In a day of misinformation campaigns and the overwhelming use of free speech, we need help knowing what is really true. The misinformation and contradictory free speech does more harm to truth today than the burning of books did in the past. No one could erase the truth by burning the books because it always came back in the books that were missed or from the memories of those who knew the books. Misinformation and contradictory free speech replaces truth and creates confusion about what and who to believe. Whether intentional or misinformed, efforts to destroy or distort truth will never completely succeed.
Jeremiah, the Prophet
Jeremiah, the prophet who lived in Judah during the reign of Jehoiakim, the son of Josiah, and continued when Zedekiah was made king, prophesied much about what was to happen to Judah and its leaders. When imprisoned because of his prophesies, Jeremiah had Baruch write down his prophecies and read them to the religious leaders. When the prophecies were taken to Jehoiakim, he read a few sheets and had the entire set of sheets burned. Later, Jeremiah gave the same prophecies and more to Baruch. What Jeremiah prophesied all happened just like he said they would. The truth that comes from God will always be fulfilled and will continue to be given to the people of the world as instruction and warning.
Joseph Smith Jr, the Prophet
In our time, the words that come from God, the truth, the fullness of the Doctrine of Jesus Christ, cause many people to reject and attempt to ignore, discredit, or dispute them. In 1842, the prophet of the LORD, Joseph Smith Jr. declared, “The standard of truth has been erected. No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”
Truth Will Endure
No form of “burning the truth” will succeed.