Survey To Evaluate False Doctrine Among Membership

[DBMormon]

This is a survey I created on my lunch break that while it would likely never be used could be to evaluate how aware members are of actual Doctrine and Church policy and History.  I would love input as to other questions that could be asked.  The questions are intended not to be critical and to be respectful of faith while evaluating awareness of truth among general membership.

 

1.) Joseph Smith likely translated the Book of Mormon from the metal plates
a - with the Nephite Interpreters or spectacles found with the plates
b - with a Seer Stone found before receiving the plates
c - likely a combination of these 2 methods

2.) What is LDS Doctrine on Evolution?
a - Evolution is false and it is not allowed to be taught at BYU
b - Evolution is true and is stated so as Doctrine and is taught as truth at BYU
c - The church has no official stance on Evolution and teaches the theory at BYU

3.) What is LDS Doctrine on the flood
a - It was a global flood that covered the whole earth
b - It was a local flood that only affected a local area where Noah lived
c - While taught as it is written, the Church has no official stance on how widespread was the flood

4.) What is the offiicial stance on How was Eve created?
a - Eve was made from one of Adam's Ribs
b - Eve was teleported to Earth from another planet's population
c - While we speak of her being made from a rib we acknowledge that this was symbolic  and figurative

5.) Why were Blacks not permitted the Priesthood prior to 1978
a - They had the Mark of Cain
b - There is no known Doctrine and any explanantion for why is opinion and not official or binding.
c - Brigham Young implemented the policy due to personally held Racist views.

6.) How old is the Earth in LDS Doctrine
a - Each dispensation represents 1,000 years so the Earth is between 6,000 and 7,000
b - The Earth is Millions and perhaps Billions of years old
c - While no official policy or Doctrine most leaders acknowledge in their personal views the Earth is in the millions or billions of years in age

7.) In LDS Doctrine where did the Book of Mormon take place
a - The Church takes no position on where Book of Mormon events took place
b - over all of the North and South America with Central America as the Narrow Neck of land
c - In the Great Lakes region
d - In Mesoamerica around Gutamala

8.) Tithing is defined in the Church as 10% of your income paid annually - the Church defines this as
a - 10% of your gross income
b - 10% of your net income
c - 10% of your surplus income
d - They restate the essence of 10% of income paid annually and add "No one is justified in making any other statement than this. We feel that every member of the Church should be entitled to make his own decision as to what he thinks he owes the Lord, and to make payment accordingly." hence leaving the decision between the member and the Lord.

9.) Word of Wisdom prohibits Tea, Coffee, and Alcohol being consumed along with Tobacco being used (smoked, dip, eaten all banned).  Which of these things are also prohibited
a - Rum cake made with real Rum
b - Beer battered onion rings
c - Soda Pop
d - None of the above are officially banned and each member should prayerfully consider if these and any others substance they take  violates the spirit of the law.  But in the end it is between the individual and the Lord

10.) In the Church we teach that we have a unpaid lay clergy.  What does this mean?
a - no one in the Church is paid as an employee
b - no ecclesasical leaders are paid but other Church employees such as office, maintence, IT, and janitorial people  are
c - While local leaders are unpaid, general leaders like Prophet, Apostle, Seventy are paid an modest income and other leaders such as Mission presidents get re-imbursements for come of their living expenses.

11 - Book of Abraham was translated with the involvement of some Egyptian papyri.  This papyri is  ________?
a -  Not the Book of Abraham at all and is instead a Standard Egyptian funeral document unconnected to Joseph's translation to the Book of Abraham
b - Is the original writings of Abraham by his own hand
c - makes up a very complex issue where we know it is in some way connected to the Book of Abraham, but at least parts of it are standard Egyptian funeral texts that seem unrelated.  We also don't have all the original papyri as some of it burned up in the Chicago Fire.  So While critics claim this translation doesn't fit and is a hoax, we claim all the facts are not present and may never be so we act in faith.
d - is a document that both Mormon and Egyptian non-mormon scholars alike agree is the writings of Abraham

12.) Polygamy was __________?
a - started by Joseph Smith as he married 2-3 women besides Emma
b - started by Brigham Young after Joseph's death wherein he married over 30 women
c - started by Joseph Smith wherein he married or was sealed to approximately 33 women while all parties were alive and included some of these women already being married at the time to other men.

