurd. . . . When a revelation comes for the guidance of this people, you may be sure that it will not be presented in some mysterious manner contrary to the order of the Church. It will go forth in such form that the people will understand that it comes from those who are in authority.

President Joseph F. Smith, who spoke after his son at that conference, re-emphasized his son’s remarks by calling the content of the prophecy “trash.” He said, “It is simply false. That is all there is to it.” The Church, in 2010, once again re-emphasized this position with two separate official statements. To be fair, several reliable sources (including Brigham Young) did report hearing the Prophet say something about the Constitution hanging by a thread. “It’s unfortunate that that piece has to be always connected with the White Horse Prophecy—as if that’s where that comes from,” says Mike Hunter. “But actually, it doesn’t come from that; the White Horse Prophecy took that, and a lot of other things, and blended them together.”

Say What Is Truth
So there you have it. A wealth of popular stories with evidence to support or refute them. But, after learning some stories are not true, is there still something stories of folklore might teach us?

“They’re all true, of course, depending on how you look at them,” says Wilson. “They do things for the group. It all depends on who tells them and for what reason.”

“I haven’t found anywhere where Jesus Himself makes clear whether the parables are true,” says Eliason. “I think we assume that they are stories—that there wasn’t necessarily an actual Samaritan.

But He doesn’t say, which I think might be telling us something— that that’s not what’s important about them, whether or not they actually happened. I think when we hear Mormon folklore, we should ask, ‘Is the important thing about this story whether or not it was historically accurate, or is the important thing about it what it tells us about ourselves, our culture, and our values?’”

So even if those stories about mysterious appearances from the Three Nephites or famous statements didn’t actually happen, they can still reveal a deeper principle. And they’re certainly still fun to hear.