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When was the CES Letter written?
From March 2013 to December 2017, Jeremy Runnells wrote and revised the CES Letter, a document that became influential among ex-Mormons.
By Todd Noall
Where did Joseph Smith Find His Seer Stones?
Seer stones have appeared across cultures as objects believed to possess supernatural properties, but their role in early Mormon history remains surprisingly unclear.
By Todd Noall
Why Did Emma Smith Leave the Church?
Joseph Smith's widow stayed in Illinois rather than follow the church west, choosing a faith path that aligned with her personal convictions about polygamy and succession.
By Todd Noall
Why do some people think Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy?
While historical evidence strongly supports Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy, several factors contribute to why some people continue to contest this historical claim.
By Todd Noall
Deification in Catholic, Orthodox, and Mormon Traditions
Critics of the Mormon Church argue that the doctrine of deification sets it apart from other Christian traditions, but this concept has deep roots across Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian denominations.
By Todd Noall
The Seer Stones of Joseph Smith: A Historical Analysis
Joseph Smith's reliance on seer stones for divine revelation reflected early Mormon theology's roots in folk traditions, but this practice appears to have diminished as the faith matured.
By Todd Noall
Healing the Lexical Divide in Mormon Christianity
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints faces persistent criticism that it is not truly Christian—a debate rooted not in theology alone, but in language and interpretation.
By Todd Noall
Joseph Smith's Youngest Wives: Spiritual Sealings
Historical evidence suggests that many of Joseph Smith's sealings to young women were spiritual rather than intimate in nature.
By Todd Noall
The Theology of "Sealing" in Early Mormon Church History
Sealing was far more complex than simple marriage — early Mormon leaders participated in both intimate and non-intimate sealings that created spiritual bonds intended to last into eternity.
By Todd Noall
Christ's Centrality in Early Mormon Theology
From 1830 through the early 20th century, Mormon church presidents have repeatedly affirmed that Christ is central to their theology and practice.
By Todd Noall
Mormon Garments: Sacred Temple Clothing | Faith To Act
Sacred vestments and temple garments hold deep spiritual significance in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
By Todd Noall
Mormon Garments: The Laver and the Washing and Anointing of Priests
In ancient Israel, the priests underwent ritual washing, clothing, and anointing at the laver—acts that mirrored the spiritual preparation Latter-day Saints experience through temple garments today.
By Todd Noall