<\/p>\n
LDS in survey call for unvarnished history<\/strong>
\nEager to learn outside of church services, poll finds<\/p>\nBy Carrie A. Moore
\nDeseret Morning News<\/p>\nActive Latter-day Saints want their church to provide a “frank and honest” presentation of church history, unvarnished by attempts to sugar-coat the past in order to make it more palatable.<\/p>\n
That’s one finding to come from a new e-mail survey done by the family and church history department of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The survey targeted members who use the church’s resources to do family history and sought to determine how they engage with the faith’s past.<\/p>\n
Church history representative Rebecca Olpin told participants at the annual Mormon History Association meetings on Saturday that Latter-day Saints surveyed “want to be leveled with” when the church presents information about its past.<\/p>\n
“They want not just accounts of famous people, but of real people, people like them in history that grappled with challenges and trials and consequences. They want the real thing, with real-life consequences that happened to others to help them in their own lives.”<\/p>\n
When questioned about what officials with the church’s correlation department \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which edits all church materials \u00e2\u20ac\u201d think about those findings, Olpin said the request for honesty “is part of what members are asking for. We have a responsibility to share that in a way that correlation will agree with, so we understand that we have limits.<\/p>\n
“We also understand there is much we can share and better ways to do it within the context of what occurred.”<\/p>\n
Steve Olsen, associate managing director of family and church history, addressed questions by several who were concerned that the department’s new “purpose statement” \u00e2\u20ac\u201d which is in part “to help God’s children make and keep sacred covenants” \u00e2\u20ac\u201d may exclude them from access to documents.<\/p>\n
He said the new focus on active church members doesn’t mean researchers will be excluded, but that helping non-scholar Latter-day Saints understand their history will be the department’s primary mission.<\/p>\n
He pointed to the exhaustive research LDS historians have done on the Mountain Meadows Massacre as evidence that the church isn’t trying to hide its past, saying research materials gathered by the authors will be made available to scholars.<\/p>\n
But he cautioned that like other archives, “there are some restrictions on privacy and intellectual property” as well as on “sacred, private and institutional materials. That’s something we just won’t budge on, and those things will never be made public,” he said.<\/p>\n
Olpin said the survey also showed that respondents:<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Want to get their information about history from the church but “don’t want to hear it in Sunday School. They want Sunday activities to be devotional and inspirational.”<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Are eager to learn church history via the Internet, documentary-type films, restored LDS historical sites and books. She said nearly half of those surveyed had visited at least one LDS historical site. Nine in 10 said they watch church-produced films as a regular family activity.<\/p>\n
\u00e2\u20ac\u00a2 Get much of their information about the church’s past from historical fiction. When asked to respond to the statement, “I learned much of what I know about church history from ‘The Work and the Glory,”‘ (a fictional series of books and films about an early Latter-day Saint family and their trials) Olpin said almost half of the respondents answered “yes.”<\/p>\n
“We feel very much the weight of helping our members enjoy and love our rich history,” Olpin said. “We have a scriptural and institutional mandate to serve our members.” As a result, officials will add a new “customer service” focus to the church history department.<\/p>\n
“We need to provide the context for our members to enrich and strengthen their faith and enhance their doctrinal understanding.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Well. There’s a lot to discuss there. Not the least of which is the appropriateness of determining how Church history is taught as the result of a survey of the members. <\/p>\n
UPDATE: Someone who participated in the survey copied the questions and was kind enough to share them with me. Sorry the formatting is funky. The source indicated that she didn’t know what the numbers in parentheses after the items were for.<\/p>\n
Agree or disagree:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Church history products such as books, papers and movies (i.e.: the new movie on Joseph Smith) are not well publicized (6) <\/p>\n
I would access a Church history on-line library at least once a month to learn more about Church history (9) <\/p>\n
Church history needs to be more creative and entertaining for families (3) <\/p>\n
Visiting Church history sites creates a spiritual experience that strengthens testimonies (2) <\/p>\n
Some of Church history scares me (4) <\/p>\n
The primary focus of my life is simply dealing with all the obligations and trials that are coming at me day-to-day (10) <\/p>\n
Learning how members of the early Church faced their challenges helps and inspires me to better face mine (1) <\/p>\n
We can all learn Church history better when presented on a child\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s level (7) <\/p>\n
Church history needs more books, papers and electronic media on the role of women in Church history (8) <\/p>\n
The Church itself provides the most complete accounts of Church history (5)<\/p>\n
