Let's Talk About Faith and History

by Matthew J. Grow

The doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is intertwined with its history. Our history shapes our collective identity as members of the Lord’s restored Church. It gives us examples of past disciples that can inspire us to move forward with faith, even in difficult times. Yet many Church members sometimes feel wary of talking about the past, worried that studying history will somehow lead to a faith crisis. These worries usually center on challenging subjects such as plural marriage or the racial priesthood and temple restriction.

In this book, Matthew J. Grow, historian and managing director of the Church History Department, draws on his expertise and personal experiences to address these concerns and explore the close relationship between faith and history. He first addresses the sacred purposes of history and then presents nine principles that can help Latter-day Saints more wisely and faithfully study the past, particularly difficult topics. After providing these insights, Grow then presents some stories from the past that highlight how history is not something to fear but to embrace—something that can teach us of God’s love and how to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Grow writes, “Working closely with Church history has built my faith in Jesus Christ, that He restored His Church and that He continues to lead His work on the earth.” The hope of this book is that Latter-day Saints can have the same experience— that we will become more confident in studying Church history and have a greater desire to look to our sacred past to bolster our faith and enhance our discipleship of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Religion, History

Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 2025

Reviews

[Stephanie Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Appreciated the comment to not visit the past as an ugly tourist. Had suggestions on how to recognize gold standard research useful for all historical events and discoverable ways to ask questions about the past.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated how the author provided general principles for approaching and reconciling church history.

[Drew Tschirki · Rating 2 out of 5]

The principles for understanding history he provides in chapter two are fine (read history in its own context, don’t impose presentist ideas and morals onto the past, etc) but it’s clear he is an apologist, and I’m not sure apology and critical historiography are compatible in any way whatsoever.

Well, to be clear, he does disavow critical historiography on page two. “In the hands of modern historical criticism, the founding stories of (religious traditions) have all been robbed of their miraculous elements.” This is simply not true and shows that he pits apology and critical thinking against each other. The joy, and struggle, of being a historian of religion in this post-modern age is considering new meanings or theories for where the divine is located within the world.

Whereas he could have engaged with critical theory more, he simply advocates for believing the words of those who have lived before and placing emphasis on faith and not doubt. He recalls McConkie’s call to “[get] in line and [believe] in a living, modern prophet” rather than raise questions over why changes occur (62). Yes, submission to prophetic authority is necessary for LDS members, but McConkie’s line was used in place of an apology for getting the priesthood ban wrong. How can one have faith in the leaders who got something so critical to salvation so incredibly wrong? Apparently just submit yourself and get in line!

Furthermore, he recalls Elder Holland’s plea to “hold fast to what knowledge you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes” but what about when that additional knowledge contradicts what you think you know? (65) That contradiction is, after all, why such a book as this needed to be written but rather than address “new knowledge” he argues we should basically only heed the “new knowledge” inasmuch as it aligns with old knowledge. Apologetics 101.

I only recommend if someone has never picked up a history book because the principles in chapter two are fine principles, but his arguments are often disappointing. I also recognize that I am coming from the background of being a scholar of religion, which is not the case for all.

[David J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Let's Talk series, and this may have been my favorite one. History is such an important part of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and reconciling faith with it is something that I've spent considerable time pondering. This book gave me wonderful insights, perspectives and suggestions. I highly recommend this read.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book does not set out to answer all the question we might have about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. However, it teaches some general principles about how we can look at our history (and all history) more realistically and still compassionately. Some of the insights I had already considered, some were new.

[Kristy W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. A great discussion of how to navigate complicated history with patience and faith.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great addition to the series.

[Clayton Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the theory of history won’t move or motivate us, specific stories of individuals following Jesus Christ in their lives can inform and inspire us.