If it were only so simple.
it is that simple
I think that Joseph Smith’s name always brought contention. This was the case from the very beginning. It seems that it still continues. I don’t think that it helps that Joseph Smith is called a liar or a false prophet. Name calling is not the way to go. It seems that the Mormons have left this forum because of it. One must have a charitable discussion with people.
If someone brings contention, look at the reason. For example, it can be said Christ brought contention…but why? Because he taught something new to the Jews and because He was destroying the way of life. While some may have called Him a liar, there is no evidence they had that He ever lied.
The Founding Fathers brought contention. So why? They wanted to end what they believed was an unfair ruling class.
js brought contention. So why? Well, first because he was a convicted con man. He cheated people for a living. Later, because he jumped on a “I saw God” bandwagon (though he had many versions of that incident). Then, because he claimed he had gold plates with a language that no one has ever proved existed about a land that no one can find and regarding a people no one can verify.
Later, because he cheated people in a bank scandal. Then, he ran. Later, because he was caught having adultery and then came up with a plan to take men’s’ wives. He later asked William Law to have a wife swapping deal. When Law got upset and the Expositor exposed him…so, he broke the law and destroyed the press. He tried to run AGAIN, but was shamed into returning. So, he claimed he was going like a lamb, but had an illegal pistol in jail, and after firing it blindly at people, tried to run, leaving his friends to face the mob, and was shot. Based on all of that, it not surprising he caused contention. It was not for good reasons.
I discovered a lot of information by going to
lds.org. I see very little hidden when I searched for answers that were brought by members of this thread and other Mormon threads. I expected no results at all.
There is tons of stuff hidden. The problem is, you do not know what is hidden because it is hidden. We only know what SOME of the hidden stuff is because more and more people are exposing them and causing the lds church to come forth. Things like Mark Hoffman has exposed the lds leaders for their dishonesty. So, much of what is now being shown WAS hidden till the lds Church was forced to come clean