This question asked what activities I had done:<\/p>\n
Requested a copy of your or your ancestor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s patriarchal blessing (10) <\/p>\n
Watched a movie or TV special that involved Church history (2) <\/p>\n
Used JosephSmith.net or other Church history on-line product (11) <\/p>\n
Requested information from the Church Archives (6) <\/p>\n
Sought out information on the contemporary history of the Church in a developing area (8) <\/p>\n
Written (or helped write) a personal or family history (3) <\/p>\n
Looked up information on a Church historical site such as the Joseph Smith home in Nauvoo (5) <\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history (7) <\/p>\n
Learned something about the history of a temple (1) <\/p>\n
Taken a college or institute class in Church history (4) <\/p>\n
Researched a Church history topic that may be troubling, such as polygamy, or extension of the priesthood to all worthy males (<\/p>\n
Go through this list one more time and choose up to three activities from the list that you feel are most personally relevant and important to you.<\/p>\n
Select at least one but no more than 3 of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Looked up information on a Church historical site such as the Joseph Smith home in Nauvoo (5)<\/p>\n
Watched a movie or TV special that involved Church history (2)<\/p>\n
Researched a Church history topic that may be troubling, such as polygamy, or extension of the priesthood to all worthy males (9)<\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history (7)<\/p>\n
Used JosephSmith.net or other Church history on-line product (11)<\/p>\n
Sought out information on the contemporary history of the Church in a developing area (8)<\/p>\n
Written (or helped write) a personal or family history (3)<\/p>\n
Taken a college or institute class in Church history (4)<\/p>\n
Requested a copy of your or your ancestor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s patriarchal blessing (10)<\/p>\n
Requested information from the Church Archives (6)<\/p>\n
Learned something about the history of a temple (<\/p>\n
Next page, page before had asked me to choose the top three most relevant activities from the last page.
\nHow much did (or does) this activity help you to strengthen your testimony? (Options: Extremely helpful, Very helpful, Somewhat helpful, Not too helpful, Not at all helpful)<\/p>\nRate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Extremely helpful<\/p>\n
Very helpful<\/p>\n
Somewhat helpful<\/p>\n
Not too helpful<\/p>\n
Not at all helpful<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history (7) <\/p>\n
Researched a Church history topic that may be troubling, such as polygamy, or extension of the priesthood to all worthy males (9) <\/p>\n
Sought out information on the contemporary history of the Church in a developing area (8) <\/p>\n
After you have rated each item, click on the Submit<\/p>\n
How much did (does) this activity help you to better understand the scriptures? (Options: Extremely helpful, Very helpful, Somewhat helpful, Not too helpful, Not at all helpful)<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Extremely helpful<\/p>\n
Very helpful<\/p>\n
Somewhat helpful<\/p>\n
Not too helpful<\/p>\n
Not at all helpful<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Researched a Church history topic that may be troubling, such as polygamy, or extension of the priesthood to all worthy males (9) <\/p>\n
Sought out information on the contemporary history of the Church in a developing area (8) <\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history (7)<\/p>\n
Have you used the information or the experience from any one of these activities in a planned Church or family home evening lesson? Which ones? (Check as many as apply from your list)<\/p>\n
Select all that apply from the following… (You are not required to make a selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history (7)<\/p>\n
Researched a Church history topic that may be troubling, such as polygamy, or extension of the priesthood to all worthy males (9)<\/p>\n
Sought out information on the contemporary history of the Church in a developing area (8)<\/p>\n
After making your selections, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
Next page just asked me to select which one of them was most important to me, or relevant.<\/p>\n
Referring back to the question…<\/p>\n
Now, pick one activity from these that is most personally relevant and important to you:<\/p>\n
You Selected…<\/p>\n
Read a family history or personal history<\/p>\n
Please explain why this item is personally relevant and important to you. Type each thought in a text box. You may provide up to three answers but at least one answer is necessary to continue.<\/p>\n
Here are some statements that others have made about Church history. For each one, please indicate on the seven point scale whether you Strongly Agree (7); Neither Agree nor Disagree (4); or Strongly Disagree (1). You can use any point along the seven point scale. The higher the number, the more you agree with the statement.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
1 = Strongly Disagree<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4 = Neither Agree nor Disagree<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7 = Strongly Agree<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
We need more good educational entertainment for our children based on Church history (Church movies, story books, books on tape, etc.) (6) <\/p>\n
I would get more involved if Church history were more interactive where I can touch and feel the past (7) <\/p>\n
