Mormon Reformation

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The Mormon Reformation

Questions

The "Mormon Reformation" was a reform or spiritual rejuvenation movement that began among the Utah Saints in the mid-1850s. Ironically, noted one historian, "[m]ore has been written about its excesses (real and imaginary) than about what actually happened. Stenhouse's anonymous chapter on the Reformation and Blood Atonement was typical. Even church historian B. H. Roberts devoted twice as much space in discussing blood atonement in connection with the reform movement than he did to the Reformation itself."

To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here

Doctrine taught during the Reformation

Blood atonement

Summary: It is claimed that during the administration of Brigham Young apostates were secretly put to death. They claim this is in line with the teachings of LDS leaders at the time that apostasy was the unforgivable sin, and that the only thing an apostate could do to redeem himself was to give his own life, willingly or unwillingly.

Brigham Young's preaching style

Summary: Critics have often misunderstood or misrepresented Brigham Young's (and others LDS preachers') preaching style

Critical claims related to the Reformation

19th century crimes alleged to be "worthy of death"

Summary: Critics expand to idea of blood atonement to include a long list of crimes that were alleged to be "worthy of death."

Brigham Young ordered the Saints to "starve the Gentiles" when the future victims of the Mountain Meadow Massacre arrived

Summary: The order not to trade with immigrants applied to all commodities, and was prompted by the threat of siege due to the imminent arrival of the US Army to Utah. It was not intended to kill immigrants.

Heber C. Kimball used violence and intimidation against non-Mormons or apostates?

Summary: The speech cited as evidence for this claim does not show any evidence of threats of violence or intimidation.

Early territorial officials were threatened by Mormons

Summary: Some early territorial officials claimed Mormons threatened their lives. They made no such claims at the time, however, even when safely back in Washington. The evidence does not support the charge, which was likely made out of animus against the Mormons.

Vengeance hymns

Summary: D. Michael Quinn cites several LDS hymns as evidence that the Saints encouraged vengeance against their enemies. The hymns ask instead for God to revenge them of their wrongs in the coming judgment—they do not anticipate taking matters into their own hands, and in some cases even explicitly rule it out.

Events related to the Reformation

Castration of sinners in Utah?

Summary: I have read about a group of men (LDS) that went around castrating immoral men (who were also LDS) with the express permission of local church leaders. These events supposedly happened during the Brigham Young's administration. It is claimed that Brigham was aware of and approved of this and may have given the order. What can you tell me about this? I read that missionaries who selected plural wives from female converts before allowing church leaders to select from them first were castrated.

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Mormon Reformation

"In September 1857, a branch of territorial militia in southern Utah composed entirely of Latter-day Saints, along with some American Indians they recruited, laid siege to a wagon train of emigrants traveling from Arkansas to California. The militiamen carried out a deliberate massacre, killing 120 men, women, and children in a valley known as Mountain Meadows. Only 17 small children—those believed to be too young to be able to tell what had happened there—were spared. This event is perhaps the most tragic episode in the history of the Church."

To view articles about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, click "Expand" in the blue bar:

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Articles about Mountain Meadows Massacre

Overview

Overview Historical summary of the Mountain Meadows Massacre Perpetrators of the Mountain Meadows Massacre Brigham Young and the Mountain Meadows Massacre Others involved in the Mountain Meadows Massacre

First video published by the Church History Department.

Notes

Oath of vengeance

Summary: In nearly every anti-Mormon discussion of the temple, critics raise the issue of the "oath of vengeance" that existed during the 19th century and very early 20th century. These critics often misstate the nature of the oath and try to use its presence in the early temple endowment as evidence that the LDS temple ceremonies are ungodly, violent, and immoral.

Notes

Further reading and additional sources responding to these claims