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FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
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After leaving [[Jackson County, Missouri|Jackson County]], the Saints in Missouri established the town of [[Far West, Missouri|Far West]]. Smith's plans to redeem Zion in Jackson County had lapsed by 1838, | After leaving [[Jackson County, Missouri|Jackson County]], the Saints in Missouri established the town of [[Far West, Missouri|Far West]]. Smith's plans to redeem Zion in Jackson County had lapsed by 1838, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=157}} (After Zion's Camp disbanded, Smith had predicted that Zion would be redeemed on 11 September 1836); {{Harvtxt|Hill|1977|pp=181–82}} (noting an account that Smith predicted in 1834 that Jackson County would be redeemed "within three years"); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=384}} (noting that by 1839, Smith "was giving up the campaign to recover Jackson County"). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and after Smith and Rigdon arrived in Missouri, Far West became the new Mormon [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|"Zion."]] | and after Smith and Rigdon arrived in Missouri, Far West became the new Mormon [[Zion (Latter Day Saints)|"Zion."]] | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1905|p=24}} (referring to the Far West church as the "church in Zion"); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=345}} (The revelation calling Far West "Zion" had the effect of "implying that Far West was to take the place of Independence.") |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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In Missouri, the church also received a new name: the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," | In Missouri, the church also received a new name: the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Roberts|1905|p=24}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=628}} (noting that some Kirtland dissenters had claimed that Smith had become the [[anti-Christ]] in 1834 when he changed the church's name from "Church of Christ" to "Church of Latter Day Saints," deleting the name of Jesus). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and construction began on a new temple. | and construction began on a new temple. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=210, 222–23}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Soon after Smith and Rigdon arrived at Far West, hundreds of disaffected Saints in Kirtland, suddenly realizing "the enormity of their loss," followed them to Missouri. | Soon after Smith and Rigdon arrived at Far West, hundreds of disaffected Saints in Kirtland, suddenly realizing "the enormity of their loss," followed them to Missouri. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=125}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=210}} ("Joseph's going had left a void that they had found intolerable. With each passing week they remembered less of their prophet's financial ineptitude and more of his genial warmth and his magnetic presence in the pulpit.") |
}} | }} | ||
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But Smith was unable to reconcile with many of the oldest and most prominent leaders of the church, and he purged those critics who had not yet resigned. | But Smith was unable to reconcile with many of the oldest and most prominent leaders of the church, and he purged those critics who had not yet resigned. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Marquardt|2005|p=463}} (listing [[Oliver Cowdery]] ([[Assistant President of the Church]]), [[Frederick G. Williams]] ([[First Presidency]]), [[David Whitmer|David]] and [[John Whitmer]] ([[Book of Mormon witnesses]] and [[Stake President|presidency of Missouri]]), [[W. W. Phelps (Mormon)|William Phelps]] (presidency of Missouri), [[Martin Harris (Latter Day Saints)|Martin Harris]], [[Hiram Page]], and [[Jacob Whitmer]] (Book of Mormon witnesses), and [[Lyman E. Johnson]], [[John F. Boynton]], [[Luke S. Johnson]], and [[William E. McLellin]] ([[Quorum of the Twelve]])); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=128}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=93}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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Though Smith hated violence, his experiences led him to believe that [[Latter Day Saint movement|his faith's]] survival required greater militancy against [[anti-Mormonism|anti-Mormons]] and Mormon traitors. | Though Smith hated violence, his experiences led him to believe that [[Latter Day Saint movement|his faith's]] survival required greater militancy against [[anti-Mormonism|anti-Mormons]] and Mormon traitors. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=92}}; {{Harv|Brodie|1971|p=213}} ("From the bottom of his heart Joseph hated violence, but his people were demanding something more than meekness and compromise. It was common gossip among the old settlers that the Mormons would never fight; and Joseph came to realize that in a country where a man's gun spoke faster than his wits, to be known as a pacifist was to invite plundering."); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=355}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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With his knowledge and at least partial approval, | With his knowledge and at least partial approval, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=93}} (arguing that Smith and Rigdon were aware of the [[Danite]] organization and sanctioned their activities); {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=215–16}} (arguing that [[Sampson Avard]] had Smith's sanction); {{Harvtxt|Hill|1977|p=225}} (concluding that Smith had at least peripheral involvement and gave early approval