It bothers me that the Church doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t tell me the negative parts of our history (3) <\/p>\n
I wish there was an easily accessible and authoritative source that would separate fact from speculation on any true but troubling event in Church history (5) <\/p>\n
I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t know how much I want to know about some of the things in the past, like polygamy (4) <\/p>\n
I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t actively pursue a study of Church history because I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not a history buff (8) <\/p>\n
Because I often feel so overwhelmed by my inability to handle all that life sends my way, I don’t have time to study Church history (9) <\/p>\n
The early pioneers showed us how to live the gospel today (1) <\/p>\n
Temples symbolize the sacrifices of the pioneers (2)<\/p>\n
____-<\/p>\n
Here is a list of places out of Church history that some have visited while others have not. For each one, please indicate whether or not you personally have visited that site.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Never heard of this place<\/p>\n
Heard of but never visited<\/p>\n
Visited only once<\/p>\n
Visited more than once<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Sites along the Mormon Pioneer Trail (10) <\/p>\n
A Temple visitor center (2) <\/p>\n
Temple Square in Salt Lake City (11) <\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12) <\/p>\n
A pageant or similar program that focused on Church history events (5) <\/p>\n
The Hill Cumorah (7) <\/p>\n
The Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Vermont (1) <\/p>\n
A traveling exhibit of Church art and \/ or museum objects (4) <\/p>\n
The Sacred Grove (6) <\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3) <\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8) <\/p>\n
The city of Kirtland, Ohio (<\/p>\n
Go through this list one more time and choose up to three places from the list that you feel are most personally relevant and important to you whether you have visited the site or not. That is, the ones from the list that have especially touched your life.<\/p>\n
Select at least one but no more than 3 of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Sites along the Mormon Pioneer Trail (10)<\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8)<\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3)<\/p>\n
The Joseph Smith Birthplace Memorial in Vermont (1)<\/p>\n
The Sacred Grove (6)<\/p>\n
Temple Square in Salt Lake City (11)<\/p>\n
A pageant or similar program that focused on Church history events (5)<\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12)<\/p>\n
The city of Kirtland, Ohio (9)<\/p>\n
The Hill Cumorah (7)<\/p>\n
A traveling exhibit of Church art and \/ or museum objects (4)<\/p>\n
A Temple visitor center<\/p>\n
How much did this experience help you to strengthen your testimony?<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Extremely helpful<\/p>\n
Very helpful<\/p>\n
Somewhat helpful<\/p>\n
Not too helpful<\/p>\n
Not at all helpful<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12) <\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3) <\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8) <\/p>\n
After you have rated each item, click on the Submit<\/p>\n
How much did this experience help you to better understand the scriptures?<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Extremely helpful<\/p>\n
Very helpful<\/p>\n
Somewhat helpful<\/p>\n
Not too helpful<\/p>\n
Not at all helpful<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8) <\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3) <\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12<\/p>\n
Have you used the information or the experience from any one of these sites in a planned Church or family home evening lesson? Which ones?<\/p>\n
Select all that apply from the following… (You are not required to make a selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3)<\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12)<\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8)<\/p>\n
Now, pick one of these sites that is most personally relevant and important to you:<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois (8)<\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center (12)<\/p>\n
The Church History Library in Salt Lake City (3)<\/p>\n
After making your selection, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
Referring back to the question…<\/p>\n
Now, pick one of these sites that is most personally relevant and important to you:<\/p>\n
You Selected…<\/p>\n
A Church sponsored Family History Center<\/p>\n
Please explain why this site is most personally relevant and important to you. Type each thought in a text box. You may provide up to three answers but at least one answer is necessary to continue.<\/p>\n
Here is a list of possible sources for information on Church history topics. For each of these sources, please indicate how much you trust this source to provide complete information.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Completely Trustworthy<\/p>\n
Very Trustworthy<\/p>\n
Mostly Trustworthy<\/p>\n
Only Somewhat Trustworthy<\/p>\n
Not too Trustworthy<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Professional or academic history books, not sponsored by the Church, but written by Church members, such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5) <\/p>\n
The Official History of the Church in multiple volumes (9) <\/p>\n
Family History Library (7) <\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1) <\/p>\n
