N O W I L L
N O W I L L
U S T R
U S T R
A
A
T E D
T E D
N
Aufertsehen
Aufertsehen
- Der Her der Ernte geht!
- Der Her der Ernte geht!
und sammelt Garben
und sammelt Garben
uns ein, die Starben!
uns ein, die Starben!
-[The Lord of Harvests goes out [The Lord of Harvests goes out
to gather in the
to gather in the sheaves,sheaves, Even of those who died!] Even of those who died!]
Klopstock Klopstock
The Crisis of Faith The Crisis of Faith
Anthropology is the study of Man; that is the literal meaning of Anthropology is the study of Man; that is the literal meaning of the word translated from the Greek. The
the word translated from the Greek. The science; for it has,science; for it has, from its beginnings, aspired to the position of a science; - the from its beginnings, aspired to the position of a science; - the science of Anthropology is a child of
science of Anthropology is a child of the nineteenth centurythe nineteenth century,, along with those other
along with those other aspiring disciplines, psychology andaspiring disciplines, psychology and sociology.
sociology.
Anthropologists, particularly in the early days of the
Anthropologists, particularly in the early days of the discipline,discipline, avidly sought out 'primitive' peoples and tribes, and
avidly sought out 'primitive' peoples and tribes, and
assiduously studied their ways and customs, attempting to assiduously studied their ways and customs, attempting to preserve their languages, artefacts, customs
preserve their languages, artefacts, customs and beliefs. Andand beliefs. And to what purpose, one may ask.
to what purpose, one may ask. The motives which drove
The motives which drove the early Anthropologists werethe early Anthropologists were complex and many
desire to understand their contemporary predicament through an understanding of a desire to understand their contemporary predicament through an understanding of a 'simpler' and 'purer' culture. Their own
'simpler' and 'purer' culture. Their own predicament was, of course a crisis of predicament was, of course a crisis of purpose andpurpose and direction, which had been brought into focus by
direction, which had been brought into focus by the recent speculations of Darwin ,the recent speculations of Darwin , combined with the unprecedented development of the physical sciences, and their combined with the unprecedented development of the physical sciences, and their application to Western economies.
application to Western economies.
A crisis of purpose and direction is, in the
A crisis of purpose and direction is, in the final analysis afinal analysis a crisis of philosophy or faith, and therefore it was hardly crisis of philosophy or faith, and therefore it was hardly surprising that these Anthropologists, and those who surprising that these Anthropologists, and those who
elaborated upon their research, were particularly intrigued elaborated upon their research, were particularly intrigued by the myths and legends of
by the myths and legends of the 'primitive' peoples whomthe 'primitive' peoples whom they studied; in fact they were intrigued by 'primitive' belief they studied; in fact they were intrigued by 'primitive' belief at the very moment when their own beliefs were in turmoil. at the very moment when their own beliefs were in turmoil. Investigations into such 'primitive' beliefs included such Investigations into such 'primitive' beliefs included such influential works
influential works as Frazer's as Frazer's 'Golden Bou'Golden Bough' (1) andgh' (1) and Freud's 'Totem and Taboo' (2), and although it is probably Freud's 'Totem and Taboo' (2), and although it is probably significant to note that neither
significant to note that neither of these authors were,of these authors were,
strictly speaking, anthropologists, they both aspired to use strictly speaking, anthropologists, they both aspired to use the most recent findings of
the most recent findings of that discipline in providingthat discipline in providing material for their writings.
material for their writings. Whilst Anthropology is an
Whilst Anthropology is an essentially 'contemporary' studyessentially 'contemporary' study,, the purpose of the elaborations of
the purpose of the elaborations of authors such as Frazer and Freud, amongst others, wasauthors such as Frazer and Freud, amongst others, was to extrapolate, retrospectively
to extrapolate, retrospectively; in an attempt to discover in the past ; in an attempt to discover in the past ideas which wouldideas which would facilitate an
facilitate an understanding of the probunderstanding of the problems of contemporary Weslems of contemporary Western societytern society.. (1)
(1) Sir JamSir James George Frazes George Frazer OM,185er OM,1854-1941. Bo4-1941. Born at Glasgowrn at Glasgow,, he published the 'Golden Bough' in 1890. The
he published the 'Golden Bough' in 1890. The book had abook had a world-wide impact, both on academics and on writers world-wide impact, both on academics and on writers andand artists of the period, its influence filtering down into popular artists of the period, its influence filtering down into popular culture in the
culture in the opening decades of opening decades of the Twentieth Centurythe Twentieth Century.. While, by present standard
While, by present standards, much of Fras, much of Frazer's methodologyzer's methodology,, and many of his opinions, have fallen into
and many of his opinions, have fallen into disrepute, theredisrepute, there has been a reawakening of interest in his work in recent has been a reawakening of interest in his work in recent years.
years. (2
(2)) SiSigmgmunund Frd Freueud, 1d, 186865-5-19193939. Bo. Born arn at Frt Frieiebebergrg, Mo, Moraravivia, ia, inn Czechoslovakia, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Czechoslovakia, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, (which was dismantled after 1918). He was, in many ways, Empire, (which was dismantled after 1918). He was, in many ways, the creator
the creator of psychoanalysis. of psychoanalysis. He published He published 'T'Totem and Taboo' inotem and Taboo' in 1913, partly
1913, partly as an attempt to 'exas an attempt to 'explain away' religion as a by-productplain away' religion as a by-product of
of Oedipus Complex, one of his Oedipus Complex, one of his most well known concepts. most well known concepts. It is a significant examIt is a significant example of 'armchair ple of 'armchair Anthropology', which, over the years, has
Anthropology', which, over the years, has suffered a similar fate suffered a similar fate to Frazer's to Frazer's 'Golden Bough'.'Golden Bough'. This emphasis upon history was directly related to
This emphasis upon history was directly related to the nature of the crithe nature of the crisis, which had beensis, which had been launched with D
launched with Darwin's (3), largely arwin's (3), largely unintentional, and unintentional, and devastating, criticism odevastating, criticism of the thenf the then generally accepted Heilsgeschichte, or Christian view of history as the
generally accepted Heilsgeschichte, or Christian view of history as the unfolding processunfolding process of God's salvation, as offered to man.
of God's salvation, as offered to man. Darwin's findings in the realms of
Darwin's findings in the realms of BiologyBiology, by removing the i, by removing the initial Creationist premiss,nitial Creationist premiss, effectively caus
effectively caused the contemporary staged the contemporary stage in the historical e in the historical process to lose its seprocess to lose its sense of nse of moral certitude and meaning, rather in
moral certitude and meaning, rather in the manner that Nietzsche (4) had suggested inthe manner that Nietzsche (4) had suggested in 'Zarathustra'.
'Zarathustra'.
Freud, Jung (5),
Freud, Jung (5), Frazer and others, howevFrazer and others, however, wer, were hoping to provide that meaniere hoping to provide that meaningng from man's own history, whilst Nietzsche was trying to manufacture such meaning from his from man's own history, whilst Nietzsche was trying to manufacture such meaning from his own concepts of the 'ubermensch' and 'Eternal Recurrence', which would stand as
own concepts of the 'ubermensch' and 'Eternal Recurrence', which would stand as contemporary myths.