13.)  Which statement most closely defines LDS Doctrine concerning obedience to Church leaders ?
a - We should follow the prophet and the other General Authorities in all that they ask us to do.  They speak the Mind and will of the Lord and when they speak the thinking has been done.  When speaking to the Church they do not error.
b - Same as (A) except we acknowledge they error at times but add Even if they are wrong we shall be blessed for following them and should do so anyways.
c - We understand that Leaders while called are not infallible and we should be in tune with the Holy Ghost to know when they are acting as prophet and when they are simply sharing opinion.  When we feel a contradiction between what they say and what we think and our belief does not violate Doctrine, we are to see an answer from the Lord on if the teaching is something we should follow.

14 .) Books written by General Authorities that are outside the LDS Canon (ex: Bruce R MCConkie's "Mormon Doctrine") are considered
a - Church puts it's official stamp of approval on them as Doctrinally sound and seen as inspired and trustworthy
b - Are not approved as Doctrinally correct and only represent the individual who wrote it and it's contents are that writer's sole responsibility.

Edited November 16, 2013 by DBMormon

[thesometimesaint]

This is a survey I created on my lunch break that while it would likely never be used could be to evaluate how aware members are of actual Doctrine and Church policy and History.  I would love input as to other questions that could be asked.  The questions are intended not to be critical and to be respectful of faith while evaluating awareness of truth among general membership.

 

1.) Joseph Smith likely translated the Book of Mormon from the metal plates

a - with the Nephite Interpreters or spectacles found with the plates

b - with a Seer Stone found before receiving the plates

c - likely a combination of these 2 methods

2.) What is LDS Doctrine on Evolution?

a - Evolution is false and it is not allowed to be taught at BYU

b - Evolution is true and is stated so as Doctrine and is taught as truth at BYU

c - The church has no official stance on Evolution and teaches the theory at BYU

3.) What is LDS Doctrine on the flood

a - It was a global flood that covered the whole earth

b - It was a local flood that only affected a local area where Noah lived

c - While taught as it is written, the Church has no official stance on how widespread was the flood

4.) What is the offiicial stance on How was Eve created?

a - Eve was made from one of Adam's Ribs

b - Eve was teleported to Earth from another planet's population

c - While we speak of her being made from a rib we acknowledge that this was symbolic  and figurative

5.) Why were Blacks not permitted the Priesthood prior to 1978

a - They had the Mark of Cain

b - There is no known Doctrine and any explanantion for why is opinion and not official or binding.

c - Brigham Young implemented the policy due to personally held Racist views.

6.) How old is the Earth in LDS Doctrine

a - Each dispensation represents 1,000 years so the Earth is between 6,000 and 7,000

b - The Earth is Millions and perhaps Billions of years old

c - While no official policy or Doctrine most leaders acknowledge in their personal views the Earth is in the millions or billions of years in age

7.) In Lds Doctrine where did the Book of Mormon take place

a - The Church takes no position on where Book of Mormon events took place

b - over all of the North and South America with Central America as the Narrow Neck of land

c - In the Great Lakes region

d - In Mesoamerica around Gutamala

8.) Tithing is defined in the Church as 10% of your income paid annually - the Church defines this as

a - 10% of your gross income

b - 10% of your net income

c - 10% of your surplus income

d - They restate the essence of 10% of income paid annually and add "No one is justified in making any other statement than this. We feel that every member of the Church should be entitled to make his own decision as to what he thinks he owes the Lord, and to make payment accordingly." hence leaving the decision between the member and the Lord.

9.) Word of Wisdom prohibits Tea, Coffee, and Alcohol being consumed along with Tobacco being used (smoked, dip, eaten all banned).  Which of these things are also prohibited

a - Rum cake made with real Rum

b - Beer battered onion rings

c - Soda Pop

d - None of the above are officially banned and each member should prayerfully consider if these and any others substance they take  violates the spirit of the law.  But in the end it is between the individual and the Lord

10.) In the Church we teach that we have a lay clergy.  What does this mean

a - no one in the Church is paid as an employee

b - no ecclesasical leaders are paid but other Church employees such as office, maintence, IT, and janitorial people  are

c - While local leaders are unpaid, general leaders like Prophet, Apostle, Seventy are paid an modest income and other leaders such as Mission presidents get re-imbursements for come of their living expenses.