to Danite activities); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=346–51}} (Danites were under oath to be "completely submissive" to the First Presidency.) |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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recent convert [[Sampson Avard]] formed a covert organization called the [[Danites]] | recent convert [[Sampson Avard]] formed a covert organization called the [[Danites]] | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #There are two explanations for the name: (1) that it was a reference to the [[Daniel 2|vision of Daniel]] of a stone cut out of a mountain in Dan. 2:44–45 ({{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=93}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1097|p=215}} (quoting Smith)), and (2) that it was a reference to the [[Bible|biblical]] Danites of [[Judges 18]] {{Harv|Brodie|1971|p=216}} (quoting Smith). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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to intimidate Mormon dissenters and oppose anti-Mormon militia units. | to intimidate Mormon dissenters and oppose anti-Mormon militia units. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=93}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=213}} ("They would not only defend the Saints against aggression from the old settlers, but also act as a bodyguard for the presidency and as a secret police for ferreting out dissenters."); {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=129}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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[[Sidney Rigdon]] was working to restore the [[United Order]], but lawsuits by [[Oliver Cowdery]] and other dissenters threatened that plan. | [[Sidney Rigdon]] was working to restore the [[United Order]], but lawsuits by [[Oliver Cowdery]] and other dissenters threatened that plan. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=217}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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After Rigdon issued a thinly veiled threat in a [[Salt Sermon|sermon]], | After Rigdon issued a thinly veiled threat in a [[Salt Sermon|sermon]], | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #Rigdon said that "if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men." |
}} | }} | ||
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the Danites expelled the dissenters from the county | the Danites expelled the dissenters from the county | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=218–19}} (Danites issued a written death threat, and when that didn't work they surrounded the dissenters' homes and "ordered their wives to pack their blankets and leave the county immediately"); {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=94–95}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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with Smith's approval. | with Smith's approval. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=352}} ("Joseph certainly favored evicting dissenters..."). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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In a keynote speech at the town's [[Independence Day (United States)|Fourth of July]] celebration, Rigdon issued [[Rigdon's July 4th oration|similar threats]] against non-Mormons, promising a "war of extermination" should Mormons be attacked. | In a keynote speech at the town's [[Independence Day (United States)|Fourth of July]] celebration, Rigdon issued [[Rigdon's July 4th oration|similar threats]] against non-Mormons, promising a "war of extermination" should Mormons be attacked. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=222–23}}; {{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=131–33}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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After Rigdon's oration, Smith shouted "Hosannah!" | After Rigdon's oration, Smith shouted "Hosannah!" | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=133}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and allowed the speech to be published as a pamphlet. | and allowed the speech to be published as a pamphlet. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=223}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=96}} (noting that Smith also advertised the speech in the church periodical). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Rigdon's July 4 oration produced a flood of [[anti-Mormonism|anti-Mormon]] rhetoric in Missouri newspapers and [[stump speech (politics)|stump speech]]es during the political campaign leading up to the August 6, 1838 Missouri elections. | Rigdon's July 4 oration produced a flood of [[anti-Mormonism|anti-Mormon]] rhetoric in Missouri newspapers and [[stump speech (politics)|stump speech]]es during the political campaign leading up to the August 6, 1838 Missouri elections. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=133}}. |
*Remini notes that Mormons were "denounced as murderers, thieves, idolaters, blasphemers, and liars," and that they needed to be "driven from the state." | *Remini notes that Mormons were "denounced as murderers, thieves, idolaters, blasphemers, and liars," and that they needed to be "driven from the state." | ||
}} | }} | ||
