Church Handbook warns not to believe in "baseless Conspiracy theories"

[Alexander]

38.8.45
Seeking Information from Reliable Sources
In today’s world, information is easy to access and share. This can be a great blessing for those seeking to be educated and informed. However, many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify. Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories (see 3 Nephi 11:30; Mosiah 2:32). Therefore, it is important that Church members be wise as they seek truth.
Members of the Church should seek out and share only credible, reliable, and factual sources of information. They should avoid sources that are speculative or founded on rumor. The guidance of the Holy Ghost, along with careful study, can help members discern between truth and error (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:12; 45:57). In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the authoritative sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... _number226

[Alexander]

"many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify"

If a source does not improve a person in the way the church wants, it’s apparently unreliable.

"Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories."

If a source makes a person feel anger or fear, it’s apparently unreliable.

[Luke]

Benson is rolling in his grave

[Sunain]

What are these secret combinations spoken about in the Book of Mormon!?

[nvr]

Ether 8:23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; ...

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; ...

[Robin Hood]

What are these secret combinations spoken about in the Book of Mormon!?

Don't worry about it.
Olden times.... bunch of injuns. Nothing to see here.

[heliocentr1c]

38.8.45
Seeking Information from Reliable Sources
In today’s world, information is easy to access and share. This can be a great blessing for those seeking to be educated and informed. However, many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify. Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories (see 3 Nephi 11:30; Mosiah 2:32). Therefore, it is important that Church members be wise as they seek truth.
Members of the Church should seek out and share only credible, reliable, and factual sources of information. They should avoid sources that are speculative or founded on rumor. The guidance of the Holy Ghost, along with careful study, can help members discern between truth and error (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:12; 45:57). In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the authoritative sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... _number226

The “General Handbook” is also listed as an “authoritative” source, which makes me wanna throw up.

Which is weird bc earlier in the quote they say sources that promote/cause negative emotions should be avoided, like you mentioned.

[Chip]

Nice of them to employ CIA language in denigrating the truth.

Ether 8 would certainly meet their criteria for "baseless conspiracy theory".

Really, who are "the brethren" that Satan accuses?

[cab]

Ether 8:23 Wherefore, O ye Gentiles, it is wisdom in God that these things should be shown unto you, that thereby ye may repent of your sins, and suffer not that these murderous combinations shall get above you, which are built up to get power and gain—and the work, yea, even the work of destruction come upon you, yea, even the sword of the justice of the Eternal God shall fall upon you, to your overthrow and destruction if ye shall suffer these things to be.

24 Wherefore, the Lord commandeth you, when ye shall see these things come among you that ye shall awake to a sense of your awful situation, because of this secret combination which shall be among you; ...

25 For it cometh to pass that whoso buildeth it up seeketh to overthrow the freedom of all lands, nations, and countries; and it bringeth to pass the destruction of all people, for it is built up by the devil, who is the father of all lies; ...

Funny how the handbook doesn’t cite that chapter, but instead wrests to other scriptures.

[samizdat]

There are conspiracy theories that are based on fact. There are conspiracies that are just completely off the wall. We are to search for the truth in all things. If you are going to share a conspiracy, make sure it is based off of verifiable facts, or completely plausible explanations. Don't spout off something unless you are willing to defend it, and source out the information properly.

[cab]

If a source makes a person feel anger or fear, it’s apparently unreliable.

Well, duh... Furthermore, if new information that the hearer was previous unaware of makes them feel uncomfortable, then it can instantly be rejected out-of-hand because we all know that the Holy Ghost comes only through self-reassuring warm fuzzies.

[mahalanobis]

There are conspiracy theories that are based on fact. There are conspiracies that are just completely off the wall. We are to search for the truth in all things. If you are going to share a conspiracy, make sure it is based off of verifiable facts, or completely plausible explanations. Don't spout off something unless you are willing to defend it, and source out the information properly.

I agree with this.

But I also think that the handbook shouldn't have mentioned conspiracy theories at all. By mentioning them in this context, it has the effect of branding all theories as crazy. Sure, that's not what it says, but that's effect it will have on the population reading this.

[Luke]

If a source makes a person feel anger or fear, it’s apparently unreliable.

