Examining Foundations: A Disciple's View on Historical Inquiry

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, we are constantly exposed to the vast, sometimes overwhelming, sea of information out there. It’s a glorious thing, really, to live in an age where every corner of the globe, every ancient manuscript, is potentially accessible with a few clicks. It reminds me of the incredible gift of the internet missionary work—the ability to share the Gospel with someone who might otherwise never hear it.

Recently, I came across a documentary that presented a fascinating, if provocative, deep dive into the historical foundations of a major world religion. The discussion centered on the supposed sacred geography of a holy city, presenting arguments that challenged long-held understandings of its origins and the practices associated with it.

It’s natural, when we see such detailed historical detective work—using archaeology, linguistics, and modern technology to re-examine ancient texts—to feel a little unsettled. Our minds are trained to seek truth, and when the foundations of established narratives are questioned, it can feel like the ground beneath our feet is shifting.

The Spirit as Our Ultimate Guide

As returned missionaries, we learn quickly that no matter how much we study, how many scriptures we memorize, or how many times we go through missionary discussions, the ultimate confirmation—the surest guide—is the Spirit. The documentary highlighted how modern tools allow scholars to reconstruct history in ways previously unimaginable. This technological capability mirrors the way the Lord provides tools for us today: the scriptures, the living prophets, the power of testimony, and the companionship of fellow disciples.

When we are preparing to share the restored Gospel, we are not just reciting facts; we are testifying of covenants and divine truth. And while it is vital to be knowledgeable—I encourage everyone to dive into the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook—we must always remember that the Spirit testifies of truth, not just the most compelling historical theory.

A Disciple Prep Skill: Questioning Assumptions

What can we take from this for our own missionary preparation? I want to share a small skill I’ve found helpful when I’m studying something complex or when I’m having a challenging missionary discussion. It’s called Questioning Assumptions.

When you encounter a strong claim—whether it’s in a documentary, a conversation, or even a scripture passage—don't just accept it as fact. Ask, “What is the underlying assumption here?” For instance, the documentary questioned the assumption that the trade routes *had* to pass through Mecca. By challenging that assumption, the entire narrative structure had to be re-evaluated.

In our own work, we must be ready to gently ask investigators, “What assumption are you making about the nature of God?” or “What assumption are you making about the Book of Mormon?” This thoughtful, humble inquiry—done with charity—is the heart of being an internet missionary.

Deepening Our Study Together

If this topic of deep historical and religious inquiry sparks any questions for you, or if you’d like to practice asking those clarifying, Spirit-guided questions, I highly recommend connecting with a friend to dive into the material. We have fantastic resources available. If you are looking to deepen your knowledge in a structured way, check out the Book Clubs or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to learn alongside your peers.

For those who are feeling the call to prepare for the field, let’s use this week to review some core concepts. If you need help framing answers to tough questions, don't forget about Davee. He’s ready to run through some AI Investigator scenarios with you!

Remember, our calling is to bear testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, and we do that best when we are diligent students and humble investigators ourselves. Let’s keep studying, keep sharing, and keep following the promptings of the Spirit.