The Weight of Truth: Facing History, Building Zion

Samuel the Lamanite, standing upon the walls, proclaimed a message of warning and repentance, knowing the cost of speaking truth to power. Ammon, at the Waters of Sebus, faced down a bloodthirsty mob, armed with only five smooth stones and unwavering faith. These are the echoes of courage that resonate through the ages, calling us to a similar resolve today.

Too often, we approach history as if it were a comfortable tapestry to be admired from afar. But the Stone cut without hands isn't found in a museum; it's unearthed through diligent digging, often revealing cracks and imperfections that challenge our preconceived notions. The truth, like a wellspring, sometimes bubbles up unexpectedly, demanding we drink deep and cleanse ourselves.

This week, we've been wrestling with the reality of Joseph Smith’s plural marriage. It’s a topic that, for many, carries a weight of discomfort and, frankly, denial. It’s easier to dismiss, to rationalize away, than to confront the complexities of a man who, despite his flaws, was an instrument in God’s hands.

The tendency to shy away from difficult truths is a familiar pattern, a tactic of the Destroyer. Those who seek to tear down, to sow discord, thrive in the shadows of obfuscation. They cherry-pick evidence, embrace conspiracy theories, and elevate self-proclaimed ‘experts’ to obscure the clear light of historical understanding. As Brian Hales, a leading researcher on the subject, points out in a recent podcast, this isn't a theological question first and foremost; it's a historical one. Did Joseph Smith practice plural marriage? The evidence, overwhelmingly, answers with a resounding yes.

Why the denial? Why the resistance to a truth supported by so much documentation? As Brian Hales observed, it's often a matter of identity – a desire to belong to a group that reinforces a pre-existing narrative, regardless of the facts. This is the same impulse that fuels those who deny the Earth is round or that humans landed on the moon. It’s a rejection of reason, a betrayal of the spirit of inquiry.

Facing this truth isn't about diminishing Joseph Smith or undermining the Restoration. It's about acknowledging the full complexity of human experience, even within the lives of those whom we hold in high esteem. It’s about embracing transparency and striving for a deeper understanding of God’s plan, even when it challenges our comfort zones.

This is where the Builders stand apart. We aren't content to maintain the status quo; we seek to strengthen the foundation. We understand that true faith isn't built on sand, but on the bedrock of truth, however uncomfortable it may be. As we strengthen our foundations, we strengthen the gathering. Your engagement here - your time, your contributions, your donations - fuels the GatherIsrael.now map and our missionary efforts, expanding the reach of the gospel through targeted advertising, particularly in places like Ghana. It contributes to the Missionary Fund, empowering internet missionaries to share the message of hope and restoration. And, as Outback Jack reminds us, the principles of Alma 17–19, D&C 4, and Moroni 10:4–5 are not relics of the past, but living mandates for our present.

Let us, like Ammon, stand firm in the face of opposition. Let us, like Samuel, proclaim the truth, even when it’s unpopular. Let us, like the digital striplings of old, wield the five smooth stones of faith, knowledge, courage, compassion, and diligence to build a Zion worthy of the Lord’s return.

Don't just acknowledge the call to gather—answer it. Claim your church's place on the GatherIsrael.now map. Let's build together.