Church History

What You Didn't Know About Joseph Smith Polygamy
Church History

What You Didn't Know About Joseph Smith Polygamy

Historical evidence suggests Joseph Smith's polygamy was rooted in sincere religious convictions rather than selfish motives.

Faith in Tribulation: Finding Strength in Adversity
Church History

A History of Blacks in Mormonism

The Church's relationship with Black members reflects both its evolution and the enduring legacy of discriminatory policies in Latter-day Saint history.

The 1890 Manifesto that ended plural marriage in the LDS Church
Church History

Joseph Smith Wives: Understanding the 1890 Manifesto

The end of plural marriage in the LDS Church unfolded gradually over decades, culminating in the 1890 Manifesto and its enforcement through the Second Manifesto in 1904.

What is the CES Letter Mormon? A resource explaining Jeremy Runnells' letter to the Church Educational System
Church History

What is the CES Letter Mormon?

The CES Letter, written by Jeremy Runnells in 2012, has become a significant document for those questioning their faith in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Steep granite cliffs and a stream in a desert valley, a proposed location for the Book of Mormon's Valley of Lemuel
Church History

Mormonism Explained: A Deep Dive into the Valley of Lemuel

The Book of Mormon's Valley of Lemuel puzzled scholars for centuries — until explorers found a real Arabian valley that matches Nephi's description.

Jane Manning James, a trailblazing pioneer of Blacks in Mormonism
Church History

Jane Manning James: A Trailblazing Pioneer of Blacks in Mormonism

One of the first Black women to join the LDS Church, Jane Manning James demonstrated unwavering faith and resilience as she navigated the intersection of religious devotion and racial challenges in 19th-century America.

Education and LDS Finances: Church-Sponsored Schools and Universities
Church History

Education and LDS Finances: Church-Sponsored Schools and Universities

The LDS Church funds its educational institutions through a combination of tithing, endowments, and tuition revenue to make higher education accessible to members.

Portrait and historical documentation of Eliza R. Snow, an influential figure in early Mormon history
Church History

Biography: Eliza R. Snow

A leading figure in early Mormon history, Eliza R. Snow was a pioneering plural wife of Joseph Smith and a central architect of the Relief Society.

Debunking Mormon Myths: Eight common misconceptions about the LDS Church explained
Church History

Debunking Mormon Myths

Eight misconceptions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints explained, from the priesthood ban and polygamy to garments and the CES Letter.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mormon Church Finances
Church History

Church-Owned Businesses

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints manages a vast economic enterprise spanning media, agriculture, real estate, and investment—a deliberate strategy born from historical financial hardship.

Portrait of Elijah Able, an early Black Mormon priesthood holder
Church History

Famous Black Mormons: The Story of Elijah Able

A Black elder in early Mormonism who served faithfully throughout his life despite the Church's growing restrictions on priesthood eligibility for people of African descent.

A Summary of Joseph Smith and Polygamy
Church History

A Summary of Joseph Smith and Polygamy

Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage shaped the early LDS Church and remains a point of historical debate and controversy.