If one was unnerved by D
If one was unnerved by Darwin's findings and rejected arwin's findings and rejected Christian, existentialist or Christian, existentialist or psycho-anthropolog
psycho-anthropological responses, one could always ical responses, one could always aspire to the aspire to the purest philosophicalpurest philosophical line, which at that time was represented by the followers of Hegel (6), such as Caird and line, which at that time was represented by the followers of Hegel (6), such as Caird and Bradley
Bradley. The problem with . The problem with Hegel, howeverHegel, however, was , was that few people that few people could comprehend hiscould comprehend his clouds of metaphysical erudition, and therefore as hardly anyone understood what he was clouds of metaphysical erudition, and therefore as hardly anyone understood what he was talking about, very few could take his
talking about, very few could take his option as a solution to option as a solution to the continuing crisis.the continuing crisis. Whilst all this 'i
Whilst all this 'ivory tower' activity was being pursued by academics, the majoritvory tower' activity was being pursued by academics, the majority of y of main-stream Christians and many theologians, as well, had come to
main-stream Christians and many theologians, as well, had come to an accommodationan accommodation with Evolutionary theory
with Evolutionary theory, and were willing to , and were willing to see such ideas be grafted, somewhatsee such ideas be grafted, somewhat awkwardly onto the main corpus of Christian
awkwardly onto the main corpus of Christian doctrine. At the same time Christiandoctrine. At the same time Christian academics, such as Schweitzer (7) and Bultman (8),
academics, such as Schweitzer (7) and Bultman (8), were making further concessions towere making further concessions to contemporary Historical methodology by 'de-mythologising' much of Christian Scripture contemporary Historical methodology by 'de-mythologising' much of Christian Scripture and tradition.
and tradition.
By the closing years of the
By the closing years of the century there was a continuing, but accommodatingcentury there was a continuing, but accommodating Christian tradition, which was acc
Christian tradition, which was accompanied by ompanied by a new realisation and una new realisation and understanding of derstanding of contemporary 'primitive' spirituality
contemporary 'primitive' spirituality, which, it , which, it was considered, shed light on the spiritualitywas considered, shed light on the spirituality of our own ancestors, and resonated with
of our own ancestors, and resonated with the classical inheritance, which was still so muchthe classical inheritance, which was still so much a part of
a part of Western Civilisation.Western Civilisation. In Am
In America, erica, there was also a concthere was also a concern for the spiritual, although it was not on qern for the spiritual, although it was not on quiteuite the same plane as that
the same plane as that aspired to by European philosophers, scientists and academics.aspired to by European philosophers, scientists and academics. American spirituality had its roots in
American spirituality had its roots in the Protestant Fundamentalism of the Foundingthe Protestant Fundamentalism of the Founding Fathers, who sought refuge from persecution in the
Fathers, who sought refuge from persecution in the Old World. Their spirituality was notOld World. Their spirituality was not only Fundamentalist in the theological sense of the word,
only Fundamentalist in the theological sense of the word, but also fundamental & earthybut also fundamental & earthy. It. It gave rise to Salem but also to a myriad diverging traditions, the most potent of which
gave rise to Salem but also to a myriad diverging traditions, the most potent of which would return in triumph to the Old World.
would return in triumph to the Old World.
(3)
(3) CharleCharles Robert Dars Robert Darwin, 1809win, 1809-1882. Bor-1882. Born at Shrewsbn at Shrewsburyury,, England, the grandson of Erasmus Darwin, the naturalist. He England, the grandson of Erasmus Darwin, the naturalist. He published his 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural published his 'On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection', in 1859, as a belated result of his experiences whilst Selection', in 1859, as a belated result of his experiences whilst aboard the survey ship 'HMS Beagle' between 1831 and 1836. aboard the survey ship 'HMS Beagle' between 1831 and 1836. His subsequent book, the 'Descent of Man', published in 1871, His subsequent book, the 'Descent of Man', published in 1871, added fuel to the controversy regarding the apparent 'scientific' added fuel to the controversy regarding the apparent 'scientific' opposition to Biblical authority, and by inference, Christian opposition to Biblical authority, and by inference, Christian
values, as they were then expressed. Darwin's views continue to values, as they were then expressed. Darwin's views continue to cause controversy with today's Creationists, who are opposed to cause controversy with today's Creationists, who are opposed to Neo-Darwinism, which represents the current Evolutionary Neo-Darwinism, which represents the current Evolutionary Theory, being an synthesis of Darwinism and Mendelev's Theory, being an synthesis of Darwinism and Mendelev's Genetics.
Genetics.
(4
(4)) FrFrieiedridrich ch WiWilhlhelelm m NiNietzetzscschehe, , 181844-44-19190000. . BoBorn rn at at RoRockcken,en, Saxony, the only son of a Lutheran pastor, he subsequently taught Saxony, the only son of a Lutheran pastor, he subsequently taught Greek and Philology. He published 'Also Sprach Zarathustra', his third Greek and Philology. He published 'Also Sprach Zarathustra', his third major work, between 1883-1885. The main premiss of
major work, between 1883-1885. The main premiss of the book is that,the book is that, for contemporary European man, 'God is dead',
for contemporary European man, 'God is dead', and that as this fact hasand that as this fact has deprived the world of moral and
deprived the world of moral and ontological meaning, it must beontological meaning, it must be substituted by new and equally meaningful concepts.
(5)
(5) Carl GuCarl Gustav Jungstav Jung, 1875-1, 1875-1961. 961. A SA Swiss pswiss psychiaychiatrist, wtrist, who was one oho was one of f Freud's most
Freud's most brilliant disciples and brilliant disciples and collaborators; they disagreed, icollaborators; they disagreed, inn 1921, regarding the role of sexuality in the psychological development of 1921, regarding the role of sexuality in the psychological development of the individual, and Jung went on
the individual, and Jung went on to develop a Neo-Freudian theorto develop a Neo-Freudian theoryy,, which lent heavily on the spiritual
which lent heavily on the spiritual aspects of the individual'saspects of the individual's development. His many books taking much of their material from development. His many books taking much of their material from contemporary Anthropological studies.
contemporary Anthropological studies.
(6
(6)) GeGeororg Wig Wilhlhelelm Fm Fririededririch ch HHegegelel, 1, 177770-0-18183131. G. Gerermamann philosopher who held that the Universe is a manifestation whereby philosopher who held that the Universe is a manifestation whereby the Absolute Spirit realises itself through the World Historical
the Absolute Spirit realises itself through the World Historical Process. This process is typified by the th
Process. This process is typified by the three-fold development of ree-fold development of thesis, antithesis and synthesis, known as the Hegelian Triad. thesis, antithesis and synthesis, known as the Hegelian Triad.
(7)
(7) AlbAlbert ert SchSchweiweitzetzerr, 18, 1875-75-1961965. F5. Frenrench tch theolheologiogian wan who who wrotrote one one me main ain worwork, 'k, 'The The QuesQuest fot for thr thee Historical Jesus'. This work attempted to use contemporary historical
Historical Jesus'. This work attempted to use contemporary historical methodology in studying the life of methodology in studying the life of Jesus of Nazareth. The book was condemned
Jesus of Nazareth. The book was condemned by the Pope in 1917, in by the Pope in 1917, in his Encyclical against Modernism, andhis Encyclical against Modernism, and the book subsequently became exceptionally influential
the book subsequently became exceptionally influential in Protestant and liberal Christian circles.in Protestant and liberal Christian circles. (8)
(8) BulBultmatman. n. A A GerGerman cman contontempemporaorary of ry of SchSchweiweitzertzer, Bul, Bultmatman is nn is noteoted for hd for haviaving deng develvelopeoped the cd the conceonceptpt of 'de-mythologising scripture in response to the insights made available through the techniques of 'Form of 'de-mythologising scripture in response to the insights made available through the techniques of 'Form Criticism'. Put simply
Criticism'. Put simply, Bultman believed that the text of , Bultman believed that the text of the bible revealed that many of the bible revealed that many of the accounts itthe accounts it
contained were folk-stories or myths, and that therefore to obtain the true Christian message such passages contained were folk-stories or myths, and that therefore to obtain the true Christian message such passages should be stripped away, or at least ignored.
