One anti-Mormon ministry suggests 50 questions as a way to deceive Latter-day Saints. These questions feign an interest in learning more about our religion. The real intent is to introduce anti-Mormon material intended to “de-convert” LDS.

Difficult questions?

This ministry tells its readers their real intent should be to get their Mormon friends “thinking about things they may have never thought about and researching into the false teachings of their church." Thus, the questions are not sincere attempts to understand what the Latter-day Saints believe, but are a smokescreen or diversionary tactic to introduce anti-Mormon material.

This list includes questions about Joseph Smith's prophetic calling, the First Vision, polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, eternal marriage, baptism for the dead, virtually every area of LDS doctrine, history, and practice.

Faithful answers to critical question.

Usually, the question is presented as a new idea, just recently discovered or formulated. Faithful LDS, when first confronted with such anti-Mormon questions, may not know that these questions have been answered. However, anti-Mormon literature tends to recycle the same themes. These questions are not new, nor are they difficult to answer.

Common anti-Mormon strategies

The 50 questions employ tactics often used by critics of the Church. Virtually all do at least one of the following:

Conclusion

In an attempt to shake the faith of Latter-day Saints, questions can be posed which, at first glance, may cause concern. When exposed to the light of the truth, these questions can be seen for what they are.

In future columns we will answer other questions and issues brought up by critics. Anyone who has encountered such questions can find the answer here at Meridian or at the FAIR website.

These articles have been put together as a collaborative effort by several writers. The topics for Meridian have been chosen and edited by Carolyn Wright. You can find these articles on the FAIR Wiki, a collaborative FAIR Website located at http://en.fairmormon.org

If you would like to comment on these articles, or request additional topics, you can contact Carolyn here: Just check the box for the Meridian Article Editor