Addressing Attacks Against the LDS Faith: A Digital Age Perspective

The internet, much like any other platform for information dissemination, has not been immune to attacks against the LDS faith. Since its inception, there have been numerous challenges and criticisms directed at the Church. This trend is neither new nor surprising. It aligns with the prophetic teachings found in the LDS faith, which state that there would be opposition in all things.

God Promised Us Opposition in All Things

According to the teachings of the LDS faith, God promised that there would be opposition to His truths. This opposition is a necessary part of the spiritual journey, providing opportunities for individuals to choose good over evil. As such, the presence of attacks is not unexpected. In fact, it is a natural part of the ongoing narrative of the Church's growth and influence.

The Historical Context of Attacks

The roots of opposition against the LDS faith can be traced back to the very inception of the Church. Joseph Smith, then a teenager, shared his vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ with others, marking the beginning of the Church. From that moment onward, the Church faced relentless scrutiny and criticism. These attacks have persisted, evolving with the times, and the internet has provided a fertile breeding ground for such opposition.

The Internet: A Platform for Dissemination

The internet excels in the dispersion of information, but it does not create new information. What it does is enable the aggregation and sharing of existing content. Therefore, many of the attacks against the Church that exist online are simply replications of long-standing arguments and criticisms. This has led to a perception that the opposition is more significant than it truly is. For instance, a small number of vocal critics on platforms like Quora can create numerous anti-Church questions, giving the impression of widespread opposition. However, these same critics are often the ones who flood these platforms with more questions in an effort to dominate the conversation.

Legacy of Opposition

The opposition to the Church has been a continuous phenomenon, even before the advent of the internet. Books and writings have always existed to challenge the Church's teachings and history. However, the internet has facilitated the rapid and widespread dissemination of these challenges. The founding of the Church is approximately 200 years old, and the death of Joseph Smith also occurred over a century ago. Despite this, there are no definitive evidences that can unequivocally prove the Church false. Many individuals, however, are not inclined to seek out and verify these facts, allowing the spread of misinformation to continue.

Growth of Pro-Church Sites

Despite the ongoing opposition, there has been a significant growth in sites and individuals who are faithful to LDS teachings and provide solid answers. Websites like Saints Unscripted and Ward Radio are excellent examples of this. These platforms not only provide a counter-argument but also improve the quality and production value of content, making it more accessible and engaging to a wider audience. The increase in the prominence of these pro-Church sites is directly linked to their strategic positioning and content quality.

Conclusion: Haters Gonna Hate

It is important to recognize that the increasing prominence of pro-Church sites and individuals will not significantly impact the opposition. History demonstrates that those against the Church have continued to spread the same misinformation and false claims, often without being deterred by the lack of supporting evidence. The behavior of those who are against the Church is indicative of a broader narrative where facts and truth take a backseat to ideological opposition. In the words of a popular singer, ‘haters gonna hate.’ This has been a consistent pattern, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.