Books written by the General Authorities of the Church (3) <\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2) <\/p>\n
A Comprehensive History of the Church by B. H. Roberts in six volumes (10) <\/p>\n
Articles and books published by FARMS (12) <\/p>\n
Church approved curriculum manuals for Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood (6) <\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13) <\/p>\n
Articles on Church history printed by BYU Studies (11) <\/p>\n
Church History Library (8) <\/p>\n
Popularized historical fiction not sponsored by the Church, but written by Church members, such as The Work and The Glory (<\/p>\n
Looking at the list of information sources again, please select all the sources you have used to obtain information on Church history subjects?<\/p>\n
Select all that apply but at least one from the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1)<\/p>\n
Church approved curriculum manuals for Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood (6)<\/p>\n
Church History Library (8)<\/p>\n
A Comprehensive History of the Church by B. H. Roberts in six volumes (10)<\/p>\n
Professional or academic history books, not sponsored by the Church, but written by Church members, such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5)<\/p>\n
The Official History of the Church in multiple volumes (9)<\/p>\n
Books written by the General Authorities of the Church (3)<\/p>\n
Articles and books published by FARMS (12)<\/p>\n
Family History Library (7)<\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2)<\/p>\n
Popularized historical fiction not sponsored by the Church, but written by Church members, such as The Work and The Glory (4)<\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13)<\/p>\n
Articles on Church history printed by BYU Studies (11)<\/p>\n
None of the above<\/p>\n
After making your selections, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
For those sources you have used, please indicate whether the information was helpful or not.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Very helpful<\/p>\n
Somewhat helpful<\/p>\n
Not too helpful<\/p>\n
Not at all helpful<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13) <\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1) <\/p>\n
Family History Library (7) <\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2) <\/p>\n
Professional or academic history books, not sponsored by the Church, but written by Church members, such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5) <\/p>\n
Church History Library (8)<\/p>\n
The personality of Joseph Smith<\/p>\n
Please indicate which of the following information sources you would go to learn more about this topic: (check all that apply)<\/p>\n
Select all that apply but at least one from the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1)<\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2)<\/p>\n
Books written by the General Authorities of the Church (3)<\/p>\n
Popularized historical fiction not sponsored by the Church such as The Work and The Glory but written by Church members (4)<\/p>\n
Books not sponsored by the Church written by professional historians and academics such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5)<\/p>\n
Church approved curriculum manuals for Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood (6)<\/p>\n
Family History Library (7)<\/p>\n
Church History Library (8)<\/p>\n
The Official History of the Church in multiple volumes (9)<\/p>\n
A Comprehensive History of the Church by B. H. Roberts in six volumes (10)<\/p>\n
Articles on Church history printed by BYU Studies (11)<\/p>\n
Articles and books published by FARMS (12)<\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13)<\/p>\n
None of the above<\/p>\n
Consider the following topics:<\/p>\n
Polygamy<\/p>\n
Please indicate which of the following information sources you would go to learn more about this topic: (check all that apply)<\/p>\n
Select all that apply but at least one from the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1)<\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2)<\/p>\n
Books written by the General Authorities of the Church (3)<\/p>\n
Popularized historical fiction not sponsored by the Church such as The Work and The Glory but written by Church members (4)<\/p>\n
Books not sponsored by the Church written by professional historians and academics such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5)<\/p>\n
Church approved curriculum manuals for Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood (6)<\/p>\n
Family History Library (7)<\/p>\n
Church History Library (8)<\/p>\n
The Official History of the Church in multiple volumes (9)<\/p>\n
A Comprehensive History of the Church by B. H. Roberts in six volumes (10)<\/p>\n
Articles on Church history printed by BYU Studies (11)<\/p>\n
Articles and books published by FARMS (12)<\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13)<\/p>\n
None of the above<\/p>\n
After making your selections, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
The Mountain Meadows Massacre<\/p>\n
Please indicate which of the following information sources you would go to learn more about this topic: (check all that apply<\/p>\n
Select all that apply but at least one from the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
LDS Church sponsored Internet sites (1)<\/p>\n
Non Church sponsored Internet sites on LDS topics (2)<\/p>\n
Books written by the General Authorities of the Church (3)<\/p>\n
Popularized historical fiction not sponsored by the Church such as The Work and The Glory but written by Church members (4)<\/p>\n
Books not sponsored by the Church written by professional historians and academics such as Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (5)<\/p>\n