The Mormon Story The Mormon Story
In America, at the beginning of the nineteenth century
In America, at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the Christian tradition, , the Christian tradition, which waswhich was mainly Protestant in inspiration, was still strong and robust. 'Doubt', in the European mainly Protestant in inspiration, was still strong and robust. 'Doubt', in the European sense, was almost unheard of, and the
sense, was almost unheard of, and the only opportunity for doubt, of any kind only opportunity for doubt, of any kind laylay, in the, in the individual's choice with regard to the
individual's choice with regard to the Christian sect to which he would Christian sect to which he would owe allegiance. Theowe allegiance. The moral order was firmly
moral order was firmly defined, and the existential crisis which was defined, and the existential crisis which was beginning to plaguebeginning to plague Europe had not reached the New World, and
Europe had not reached the New World, and to a certain extent, in to a certain extent, in some strange waysome strange way, it, it never would.
never would.
In Vermont, in 1820, Joseph Smith (1) In Vermont, in 1820, Joseph Smith (1)
received his first religious call, in the form of a received his first religious call, in the form of a visionary experience. Twenty years later, and visionary experience. Twenty years later, and just a few
just a few miles awaymiles away, the Fox famil, the Fox family werey were involved a series of strange experiences involved a series of strange experiences which were to form the first stirring of which were to form the first stirring of thethe modern Spiritualist movement. Both the Fox modern Spiritualist movement. Both the Fox sisters and
sisters and Joseph Smith were, Joseph Smith were, effectivelyeffectively,, shamans, in a relatively modern, educated shamans, in a relatively modern, educated and technically advanced society. Strictly and technically advanced society. Strictly speaking, Anth
speaking, Anthropologists didn't need to ropologists didn't need to go togo to far off, primitive tribes, and historians and far off, primitive tribes, and historians and other academics had no need to peer into the dark recesses of time, in order to find living other academics had no need to peer into the dark recesses of time, in order to find living myths, and the footprints of
myths, and the footprints of the Gods; for while the the Gods; for while the mythology of the established Churchesmythology of the established Churches was crumbling, a new mythology was being created, in some part, out of the ruins of the was crumbling, a new mythology was being created, in some part, out of the ruins of the old.
old.
The story of the Mormons
The story of the Mormons begins in 1805 when Joseph Smith Snr. and Lucy Mackbegins in 1805 when Joseph Smith Snr. and Lucy Mack Smith became the proud parents of Joseph Smith
Smith became the proud parents of Joseph Smith JnrJnr. The Smiths lived, at . The Smiths lived, at that time, in thethat time, in the town of
town of Sharon, in Windsor County, VSharon, in Windsor County, Vermont. In ermont. In the early eighteen-hundreds the Smiththe early eighteen-hundreds the Smith family moved from the Green
family moved from the Green Hills of Vermont to Palmyra, west of New YHills of Vermont to Palmyra, west of New York.ork.
While the Smiths were firmly Christian in outlook, they were not attached to any While the Smiths were firmly Christian in outlook, they were not attached to any particular church or sect, and the
particular church or sect, and they were searching, amidst ay were searching, amidst a sea of conflicting views, for the true Church of Christ. They sea of conflicting views, for the true Church of Christ. They were, in fact suffering from
were, in fact suffering from a peculiar religious 'anomie', whicha peculiar religious 'anomie', which was extremely prevalent, at that time, in that part of the United was extremely prevalent, at that time, in that part of the United States. They were, in their own
States. They were, in their own simple waysimple way, suffering from the, suffering from the same spiritual disorientation that was, and would be,
same spiritual disorientation that was, and would be, afflictingafflicting the finest minds in
the finest minds in Europe as the century progressed.Europe as the century progressed. In the Spring of
In the Spring of 1820, Joseph Smith Jnr. was in the1820, Joseph Smith Jnr. was in the woods one morning, outside Palmyra, when he saw two woods one morning, outside Palmyra, when he saw two shining figures. Smith believed that these two
shining figures. Smith believed that these two figures werefigures were God the Father and God the
God the Father and God the Son, and that while observingSon, and that while observing them he had heard the same
them he had heard the same words that were reported to words that were reported to havehave been spoken
been spoken at the 'Tat the 'Transfiguration', describransfiguration', described in theed in the Gospels. In addition he was informed that
Gospels. In addition he was informed that none of the currentnone of the current Christian Churches, or sects, were legitimate, and
Christian Churches, or sects, were legitimate, and that thethat the truth would be revealed to him at a later date.
truth would be revealed to him at a later date. For the next four
For the next four years Joseph Smith continued his lifeyears Joseph Smith continued his life as a farm bo
as a farm boyy, until the , until the 21st September21st September, 1823. On that , 1823. On that nightnight he was visited, in his bed room, by an entity calling himself he was visited, in his bed room, by an entity calling himself Moroni, who gave him information which enabled him to to Moroni, who gave him information which enabled him to to recover some inscribed gold plates, which were buried on recover some inscribed gold plates, which were buried on thethe summit of a nearby hill called Cumorah.
A further four years, however, were to pass A further four years, however, were to pass before he was permitted to r
before he was permitted to recover these plates,ecover these plates, and during these years Smith was to
and during these years Smith was to bebe instructed and prepared.
instructed and prepared. (1)
(1) JosJoseph eph SmiSmith, th, 1801805-15-1844. 844. BorBorn in in Vn Vermermontont, i, in tn thehe USA, Joseph Smith was the son of a poo
USA, Joseph Smith was the son of a poor farmer andr farmer and consequently received little formal education. He is consequently received little formal education. He is remembered as the founder of the marginally Christian remembered as the founder of the marginally Christian sect, known today as the Mormons who have a world wide sect, known today as the Mormons who have a world wide following of about 6,000,000.
following of about 6,000,000.
In 1829 Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, In 1829 Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, a local schoolteacher, began the task of
a local schoolteacher, began the task of translating the plates. Financial
translating the plates. Financial assistance,assistance, essential for the performance of such an essential for the performance of such an undertaking was supplied by Martin Harris, a undertaking was supplied by Martin Harris, a wealthy local farmer with a religious bent. Smith, wealthy local farmer with a religious bent. Smith, with the aid of two 'stones' found with the plates, with the aid of two 'stones' found with the plates, translated the plates, from behind a
translated the plates, from behind a curtain,curtain, while Cowdery recorded the words in longhand. while Cowdery recorded the words in longhand. The thin gold plates were inscribed, according to The thin gold plates were inscribed, according to Smith, in 'Reformed Egyptian'.
Smith, in 'Reformed Egyptian'. Harris, apparently took the
Harris, apparently took the plates to a plates to a certain Professor Charles Anthonycertain Professor Charles Anthony, of , of NewNew Y
York, who examined them and issued a ork, who examined them and issued a written statement, asserting that the inscriptionswritten statement, asserting that the inscriptions on the plates were in
on the plates were in Egyptian, Chaldaic, AssyEgyptian, Chaldaic, Assyrian and Arabic and that the translation sorian and Arabic and that the translation so far was an accurate one. He
far was an accurate one. He subsequently retracted and tore up this statement.subsequently retracted and tore up this statement. The document that resulted from Smith and
The document that resulted from Smith and Cowdery'sCowdery's efforts was entitled 'The Book of Mormon' and
efforts was entitled 'The Book of Mormon' and was publishedwas published in the Spring of 1830.
in the Spring of 1830. Eleven witnesses, in total, sworeEleven witnesses, in total, swore affidavits to say that they had seen the
affidavits to say that they had seen the gold plates from whichgold plates from which Smith translated the 'Book of Mormon',
Smith translated the 'Book of Mormon', although some of although some of them retracted their statements at a later date. The plates in them retracted their statements at a later date. The plates in question were, on completion of translation, returned to question were, on completion of translation, returned to Moroni, according to Smith; a section of
Moroni, according to Smith; a section of them not having beenthem not having been allowed to be translated until some unspecified time
allowed to be translated until some unspecified time in thein the future.
future.
