Welcome to But Few Are Chosen, a platform dedicated to fostering understanding, critical thinking, and compassion within the context of the LDS Church. Our mission is rooted in three core objectives: History. Critical Thinking. Compassion. These guide our commitment to providing support, knowledge, and empathy for individuals navigating the complexities of faith, belief, and community.
1. Unveiling the Layers of History:
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery within the framework of LDS Church history can be both enlightening and challenging. But Few Are Chosen aims to support Mormons seeking a deeper understanding of the historical narrative, doctrine, and theology of the LDS Church. By offering accurate information, we empower both active, believing members and investigators to make informed decisions about their involvement with the church.
2. Cultivating Critical Thinking:
Critical thinking is a cornerstone of informed decision-making and personal growth. On this platform, we delve into the principles of critical thinking, exploring why people hold certain beliefs, what prompts a change of mind, and why truth matters. We believe that fostering a culture of critical thinking is essential for individuals to navigate the complexities of faith, enabling them to make well-informed choices.
3. Navigating Faith Crises with Compassion:
Understanding and empathy form the foundation of compassion. But Few Are Chosen is dedicated to bridging the gap that often separates believers and nonbelievers or doubters within the LDS Church. We seek to provide insight into the experiences of those undergoing a faith crisis, fostering understanding among members and facilitating a more compassionate response to the challenges faced by those who no longer believe as they once did.
For those grappling with the dark night of the soul, our platform offers a lifeline of resources and support. We strive to create a space where members, questioning individuals, nonbelievers, and everyone in between can find solace, guidance, and understanding. Our commitment is to be a source of strength during moments of doubt, loneliness, and the search for belonging.
Our goal is to reach out to those on a similar path that we’ve experienced, assuring them they are not alone. By sharing personal narratives and insights, we hope to connect with individuals who have traversed similar journeys, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support.
The Writers Behind But Few Are Chosen
David Haws: Navigating the Wilderness of Faith
At the helm of But Few Are Chosen is David Haws, a writer, civil engineer, and seeker of truth. His journey is not just a personal one but a testament to the intricate interplay between identity, faith, and the pursuit of knowledge. Growing up in a deeply Mormon Orthodox household with roots tracing back to the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, David believed he was destined for a divine mission within the Church.
However, his path took an unexpected turn as he grappled with questions that emerged during his search for God's guidance. What started as a quest for a straightforward faith evolved into a complex exploration of church history, revelation, and the nature of truth. David's commitment to staying faithful while facing uncomfortable truths led him into the dark night of the soul, a journey he candidly shares on this platform and in the memoir “Many are Called, But Few are Chosen” (from which the website takes it’s name).
As an engineer, David approached church questions with analytical precision, focusing on facts universally acknowledged across diverse perspectives. Much of But Few Are Chosen is a reflection of David's years of research, laid bare to save others the arduous journey of diving into the vast mine of resources surrounding LDS Church history.
Beyond his role as the primary author of this website, David is also a fiction author, weaving tales across genres. By day, he navigates concrete jungles as a civil engineer; by night, he immerses himself in the world of storytelling.
Elisabeth Haws: The Silent Strength
Behind every great mind, there is often silent strength, and in the case of But Few Are Chosen, that strength is embodied by Elisabeth Haws. A Biochemistry graduate with a keen focus on science, Elisabeth is the backbone of the website, providing crucial feedback and occasionally contributing posts. Her journey alongside David during his faith crisis marked a pivotal moment for both of them.
Elisabeth's gift of listening and understanding became the lifeline David needed during a challenging period. As a stay-at-home mom raising three kids, she brings not only her scientific expertise but also a deep commitment to critical thinking. When faced with the revelations about LDS Church leaders' claims, Elisabeth embarked on her own journey of exploration, further enriching the perspectives shared on this platform.
While Elisabeth prefers to stay in the background, her insights guide the direction of the website, shaping post ideas and contributing to the overall depth and authenticity of But Few Are Chosen.
Join us on this exploration of history, critical thinking, and compassion. Together, we can build bridges, cultivate understanding, and create a more compassionate community within and without the LDS Church.
Acknowledging the Voices that Illuminate Our Path
While But Few Are Chosen is anchored by the narratives and insights of David and Elisabeth Haws, the richness of our content is indebted to the contributions and efforts of numerous individuals—past and present—whose dedication to preserving, understanding, and discussing LDS Church history has paved the way for our exploration.
Historians and Scholars:
Church Topic Essays: We extend our gratitude to the authors of the Church Topic Essays, whose exploration of important topics provides insight for some of our discussions.
BYU Studies: The scholarly contributions from BYU Studies have been helped in shaping our understanding of LDS Church history.
Joseph Smith Papers Project: The meticulous work of those involved in the Joseph Smith Papers Project has been a beacon, shedding light on key historical documents.
D. Michael Quinn, Mark Ashurst-McGee, Richard L. Bushman, Todd M. Compton, Brian Hales, B.H. Roberts, and Many, Many More: Renowned historians and scholars whose research has been a cornerstone for our exploration.
Church Publications:
LDS Ensign Magazine, LDS Website, and Scriptures: These official channels provide insights and perspectives that contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of LDS teachings and history.
Media and Podcasts:
Mormon Stories Podcast, CES Letter, Mormon Discussions Podcast, Radio Free Mormon, LDS Discussions Website, Lindsay Hansen Park (Year of Polygamy Podcast), Mormon Essays, Dialogue Journal, Sunstone Magazine, and Many, Many More: Podcasts, websites, and publications that have played a pivotal role in broadening our perspectives and fostering critical dialogue.
Community and Aggregators:
Church members and online communities: The engagement, discussions, and shared experiences within the broader LDS community are essential to the fabric of our platform.
We recognize that without the collective efforts of past historians, aggregators, podcasts, blogs, archives, and websites dedicated to studying LDS Church history, our mission would be significantly more challenging. To these unsung heroes, we extend our deepest appreciation for their tireless work in preserving and sharing the diverse narratives that shape our understanding of faith, history, and community.