11 - Book of Abraham was translated with the involvement of some Egyptian papyri.  This papyri is  ________?

a -  Not the Book of Abraham at all and is instead a Standard Egyptian funeral document unconnected to Joseph's translation to the Book of Abraham

b - Is the original writings of Abraham by his own hand

c - makes up a very complex issue where we know it is in some way connected to the Book of Abraham, but at least parts of it are standard Egyptian funeral texts that seem unrelated.  We also don't have all the original papyri as some of it burned up in the Chicago Fire.  So While critics claim this translation doesn't fit and is a hoax, we claim all the facts are not present and may never be so we act in faith.

d - is a document that both Mormon and Egyptian non-mormon scholars alike agree is the writings of Abraham

12.) Polygamy was __________?

a - started by Joseph Smith as he married 2-3 women besides Emma

b - started by Brigham Young after Joseph's death wherein he married over 30 women

c - started by Joseph Smith wehre in he married or sealed to approximately 33 women while all parties were alive and included some of the se women already being married at the time to other men.

13.)  Which statement mopst closely defines LDS Doctrine concerning obedience to Church leaders ?

a - We should follow the prophet and the other General Authorities in all that they ask us to do.  They speak the Mind and will of the Lord and when they speak the thinking has been done.  When speaking to the Church they do not error.

b - Same as (A) except we acknowledge they error at times but add Even if they are wrong we shall be blessed for following them and should do so anyways.

c - We understand that Leaders while called are not infalliable and we should be intune with the Holy Ghost to know when they are acting as prophet and when they are simply sharing opinion.  When we feel a contradiction between what they say and what we think and our belief does not violate Doctrine, we are to see an answer from the Lord on if the teaching is something we should follow.

14 .) Books written by General Authorities that are outside the LDS Canon (ex: Bruce R MCConkie's "Mormon Doctrine") are considered

a - Church puts it's official stamp of approval on them as Doctrinally sound and seen as inspired and trustworthy

b - Are not approved as Doctrinally correct and only represent the individual who wrote it and it's contents are that writer's sole responsibility.

 

1-a

2-c

3-c

4-c

5-b

6-c

7-a

8-d

9-d

10-c

11-c

12-c

13-c

14-b

 

The Church tries very hard not to be pharisaic in it teachings.

[DBMormon]

you put 1 -a  I have c listed as the correct answer.

please see http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/the-spectacles-the-stone-the-hat-and-the-book-a-twenty-first-century-believers-view-of-the-book-of-mormon-translation/

and Elder Nelson's comment at a Mission President Training Exercise along with several Ensign articles

[thesometimesaint]

you put 1 -a  I have c listed as the correct answer.

please see http://www.mormoninterpreter.com/the-spectacles-the-stone-the-hat-and-the-book-a-twenty-first-century-believers-view-of-the-book-of-mormon-translation/

and Elder Nelson's comment at a Mission President Training Exercise along with several Ensign articles

 

Standard LDS doctrine is that JS translated the plates by the power of God using the U&T found with the plates. The record is inconsistent on any other method.

[3DOP]

That's MY KIND of lunch break!

[strappinglad]

Not sure where Gutamala is ( #7) . There should be a #1 d . By the gift and power of God. #3 c ,if it is taught as written then that is quite 'official'.#8 , the Bishop gets to have input into your status as a tithe payer.

As for #5 . I know that a. was an official reason given 40+ years ago. And c. is at least partially correct due to his understanding at the time.

Edited November 16, 2013 by strappinglad

[thesometimesaint]

Not sure where Gutamala is ( #7) . There should be a #1 d . By the gift and power of God. #3 c ,if it is taught as written then that is quite 'official'.#8 , the Bishop gets to have input into your status as a tithe payer.

Guatemala is in central America. 

 

From the Encyclopedia of Mormonism.