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In [[Daviess County, Missouri|Daviess County]], where Mormon influence was increasing because of their new settlement of [[Adam-ondi-Ahman]], | In [[Daviess County, Missouri|Daviess County]], where Mormon influence was increasing because of their new settlement of [[Adam-ondi-Ahman]], | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=357}} (noting that in [[Daviess County, Missouri]], non-Mormons "watched local government fall into the hands of people they saw as deluded fanatics."). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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this election descended into violence when non-Mormons sought to prevent Mormons from voting. Although there were no immediate deaths, | this election descended into violence when non-Mormons sought to prevent Mormons from voting. Although there were no immediate deaths, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=357}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=225–26}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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the election scuffles initiated the [[1838 Mormon War]], | the election scuffles initiated the [[1838 Mormon War]], | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=134}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=96}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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which quickly escalated as non-Mormon vigilantes raided and burned Mormon farms. | which quickly escalated as non-Mormon vigilantes raided and burned Mormon farms. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=227}} |
}} | }} | ||
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Meanwhile, under Smith's general oversight and command, | Meanwhile, under Smith's general oversight and command, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=98–99, 101}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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the [[Danite]]s and other Mormon forces [[looting|pillaged]] non-Mormon towns. | the [[Danite]]s and other Mormon forces [[looting|pillaged]] non-Mormon towns. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|pp=97–98}} (Mormon forces, primarily the Danites, pillaged Millport and [[Gallatin, Missouri|Gallatin]], and when [[Quorum of the Twelve|apostles]] [[Thomas B. Marsh]] and [[Orson Hyde]] prepared an affidavit against these Mormon attacks, they were excommunicated); {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=232}} (Wagons returned from Millport and Gallatin "piled high with '[[law of consecration|consecrated]] property'".); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=371}} (Smith "believed his people could rightfully confiscate property in compensation for their own losses to the Missourians but no more".). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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During this time, Smith and other Mormon leaders helped inflame Mormon sentiment with militant rhetoric including a promise to "establish our religion with the sword" if molested. | During this time, Smith and other Mormon leaders helped inflame Mormon sentiment with militant rhetoric including a promise to "establish our religion with the sword" if molested. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=230}} (speech dated October 14, 1838 at the Far West town square); {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=352}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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His rhetoric perhaps produced greater militancy among Mormons than he had intended. | His rhetoric perhaps produced greater militancy among Mormons than he had intended. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=370–72}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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When Mormons attacked the Missouri state [[militia]] at the [[Battle of Crooked River]] in an attempt to rescue some captured Mormons, | When Mormons attacked the Missouri state [[militia]] at the [[Battle of Crooked River]] in an attempt to rescue some captured Mormons, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=364}} ("Resisting a band of vigilantes was justifiable, but attacking a militia company was resistance to the state."); {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=100}} (stating that the [[Missouri Executive Order 44|Extermination Order]] and the [[Haun's Mill massacre]] resulted from Mormon actions at the Battle of Crooked River); {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=234}} (noting that Boggs was also told about Smith's "second Mohammed" speech and Mormon admissions that they had plundered Millport and [[Gallatin, Missouri|Gallatin]]). |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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[[Lilburn Boggs|Governor Boggs]] [[Missouri Executive Order 44|ordered]] that the Mormons be "exterminated or driven from the state." | [[Lilburn Boggs|Governor Boggs]] [[Missouri Executive Order 44|ordered]] that the Mormons be "exterminated or driven from the state." | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=367}} (Boggs' executive order stated that the Mormon community had "made war upon the people of this State" and that "the Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State if necessary for the public peace"). In 1976, [[Missouri]] issued a formal apology for this order {{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=398}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Before word of this order got out, non-Mormon vigilantes surprised and killed about 18 Mormons, including children, in the [[Haun's Mill massacre]], effectively ending the war. | Before word of this order got out, non-Mormon vigilantes surprised and killed about 18 Mormons, including children, in the [[Haun's Mill massacre]], effectively ending the war. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=365–66}}; {{Harvtxt|Quinn|1994|p=97}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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On November 1, 1838, the Saints surrendered to 2,500 state troops, and agreed to forfeit their property and leave the state. | On November 1, 1838, the Saints surrendered to 2,500 state troops, and agreed to forfeit their property and leave the state. