Category Mormon Pioneers
Damned Rascals and the Constitution: The Paradox of Mormon Attitudes Towards Government
The attitude of Mormons towards government is paradoxical. Mormonism has beliefs that encourage support for governments, yet also a history of conflict with the United States Government. In addition, there are some Mormon doctrines that deemphasize the need for government that are held in tension with pro-government beliefs. This tension was manifested in nineteenth century […]
Capturing the Holy City, Part II: The Great Basin Kingdom
In 1898, President Wilford Woodruff stood before the Saints in General Conference and recalled a priesthood meeting in the early days of the Church where Joseph Smith stood and stated, “I want to say to you before the Lord, that you know no more concerning the destinies of this Church and kingdom than a babe […]
Orson Pratt: The Gage of Philosophy
Recently, I asked many of my friends and associates to name five general authorities from the Church in the 1800’s. The most-mentioned men were Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Parley P. Pratt, Wilford Woodruff, and John Taylor. Not one mentioned Orson Pratt. This apostle, known by some in the Church (mostly just as one of the […]
Zerah Pulsipher–The Man Who Baptized Wilford Woodruff
Zerah Pulsipher was one of my ancestors–a good man who did a lot of great things. These are a few of his stories.
Handcart Myth and Fact
For some must push and some must pull As we go marching up the hill; So merrily on our way we go Until we reach the Valley-o. We talk much of the sacrifices of the handcart pioneers, focusing particularly on the faithfulness in times of tragedy that the Willie and Martin handcart companies experienced. Our […]
Chad's Random Musings 