Tag Archives: Brigham Young

Idea that righteous parents can save wayward children a consistent doctrine in Mormon history

Although doctrines and decrees change in the LDS Church — think polygamy and blacks — one consistent teaching from the time of Joseph Smith to today is that the righteousness of parents can provide salvation to wayward (read: unrighteous) children. … Read More

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Elijah Ables, a black Mormon priesthood holder in the 19th century

(To see Cal Grondahl’s cartoon that goes with this post, click here). Elijah Ables is no stranger to Mormon history, although he’s virtually unknown to anyone who relies exclusively on LDS correlation. Ables was a black man who was ordained … Read More

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The first John D. Lee trial was waged in the court of public opinion

(To see Cal Grondahl’s cartoon that goes with this post, click here) In the Winter 2013 “Journal of Mormon History,” there’s an interesting article from Robert H. Briggs, a lawyer and historian from California. “A Seething Cauldron of Controversy: The First … Read More

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The three most significant changes within the LDS Church

It was a big year for Mormonism; it started with Mitt Romney moving away from the pack toward getting the GOP nomination for U.S. president and ended with some women wearing pants to Sunday church services to draw attention to … Read More

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Brigham Young biography portrays a great leader and an unpleasant man

(To see Cal Grondahl’s cartoon that goes with this post, click here.) Closing the book after reading, “Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet,” the new biography by George Mason University religious studies professor John G. Turner, published by Belknap Press of Harvard … Read More

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Grandstanding an exit from the Church?

Apparently a group of people recently quit the LDS Church. To bring attention to their “mass resignation event” (words of Heather May, Salt Lake Tribune) they chose to hike Ensign Peak. Coincidentally I can see this peak prominently from my office. “The … Read More

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Polygamy opponents were swept aside in Nauvoo turmoil after Joseph Smith’s death

(To see Cal Grondahl’s cartoon that goes with this post click here) The months in Nauvoo following the murder of the LDS Church founder Joseph Smith were not surprisingly, filled with turmoil and political intrigue. The recent publication of “The … Read More

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Lessons learned from Dan Savage’s rant

Sadly far too many voices telling people to quit judging, be more tolerant, and love more are the voices of individuals who judge the most, are the most intolerant, and full of hate. Dan Savage’s recent rant about the Bible … Read More

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Despite protests over the Pratt murder, Utah also allowed cuckolds to kill seducers

(To see Cal Grondahl’s cartoon that goes with this post, click here) The murder of Mormon apostle Parley P. Pratt, slain by the husband of a woman Pratt had taken as a plural wife, was national news in 1857. Most … Read More

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Do not stone living prophets

Graduate student Benjamin E. Park, recently blogged that “Mormons have yet to formulate a way to understand their doctrinal canon that acknowledges the messiness of the past. (See The Perils of an Open Canon.) He further writes: “While modern-day prophets … Read More

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