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=366–67}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=239}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Smith was [[court martial|court-martialed]] and nearly [[capital punishment|executed]] for [[treason]], but militiaman [[Alexander Doniphan]], who was also the Saints' attorney, probably saved Smith's life by insisting that he was a civilian. | Smith was [[court martial|court-martialed]] and nearly [[capital punishment|executed]] for [[treason]], but militiaman [[Alexander Doniphan]], who was also the Saints' attorney, probably saved Smith's life by insisting that he was a civilian. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=367}} (noting that Smith was saved by [[Alexander Doniphan]], a Missouri militia leader who had acted as the Saints legal council (pp. 242, 344)); {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|241}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Smith was then sent to a state court for a [[preliminary hearing]], | Smith was then sent to a state court for a [[preliminary hearing]], | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=369}}; {{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=243–45}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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where several of his former allies, including [[Danite]] commander [[Sampson Avard]], [[turn state's evidence|turned state's evidence]]. | where several of his former allies, including [[Danite]] commander [[Sampson Avard]], [[turn state's evidence|turned state's evidence]]. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=369}}; {{Harv|Brodie|1971|pp=225–26}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Smith and five others, including Rigdon, were charged with "overt acts of treason," | Smith and five others, including Rigdon, were charged with "overt acts of treason," | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|p=369}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and transferred to the [[Liberty Jail|jail]] at [[Liberty, Missouri]] to await trial. | and transferred to the [[Liberty Jail|jail]] at [[Liberty, Missouri]] to await trial. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=369–70}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Smith's months in prison with Rigdon strained their relationship, | Smith's months in prison with Rigdon strained their relationship, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=251}}. Smith bore his harsh imprisonment "stoically, almost cheerfully, for there was a serenity in his nature that enabled him to accept trouble along with glory," ({{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=245}}; {{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=375–77}}) whereas Rigdon was both sick and a whiner {{Harv|Brodie|1971|p=251}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and [[Brigham Young]] rose in prominence as Smith's defender. | and [[Brigham Young]] rose in prominence as Smith's defender. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=245–46}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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Under Young's leadership, about 14,000 Saints | Under Young's leadership, about 14,000 Saints | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|p=138}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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made their way to Illinois and searched for land to purchase. | made their way to Illinois and searched for land to purchase. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=248–50}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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Smith bade his time writing contemplative statements directed mainly to Mormons. | Smith bade his time writing contemplative statements directed mainly to Mormons. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Remini|2002|pp=136–37}}; {{Harv|Brodie|1971|pp=245}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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He did not deny responsibility for the Danites, but he said he had been ignorant of Avard's extreme militancy. | He did not deny responsibility for the Danites, but he said he had been ignorant of Avard's extreme militancy. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Brodie|1971|pp=246}} (noting, in addition, that Smith oddly denied the ubiquitous rumor of polygamy, which had not come up in his trial). The Danites dissolved in 1838, but their members formed the backbone of Smith's security forces in Nauvoo. {{Harv|Quinn|pp=101–02}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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Though it had not been an issue in his preliminary hearing, he denied rumors of [[Mormonism and polygamy|polygamy]], | Though it had not been an issue in his preliminary hearing, he denied rumors of [[Mormonism and polygamy|polygamy]], | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|p=246}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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as he quietly planned how to reveal the principle to his followers. | as he quietly planned how to reveal the principle to his followers. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|1971|pp=252–53}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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Many Saints now considered Smith a fallen prophet, but he assured them he still had the heavenly keys. | Many Saints now considered Smith a fallen prophet, but he assured them he still had the heavenly keys. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Brodie|1971|pp=245–46}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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He directed the Saints to collect and publish all their stories of persecution, and to moderate their antagonism to non-Mormons. | He directed the Saints to collect and publish all their stories of persecution, and to moderate their antagonism to non-Mormons. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Bushman|2005|pp=377–78}}. |