Church approved curriculum manuals for Sunday School, Relief Society and Priesthood (6)<\/p>\n
Family History Library (7)<\/p>\n
Church History Library (8)<\/p>\n
The Official History of the Church in multiple volumes (9)<\/p>\n
A Comprehensive History of the Church by B. H. Roberts in six volumes (10)<\/p>\n
Articles on Church history printed by BYU Studies (11)<\/p>\n
Articles and books published by FARMS (12)<\/p>\n
Church history articles in the Ensign (13)<\/p>\n
None of the above<\/p>\n
After making your selections, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
Here are some statements that others have made about Church history. For each one, please indicate on the seven point scale whether you Strongly Agree (7); Neither Agree nor Disagree (4); or Strongly Disagree (1). You can use any point along the seven point scale. The higher the number, the more you agree with the statement.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
1 = Strongly Disagree<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4 = Neither Agree nor Disagree<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7 = Strongly Agree<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
With missionaries in all parts of the world, Church history should focus much more on how the Church is influencing the world today (5) <\/p>\n
I struggle with having a personal relationship with God. (10) <\/p>\n
I would rather hear the real stories from the past, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153warts\u00e2\u20ac\u009d and all, told by the Church (4) <\/p>\n
I believe there are a lot of Church history products available but I am not aware of them (6) <\/p>\n
I want my children to feel the same spiritual connection to the Lord\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s work that I do (7) <\/p>\n
I would be more motivated to learn about Church history if the Church provided virtual tours of Nauvoo and all the places where we can\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t physically go (8) <\/p>\n
I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t actively pursue a study of Church history because I have other pressing responsibilities (9) <\/p>\n
I desire a deeper spiritual connection to the people, places and events that made the Church what it is today (1) <\/p>\n
Church history comes to life when it is presented in true stories about real people (2) <\/p>\n
It bothers me that sometimes my non-LDS friends bring out the negative and controversial things in our Church history and they know more about them than I do (3) <\/p>\n
After you have rated each item, click on the Submit<\/p>\n
The following is a description of a new, Internet based program the Church is considering:<\/p>\n
“The Church History Digital Library is dedicated to making the most valuable text, audio and video content more readily available through the Internet to the world-wide LDS members. It will enable people to discover and share the breadth and depth of Church history and its relevance in their personal lives.”<\/p>\n
Based on what you have just read, how likely would you be to use an Internet based, interactive, electronic Church history library?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Very Likely (1)<\/p>\n
Somewhat Likely (2)<\/p>\n
Neither Likey nor Unlikely (3)<\/p>\n
Somewhat Unlikely (4)<\/p>\n
Very Unlikely (5<\/p>\n
Here is a list of the kinds of material that might be available through the Internet-based electronic library. For each one, please indicate how interested you would be in using that part of the library.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
Very Interested<\/p>\n
Somewhat Interested<\/p>\n
Neither<\/p>\n
Somewhat Uninterested<\/p>\n
Very Uninterested<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Talks & discourses (12) <\/p>\n
Virtual tours of important Church sites (2) <\/p>\n
Histories of the LDS Church in other countries (7) <\/p>\n
Church ward, stake or other organization histories (8) <\/p>\n
Drawings and paintings from LDS artists (3) <\/p>\n
Historical periodicals and newspapers (9) <\/p>\n
Church DVD\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, audio tapes (1) <\/p>\n
Photographs (10) <\/p>\n
Personal journals and diaries of Church members (5) <\/p>\n
Historical books and lesson manuals (11) <\/p>\n
Historical maps (6) <\/p>\n
Personal journals and diaries of Church leaders (4)<\/p>\n
Here are some statements that others have made about Church history. For each one, please indicate on the seven point scale whether you Strongly Agree (7); Neither Agree nor Disagree (4); or Strongly Disagree (1). You can use any point along the seven point scale. The higher the number, the more you agree with the statement.<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7<\/p>\n
1 = Strongly Disagree<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4 = Neither Agree nor Disagree<\/p>\n
5<\/p>\n
6<\/p>\n
7 = Strongly Agree<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
The controversial issues in the Church shouldn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t be part of regular Church lessons but should be available for those who want more information (4) <\/p>\n
Hearing experiences of faithful women in our history helps me feel like I\u00e2\u20ac\u2122m not alone in the challenges that I face (7) <\/p>\n
I struggle with feeling that I have self worth (10) <\/p>\n
I can learn more about Church history reading historical fiction like The Work and the Glory than by studying official Church sources for many years (2) <\/p>\n
I mostly rely on Sunday School lessons to hit the important parts of Church history (9) <\/p>\n
