Wow, I'm surprised that no one has started any groups for discussing LDS church history ... I wonder why this is, perhaps it is because it is viewed as boring -- or too controversial for some members ... hmmm ... ??

I would like to learn more about church history.

Thanks for starting one.

A lot of ppl I've met don't know a lot about LDS history, or won't believe some facts even if it's written in their seven volume HC. Some don't even know that Old Joe practiced plural marriages. No wonder if you look for information on the Church's website

There are different kinds of history about the church:

1. There is the George A. Smith/Joseph Fielding Smith/Boyd K. Packer history whose main goal is to promote faith (while sometimes distorting/altering the record).  This is the CES/Sunday school version of history
   
2. On the other end of the spectrum is the Eber Howe/Ed Decker history whose goal is to make money or satisy a vindetta (while distorting the record)
3. Somewhere in betweeen.  The ideal attempts to be true to the records, understanding there are contradictions, and being satisfied that not all questions may be answered.
   

I would like to consider myself falling into the catagory of the third group.  There is so many interesting things to be learned from our past, and some just have to be taken on faith!

I would split category 3 in two or even three sub categories:

• History written by open-minded scholars like Richard L Bushman, B H Roberts who try to conduct honest, balanced research, but show some respect for the faithful and remain loyal to their church
  
• Then you have closet doubters like D Michael Quinn, Grant H Palmer whose writings & unorthodox conclusions had brought them in some serious trouble with their church
• The last faction comprises former adherents who turned so-called anti or skeptic. I have in mind names like Dan Vogel, Fawn M Brodie...

Elder Oaks has a good article on reading/interpreting/teaching church history that was given to CES folk ~20 years ago.  I find it a good read.

want to learn the history with no one telling lies about it.

 Let us choice if we want to believe it or not.

Honest is the best way.