}} | }} | ||
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Smith and his companions tried to escape at least twice during their four-month imprisonment, | Smith and his companions tried to escape at least twice during their four-month imprisonment, | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harv|Bushman|2005|p=375}}; {{Harv|Brodie|1971|pp=250–51}}. |
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
# | # | ||
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and on April 6, 1839, on their way to a different jail after their [[grand jury]] hearing, they succeeded by bribing the [[Sheriffs in the United States|sheriff]]. | and on April 6, 1839, on their way to a different jail after their [[grand jury]] hearing, they succeeded by bribing the [[Sheriffs in the United States|sheriff]]. | ||
|authorsources=<br> | |authorsources=<br> | ||
− | # | + | #{{Harvtxt|Brodie|2005|pp=253–55}} (The bribe was a jug of honey [[whiskey]] brought by Smith's brother [[Hyrum Smith|Hyrum]], which the sheriff used to get drunk while the prisoners escaped, and the promise of $800, which the Sheriff collected later.); {{Harv|Bushman|2005|pp=382, 635–36}}. |
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1831 to 1838 | A FairMormon Analysis of Wikipedia: "Joseph Smith" A work by a collaboration of authors (Link to Wikipedia article here)
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1838 - 1844 |
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After leaving Jackson County, the Saints in Missouri established the town of Far West. Smith's plans to redeem Zion in Jackson County had lapsed by 1838,Author's sources:
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and after Smith and Rigdon arrived in Missouri, Far West became the new Mormon "Zion."Author's sources:
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In Missouri, the church also received a new name: the "Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints,"Author's sources:
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and construction began on a new temple.Author's sources:
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Soon after Smith and Rigdon arrived at Far West, hundreds of disaffected Saints in Kirtland, suddenly realizing "the enormity of their loss," followed them to Missouri.Author's sources:
- Remini (2002) , p. 125; Brodie (1971) , p. 210 ("Joseph's going had left a void that they had found intolerable. With each passing week they remembered less of their prophet's financial ineptitude and more of his genial warmth and his magnetic presence in the pulpit.")
But Smith was unable to reconcile with many of the oldest and most prominent leaders of the church, and he purged those critics who had not yet resigned.Author's sources:
- Marquardt (2005) , p. 463 (listing Oliver Cowdery (Assistant President of the Church), Frederick G. Williams (First Presidency), David and John Whitmer (Book of Mormon witnesses and presidency of Missouri), William Phelps (presidency of Missouri), Martin Harris, Hiram Page, and Jacob Whitmer (Book of Mormon witnesses), and Lyman E. Johnson, John F. Boynton, Luke S. Johnson, and William E. McLellin (Quorum of the Twelve)); Remini (2002) , p. 128; Quinn (1994) , p. 93.
Though Smith hated violence, his experiences led him to believe that his faith's survival required greater militancy against anti-Mormons and Mormon traitors.Author's sources:
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With his knowledge and at least partial approval,Author's sources:
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recent convert Sampson Avard formed a covert organization called the DanitesAuthor's sources:
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to intimidate Mormon dissenters and oppose anti-Mormon militia units.Author's sources:
- Quinn (1994) , p. 93; Brodie (1971) , p. 213 ("They would not only defend the Saints against aggression from the old settlers, but also act as a bodyguard for the presidency and as a secret police for ferreting out dissenters."); Remini (2002) , p. 129.
Sidney Rigdon was working to restore the United Order, but lawsuits by Oliver Cowdery and other dissenters threatened that plan.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 217.
After Rigdon issued a thinly veiled threat in a sermon,Author's sources:
- Rigdon said that "if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men."
the Danites expelled the dissenters from the countyAuthor's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 218–19 (Danites issued a written death threat, and when that didn't work they surrounded the dissenters' homes and "ordered their wives to pack their blankets and leave the county immediately"); Quinn (1994) , pp. 94–95.
with Smith's approval.Author's sources:
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In a keynote speech at the town's Fourth of July celebration, Rigdon issued similar threats against non-Mormons, promising a "war of extermination" should Mormons be attacked.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 222–23; Remini (2002) , pp. 131–33.
After Rigdon's oration, Smith shouted "Hosannah!"Author's sources:
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and allowed the speech to be published as a pamphlet.Author's sources:
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Rigdon's July 4 oration produced a flood of anti-Mormon rhetoric in Missouri newspapers and stump speeches during the political campaign leading up to the August 6, 1838 Missouri elections.Author's sources:
- Remini (2002) , p. 133.
