The First Mormon Government: The Council of Fifty

desk with quill and paper

Before Joseph Smith ran for US president, he established an organization in Nauvoo to govern the temporal concerns of the Saints. He called the group “the Council of Fifty.”  I remember the first time I learned about Joseph Smith’s seer stones, polygamous relationships, and other uncomfortable tidbits of Mormon history. I… Continue reading

Changes in LDS Church Boy Scout Participation

two boys talking

The Church recently announced big changes in the activity programs for young men regarding participation in the Boy Scouts. Learn what those changes are and what they mean for the Church. On May 11, 2017, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant change in the activity programs for… Continue reading

The First Vision Goes Global

Want the whole story? Differing accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision are now available in 10 languages. Contrary to popular belief, the First Vision account included in the scriptures is not the only version available. At least four accounts were written by Joseph Smith or recorded at his request. Five more… Continue reading

Changing the Name of Mormon Insights

We are changing the name of our website, and we want your input! Help us choose a name by taking a quick survey. We, the Mormon Insights staff, have been working hard to change our name in order to follow President Nelson’s counsel. We want you to have a say… Continue reading

A Rejuvenated Young Women Program

The adjustments in 2019 to the Young Women theme, classes, and leadership practices were made to better serve “the one.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been actively updating its policies to help its members better meet the needs of “the one.” As a result of the… Continue reading

Face to Face with the Bednars

Elder and Sister Bednar tackle tough questions from young people worldwide about love, relationships, and what it means to be an Apostle today.   Have you ever wanted to sit down with someone who had the answers to all your questions and concerns? What would you ask an Apostle if… Continue reading

Instruments of Revelation: Translating the Book of Mormon

scriptures

The translation of the Book of Mormon was a miracle of modern revelation. When most of us hear the word translation, we think of bilingual dictionaries, conjugation charts, and Google Translate. If we need to verify that something is translated correctly, we might ask a native speaker or someone who… Continue reading

Its Truth Made Known to Me

cabin

I sometimes forget how real the faith of the early Latter-day Saints was. But as I visited Joseph and Emma Smith’s small home at the Priesthood Restoration Site, I was reminded of their sacrifices—and my testimony was strengthened. My parents wanted to go see the Priesthood Restoration Site near the… Continue reading