Church leaders and strong members of the Church become more real when we are able to see their weaknesses (3) <\/p>\n
It bothers me that Church history focuses mostly on the time period from the first vision to the Saints settling in Utah when our hisory is made everyday all over the world (5) <\/p>\n
Church history would be more entertaining if the website showed Church history programs and\/or movies to make stories come alive (8) <\/p>\n
Church history links you into a chain of past events even if you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re not part of a pioneer family (1) <\/p>\n
The products available to use about Church History are interesting and helpful (6) <\/p>\n
I struggle with the feeling that there is a place where I really belong (11)<\/p>\n
Do you believe the Church has the responsibility to preserve your personal and family records (ie. Family histories that you write or put together) as part of the official Church archives?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes (1)<\/p>\n
No (2)<\/p>\n
Don`t Know<\/p>\n
Which of the following methods of distributing Church history information would you prefer to use when searching for information related to Church history?<\/p>\n
Select all that apply from the following… (You are not required to make a selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
The Internet (1)<\/p>\n
Documents in a non LDS history library or museum (6)<\/p>\n
Movies in the theater or on television (2)<\/p>\n
CD\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s, DVD\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s and \/ or tapes on Church history (3)<\/p>\n
Documents in the Church History Library or Church museum (5)<\/p>\n
Books and printed materials (4)<\/p>\n
Below are listed some ideas for new Church history products. For each one please indicate how likely you would be to use this product if it were available?<\/p>\n
Rate Scale:<\/p>\n
1<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
3<\/p>\n
4<\/p>\n
Very likely<\/p>\n
Somewhat likely<\/p>\n
Not very likely<\/p>\n
Not likely at all<\/p>\n
Rate Items:<\/p>\n
Rate Item Rate Scale<\/p>\n
Online tour of the original Book of Mormon, manuscripts and journals of Joseph Smith and other early leaders of the Church (6) <\/p>\n
A database where Priesthood, RS, YM\/YW\/Primary leaders could go to learn what others are doing successfully (1) <\/p>\n
Training materials for how to preserve records at home or at the ward and stake level (4) <\/p>\n
User-friendly way to create and submit Annual Histories of stakes, wards or branches (7) <\/p>\n
New local historic sites or markers, where wards and stakes can present their role in Church History, such as a marker where a country was dedicated for missionary work or a building where first converts met (2) <\/p>\n
Publication of original Relief Society minutes, written by Eliza R. Snow capturing Joseph Smith\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s teachings to women (5) <\/p>\n
Websites telling the story of the organization of the Church in countries around the world (3<\/p>\n
Can you suggest other products or services dealing with Church history that you might like to have from the Church?<\/p>\n
The following series of questions are for demographic purposes only:<\/p>\n
Do you work outside of the home?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes – full time (1)<\/p>\n
Yes – part time (2)<\/p>\n
No – do not work outside of the home (3)<\/p>\n
Are you a full or part time Church employee?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes (1)<\/p>\n
No (2)<\/p>\n
After making your selection, click on the Submit button to continue.<\/p>\n
Do you have a home based business?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes (1)<\/p>\n
No (2)<\/p>\n
What is your marital status?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Married (1)<\/p>\n
Single, never married (2)<\/p>\n
Divorced (3)<\/p>\n
Separated (4)<\/p>\n
Widowed (5)<\/p>\n
Are (were) you married to a member or non-member of the LDS Church?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Member (1)<\/p>\n
Non-member (2<\/p>\n
Was your marriage performed \/ sealed in the Temple?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Temple Marriage (1)<\/p>\n
Non-temple Marriage (2<\/p>\n
Do you have children under 18 still living in your home?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes (1)<\/p>\n
No (2<\/p>\n
Please check the highest level of formal education that you have received:<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Less than high school graduate (1)<\/p>\n
High school graduate (2)<\/p>\n
Some college or vocational school following high school (3)<\/p>\n
Four year College graduate (4)<\/p>\n
Some post college graduate work (5)<\/p>\n
Post college graduate degree (such as a law degree or Master\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s or Doctor\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s degree) (6)<\/p>\n
After making your selection, click on the Submit<\/p>\n
In an average week approximately how many hours do you spend in Church meetings or service?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
1-2 (1)<\/p>\n
3-4 (2)<\/p>\n
5-9 (3)<\/p>\n
10-14 (4)<\/p>\n
15-19 (5)<\/p>\n
20 or more (6)<\/p>\n
None<\/p>\n
Would you be willing to participate in other studies similar to this one that may be done in the future?<\/p>\n
Select one of the following… (You must make at least one selection to continue.)<\/p>\n
Yes (1)<\/p>\n
No (2<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-corn"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3876\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/timesandseasons.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}