What is this project?

Journal of Discords is an educational and documentary project that examines historical teachings from the Journal of Discourses (1854-1886), a 26-volume collection of sermons by early leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We document statements that have been scientifically falsified, doctrinally disavowed, self-contradicting, or represent failed prophecies—and transform these findings into historically accurate songs that let the prophets speak for themselves.

Is this anti-Mormon?

This project is not about attacking individuals or their faith. It is about historical accuracy and accountability.

We use primary sources exclusively, cite everything meticulously, acknowledge charitable interpretations, and address apologetic responses. We hold prophets to the standards they set for themselves.

Many members and former members find value in understanding what was actually taught. The LDS Church itself has acknowledged some of these issues in its Gospel Topics essays.

If documenting what prophets said in their own words, from church-published sources, is “anti-Mormon”—that raises its own questions.

How can I verify the sources?

Every quotation traces to a specific Journal of Discourses volume and page number. The JoD is in the public domain and freely accessible:

We encourage you to read the full sermons, not just our excerpts. See our Sources page for more details.

Why songs?

Songs reach people in ways that academic papers don’t. They’re memorable, shareable, and emotionally resonant.

More importantly, we’re using the prophets’ own words. When Brigham Young said “death on the spot” for interracial marriage, or John Taylor said polygamy could never be “toned down”—those phrases have a natural rhythm and weight. Putting them to music honors that weight.

Each song includes complete documentation so listeners can verify every claim.

Isn’t this just quote mining?

Quote mining means taking words out of context to change their meaning. We do the opposite:

  1. Full context provided — We explain the setting, audience, and circumstances
  2. Charitable reading first — We acknowledge reasonable interpretations
  3. Apologetic responses addressed — We steel-man the defenses before showing why they fail
  4. Complete sermons accessible — We link to sources so you can read everything

If reading the full context makes the quotes look worse, that’s not quote mining—that’s the source material.

Who created this?

This is an independent project with no institutional affiliation. We are not associated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, any ex-Mormon organization, or any religious group.

Our methodology and sources are transparent. Judge the work on its merits.

Can I use this material?

The Journal of Discourses is in the public domain. Our original analysis and creative works are provided for educational purposes.

If you use our material, please:

  • Verify the sources yourself
  • Cite appropriately
  • Maintain the same commitment to accuracy

I found an error. What should I do?

Please let us know. We are committed to accuracy and will correct any documented errors.

Open an issue on our GitHub repository with:

  • The specific claim you believe is incorrect
  • The source that contradicts it
  • Your suggested correction

We take corrections seriously.

Why does this matter?

For over a century, the LDS Church taught doctrines about race, marriage, and salvation that shaped millions of lives. These teachings influenced who people could marry, whether families could be sealed together, and what was required for exaltation.

When an institution claims prophetic authority—the ability to speak for God—and then quietly walks away from teachings that were presented as eternal truth, there’s a responsibility to acknowledge what happened.

This project creates a historical record so that these teachings are not forgotten or minimized. The people who were harmed by these doctrines deserve that much.

“The remedy can never be applied, unless the disease is known.” — Nauvoo Expositor, June 7, 1844