Mormonism MidTerm

Hill Cumorah

Historic site in New York where it is said that Joseph Smither found the golden tablets there. September 1826.

Urim and Thummim:

The breast plate found with the golden plates. 1828, New York. Instruments used to receive revelation and translate languages. The tool used to translate the golden plates that were found alongside the Urim and Thummim.

Treasure Digging

1820s Joseph smith was hired out and became a part of the practice, late 1700’s even (part of the culture of early America), North-East America

Open Canon:

Relates to the book of Mormon published in 1830. Concept of the open canon, that there is an opportunity/potential for additional revelation/scripture apart from the Holy Bible. Book of Abraham is an example.

Emma Smith:

Joseph Smith’s first wife. Born early 1800’s. Born Pennsylvania but married Joseph Smith in New York. Known to be a strong figure when I came to backing up Smith’s proclamation of Mormonism. President of Nauvoo Female Relief Society.

Oliver Cowdery

Becomes a scribe for Smith in 1829. From New York. One of the witnesses to the golden plates. A key figure in the early church, but was excommunicated, and then baptized back into the faith. Vision in the temple alongside Joseph Smith in 1836. Did not react positively to plural marriage.

Word of Wisdom

Dictated in 1833 and revealed by Joseph Smith. A health code and section of the Doctrine and Covenants in the Mormon faith. Warned Saints to stay away from tobacco, red meat, and strong drink

Law of Consecration

Smith receive revelation to put this law in order. A new economic system or order. Ushered in a kind of communal living. Made every Latter-day Saint accountable to God and bound to the body of believers. 1830’s. Encouraged members to give not only their lives but their possessions to the church- the possessions would be distributed evenly among the congregation.

The Vision

early 1830s, Sydney Rigdon and joseph smith shared the vision of heaven having three different levels. Kirtland, Ohio. Influential because it plays a big role in LDS theology. Conflict: outsiders and LDS member struggled to hear this new theology. May play a role in the tar and feathering of the men.

The Evening and Morning Star

Missouri, editor of the newspaper-W W Phelps, church owned newspaper, 1833 (early 1830’s), “Free People of Color” was an article that received hate and accusations that LDS wanting racial equality/ accused of starting a slave rebellion. Significance: caused a fierce reaction that stormed the office an start the Mormon exodus out of Missouri. Phelps back tracks with defense meconium: claiming they didn’t want black people.

Black Pete

One of the first Black members of the Church. Claimed to be a revelator-Received messages from heaven. Known for falling off a 25 ft. embankment and survived- fell because it is believed he was chasing a Black Angel. 1820s/30s.

Danites

June 1838. Formed as a self-defense to protect the church from outsiders. Take part in the raiding of other Missouri residential areas. Vigilante justice.

Executive Order 44

Oct.27-An order to forcefully displace the Mormons from Missouri. Directed by the general.

Hawn’s Mill

Massacre (October 1838) When a mob/militia unit from Livingston County, Missouri, attacked a Mormon settlement in eastern Caldwell County, Missouri, after the Battle of Crooked River. 17 were killed. Breaking point that pushed Mormons out and they moved onto Illinois.

Sealing

Idea that you can seal your marriage for eternity. Relationship last not only in this world but the spiritual world to come. 1836. A shot ceremony between a man and a woman. Was revealed to Joseph Smith through the prophet Elijah.

Female Relief Society

1840s- Smith encouraged them to create a “benevolent society”. Responsibility: to provide a moral instruction and tend to the needs of community. Raised donations, discussed theology, exercised spiritual gifts. Emma Smith becomes president, Eliza R. Snow secretary

The Principle

What early Latter-Day Saints refers to plural marriage as. Secretly in early 1840 in Nauvoo- some say 1830s. Becomes a marker of Mormonism moving forward. Especially in Utah once they start practicing openly. Early phase 1 of polygamy.