During the translation of the mysterious plates, in May of During the translation of the mysterious plates, in May of 1829, Smith and Cowdery had been visited by an entity,
1829, Smith and Cowdery had been visited by an entity, subsequently identified as John the Baptist, who had subsequently identified as John the Baptist, who had conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood (2), as they conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood (2), as they prayed by the banks of the Susquehanna River. A short time prayed by the banks of the Susquehanna River. A short time later
later, Smith and Cowdery were further , Smith and Cowdery were further initiated into theinitiated into the Melchizadeck Priesthood (3) by three
Melchizadeck Priesthood (3) by three entities, described as the Apostles Peter, James andentities, described as the Apostles Peter, James and John.
John.
After the initiation into
After the initiation into the priesthood, the the priesthood, the Mormon story becMormon story becomes rather more 'runomes rather more 'run of the mill'. The sect
of the mill'. The sect grows, and because of its unorthodox beliefs, which includegrows, and because of its unorthodox beliefs, which include
polygamy, is forced to set up its own separate community. Few people appear to want the polygamy, is forced to set up its own separate community. Few people appear to want the Mormons as neighbours, and the new, and rapidly growing sect is forced to mo
Mormons as neighbours, and the new, and rapidly growing sect is forced to move,ve, constantly, in search of a new home.
(2)
(2) AarAaron. Ion. In the n the Old Old TTestestameament, int, in the bn the bookooks of Es of Exodxodus, Lus, Levieviticticus, Nus, Numbumbers aers and Dend Deuteuteronronomy omy AarAaron ison is described as the elder b
described as the elder brother of Moses. After God's revelations to Moses, on Mount Sinai, Aaron was maderother of Moses. After God's revelations to Moses, on Mount Sinai, Aaron was made responsible for the ritual activities of
responsible for the ritual activities of the Israelites, during their time in the Israelites, during their time in the desert, as first High Priest. Allthe desert, as first High Priest. All subsequent Jewish High Priests traced their descent from Aaron, but with the Hasmoneans, in the first subsequent Jewish High Priests traced their descent from Aaron, but with the Hasmoneans, in the first century BC, who annexed the office and
century BC, who annexed the office and subsequently sold it to the highest bsubsequently sold it to the highest bidder, the office lost all contactidder, the office lost all contact with the true Aaronic line. This was the main cause of both the
with the true Aaronic line. This was the main cause of both the Sadducees (who provided the later holders Sadducees (who provided the later holders of of the office) lack of popular support
the office) lack of popular support in New Tin New Testament times, and the creations of splinter estament times, and the creations of splinter groups such as thegroups such as the Essenes, who maintained that they were the
Essenes, who maintained that they were the legitimate Aaronic priesthood.legitimate Aaronic priesthood. (3)
(3) MelMelchichizadzadeck eck appappearears in s in the Bthe Book ook of Gof Geneenesissis, in , in the the Old Old TTestestameament, nt, as a pas a prieriest wst who blho blessesseses Abraham and offers a sacrifice of bread
Abraham and offers a sacrifice of bread and wine. Because, according to the and wine. Because, according to the Bible, Abraham was the Father Bible, Abraham was the Father of the Jewish race, which includes Mo
of the Jewish race, which includes Moses, Aaron, David etc., anyone with authority sufficient to give ases, Aaron, David etc., anyone with authority sufficient to give a blessing to Abraham must have a higher status than Abraham and his descendants, and therefore blessing to Abraham must have a higher status than Abraham and his descendants, and therefore thethe Melchizadeck Priesthood must be superior to
Melchizadeck Priesthood must be superior to the Aaronic. For this reason Jesus is described in both the Aaronic. For this reason Jesus is described in both RomanRoman and Anglican ritual as being,' a Priest, after [of the same] t
and Anglican ritual as being,' a Priest, after [of the same] t he order of Melchizadeck'.he order of Melchizadeck'.
In 1839 the sect established a community at
In 1839 the sect established a community at Commerce, in Illinois. They re-named theCommerce, in Illinois. They re-named the community Nauvoo and by 1843 its population numbered sixteen thousand. Eventually community Nauvoo and by 1843 its population numbered sixteen thousand. Eventually Smith found himself in difficulties with
Smith found himself in difficulties with the Law, accused of Tthe Law, accused of Treason by the Illinoisreason by the Illinois authorities. At first he tried to
authorities. At first he tried to run, but later gave himself run, but later gave himself up, and was subsequentlyup, and was subsequently lynched, along with his brother, whilst awaiting trial, in June
lynched, along with his brother, whilst awaiting trial, in June 1844. Now the Mormons had a1844. Now the Mormons had a martyr. Strangely, when the community, which was now on the move again, selected its martyr. Strangely, when the community, which was now on the move again, selected its new leader, they chose none of the founding members, who had seen the plates,
new leader, they chose none of the founding members, who had seen the plates, butbut rather Brigham Y
rather Brigham Young (4), who proceeded to take oung (4), who proceeded to take his flock to Salt his flock to Salt Lake, in Utah, and thereLake, in Utah, and there re-forge the Church of the Latter Day Saints into its present form.
re-forge the Church of the Latter Day Saints into its present form. One of the key questions which has
One of the key questions which has exercised the minds of Christians since the firstexercised the minds of Christians since the first disputes of the Council of Jerusalem, in Apostolic times, is '
disputes of the Council of Jerusalem, in Apostolic times, is 'what constitutes orthodoxwhat constitutes orthodox Christianity ?'. In the
Christianity ?'. In the present era of professed Ecumenicism and burgeoning sects, thispresent era of professed Ecumenicism and burgeoning sects, this problem has become more pressing for committed Christians, although in
problem has become more pressing for committed Christians, although in the ranks of thethe ranks of the non-committed few know the problem even exists. Undoubtedly it was
non-committed few know the problem even exists. Undoubtedly it was the question whichthe question which exercised Joseph Smith's mind back in the eighteen-twenties, and if
exercised Joseph Smith's mind back in the eighteen-twenties, and if the question was putthe question was put in more general, and not spe
in more general, and not specifically Christian terms, cifically Christian terms, it was, and is,the question hait was, and is,the question hauntingunting the minds of the
the minds of the greatest thinkers.greatest thinkers. (4)
(4) Brigham YBrigham Young, 1801-1877. Born in oung, 1801-1877. Born in VermoVermont,in the USA, nt,in the USA, he joined the he joined the Mormon Church in Mormon Church in 1832, and1832, and three years later was appointed
three years later was appointed an Apostle. He succeeded Joseph Smith in 1844, as leader of an Apostle. He succeeded Joseph Smith in 1844, as leader of thethe Church.
Church.
Before the Beginning Before the Beginning
Before the beginning, according to Joseph Smith, God possibly existed. This is not, Before the beginning, according to Joseph Smith, God possibly existed. This is not, however
however, the God usually r, the God usually referred to by the eferred to by the Mormons. The God under consideration hereMormons. The God under consideration here is the ultimate, unfathomable Being from
is the ultimate, unfathomable Being from whom all existence, and existent beingswhom all existence, and existent beings presumably derive. Principal amongst those existent beings are the Gods, one of
presumably derive. Principal amongst those existent beings are the Gods, one of which iswhich is the Being, according to Smith that we usually refer to as God. Bearing only this initial the Being, according to Smith that we usually refer to as God. Bearing only this initial revelation in mind, however
revelation in mind, however, one notes, that a , one notes, that a totally new light is cast upon ptotally new light is cast upon practically allractically all other Mormon pronouncements. There is more,
other Mormon pronouncements. There is more, howeverhowever.. It may seem surprising that
It may seem surprising that a religious leader and teacher, of the stature of a religious leader and teacher, of the stature of JosephJoseph Smith might be
Smith might be a little vague about the existenca little vague about the existence or nature of the Supreme Being, be or nature of the Supreme Being, but thisut this should, in fact, be understandable, taking into account the
should, in fact, be understandable, taking into account the presumption that Smith'spresumption that Smith's original problem was, in truth,
original problem was, in truth, an existentialist dilemma, from which his an existentialist dilemma, from which his revelations,revelations, apparently
apparently, released him. , released him. Smith was concerned about Smith was concerned about his future conduct and his future conduct and resultingresulting destiny
His revelations, regardless of how bizarre we His revelations, regardless of how bizarre we might find
might find them todaythem today, were , were not speculative, butnot speculative, but rather, thoroughly practical.
rather, thoroughly practical.
