This hymn parody highlights the fact that after completing my independent research, I came to the conclusion that Mormonism was simply created by Joseph Smith, and that none of it is actually true. It was all made up by Joseph Smith from his imagination, plagiarization, and input from some others (like Sydney Ridgon). I think it's possible that he saw it as a good way to make money and gain power over people.
Indeed, as the picture states, he was two-faced - presenting himself one way to the "Saints," and yet he was an entirely different person privately, and in reality. Since history shows that Joseph Smith was a shyster, charlatan, swindler and con artist, with a history of treasure-seeking and at least 7 arrests, it isn't hard to imagine him as such. Of course, my opinion of his character is backed up by what I discovered about the origins of Mormonism, including the Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham, the practice of Polygamy and Polyandry, the truth behind the supposed martyrdom since Joseph Smith was actually a criminal and not a martyr at all, etc. (more on all of this in other places on this blog and in my book, also posted on this blog). And unlike many Mormons, I do not buy the explanation ala Rough Stone Rolling that Joseph Smith as a Prophet but also a flawed man. To me, these concepts are mutually exclusive.
My point in writing this hymn parody is my firm belief that it is completely inadvisable for people to believe things without doing their own independent research. Simply believing what others tell you to believe is relegating all of your power to someone else, and giving up your own power completely. I mean, would you buy a car without researching its history? Without examine its tires, interior and body? Without having a mechanic look under the hood? Without having the engine checked out and analyzed? No, you would carefully consider such an important purchase. So why is the acceptance of a religion given less thought than the purchase of an automobile? Blind faith. It's one thing if there is no actual evidence for or against a religion, but when there is a mountain of evidence against its validity, then it's not faith anymore but rather denial.
DEAREST MORMONS, DON'T BELIEVE IT
Sung to the tune Dearest Children, God is Near You, #96
Dearest Mormons, don’t believe it,
Mormon doctrine is a myth.
Mormon scriptures were invented,
By a man named Joseph Smith.
He’s a shyster, he’s a shyster,
Please don’t put your trust in him.
Mormon doctrine is a myth.
Mormon scriptures were invented,
By a man named Joseph Smith.
He’s a shyster, he’s a shyster,
Please don’t put your trust in him.
Dearest Mormons, it’s malarkey,
None of it makes any sense.
It’s not true, that is apparent,
Deceptive swindle so immense.
It’s a rip-off, it’s a rip-off,
Don’t believe a word they say.
All the Mormons, true believers,
Just believe, don’t question it.
Just believe because they say so,
But that just isn’t wise, a bit.
Simply question, simply question,
Blind acceptance makes no sense.
Mormons, don’t you know it’s drivel?
What they tell you to accept.
Tell them reason and your judgment
In the background can’t be swept.
Please do research, please do research,
For the truth, just Google it.
© Diane Tingen, 6/7/2011