John C. Bennett

Bennett is an educated fellow with a military background. Seeked ways to benefit himself through Mormonism growth and power. Becomes a villain later on (he’s excommunicated), vocally outspoken critic of the church. First mayor of Nauvoo in the early 1840s.

Nauvoo Expositor

1844, and only ever published one issue. Exposed Smith's practice of polygamy and accused him of promoting polytheism by teaching that church members can become gods.

James Strang

in 1840s was an advocate of Succession by Special Appointment. Claimed to have message from Smith to be a successor. Charismatic figure like Joseph that attracted allegiance of other notable Saints. Became an acquainted leader alongside the early figures of the church.

According to sociologist Armand L. Mauss, a new religious movement survives and prospers in American society

The importance of social networks in the survival of NRMs. These movements often build strong, tight-knit communities that provide social support and a sense of belonging for members- this often appeals to lower class/oppressed social groups, giving them something to put their passion into.

Define what a restorationist movement is. How is Mormonism a restorationist religion?

A restorationist movement is a charismatic Christian movement seeking to restore the beliefs and practices of the early Church. The theology behind Mormonism is that the prophet, Joseph Smith, was called by called to restore the church to its former glory through the discovery of another testament call the Book of Mormon.

What was the Market Revolution and what was the Smith family’s relation to it?

The rapid advancement of technology that led to economic and social change. This brought economic challenges to many, especially in the lower class, which includes Smith’s family. The Smith family often had to find work from those higher in social status, living off of their employment and the land they worked on.

What was the Second Great Awakening? What impact did it have on ordinary Americans?

The Second Great Awakening (1790’s-1840’s). Emphasized the sinner’s ability to accept God’s offer of grace. Stressed importance of moral living. Impact: Church growth, Encouraged spread of reform movements (slavery, prostitution, alcoholism, poverty)

What are some of the religious groups (besides Mormonism) that existed during the Second Great Awakening? Why did they and their leaders thrive during this moment of revival?

• Shakers: Led by Mother Ann Lee. Followers regarded Lee as the second coming of Christ. Believed that all sexual activity was a sin. Emerged as a result of a split from the Quaker movement in England.

• The Oneida Community: Begun by John Humphry. Known for its radical practices of "complex marriage" (communal sharing of partners), communal property ownership, and a strict belief in achieving perfectionism in this life, not just in the afterlife. Emerged as a result of a religious movement called Perfectionism

In what ways was Methodism and Mormonism similar?

General similarities: greater emphasis on lame people and their role in the church, both saw supernatural in everyday life/expecting miraculous occurrences (visions- wanting New Testament things to happen in their time), passionate about converting/missionary work (circuit riders-Methodist)

What are some explanations for why there are different details in the First Vision accounts produced by Joseph Smith?

Explained by the fact that he recounted the experience at different times, to different audiences, and with varying purposes, leading to natural variations in emphasis and specific details while maintaining the core elements of the vision itself; essentially, how someone tells a story can change depending on who they're telling it to and why they are sharing it. 

Smith’s translation of the Book of Mormon has amazed believers, critics, and scholars of the church. What were a couple theories that people put forth to explain how Smith accomplished the translation?

The use of the Urim and Thummim or a Seer Stone were objects that abled him to complete the translation process. Due to Smith’s lack of formal education it would have been nearly impossible for him to translate on his own.

Early convert to the church Martin Harris was a known skeptic of religious claims. What were some ways he tested Joseph Smith?

He would do things like switch out the seer stone Smith would use with a normal stone to see is the translations were made up.

What is the concept of the gathering? In what ways did the gathering impact nineteenth-century Latter-day Saints (either positively or negatively)?

The gathering is based on the idea that, in the last days, the faithful followers of Christ are to come together in specific places to prepare for the second coming of Jesus Christ. It is often described as a process where saints are called to physically leave their previous homes, gather together in new, consecrated places, and help build a New Jerusalem or a Zion—a community that is spiritually and temporally prepared for Christ’s return. Positive: made community stronger and larger for believers. Negative: in many of the gathering places residents of these locations would oppose and drive out the Mormons.