 

THE GREAT FLOOD. The Old Testament records a flood that was just over fifteen cubits (sometimes assumed to be about twenty-six feet) deep and covered the entire landscape: "And all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered" (Gen. 7:19). Scientifically this account leaves many questions unanswered, especially how a measurable depth could cover mountains. Elder John A. Widtsoe, writing in 1943, offered this perspective: The fact remains that the exact nature of the flood is not known. We set up assumptions, based upon our best knowledge, but can go no further. We should remember that when inspired writers deal with historical incidents they relate that which they have seen or that which may have been told them, unless indeed the past is opened to them by revelation.

The details in the story of the flood are undoubtedly drawn from the experiences of the writer. Under a downpour of rain, likened to the opening of the heavens, a destructive torrent twenty-six feet deep or deeper would easily be formed. The writer of Genesis made a faithful report of the facts known to him concerning the flood. In other localities the depth of the water might have been more or less. In fact, the details of the flood are not known to us [Widtsoe, p. 127].

 

Your Bishop gets to record if you are full tithe payer of not, he doesn't get to decide what a full tithe is.

[strappinglad]

"Your Bishop gets to record if you are full tithe payer of not, he doesn't get to decide what a full tithe is."

Having input does not mean deciding. If I am a surgeon making $200K + a year and pay $1000 tithing, and claim to be a full tithe payer , at tithing settlement I'm sure there will be a conversation about what a tithe is.

As for the flood, there would be no need for an ark and a bunch of animals if all that was needed was to migrate to the Himalayas for a bit. Noah preached destruction for

a long time (100+ years?)Something bigger than a local flood was contemplated. Otherwise just gather your family and move East until you are out of Mesapotamia. ( Or West until you reach the Rockies if you are living in Missouri ).

[DBMormon]

Not sure where Gutamala is ( #7) . There should be a #1 d . By the gift and power of God. #3 c ,if it is taught as written then that is quite 'official'.#8 , the Bishop gets to have input into your status as a tithe payer.

As for #5 . I know that a. was an official reason given 40+ years ago. And c. is at least partially correct due to his understanding at the time.

 

Bishops do not have the right to define Doctrine on tithing any more then they can define any other Doctrine as binding on the Ward or Church.  They can through the spirit of discernment know if one is being honest in their answer to the question.  Those are two different things.

 

Also The question is meant to move beyond "gift and power" and see what members know about specifics. and to test if they are even aware of seer stones as such.

 

Officially we have not stated the pre 78' policy as racist and wrong.

Edited November 16, 2013 by DBMormon

[DBMormon]

Standard LDS doctrine is that JS translated the plates by the power of God using the U&T found with the plates. The record is inconsistent on any other method.

Standard  LDS Doctrine? no.  folklore yes.  It is not Doctrine that he only used the Nephite interpreters but rather Doctrine is "Gift and Power".  Specific mode past that is not Doctrine

[thesometimesaint]

"Your Bishop gets to record if you are full tithe payer of not, he doesn't get to decide what a full tithe is."

Having input does not mean deciding. If I am a surgeon making $200K + a year and pay $1000 tithing, and claim to be a full tithe payer , at tithing settlement I'm sure there will be a conversation about what a tithe is.

As for the flood, there would be no need for an ark and a bunch of animals if all that was needed was to migrate to the Himalayas for a bit. Noah preached destruction for

a long time (100+ years?)Something bigger than a local flood was contemplated. Otherwise just gather your family and move East until you are out of Mesapotamia. ( Or West until you reach the Rockies if you are living in Missouri ).

 

If that surgeon is plowing $200K back into his business then yes he could be considered a full tithe payer. We don't really ask to see their profit and loss claims on their tax documents.

 

The science just can't support anything other than a regional, albeit massive flood.

[Kenngo1969]

Ooooh, I just loove doctrinal "Gotcha Games" !

 

P.S. Your sample is likely to be skewed, as people who frequent sites like this are more apt to be aware of issues and nuances your "Doctrinal Gotcha Game" is intended to gauge.  And can I add a question to your survey: "How many of these questions implicate saving doctrine and ordinances?"  My answer: Few, if any.  Probably none.  Thanks fer playin'!

Edited November 16, 2013 by Kenngo1969

[strappinglad]

There is ' officially ' now and 'officially' back a few decades. Membership records of blacks used to be stamped " blood of Cain " .I wonder where that came from?

 

Standard  LDS Doctrine? no.  folklore yes.  It is not Doctrine that he only used the Nephite interpreters but rather Doctrine is "Gift and Power".  Specific mode past that is not Doctrine

 

And that is not one of your possible answers.  

