Be Aware

This post is off the cuff so pardon me for not delivering it in a very articulate manner....Not many members know that Joseph did the majority of his translating of the BOM via a seer stone in a hat.  Sometimes learning about church history facts such as this can be bothersome to one's testimony, and understandably so.  If your understanding of the translation process is as depicted in the majority of Church art, you are fairly incorrect. 

As a seminary teacher and one who is very aware of church history warts (or potential warts) I try to teach in such a way that the students become aware of these things in a normal, comfortable manner.  Last week I taught the translation process and no one batted an eye when I mentioned the above translation fact.  Now, if someone tries to blindside them in the future this fact in a faith discouraging manner, they will already know and be prepared.  While working on one of next week's lessons, I came across the following verse that never stood out to me like it did today and relates well to this issue.  

D&C 38:30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear. 

I feel bad for those whose church history learning was out of sync and created some cognitive dissonance for them when the more accurate information was learned.  I know I've been there a time or two.