When History Itself Changes Your Mind: A Lesson in Seeing the Whole Picture

Sometimes, the most profound lessons we learn aren't found in a single scripture passage or a polished talk on Sunday. Sometimes, they come from the deep, sometimes messy, work of history itself. It can challenge the assumptions we thought were settled, forcing us to re-examine our foundational beliefs.

I was recently struck by a talk given by an independent historian, Don Bradley, who specialized in the early days of our Restoration. What resonated with me wasn't just the subject matter—the life and times of Joseph Smith—but the *process* of his own intellectual journey. It was a masterclass in how knowledge, when pursued with genuine curiosity, can reshape one's entire worldview.

He spoke about how he initially approached the subject, armed with a thesis—that Joseph Smith was an opportunist. He dedicated years to proving that model. But as he dug deeper into the archival record, something shifted. He realized that his initial framework couldn't account for the patterns he was seeing. He was forced, by the evidence itself, to change his mind.

If we take that as an analogy for our own discipleship, what does it mean? It means that our faith journey isn't about rigidly defending a preconceived notion. It’s about wrestling with the evidence, asking the hard questions, and being willing to let the Spirit guide us toward a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the Savior and the plan of salvation.

The Power of Order and Cause & Effect

The speaker stressed the importance of establishing the correct *order* of events if we ever want to understand cause and effect—which, in turn, reveals motive. This is a principle that applies to everything, from studying the Book of Mormon to preparing for missionary discussions.

As returned missionaries, we are constantly gathering data: the questions asked, the scriptures studied, the testimonies shared. We have to organize those moments, not just to report back to our district leader, but to build a coherent narrative of the gospel’s power. We can’t just list miracles; we have to understand the cause-and-effect relationship between the Atonement and the change in hearts.

This echoes what I’ve been thinking about lately while studying the concept of 'gathering Israel.' It’s not just a geographical movement; it’s a spiritual one—a process of gathering knowledge, covenants, and hearts back to the center of truth. It requires us to be diligent students of history, scripture, and our own hearts.

It reminds me of the value of having a solid foundation. If you are preparing for your own mission, or even just wanting to deepen your understanding of the restored gospel, don't just skim the surface. Dive deep. Let the process of study—the *doing* of the study—be what changes your mind, strengthens your testimony, and makes you a better disciple anywhere, anytime.

If you’re looking for a place to wrestle with these big questions, I highly recommend diving into the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook. It connects you not just to the text, but to the community insights surrounding it. It’s a wonderful place for a book club or bible study group to really unpack the nuances!

For those who are ready to sharpen those investigative skills, I encourage you to join a session with Davee. He’s excellent at walking through the tough questions an investigator might raise, helping us craft answers rooted in genuine understanding, not just memorized talking points.

If you want more deep dives into these foundational truths, check out the upcoming virtual conferences listed on the FAIR website. And if you want a little homework to keep the momentum going, check out the free weekly Disciple Challenge!