Mormonism faced a crisis of sorts during its years in Kirtland, Ohio. What specific problems did Joseph Smith and the early church face here?  

internal dissent, hostility from non-Mormons, and persecution

What were some events in Caldwell and Daviess counties that contributed to growing discontent over Mormonism in 1838?

Mormons were seen as a political and social threat.

In what ways did the temple in Nauvoo differ in function from the temple in Kirtland, Ohio?

Kirtland Temple: Spring 1833 Revelation provides instructions, January 1836: Smith introduces temple ordinances (washing and anointing) Smith introduces new ordinances: Baptism of the dead ,endowment ceremonies, sealing

Early Mormonism had its greatest success in missionary efforts among British converts. What were some reasons for this as discussed in class?

o   Many from the Industrial world

o   Solidifies social classes 

o   Urban spaces get overcrowded

-So land areas in America is appealing

o   Many were hungry for a more emotional/personal religion

o   Missionary outreach was easier due to language

- Conversion rates were slower in other areas at the time

o   Apostles were prominent leaders to the British converts

- Brigham Young one of them

What are the phases of polygamy as it was practiced in the church? Generally when did they take place? What are some characteristics of each phase?

The Principle- potentially the question will ask you do describe the different characteristics of the phases.

Phase 1- Intro.

Early 1830s-1846

• More secret

• Don’t live together

Phase 2- Utah

1846 - Mid 1880s

• Start to practice more openly

• Women start taking the husband's surname

Phase 3

Mid 1880s - 1900s

• Go back into secrecy due to judgement

• Alter living situations so they are not all living together

Why did Joseph Smith turn himself in to Carthage jail? What had he done that led to his imprisonment?  

The press's destruction led to a warrant for Joseph and Hyrum's arrest on riot charges and a series of legal proceedings.

What were the possible paths of succession following Joseph Smith’s death?

Succession by Counselor, Succession by Special Appointment, Office of Associate President, Presiding Patriarch of the Church, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and Succession by a Descendant of the Prophet

Why did most people choose to follow Brigham Young’s leadership?

His strong organizational skills, his ability to provide stability and direction during a turbulent time, his commitment to leading the Mormon community westward to establish a new home in Utah, and his perceived divine authority as the chosen successor to Smith, which allowed him to effectively unite and guide the Mormon people through a challenging migration process. 

What are a couple possible reasons why Mormonism continued after the death of Smith? Why didn’t it die out like other new religious movements?

Hierarchical potions played a role (these people kept it afloat once smith died)

Considering Mauss’s framework of understanding how host societies interact with new religious movements, explain how early Mormonism maintained unique features that distinguished it from its non-Mormon neighbors. How did these features create tension with the host society?

Restoration, Book of Mormon/Additional Scriptures, plural marriage, religious leaders with political authority, Communal and Cooperative Economic Practices, etc.

Primary Source:

Diary, Journal, Newspaper, etc.

Both Mormonism and Methodism were passionate about ______

coversion

Did both Mormonism and Methodism embrace individualism?

NO

After learning about the golden plates in 1823, what did Joseph Smith NOT do?

immediately dug them up and start translating.

Martin Harris-

consulted with scholars to verify the book of Mormon

Who claimed succession to the Presidency by special appointment

James Strang

All plural marriages in Nauvoo did NOT involve:

Sexual relationships in private

Editor of the Morning and Evening Star:

W. W. Phelps

Problems Smith' faced in Kirtland, Ohio

• the failing of the Kirtland Safety Society

• Doubts about his prophets abilities

• Charismatic expression of worship that appear “disorderly”

Who challenged Smith’s prophetic abilities in Kirtland, Ohio

Black Pete

Who issues execuative order 44?

Lilburn Boggs

What led to Smith’s imprisonment in jail

His ordered destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor

Who practiced complex marriaged?

Onida Community