The history of Mormons (AFTER Joseph Smith)

Summary

This video explores the evolution of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints after its founder, Joseph Smith, through the leadership of 16 prophets. It delves into significant historical moments, such as Brigham Young's polygamy advocacy, racial policies, and the eventual lifting of restrictions on black members by Spencer W. Kimball in 1978. The narrative highlights the church's transformation from a persecuted sect to a modern, international organization, addressing controversies and adapting to societal changes while maintaining a hierarchical structure with the prophet at its apex.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the cultural fascination with Mormons and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• 🔍 It critiques the common narrative that oversimplifies Mormonism's origins to Joseph Smith's story and the Golden Plates.
• 👤 The focus shifts to the 16 men who served as prophets after Joseph Smith's death in 1844, highlighting their impact on the church and its doctrines.
• 🏛 Brigham Young, the second prophet, is noted for leading the Mormons to Utah, establishing Salt Lake City, and introducing polygamy as a public practice.
• 🚫 The church's polygamy practice led to significant conflict with the U.S. government, culminating in the 'Utah War' and legal challenges.
• 📜 Wilford Woodruff, the fourth prophet, ended the church's polygamy practice with a revelation, helping to normalize relations with the U.S. government.
• 💼 Lorenzo Snow introduced the practice of tithing, requiring Mormons to give 10% of their income to the church, significantly increasing its financial resources.
• 🌍 Heber J. Grant modernized the church, increasing its membership, and expanding its charitable and humanitarian efforts.
• 🏢 The church's international growth is attributed to the construction of temples worldwide, allowing for a more global Mormon community.
• 🖋 Spencer W. Kimball addressed the church's racial policies, granting full membership rights to black members, a significant change in the late 20th century.

Q & A

Why is there a cultural fixation on Mormons?

The cultural fixation on Mormons is due to the unique and distinctly American nature of their religion, which often feels elusive to non-Mormons. This intrigue is further fueled by the numerous media representations such as Broadway musicals, TV shows, podcasts, and YouTube videos that explore various aspects of Mormonism.

What is the traditional summary of the origins of Mormonism?

The traditional summary of Mormonism's origins involves Joseph Smith, who claimed to have received golden plates from an angel. These plates led to the creation of a new form of Christianity known as Mormonism. Smith's story and the golden plates are central to the faith, as they form the basis for the Book of Mormon.

How is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized after Joseph Smith?

Following Joseph Smith's death, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is organized hierarchically with a living Prophet serving as the president of the church, supported by a structure of underlings. The prophet is considered to have direct communication with God, similar to Joseph Smith's role with the golden plates.

Why is the title of 'President' significant in the Mormon Church?

The title of 'President' is significant because it reflects the church's structure, with the living prophet also serving as the president of the church. This title emphasizes the prophet's role as the leader and the one who communicates God's will to the church, much like Joseph Smith did.

What was Brigham Young's role in the early history of the Mormon Church?

Brigham Young, a carpenter from New York, became the second prophet of the Mormon Church after Joseph Smith's death. He is known for leading the Mormons on a trek from the Midwest to the Utah desert, where he established Salt Lake City and served as the effective architect of a thriving American colony.

Why did the practice of polygamy become controversial within the Mormon Church?

Polygamy became controversial because it was seen as a perversion of sexual norms and was considered repulsive by the wider American society. The practice led to the church being unpopular and faced opposition, including legal challenges and social ostracization.

How did the Utah War impact the Mormon Church?

The Utah War, or the Morman War, was a period of tension between the Mormon settlers in Utah and the U.S. government, which was concerned about the church's practices, particularly polygamy. The conflict led to Brigham Young stepping down as governor and the establishment of a non-Mormon governor, as well as the presence of the U.S. Army near Salt Lake City.

What was the significance of Wilford Woodruff's leadership in the Mormon Church?

Wilford Woodruff's leadership was significant as he announced the end of polygamy within the church, a move that helped alleviate tensions with the U.S. government and allowed Utah to become a state. He also rejected the idea of a Mormon theocracy and focused on church growth and stability.

Why was the introduction of tithing by Lorenzo Snow important for the LDS Church?

Lorenzo Snow's introduction of tithing was crucial as it provided a significant financial boost to the church, allowing it to pay off debts and expand its operations. This financial stability enabled the church to enter the 20th century with a stronger foundation and the ability to support its growing membership.

How did the church's stance on race relations change under Spencer W. Kimball?

Under Spencer W. Kimball's leadership, the church addressed its racial policies by ending the ban on full rights for black members in 1978. This change was prompted by societal pressures, internal church discussions, and a desire to expand the church's global appeal, and it marked a significant shift in the church's approach to race relations.