Bias Tags | Mormonr

Statement on Bias tags

The information in the archival database is represented by records. A record represents a piece of data, such as a manuscript, article excerpt, or image. The originator of the relevant information contained in that data is called the source. For example, a record of a journal entry written by Joseph Smith about a particular event would reflect that Joseph Smith as the source of the relevant information about the event.

All sources are assigned a bias tag. These tags are meant to alert the reader to any potential bias the source may have as it relates to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bias tags provide additional context and transparency that is relevant to understanding a record as it pertain to Mormonism. However, we recognize that simply labeling someone with a tag cannot possibly represent all the nuanced views and gradients of a particular person, but the alternative is to have known potential biases remain undisclosed and opaque which we believe is counter to the goals of open research.

In many instances, a source can have more than one tag. For example, a source might be tagged both LDS and Critic. Other tags are mutually exclusive, such as LDS and Resigned.

The process for determining these biases is based on data available in the documentary record. Most of the sources in the database are no longer living, and affiliations with the Church are generally well documented and undisputed. However, many sources in the database are still living, so bias tags of living sources are based on public record and disclosures from the source about their affiliation.

Also note that these source bias tags are specific to the time of the record. For example, a statement from William E. McLellin before 1838 would have an LDS tag, but a statement after 1838 from him would have an excommunicated tag.

We encourage our readers to observe bias tags as contextual information rather than a rule for acceptance or dismissal of a information from a particular source.

The assignment of all bias tags are editorial decisions made by staff based on available data. Corrections should be emailed to archive@bhroberts.org.

Table of Bias Tags

Bias Tag	Definition	Comments
LDS	The source has disclosed that they are an adherent to the Church, or their adherence is a matter of public record.	This includes all different varieties of faith and orthodoxy.
Disaffected	The source has disclosed that they have disaffiliated from the Church, or their disaffiliation is a matter of public record, but they remain a member of the Church.	For example, a scholar that has publicly disclosed that they do not believe the truth claims of the Church and that they are no longer a practicing member.
Excommunicated	The source has disclosed that they have been excommunicated from the Church, or their excommunication is a matter of public record.
Resigned	The source has disclosed that they have resigned from the Church, or their resignation is a matter of public record.
Critic	The source engages in critiquing the Church at the time of the record.	For example, a journalist that frequently publishes negative articles about the Church, or an author that has published books criticizing the Church.
Non-LDS	The source is not and has never been a member of or an entity owned by the Church at the time of the record.	It is generally assumed that if there is no indication in the documentary record that the source is or has been affiliated with the Church, then they are assumed to be Non-LDS.
Ancient	The source is a figure from an ancient text and/or scripture at the time of the record.	For example, biblical prophets, apostles and ancient historians.
Unknown	There is no clear indication in the documentary record as to the affiliation of the source, and there is some question as to whether or not they are or have been affiliated with the Church.