Unmasking Bad Faith: Confronting the Toxicity within the LDS Church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has a long history of members engaging in bad faith actions, whether in business, politics, culture wars, or everyday life. What is it about the LDS Church that fosters this behavior? Many trace this attitude to the deeply rooted concept of “lying for the Lord,” which may lead members to believe that engaging in bad faith is permissible if the ends justify the means. This blog post will delve into the origins of this toxic trait, provide examples of its manifestation, and discuss how the LDS community can recognize and address this issue to move towards a more ethical and moral way of life.

The Origins of “Lying for the Lord”

The concept of “lying for the Lord” has its roots in the early days of the LDS Church. Early Church leaders, including Joseph Smith, reportedly engaged in deception to protect the Church and its interests. For example, Smith lied about practicing polygamy to avoid persecution and protect the Church’s image. This deception extended to other Church teachings as well, with leaders often presenting a public-facing doctrine while teaching and believing something different internally. This pattern set a dangerous precedent that reverberates throughout the Church’s history, contributing to a culture where members may feel justified in engaging in bad faith as long as the outcome aligns with their beliefs.

Bad Faith in Utah Politics: Transgender and LGBTQ+ Rights

Recently, Utah’s predominantly LDS legislature, policy groups, and think tanks have engaged in bad faith arguments and rhetoric surrounding transgender and LGBTQ+ rights. These groups often employ arguments that are not grounded in reality to push an agenda that has targeted a minority group the Church has been antagonizing for over three decades.

One notable example was the LDS Church’s involvement in California’s Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that sought to ban same-sex marriage in the state. The Church’s active support of this campaign was another instance where the ends were deemed to justify the means, even if it involved acting in bad faith. In this case, the Church faced penalties for their deceitful tactics during the campaign, demonstrating the negative consequences of engaging in bad faith actions.

Bad Faith in Church Finances

The LDS Church has also exhibited bad faith in its financial dealings. The Church was fined by the SEC for engaging in fraud to deceive members and the public by creating shell companies to hide and obfuscate the true wealth of the Church, including its hundred billion dollar slush fund invested in the stock market. This deception spanned almost two decades, with the Church intentionally choosing to hide its true financial state to maintain the flow of tithing from its members.

Recognizing and Addressing the Toxic Trait

To begin addressing the issue of bad faith within the LDS community, it is essential to recognize the harmful impact of this behavior. Members should engage in self-reflection, examining their actions and beliefs to identify instances where they may have engaged in bad faith. Acknowledging this issue at an individual level is the first step towards creating a more honest and ethical culture within the Church.

Additionally, the LDS Church can play a crucial role in addressing this toxic trait by reevaluating its teachings and practices. Encouraging open dialogue and fostering a culture of transparency within the Church can help break the cycle of bad faith. Church leaders can also lead by example, demonstrating moral and ethical behavior in their actions and decisions.

Education and awareness campaigns can also contribute to addressing this issue. By promoting critical thinking and empathy, the LDS community can better understand the experiences of marginalized groups and work towards fostering a more inclusive environment. This can involve hosting workshops, lectures, and discussions that explore issues surrounding bad faith and its consequences.

Lastly, fostering relationships with other faith communities and organizations can help the LDS Church learn from their experiences and approaches. By engaging in interfaith dialogue and collaboration, the Church can gain valuable insights into how other religious groups address issues of bad faith and deception within their own communities.

Moving Forward

Recognizing and addressing the toxic trait of bad faith within the LDS Church is an essential step towards creating a more ethical and inclusive community. By examining the roots of this behavior, understanding its manifestations, and actively working to combat it, the Church and its members can pave the way for a more honest and transparent culture that values the well-being of all its members. This shift requires the concerted efforts of individuals, Church leadership, and the broader LDS community, but by working together, they can bring about meaningful and lasting change.