But to continue the narrative; one of the But to continue the narrative; one of the Gods in existence in the beginning was called Gods in existence in the beginning was called Elohim (1), and he inhabits a planet which Elohim (1), and he inhabits a planet which circles the star Kolob. Elohim is a spiritual circles the star Kolob. Elohim is a spiritual being, a God, who has, however, a physical being, a God, who has, however, a physical body in human form. This planet is
body in human form. This planet is alsoalso inhabited by a number of
inhabited by a number of goddesses, who alsogoddesses, who also posses physical bodies. Amongst other things, posses physical bodies. Amongst other things, the God and goddesses indulge in sexual the God and goddesses indulge in sexual intercourse, which as with other beings, r
intercourse, which as with other beings, resultsesults in the
in the birth of children. These birth of children. These children, howeverchildren, however,, are spiritual, not,
are spiritual, not, apparentlyapparently, having material, having material bodies like their parents. This is,
bodies like their parents. This is, of course, theof course, the origin of the Mormon's belief in the
origin of the Mormon's belief in the pre-existence of the
existence of the soul, which was referred soul, which was referred to previouslyto previously.. The spirit children of Elohim
The spirit children of Elohim are unable to become gods, like their are unable to become gods, like their parents, unlessparents, unless they have a material body, and have undergone a probationary period in that body. The they have a material body, and have undergone a probationary period in that body. The bodies which are ava
bodies which are available to them, according to Smith, ilable to them, according to Smith, are the newly conceiveare the newly conceived foetusesd foetuses resulting from the sexual activities of
resulting from the sexual activities of people on the planet Earth. people on the planet Earth. Who then, one may ask,Who then, one may ask, are the inhabitants of Earth
are the inhabitants of Earth ? It appears that Elohim, ? It appears that Elohim, in the form of Adam, created Eve,in the form of Adam, created Eve, whom he mated with, in order to create a race of material creatures who would bear the whom he mated with, in order to create a race of material creatures who would bear the souls of His spirit children.
souls of His spirit children.
In order to successfully pass their period
In order to successfully pass their period of probation in the material of probation in the material sphere,sphere,
Elohim's spirit children; that is us; must lead a moral life, be taught the means by which we Elohim's spirit children; that is us; must lead a moral life, be taught the means by which we can ascend through
can ascend through the planetary spheres, pathe planetary spheres, past the angelic guardians, st the angelic guardians, to return to Kolob,to return to Kolob, and be eternally wedded ('sealed' in Mormon jargon) to our wives so that they may
and be eternally wedded ('sealed' in Mormon jargon) to our wives so that they may become goddesses with us. The T
become goddesses with us. The Temple ceremonies, which were emple ceremonies, which were referred to referred to previouslypreviously are all designed to perform
are all designed to perform these functions.these functions. (1)
(1) EloElohim him is a is a worword of d of uncuncertaertain din derierivatvation ion and oand origrigin. in. The The SemSemitiitic wc word 'ord 'El' El' is gis geneenerallrally acy accepcepted bted byy scholars to mean God, carrying ideas
scholars to mean God, carrying ideas or power and might. Elohim, strictly speaking is the or power and might. Elohim, strictly speaking is the plural form of theplural form of the word meaning Gods or spirits, although
word meaning Gods or spirits, although often, confusingly, in ancient texts it is used to represent the often, confusingly, in ancient texts it is used to represent the singular.singular. The use of the name Elohim in
The use of the name Elohim in the Bible is mainly restricted to narratives in the Bible is mainly restricted to narratives in the Pentateuch, (the first fivethe Pentateuch, (the first five books of the OT, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Numbers). It is significant that, although the books of the OT, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Numbers). It is significant that, although the word appears in source texts,
word appears in source texts, it was not used in the it was not used in the King James Authorised version of the Bible with whichKing James Authorised version of the Bible with which Joseph Smith would have
Joseph Smith would have been familiar.been familiar.
The position of Jesus in Smith's
The position of Jesus in Smith's scheme is, not surprisinglyscheme is, not surprisingly, a little , a little different to thatdifferent to that usually taught. Acco
usually taught. According to Smith, Elohim rding to Smith, Elohim came from the star came from the star system of Kolob and matedsystem of Kolob and mated with a Jewish girl
with a Jewish girl called Miriam, who subsequently gave birth to a called Miriam, who subsequently gave birth to a son called Jesusson called Jesus (Joshua). Miriam was not married
(Joshua). Miriam was not married at the time, so at the time, so no impropriety was involved, althoughno impropriety was involved, although she later married a
she later married a man called Joseph.man called Joseph.
Because Jesus was the result of the union
Because Jesus was the result of the union of a God and a of a God and a mortal he was, accordingmortal he was, according to Smith, already divine, and therefore able to assist man in his search for the moral
to Smith, already divine, and therefore able to assist man in his search for the moral guidance needed to pass successfully through his
guidance needed to pass successfully through his Earthly probation. Jesus had Earthly probation. Jesus had a brother,a brother, however
however, Lucifer, who was intent on giving men divinity , Lucifer, who was intent on giving men divinity without the need for an without the need for an EarthlyEarthly probation. Elohim rejected Lucifer's suggestion and the spirit children who
probation. Elohim rejected Lucifer's suggestion and the spirit children who had supportedhad supported Lucifer were forced to become dis-incarnate entities who
Lucifer were forced to become dis-incarnate entities who constantly opposed man, whileconstantly opposed man, while the spirits who supported Elohim were
the spirits who supported Elohim were permitted to enter human forms on permitted to enter human forms on earth, when theearth, when the opportunity arose. Those spirit children who had remained neutral during the dispute were opportunity arose. Those spirit children who had remained neutral during the dispute were
condemned to take the material forms of
condemned to take the material forms of less evolved races, such as Negroes and other less evolved races, such as Negroes and other non-European peoples, who would not be able, because of their
non-European peoples, who would not be able, because of their inferiorityinferiority, to, to
advantageously use their period of probation, (hence the restrictions on coloured people advantageously use their period of probation, (hence the restrictions on coloured people with regard to the
with regard to the Mormon priesthood).Mormon priesthood). It has also been taught,
It has also been taught, by at least two of by at least two of Smith's original TwSmith's original Twelve Apostles Orsonelve Apostles Orson Pratt and Orson Hyde, that
Pratt and Orson Hyde, that Jesus was married, polygamouslyJesus was married, polygamously, of course, and , of course, and had threehad three wives, Mary and Martha, sisters of
wives, Mary and Martha, sisters of Lazarus, and Mary Magdalene. It is suggested that theLazarus, and Mary Magdalene. It is suggested that the Marriage of Canna, found in John's Gospel,
Marriage of Canna, found in John's Gospel, is in fact an is in fact an account of Jesus' marriageaccount of Jesus' marriage celebrations.
celebrations.
