I'm reading 'The Miracle of Forgiveness' so you don't have to: Introduction
*Trigger Warning*
This book contains pious, judgmental, homophobic, and sexist language. It references "causes" or "cures" for homosexuality and goes as far as to suggest that death is better than allowing yourself to be raped.
If you are struggling with any topic mentioned in these articles please remember that you will always be able to find a community out there that loves and appreciates you for who you are, regardless of your faith, gender, or sexual orientation. I would encourage anyone questioning their beliefs, or struggling with mental health issues to either reach out to someone they trust or go to https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org for further advice and support.
No matter what your current belief system is, if it is true it should be able to stand up to honest scrutiny. If you are questioning your faith this does not make you a bad person.
Introduction and Preface.
The Miracle of Forgiveness was written by Spencer W. Kimball while he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and it was published in 1969. It's The Miracle of Forgiveness was written by Spencer W. Kimball while he was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and it was published in 1969. Its apparent mission is to discuss repentance under the lens of the LDS theology. It attempts to address how/why we should all work to avoid "sins", and it outlines the steps needed for a transgressor to be truly repentant.
While the Church has distanced itself from this book and some of the messages it contains, it is important to understand that at the time it was published (and for several years later) church leaders touted it as a must-read book. In September 1988 Ezra Taft Benson stated “In clearing our channels and keeping them clear, we would admonish all of you to read and reread President Spencer W. Kimball’s book The Miracle of Forgiveness. The sooner you can read it, the greater blessing it will be for you”. Richard G Scott also mentioned this book in several talks calling it a “masterly work”, a “superb guide to forgiveness through repentance”, and that “it continues to help the faithful avoid the pitfalls of serious transgression. It likewise is an excellent handbook for those who have committed serious errors and want to find their way back”.
Although the book may contain views that the LDS church no longer endorses, they have never outright backtracked on what was said, they have not stopped selling this book at their various Deseret Industries locations, and the church still references parts of this book on their website (omitting some of the more grim passages). Evidently not wanting to admit/recognise how disturbing this book really is.
In the preface to his book Kimball advises "this book is not designed to entertain, but rather it has the serious purpose of presenting scriptures, experiences and exhortations with the hope that thereby many will be enticed to repent of their sins and indiscretions and set out to purify and perfect their lives". He goes on to explain that the book first came about because of his experience in dealing with "transgressors", and that his contact with delinquent children, those from broken homes, and his experience with apostate groups and corrupt governments made him realise that all of these "problems" were a result of sin.
Kimball goes on to explain that he wanted to "make a joyous affirmation that man can literally be transformed by his own repentance...it is far better to not have committed the sin; the way of the transgressor is hard; but recovery is possible". While this sentimentality may come across as a sincere belief that those not following God's will can be saved from damnation, and that this book acts out of love for God's people - you will see as the chapters unfold that there are many "transgressions" that have no basis in the real world. Homosexuality is not a sin. Being raped is not a sin. Consensual sex outside marriage is not a sin. The way that Kimball attempts to "save people" by degrading and judging them is not only wrong but completely destructive.
In his final reasoning for writing the book he quotes several scriptures, most notably he quotes a passage from the book of Mormon where he claims "like Jacob and Joseph" he is responsible to "take upon us the responsibility, answering the sins of the people upon our own heads if we did not teach them the word of God with all diligence; wherefore by labouring with out might their blood might not come upon our garments" (Jacob 1:19). He gives reference to other scriptures to back up the idea he has a responsibility to God, and to humanity to save people from themselves.
Interestingly, upon giving his reasoning for writing the book he concludes the preface by writing a disclaimer which absolves the church and its leaders for any errors which the book may contain and states that if the book (to any degree) assists those who are suffering the "baleful effects of sin" that he will consider its production justified.
I feel that Kimball's misguided attempts at leading people back to what he considers the right path are not only harmful but dangerous. It instils in people that things that are perfectly natural are an abomination, and can force people into a shame cycle so destructive it can lead to someone taking their own life.
As someone who has lived in that cycle, I know how hard it is to break free. While I am no longer a member of the LDS Church I hope that someday they will denounce these types of books for the demonstrably false teachings that they are.
