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Criticism of Mormonism/Books/Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows/Use of sources
< Criticism of Mormonism | Books | Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows
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| Index of claims | A FAIR Analysis of: Blood of the Prophets: Brigham Young and the Massacre at Mountain Meadows A work by author: Will Balgey
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Omissions |
51-52
Selected analysis of sources used in Blood of the Prophets
Source interpretation
The author claims that Brigham Young and others taught blood atonement for the "unpardonable sin," which set the stage for the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Author's source(s)
- Even if this was a doctrine that was implemented (of which there is scant evidence), the Fancher party cannot have been subject to it, since none were Mormons whose "calling and election" had been "made sure."
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: Unpardonable sin
58, 63
Source interpretation
Critics are inconsistent in their treatment of the supposedly violent society in Utah when compared to the massacred immigrants.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: Double standard: violence in immigrants
77
Source interpretation
Author credits the story of Judge William W. Drummond of the Mormons' complicity in the death of Judge Leonidas Shaver, John Gunnison, and Almon Babbitt.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: William W. Drummond and murders
98
Source interpretation
Critics are often less than selective in their use of historical sources. Critics who wish to exploit the Mountain Meadows Massacre to attack the Church frequently cite an anonymous source signed "Argus."
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: Anonymous source: "Argus"
114
Source interpretation
The author claims that Dimmick Huntington's journal discusses Indians raising "allies" to help in the massacre at Mountain Meadows which he claims Brigham is orchestrating.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- Huntington's journal entry for 1 September 1857 actually says they were "afraid to fight the Americans & so would raise grain.
- For a detailed response, see: Allies or grain?
117
Source interpretation
The author draws on dreams, anonymous sources, family traditions, folklore and other such speculative or dubious evidence to condemn the Church or its members in the matter of the Mountain Meadows Massacre.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: Double standards of skepticism
151, 304–305
Source interpretation
Critics claim that Jacob Hamblin's son Albert raped two women at the Mountain Meadows Massacre, and Jacob was later to blame these on John D. Lee.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- For a detailed response, see: Rape by Albert Hamblin
196
Source interpretation
Critics mention a gift of salt given to Johnston's army by Brigham which he is presumed to have implied was poisoned.
Author's source(s)
Source Analysis
- Brigham did not try to poison the army, and his behavior was not suspicious enough to keep the troops from using the gift.
- For a detailed response, see: Gift of salt