While the foregoing brief account explains such matters as
While the foregoing brief account explains such matters as the implied pre-the implied pre-existence of the
existence of the soul, mothers in soul, mothers in heaven, certain Theaven, certain Temple rituals, the emple rituals, the impediments placedimpediments placed on coloured people regarding the priesthood, references to Mormons being 'space men', on coloured people regarding the priesthood, references to Mormons being 'space men', and the name Kolob, etc. i
and the name Kolob, etc. it still leaves unanswered the question of the t still leaves unanswered the question of the GenealogicalGenealogical Institute.
Institute.
Mormons do not believe in infant baptism, and in that they rub shoulders with many Mormons do not believe in infant baptism, and in that they rub shoulders with many other Protestant sects, most notably
other Protestant sects, most notably, of course, the , of course, the Baptists (2). Such a view, while notBaptists (2). Such a view, while not shared by all Christians, is considered completely consistent with orthodox Christian shared by all Christians, is considered completely consistent with orthodox Christian teaching. The Mormons, however, believe that the dead
teaching. The Mormons, however, believe that the dead may be baptised. Fortunately,may be baptised. Fortunately, they do not enact this
they do not enact this belief literallybelief literally, by, by exhuming corpses, but rather allow the exhuming corpses, but rather allow the living to stand proxy for the departed. living to stand proxy for the departed. Researchers have indicated that Researchers have indicated that
Shakespeare, Beethoven, Queen Victoria Shakespeare, Beethoven, Queen Victoria and all the American Presidents amongst and all the American Presidents amongst many others have been baptised
many others have been baptised posthumously
posthumously. This, . This, of course, of course, is theis the reason for all those genealogical records, reason for all those genealogical records, which lie, in their
which lie, in their protective, holocaust-protective, holocaust-proof bunkers, in Little Cottonwood proof bunkers, in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Canyon.
Smith's scriptural justification for Smith's scriptural justification for this teaching, as if any
this teaching, as if any were needed after were needed after
some of his previous doctrines, is to be found in the fifteenth chapter of Paul's First Letter some of his previous doctrines, is to be found in the fifteenth chapter of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. Surprisingly
to the Corinthians. Surprisingly, some might think, , some might think, Smith appears to be correct in Smith appears to be correct in hishis interpretation of this remarkably straightforward passage of scripture; which
interpretation of this remarkably straightforward passage of scripture; which opens up theopens up the awkward question of why the doctrine is
awkward question of why the doctrine is not accepted by orthodox Christians when it isnot accepted by orthodox Christians when it is clearly an Apostolic teaching. To pursue questions like that, however, would open up such clearly an Apostolic teaching. To pursue questions like that, however, would open up such a can of worms that it is better to
a can of worms that it is better to return to the Mormons, and the revelations of their 'latter return to the Mormons, and the revelations of their 'latter day' prophet.
day' prophet.
(2)
(2) Baptists are a Baptists are a Protestant sect or Protestant sect or church originating in Echurch originating in England in the Sngland in the Seventeenth Centuryeventeenth Century, and, and founded by the Rev. John Smyth. The first Baptist church in America was founded on Rhode Island founded by the Rev. John Smyth. The first Baptist church in America was founded on Rhode Island in 1639, by Roger W
in 1639, by Roger Williams. Baptists conceive of the Church as a community of Saints (spiritualilliams. Baptists conceive of the Church as a community of Saints (spiritual regenerates), and find all spiritual
regenerates), and find all spiritual authority in the Bible. Their name derives fauthority in the Bible. Their name derives from their belief thatrom their belief that Baptism should be preceded by a profession of faith, and therefore may only be applied to those Baptism should be preceded by a profession of faith, and therefore may only be applied to those who have reached the age of reason.
The Message of Moroni The Message of Moroni
Ever since the 'Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints', (the Mormons), came into Ever since the 'Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints', (the Mormons), came into existence, the orthodox churches have attacked it and declared it to
existence, the orthodox churches have attacked it and declared it to be not just another be not just another sect, but rather a
sect, but rather a non-Christian sect. The hatred of orthodox Christians was initially sonon-Christian sect. The hatred of orthodox Christians was initially so great that all the evidence po
great that all the evidence points to ints to the probability that they conspthe probability that they conspired to murder Josephired to murder Joseph Smith, in the
Smith, in the hope that the infant sect would collapse. The question remains, 'why werehope that the infant sect would collapse. The question remains, 'why were they so afraid of
they so afraid of the Mormons, and why has this fear the Mormons, and why has this fear been subsequently tempered?'.been subsequently tempered?'. The Mormons, at the time of Joseph Smith's death were powerful neither politically The Mormons, at the time of Joseph Smith's death were powerful neither politically nor economically in national terms, and undoubtedly the aspect of
nor economically in national terms, and undoubtedly the aspect of this 'new' religion whichthis 'new' religion which the orthodox feared most was Mormon doctrine. Surprisingly, after all the fuss about
the orthodox feared most was Mormon doctrine. Surprisingly, after all the fuss about visions and affidavits, it is not in the 'Book of Mormon' that the fundamental tenets of the visions and affidavits, it is not in the 'Book of Mormon' that the fundamental tenets of the 'Latter Day Saints will
'Latter Day Saints will be found, but rather in be found, but rather in two obscure and practically unavailabletwo obscure and practically unavailable books, 'The Pearl of Great
books, 'The Pearl of Great Price', and 'Doctrine and Covenants', both by Joseph Smith.Price', and 'Doctrine and Covenants', both by Joseph Smith. The 'Book of Mormon', itself, running to over five hundred The 'Book of Mormon', itself, running to over five hundred pages in paperback, is at best a
pages in paperback, is at best a weak caricature of theweak caricature of the Old Testament, even to the extent of parodying the Old Testament, even to the extent of parodying the language of the King James Bible. The text purports to language of the King James Bible. The text purports to describe the history of a small group of Israelites, who left describe the history of a small group of Israelites, who left Palestine in about 600
Palestine in about 600 BC and journeyed to America,BC and journeyed to America, where they existed until about 400 AD, when their where they existed until about 400 AD, when their civilisation finally collapsed.
civilisation finally collapsed. Being a pastiche of
Being a pastiche of the Old Tthe Old Testament, much of estament, much of the workthe work is primarily a record
is primarily a record of this alleged people's historyof this alleged people's history, and is, and is filled
filled with endless with endless genealogies, pgenealogies, plots, conspiraclots, conspiracies,ies, betrayals and battles. Eventually the resurrected Christ betrayals and battles. Eventually the resurrected Christ appears in order to bring the
appears in order to bring the Gospel to his other sheep.Gospel to his other sheep. As in the Western hemisphere, Christ's teachings appear As in the Western hemisphere, Christ's teachings appear to bring little help to his followers in the New World, who to bring little help to his followers in the New World, who proceeded to wage war for two-hundred years, which proceeded to wage war for two-hundred years, which finally results in their
finally results in their complete destruction.complete destruction. Theological argument is not a strong point i
Theological argument is not a strong point in this saga,n this saga, and many of the teachings are simply rehashes of material from both the Old and New and many of the teachings are simply rehashes of material from both the Old and New Testaments, often using the very same phraseology. Anyone reading the Book of Mormon, Testaments, often using the very same phraseology. Anyone reading the Book of Mormon, superficially
superficially, could easily , could easily think he was think he was reading some little reading some little known piece of canonicalknown piece of canonical Scripture, and it is on this basis that Mormons approach likely converts, with an aura of Scripture, and it is on this basis that Mormons approach likely converts, with an aura of Christian respectability
Christian respectability. A well turned out, 'squeaky clean' Mormon . A well turned out, 'squeaky clean' Mormon missionary will notmissionary will not stand on your doorstep and discuss the 'Pearl
stand on your doorstep and discuss the 'Pearl of Great Price', the of Great Price', the 'Doctrine and'Doctrine and Covenants' or the T
Covenants' or the Temple Rituals (1), emple Rituals (1), and may well and may well deny all knowledge of deny all knowledge of them.them. So what are these teachings, which upset orthodox Christians so much So what are these teachings, which upset orthodox Christians so much ?? The most well known; notorious even, is
The most well known; notorious even, is the Mormon teaching regarding marriage. All thethe Mormon teaching regarding marriage. All the leading Mormons, in the early days of
leading Mormons, in the early days of the sect, practised polygamythe sect, practised polygamy. It . It is reliably reportedis reliably reported that Brigham Y
that Brigham Young had sixteen wives, and one estimate even puts oung had sixteen wives, and one estimate even puts the total at tthe total at twenty- wenty-seven. Joseph Smith was equally accused of having up to eighty
seven. Joseph Smith was equally accused of having up to eighty four wives, although thefour wives, although the accepted minimum is around thirty
accepted minimum is around thirty. The result of . The result of this is that, even today, family trees canthis is that, even today, family trees can be remarkably complex amongst even the most respectable of long established Mormon be remarkably complex amongst even the most respectable of long established Mormon families.
