My friend and co-worker, Cal Grondahl, says there’s “grizzly bear” truth and “teddy bear” truth in Mormon history. Whether it’s the Prophet Joseph Smith, polygamy, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Brigham Young, temple ceremonies, etc., one can either grab a teddy bear or a grizzly bear when wanting answers. 
For a long time, teddy bear truth, which is designed to comfort people, was more prevalent than grizzly bear truth. But that’s changing now. The biggest reason is Mitt Romney’s run for the presidency; another is the LDS Church’s commendable efforts to make its appeal more diverse, with campaigns directed to single adults and families of color. But with more openness, and a Mormon who may occupy the White House in 2013, teddy bear answers on tough questions won’t cut it anymore.
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