- Remini notes that Mormons were "denounced as murderers, thieves, idolaters, blasphemers, and liars," and that they needed to be "driven from the state."
In Daviess County, where Mormon influence was increasing because of their new settlement of Adam-ondi-Ahman,Author's sources:
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this election descended into violence when non-Mormons sought to prevent Mormons from voting. Although there were no immediate deaths,Author's sources:
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the election scuffles initiated the 1838 Mormon War,Author's sources:
- Remini (2002) , p. 134; Quinn (1994) , p. 96.
which quickly escalated as non-Mormon vigilantes raided and burned Mormon farms.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 227
Meanwhile, under Smith's general oversight and command,Author's sources:
- Quinn (1994) , pp. 98–99, 101.
the Danites and other Mormon forces pillaged non-Mormon towns.Author's sources:
[Joseph] certainly wanted Mormon enemies removed, but would he have fought to remove them or burned their houses? He believed his people could rightfully confiscate property in compensation for their own losses to the Missourians but o more. He is not known to have ordered any greater violence. As the December letter said, he believed the Missourians burned their own houses and blamed it on the Mormons. His military instincts were defensive. When it was time to attack, he pulled back...Any Mormon aggression beyond these limits probably occurred without his authorization. (emphasis added)
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During this time, Smith and other Mormon leaders helped inflame Mormon sentiment with militant rhetoric including a promise to "establish our religion with the sword" if molested.Author's sources:
Corrill remembered strong talk. Joseph said that "if they came on us to molest us, we would establish our religion by the sword; and that he would become to this generation a second Mahomet."
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His rhetoric perhaps produced greater militancy among Mormons than he had intended.Author's sources:
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When Mormons attacked the Missouri state militia at the Battle of Crooked River in an attempt to rescue some captured Mormons,Author's sources:
[T]he Mormons learned of a group of armed men approaching in a threatening posture. They actually were a contingent of the Richmond County militia under Samuel Bogard, but they looked like a mob on the prowl. The misapprehension proved to be a serious mistake.
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Governor Boggs ordered that the Mormons be "exterminated or driven from the state."Author's sources:
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Before word of this order got out, non-Mormon vigilantes surprised and killed about 18 Mormons, including children, in the Haun's Mill massacre, effectively ending the war.Author's sources:
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On November 1, 1838, the Saints surrendered to 2,500 state troops, and agreed to forfeit their property and leave the state.Author's sources:
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Smith was court-martialed and nearly executed for treason, but militiaman Alexander Doniphan, who was also the Saints' attorney, probably saved Smith's life by insisting that he was a civilian.Author's sources:
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Smith was then sent to a state court for a preliminary hearing,Author's sources:
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where several of his former allies, including Danite commander Sampson Avard, turned state's evidence.Author's sources:
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Smith and five others, including Rigdon, were charged with "overt acts of treason,"Author's sources:
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and transferred to the jail at Liberty, Missouri to await trial.Author's sources:
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Smith's months in prison with Rigdon strained their relationship,Author's sources:
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and Brigham Young rose in prominence as Smith's defender.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 245–46.
Under Young's leadership, about 14,000 SaintsAuthor's sources:
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made their way to Illinois and searched for land to purchase.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 248–50.
Smith bade his time writing contemplative statements directed mainly to Mormons.Author's sources:
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He did not deny responsibility for the Danites, but he said he had been ignorant of Avard's extreme militancy.Author's sources:
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Though it had not been an issue in his preliminary hearing, he denied rumors of polygamy,Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , p. 246.
as he quietly planned how to reveal the principle to his followers.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 252–53.
Many Saints now considered Smith a fallen prophet, but he assured them he still had the heavenly keys.Author's sources:
- Brodie (1971) , pp. 245–46.
He directed the Saints to collect and publish all their stories of persecution, and to moderate their antagonism to non-Mormons.Author's sources:
- Bushman (2005) , pp. 377–78.
Smith and his companions tried to escape at least twice during their four-month imprisonment,Author's sources:
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and on April 6, 1839, on their way to a different jail after their grand jury hearing, they succeeded by bribing the sheriff.Author's sources:
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Wikipedia references for "Joseph Smith, Jr." |
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