LDS church says Mormons should welcome arguments

Mormons are taught not to question their faith, and not to answer questions about their faith. In fact, in a lesson given by Robert Millet (see ), missionaries were warned that debating their faith was grounds for having their names blotted out! Though the church contradicts itself on the issue, the following quotes show that even according to LDS statements, Mormons should be willing to question and debate their faith:

• If a faith will not bear to be investigated; if its preachers and professors are afraid to have it examined, their foundation must be very weak.George Albert Smith (Journal of Discourses v14 p216)
• I think a full, free talk is frequently of great use; we want nothing secret nor underhanded, and for one I want no association with things that cannot be talked about and will not bear investigation.John Taylor (Journal of Discourses v20 p264)
• The Book of Mormon can and should be tested. It invites criticism.Hugh Nibley (An Approach to the Book of Mormon, p13, 1957)
• Take up the Bible, compare the religion of the Latter-day Saints with it, and see if it will stand the test.Brigham Young (Journal of Discourses v16 p46)
• Convince us of our errors of Doctrine, if we have any, by reason, by logical arguments, or by the Word of God and we will ever be grateful for the information and you will ever have the pleasing reflections that you have been instruments in the hands of God of redeeming your fellow beings.Orson Pratt (The Seer, p15)
• Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground.Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. (Doctrines of Salvation, p188)

Notes

These quotes were found at whatismormonism.com