Well, duh... Furthermore, if new information that the hearer was previous unaware of makes them feel uncomfortable, then it can instantly be rejected out-of-hand because we all know that the Holy Ghost comes only through self-reassuring warm fuzzies.

It’s such a task convincing people that warm fuzzies don’t equal the Holy Ghost. Even ex-mormons think that’s what the Scriptures/JS etc teaches, because they are still so caught up themselves in LDS orthodoxy, whether they realise it or not

Shows how far from the Doctrine of Christ we have strayed

[samizdat]

There are conspiracy theories that are based on fact. There are conspiracies that are just completely off the wall. We are to search for the truth in all things. If you are going to share a conspiracy, make sure it is based off of verifiable facts, or completely plausible explanations. Don't spout off something unless you are willing to defend it, and source out the information properly.

I agree with this.

But I also think that the handbook shouldn't have mentioned conspiracy theories at all. By mentioning them in this context, it has the effect of branding all theories as crazy. Sure, that's not what it says, but that's effect it will have on the population reading this.

I agree with what you said here. They could have used more tact here.

I am generally liking some of the changes. Some others make you go "huh?"

[JohnnyL]

38.8.45
Seeking Information from Reliable Sources
In today’s world, information is easy to access and share. This can be a great blessing for those seeking to be educated and informed. However, many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify. Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories (see 3 Nephi 11:30; Mosiah 2:32). Therefore, it is important that Church members be wise as they seek truth.
Members of the Church should seek out and share only credible, reliable, and factual sources of information. They should avoid sources that are speculative or founded on rumor. The guidance of the Holy Ghost, along with careful study, can help members discern between truth and error (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:12; 45:57). In matters of doctrine and Church policy, the authoritative sources are the scriptures, the teachings of the living prophets, and the General Handbook.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/stu ... _number226

Wow. I guess the # of members watching CNN's will drop to 0...

[JohnnyL]

"many sources of information are unreliable and do not edify"

If a source does not improve a person in the way the church wants, it’s apparently unreliable.

"Some sources seek to promote anger, contention, fear, or baseless conspiracy theories."

If a source makes a person feel anger or fear, it’s apparently unreliable.

Unfortunately, anyone learning dark truths, such as about gadianton robbers, child sex traders, illegal voting, etc., are very likely going to feel anger and fear.

[Bona-Fide]

How about the conspiracy theory of KSL promoting left wing propaganda. Every article seems to be a regurgitation of CNN induced uurrr “facts.” To say this is happening is a conspiracy theory though.... always believe Left wing propaganda please—always. This is factual.

[tribrac]

Thankfully through technology twitter and facebook can tell us what is baseless.

Wikipedia can be refrenced for all truth.

[NewEliza]

Telling people what they’re allowed to think is bad enough, telling people where they’re allowed to get their information from is classic mind control

[Mindfields]

Ironic that the most unreliable source of acurate church history is the church.

[JK4Woods]

Ironic that the most unreliable source of acurate church history is the church.

Here! Here!

[Aprhys]

This just sets up an easy out for our dear leaders when something comes out that they don't want the members to hear. Conspiracy theorist "The Church has 80 quadrillion dollars in their secret account!" Rusty & Co. "Don't listen to these conspiracy theorist. Remember, we would NEVER lead you astray. After all It's only 79.9 quadrillion."

[Cruiserdude]

This just sets up an easy out for our dear leaders when something comes out that they don't want the members to hear. Conspiracy theorist "The Church has 80 quadrillion dollars in their secret account!" Rusty & Co. "Don't listen to these conspiracy theorist. Remember, we would NEVER lead you astray. After all It's only 79.9 quadrillion."

[Claymore]

It seems the current church policy is-

"{Worry} not that these murderous combinations shall get above you..."

Claymore

[JK4Woods]

Disbelief by octogenarians who have not been to war is a typical philosophy regarding this mortal probation.

I mean, if I had lived the good life working to cultivate the spirit for eighty years, and never waded in the muck of the swamp, I believe i’d be inclined to give a huge benefit of the doubt to stability and continuance of the status quo.

Cut them some slack, they gave up original thinking decades ago, molding themselves into conformity at all costs.

They all have to go to the pearly gates before any significant change will happen.

Unfortunately I think the whole current crop will need to pass on, before new leadership, forged in the fire of upheaval, disaster and open battle between good and evil is ready to take the rains and lead us back to Jackson County...