The deliberate whitewashing of LDS teaching materials and instructional tools—most notably in the Saints series, where controversial or uncomfortable historical events are softened, omitted, or reframed—is now standard operating procedure. This selective retelling of history is reinforced by a broader culture of self-censorship among devoted members, where avoiding unapproved narratives is not only normalized but actively encouraged from the pulpit and in official publications.

Lesson curriculum is highly standardized, presented in predictable, uniform formats and scheduled in rigid cycles that leave little room for deviation. The structure is intentionally uncomplicated, ensuring that lay members can fulfill their teaching assignments with minimal independent thought, while remaining firmly within the sanctioned interpretive boundaries. This approach not only curtails meaningful inquiry but conditions members to operate entirely within pre-drawn lines, reinforcing institutional control over the faith’s collective narrative and doctrinal understanding.