(1)
(1) The first TThe first Temple was built in Kirtland, Ohio, and still standemple was built in Kirtland, Ohio, and still stands todays today.. The second Temple was the ill-fated
The second Temple was the ill-fated Nauvoo TNauvoo Temple, destroyed emple, destroyed byby opponents of the
opponents of the sect. The third, asect. The third, and most well known Temple stands innd most well known Temple stands in the Main Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was begun in 1853
the Main Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was begun in 1853 and wasand was finally completed in 1892.
finally completed in 1892. Plans for this Temple were made two daysPlans for this Temple were made two days after the
after the Mormons arrived Mormons arrived in Salt in Salt Lake ValleyLake Valley. The o. The other main Templesther main Temples are the St. George, the Lo
are the St. George, the Logan and the Manti Temgan and the Manti Temples, all in Utah. Thereples, all in Utah. There are other T
are other Temples, many in different parts of the world, emples, many in different parts of the world, wherever therewherever there is a sufficiently large
is a sufficiently large Mormon population. In Mormon population. In addition to Temaddition to Temples,ples, Mormons use chapels, which perform the same function
Mormons use chapels, which perform the same function as Non-as Non-Conformist churches.
Conformist churches.
E
Evveennttuuaallllyy, , iinn 1890,
1890, the the MormonMormon le
leadaderershship ip mamadede an agreement with an agreement with the United States Federal Authorities, in which the United States Federal Authorities, in which they undertook not to practice polygamy, whist they undertook not to practice polygamy, whist retaining it as a 'moral ideal'.
retaining it as a 'moral ideal'.
With this one concession, the Mormons gained With this one concession, the Mormons gained an instant, if grudging, respectability, and most of an instant, if grudging, respectability, and most of their other doctrines and practices were allowed their other doctrines and practices were allowed to be quietly swept under the theological carpet. to be quietly swept under the theological carpet. Now Mormonism is on the decline, not because it Now Mormonism is on the decline, not because it
is a scandal to other Christians, but rather because it is too
is a scandal to other Christians, but rather because it is too respectable. Here and there, inrespectable. Here and there, in the hill country around Salt Lake Valley, there are the odd few 'oldsters' still practising the hill country around Salt Lake Valley, there are the odd few 'oldsters' still practising polygamy quietly
polygamy quietly, and there , and there is at least is at least one of the many one of the many splinter groups, which have formedsplinter groups, which have formed sects from a
sects from a sect, which advocate and openly sect, which advocate and openly practice polygamypractice polygamy. By . By and large, however, itand large, however, it is a dead issue, which is
is a dead issue, which is strange.strange.
Perhaps the most pertinent question is why the
Perhaps the most pertinent question is why the Mormons practised polygamy in theMormons practised polygamy in the first case. Most commentators cite the
first case. Most commentators cite the obvious reasons, which are that the Mormonobvious reasons, which are that the Mormon community was short of men, and
community was short of men, and in addition, was anxious to increase its in addition, was anxious to increase its numbers asnumbers as quickly as possible. Careful scrutiny of the
quickly as possible. Careful scrutiny of the census records of the period, however, shows,census records of the period, however, shows, surprisingly
surprisingly, that there were , that there were more men in the Mormon more men in the Mormon community than women. So whycommunity than women. So why polygamy ? The simple answer is that Joseph Smith was
polygamy ? The simple answer is that Joseph Smith was 'told' to institute the 'told' to institute the practise of practise of polygamy.
polygamy.
One of the main r
One of the main reasons why orthodox Christians opposed Mormonism so violentlyeasons why orthodox Christians opposed Mormonism so violently was the fact that
was the fact that Smith espoused the doctrine of 'continuing revelation'. The ChristianSmith espoused the doctrine of 'continuing revelation'. The Christian Church, from earliest times, had taught that God's revelation to the world, which had Church, from earliest times, had taught that God's revelation to the world, which had begun with Adam, ended with the death of the last Apostle. The 'Deposit of Faith' was begun with Adam, ended with the death of the last Apostle. The 'Deposit of Faith' was complete and could not be added to. The result
complete and could not be added to. The result of this teaching was the of this teaching was the emergence of emergence of 'theology', the medieval 'Queen of Sciences', which endlessly attempted to interpret 'theology', the medieval 'Queen of Sciences', which endlessly attempted to interpret andand re-interpret the deposit of faith, as found in scripture and 'the traditions of the Church'. re-interpret the deposit of faith, as found in scripture and 'the traditions of the Church'. Re-interpretation and comment, however
interpretation and comment, however, were all , were all that were allowed. No new revelation wasthat were allowed. No new revelation was permitted.
Smith, however, considered himself an Apostle, Smith, however, considered himself an Apostle, having been empowered with the
having been empowered with the MelchizadeckMelchizadeck priesthood, and therefore, in 'these latter
priesthood, and therefore, in 'these latter days',days', prophecy and revelation had been renewed. It prophecy and revelation had been renewed. It is, as a
is, as a result, result, a fundamentaa fundamental doctrine of l doctrine of thethe Mormons that there is a
Mormons that there is a continuing revelationcontinuing revelation from the Lord.
from the Lord. One of thOne of these revelations, ese revelations, which,which, apparently
apparently, took , took place on the place on the 12th July 1843,12th July 1843, was the
was the 're-institution' of 're-institution' of polygamypolygamy..
'Re-institution' may seem an inappropriate 'Re-institution' may seem an inappropriate term, but
term, but in fact in fact even the even the most most cursorycursory inspection of the
inspection of the Old TOld Testament will reveal estament will reveal thatthat polygamy was the norm among almost all of polygamy was the norm among almost all of the the
the the characters characters depicted in depicted in the the OldOld
Testament, and the practise was accepted by Testament, and the practise was accepted by the Jews in Gospel times. The concept of the Jews in Gospel times. The concept of 're- 're-institution', however, was not the complete institution', however, was not the complete story
story, and the greater , and the greater part of the motivation for part of the motivation for polygamy lay in Smith's other teachings, which polygamy lay in Smith's other teachings, which were of a somewhat less worldl
were of a somewhat less worldly nature.y nature. If today you were
If today you were to visit Little Cottonwood Canyon, twelve miles frto visit Little Cottonwood Canyon, twelve miles from down-town Saltom down-town Salt Lake City
Lake City, you would find, , you would find, hidden in thehidden in the granite walls of that
granite walls of that canyon hugecanyon huge doors, cut into the living rock, which doors, cut into the living rock, which lead to vast, brightly lit, air conditioned, lead to vast, brightly lit, air conditioned, steel lined rooms, protected by fifteen steel lined rooms, protected by fifteen ton blast proof doors. This is the
ton blast proof doors. This is the
Genealogical Centre of the Church of Genealogical Centre of the Church of the Latter Day Saints; protected by the Latter Day Saints; protected by steel, concrete and granite from all that steel, concrete and granite from all that the latter days may throw against it. the latter days may throw against it. In these cavernous, echoing In these cavernous, echoing halls are kept, on microfilm, detailed halls are kept, on microfilm, detailed information about your famil
information about your familyy, along, along with similar information about most with similar information about most families in Europe, America and families in Europe, America and
beyond, going back, in some cases, for hundreds of
beyond, going back, in some cases, for hundreds of years. The information about you,years. The information about you, kept here, is probably more accurate and more
kept here, is probably more accurate and more detailed than that kept by your detailed than that kept by your local councillocal council or the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages; after all, these records are not kept for tax or the Registrar of Births Deaths and Marriages; after all, these records are not kept for tax or census purposes, but rather for the 'Lord'.
