Adventures of a Church Historian

Adventures of a Church Historian chronicles Leonard J. Arrington's experiences as the first professional historian to serve as official Church Historian for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The memoir covers his decade-long tenure in this role from 1972-1982, documenting his efforts to establish professional historical standards and practices within the church's historical department. Arrington recounts the challenges and tensions that arose as he worked to balance faith-promoting narratives with historical accuracy and scholarly rigor. His narrative includes the establishment of the History Division, relationships with church leadership, and the eventual transfer of the division to Brigham Young University. The book provides an inside view of Mormon institutional dynamics during a period of significant change in how the church approached its history. Through personal anecdotes and observations, Arrington reveals the complex interplay between religious authority and historical scholarship. This memoir raises fundamental questions about the relationship between faith and history, institutional control and academic freedom, and the role of professional historians in religious organizations. The text serves as both a historical document and a case study in navigating institutional and professional responsibilities.

Readers appreciate Arrington's honest account of navigating between Mormon faith and historical accuracy during his time as LDS Church Historian. The memoir provides an inside look at the challenges he faced with church leadership while trying to produce objective historical research. Readers highlight his balanced approach and willingness to discuss sensitive topics in Mormon history. Multiple reviews note his "diplomatic yet forthright" style in describing institutional resistance to historical transparency. Common criticisms include: - Too mild in criticizing church leaders who opposed his work - Some sections focus heavily on administrative details - Could have revealed more about internal church dynamics Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (177 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (31 ratings) One reader called it "a fascinating glimpse into the tension between faith and scholarship." Another noted it "helps explain why Mormon history remains controversial." Several reviewers mentioned Arrington's "grace under pressure" when dealing with opposition to his historical work.

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🔷 Leonard Arrington served as the first professional Church Historian for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1972 to 1982, revolutionizing how Mormon history was researched and written. 🔷 The book reveals how Arrington's team discovered and preserved thousands of pioneer diaries, letters, and documents that were previously unknown, stored in basement vaults of the church office building. 🔷 During his tenure, Arrington established the "New Mormon History" movement, which aimed to study Mormon history using professional historical methods while maintaining respect for faith. 🔷 The memoir describes tensions between scholarly historical research and church leadership concerns, ultimately leading to the transfer of the History Division from Church Headquarters to BYU in 1982. 🔷 The book details how Arrington's childhood on an Idaho farm during the Great Depression shaped his approach to history, as he learned to value both practical economics and spiritual matters.