[Kenngo1969]

He said, Burp!

Edited November 16, 2013 by Kenngo1969

[canard78]

Not sure where Gutamala is

For the other Americans without a passport on the thread, Guatemala is a large continent a little East of Africa.

[juliann]

This could be interesting.   But any test taker knows that the longer and more nuanced choice is likely the "right" one.  There needs to be as much effort put into describing all positions as there is in describing the "right" position.   Also, short blurts carry the risk of showing disrespect to those who do hold those opinions.

[canard78]

DB, I'd be very interested in the results of this.

I'm a full time, qualified, market researcher. I emailed you about FairMormonsupport today. If you seriously want to do this and comply with the Market Research Society Code of conduct then I'd be willing to help. It's the "mackay..." email address. Dehlin's survey was interesting but also a flawed methodology.

Some thoughts: just asking the question could introduce people to information they are unaware of and could cause the beginning of a faith crisis. I don't think it's fair to impose information like seer stones or 33 wives. Open questions, post coded would be better. You have to treat respondents with respect.

The prompted codes you offer make it pretty obvious what the "right" answer is. It would need rephrasing. Or, like I said, open questions.

[DBMormon]

This could be interesting.   But any test taker knows that the longer and more nuanced choice is likely the "right" one.  There needs to be as much effort put into describing all positions as there is in describing the "right" position.   Also, short blurts carry the risk of showing disrespect to those who do hold those opinions.

I agree and thought of that... but it was only a lunch hour. ;-)

[canard78]

Standard LDS doctrine is that JS translated the plates by the power of God using the U&T found with the plates. The record is inconsistent on any other method.

Standard LDS doctrine is wrong on this count. It isn't the first time.

[DBMormon]

DB, I'd be very interested in the results of this.

I'm a full time, qualified, market researcher. I emailed you about FairMormonsupport today. If you seriously want to do this and comply with the Market Research Society Code of conduct then I'd be willing to help. It's the "mackay..." email address. Dehlin's survey was interesting but also a flawed methodology.

Some thoughts: just asking the question could introduce people to information they are unaware of and could cause the beginning of a faith crisis. I don't think it's fair to impose information like seer stones or 33 wives. Open questions, post coded would be better. You have to treat respondents with respect.

The prompted codes you offer make it pretty obvious what the "right" answer is. It would need rephrasing. Or, like I said, open questions.

I didn't see your email.  but would love to talk about this and see what your thinking.

[strappinglad]

While we are getting picky , there are 8 out of the 14 questions to which the answer is arguably 'c' . Actually, in all fairness, you did well for a lunch hour compilation. Such a questionnaire ,with a few adjustments, may produce some enlightening outcomes. You might want to sneak in a MMM question as well.

[canard78]

I didn't see your email. but would love to talk about this and see what your thinking.

I'll message you again.

You replied suggesting I check my spam folder for the confirmation email.

[pogi]

It would be good to first answer the following question, which will undoubtedly cause many members to struggle -

 

What is "official" Church doctrine?

 

a- All words that proceed forth from a prophets mouth, all scripture, all General conference talks,  and all published literature by the church including Ensign, New Era, etc.

 

b - The scriptures only

 

c- http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/priesthood/prophets/doctrine.html

 

I am sure others will want to add to this list, which proves my point of the struggle in defining doctrine in the first place. 

Edited November 16, 2013 by pogi

[canard78]

While we are getting picky , there are 8 out of the 14 questions to which the answer is arguably 'c' . Actually, in all fairness, you did well for a lunch hour compilation. Such a questionnaire ,with a few adjustments, may produce some enlightening outcomes. You might want to sneak in a MMM question as well.

Good point. Any decent survey software would randomise the options.

I'm not sure Bill was trying to get actual answers on this board. Just feedback on the questions.

At least that's what I thought.

[juliann]

I agree and thought of that... but it was only a lunch hour. ;-)

 

Well, that is pretty darn good then!    I'd be interested in a sampling of what people believe about polygyny in heaven.  I think it has pulled back to "some" rather than all but I suspect there still are a majority of LDS who think 19th century  plural marriage is celestial marriage.  

Edited November 16, 2013 by juliann