or census purposes, but rather for the 'Lord'. In a similar vein
In a similar vein to the re-institution of to the re-institution of polygamypolygamy, the fundamental question with, the fundamental question with regard to the genealogical activities in Little
regard to the genealogical activities in Little Cottonwood Canyon is obviouslyCottonwood Canyon is obviously, 'why ?'., 'why ?'. Returning to Salt Lake City
Returning to Salt Lake City there is also the question of there is also the question of the Tthe Temple, standingemple, standing solemnly beside the famous T
solemnly beside the famous Tabernacle, after which the abernacle, after which the renowned Choir is named.renowned Choir is named. The Salt Lake T
The Salt Lake Temple is not an outstanding piece of emple is not an outstanding piece of architecture, although, with its greyarchitecture, although, with its grey granite walls, many feet thick,
granite walls, many feet thick, it is monumental and moving, particularly when the it is monumental and moving, particularly when the sunsun glints on the golden statue of
It may come as a
It may come as a surprise to manysurprise to many, however, to realise that the, however, to realise that the T
Temple is not emple is not like most other like most other great churches, temples or great churches, temples or cathedrals in the world, which are often open to tourists and cathedrals in the world, which are often open to tourists and worshippers. There is no non-Mormon
worshippers. There is no non-Mormon (2), living today, who(2), living today, who has seen the inside of the Salt Lake City Temple (3). The has seen the inside of the Salt Lake City Temple (3). The Temple rites are absolutely secret and are only known to, and Temple rites are absolutely secret and are only known to, and practised by
practised by, a small , a small inner circle of the inner circle of the sect, for not allsect, for not all Mormons are permitted entry to the Te
Mormons are permitted entry to the Temple (4). Not onlmple (4). Not only arey are many Mormons excluded from the
many Mormons excluded from the TTemples, but, in emples, but, in additionaddition people of coloured extraction, are not permitted to
people of coloured extraction, are not permitted to enter enter certain aspects of the Aaronic Priesthood, let alone the certain aspects of the Aaronic Priesthood, let alone the priesthood of Melchizadeck.
priesthood of Melchizadeck.
The key to Mormon teachings lies in
The key to Mormon teachings lies in the doctrine of the doctrine of continuing revelation. Whilst the 'Book of Mormon'
continuing revelation. Whilst the 'Book of Mormon' was anwas an obvious example of this doctrine, it
obvious example of this doctrine, it contained little newcontained little new theology
theology, despite i, despite its remarkable claim that ts remarkable claim that the Jews hadthe Jews had colonised the Amer
colonised the Americas and Christ had preached in the icas and Christ had preached in the 'New'New World' subsequent to his resurrection. In fact the
World' subsequent to his resurrection. In fact the 'Book of Mormon' almost seems to'Book of Mormon' almost seems to become somewhat of an
become somewhat of an embarrassment with the riembarrassment with the rising influence of Brigham Yosing influence of Brigham Young,ung, Kimball and Pratt, and the
Kimball and Pratt, and the steadily declining influence, and in some cases expulsion, of thesteadily declining influence, and in some cases expulsion, of the original witnesses to the plates.
original witnesses to the plates. Equally
Equally, as , as all of all of Smith's writings were Smith's writings were published under the control published under the control of Brigham Yof Brigham Young, theoung, the authorship of some of the doctrines ma
authorship of some of the doctrines may be open to question, although as Yy be open to question, although as Young is lookedoung is looked upon as being an equal prophet to Smith, by Mormons, this may not be a pertinent
upon as being an equal prophet to Smith, by Mormons, this may not be a pertinent question from a Mormon standpoint.
question from a Mormon standpoint. It has been pointed out that
It has been pointed out that there are some thought provoking similarities betweenthere are some thought provoking similarities between Mormonism and Freemasonry
Mormonism and Freemasonry. Possibly the . Possibly the most obvious similarity is most obvious similarity is the secrecy thatthe secrecy that shrouds the inner activities of the
shrouds the inner activities of the two groups. The fact that, when Joseph was trtwo groups. The fact that, when Joseph was translatinganslating the tablets, Hyrum, his brother
the tablets, Hyrum, his brother was deeply involved in Freemasonrywas deeply involved in Freemasonry, and that i, and that in 1842, twon 1842, two years before his death,
years before his death, Joseph Smith becaJoseph Smith became a Master Mason, may be cme a Master Mason, may be consideredonsidered significant here.
significant here.
(2)
(2) MorMormonmons rs refer efer to to non-non-MorMormons mons as Gas Gententileiles, es, excexcept fpt for Jor Jewsews, w, who aho are rre refereferred red to ato as ss suchuch.. (3)
(3) The sThe same pame prohrohibiibitiotion appn applielies to as to all Moll Mormormon Tn Tempemplesles. T. Tempemples les whiwhich hach have beve been buen built rilt recenecently atly arere normally open to non-Mormons for a
normally open to non-Mormons for a short period immediately after completion. Not all areas short period immediately after completion. Not all areas of the buildingsof the buildings may be inspected however. There are photographs of part of
may be inspected however. There are photographs of part of the interiors of the Salt Lthe interiors of the Salt Lake City Take City Temple, andemple, and other older T
other older Temples, such as the Manti and emples, such as the Manti and Logan, which are published by the Logan, which are published by the Mormons.Mormons. (4)
(4) EntEntry to ry to a Ta Tempemple fle for Mor Mormormons rons requequireires a ws a writritten tten testestimoimonial nial frofrom thm their eir BisBishophop. In . In prapractictise tse thishis means that less than 25% of Mormons
means that less than 25% of Mormons are ever permitted to enter Mormon Temples, and that a tiny 6%are ever permitted to enter Mormon Temples, and that a tiny 6% regularly attend Temple services. This forms the inner elite
regularly attend Temple services. This forms the inner elite of 'true believers'.of 'true believers'.
While the Mormons are undoubtedly more seriously intentioned than Freemasons, While the Mormons are undoubtedly more seriously intentioned than Freemasons, they also share in common the fact that the outward façade they present to the world they also share in common the fact that the outward façade they present to the world bears little resemblance to their i
bears little resemblance to their inner realitynner reality, and that in , and that in this it may be this it may be suggested that bothsuggested that both groups are guilty of dissembling.
groups are guilty of dissembling.
Mormons are outwardly a Protestant (5)
Mormons are outwardly a Protestant (5) Non-Conformist sect, and are alwaysNon-Conformist sect, and are always assiduous in presenting a front of the utmost respectability in public, and it is this assiduous in presenting a front of the utmost respectability in public, and it is this respectability
respectability, which , which has if anything, contributehas if anything, contributed to their current decline.d to their current decline.
Smith was brought up in a totally Christian milieu, in which the Bible was the central Smith was brought up in a totally Christian milieu, in which the Bible was the central literature of his society, and Darwin was yet to make is
literature of his society, and Darwin was yet to make is voyage on the 'Beagle'. Hisvoyage on the 'Beagle'. His religious thinking, therefore, while it
