Aw, crap! You're right! I had nothing to go on but a flimsy story about 11 men, and you threw it out the window! *sob* How could you!?!

Actually, you can come up with hypothetical situations to justify it, but in reality for these men, it would have been easier on their lives to deny it in many cases. In the early years, it was far easier to be a Mormon, and when they left the Church, they lost their positions of authority. Those who returned did so in spite of no reinstatement. They could have lived quiet lives apart from anything Church related and probably have been happier. If they had recanted, most would have lost nothing, and possibly gained something.

This site is obviously pro-Mormon, and therefore will provide a slanted view. But you would be impressed with Mormon academics--they are not simple, superficial, and dismissive of contrary evidence. Let me give an example: the Book of Mormon has been criticized due to the fact that we believe the Native Americans have Hebrew blood (a bit of an oversimplification, but to make it clear). A fellow named Rod Meldrum has set up seminars and websites devoted to his research that "proves" that Indian blood is indeed quite saturated with Hebrew genetics. And most LDS scholars reject his claims, in spite of how hunky dory and promising they might sound. They question his methodology, knowledge of the subject, and conclusions on that and a number of points, because they do not believe it holds up to scientific scrutiny.

There is in fact a surprising amount of tangible evidence that often is unconvincing to many outside the church, but is quite fascinating to members.

But in reality, I wish to make it clear. This thread is not a "convert OT.com to Mormonism" thread. This is an educational thread. I am not going to produce proof that the God or Christ or Joseph Smith or this church is real to you or anyone else. But to me, the belief I have does not rely on these 11 men you so easily and quickly dismissed without real thought or research of your own. The evidence I have I believe comes from a higher source. My testimony is based on far more evidence, both scientific and spiritual, than you give me credit for.