Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy: The Introduction and Implementation of the Principle, 1830-1853 Rating :
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful.
Want to Understand Polygamy--Read This Book
By Val Larsen
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. While it is very clear on the theological underpinnings of polygamy, what makes the book especially engaging is that it weaves the narrative of individual lives into the unfolding historical tapestry. We see how theology and faith intersect with personality and persecution and friendship and desire and jealousy in the lives of these pioneers of "the principle." Developing as it initially did in secret and at a great temporal and cultural remove from biblical models, polygamy placed a heavy burden of invention upon its pioneering practitioners. The book shows how various faithful women and men struggled to find a viable way of living together in their unconventional marriages that had no model. It shows, too, how over time, through trial and error, the Saints learned to be better polygamists. And yet, it is also clear that structural problems tested even the wisest and most faith filled participants. Unsurprisingly, many participants were not entirely wise, though judging from the book, the vast majority seem to have been full of faith.
The impression I gleaned from this book was that Joseph Smith, though surely not lacking in libido which may have played a role, truly felt called of God to restore plural marriage as part of the restoration of all things. In restoring polygamy, he brought upon himself and the Church a world of trouble, not least from his formidable and admirable wife Emma. The historical balance of the book is reflected in the fact that I felt deep sympathy and respect for both Emma and Joseph as they endured their frustrating, fierce, loving, agitated struggle to defend their diametrically opposed views on the proper model for marriage and the propriety or impropriety of polygamy. While my heritage and faith is with the Mormons of Deseret, I have new found respect for Emma who was their most important opponent and adversary within the faith. And the book makes it clear that she was entirely faithful to the restoration as she in her fierce integrity understood it.
While it brought that world of trouble upon the Saints, I came to better understand in reading the book why the Mormon Church would not be what it is today were it not for polygamy. This book does an excellent job of showing how determinative polygamy was in the succession crisis following Joseph's death. Key elites in the Church were bound to each other by their mutual practice of the principle. Like the treasonous Founders, it condemned these Mormons to hang together or hang separately, for their shared unconventional marriages left them unfit for the polite society of their day. So though it was still an only partially open secret, this book makes it clear that polygamy was a lynch pin of Brigham Young's triumph in his struggle for control of the Church. Were it not for polygamy, the book implicitly makes clear, the course of Church history would have been very different. So after reading this book, I have a much deeper understanding of how the Church came to be what it is and of what role polygamy played in the formation of the intermountain Mormon culture that has played such an important role in the larger history of the United States
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful.Avid Mormon Reader in Santee, California
By B. Jenkins
I will say up front that my review might be slightly biased. Merina and I have been personal friends for over 10 years. We team taught the Gospel Doctrine adult Sunday school class in the Avocado, El Cajon, California Ward. The subject was the Old Testament, and we got along smashingly. With that being said, however, I would not give a positive review of her book if I thought it was not well written.
First, the writing is wonderfully engaging and accessible. This is quite a feat considering the subject matter and academic context of the publication. When I started the Introduction, I could not put the book down. I read late into the night and was increasingly persuaded to follow the stories that the author used to construct the foundation and framework of her thesis. I read the introduction a second time the same night, making copious notes in the margins. I picked the book up again last night and avidly read until 1:30 a.m. This might sound like an exaggeration, but, it is not; I cannot put the book down because of how much I enjoy the writing.
Second, the arguments the author uses to bolster her thesis are cogent and meaningful. There is a logical, compelling progression in which the book unfolds. This is marvelously enhanced by the superb organization of the book (ie. the sub-sections within each chapter).
Third, the author uses judicious caution in discussing the historical/social development of Joseph Smith and the practice of polygamy. She goes out of her way to show the complex character and genius of Joseph Smith. The author never jumps to easy or simplistic conclusions regarding the motivations underpinning the actions of Joseph Smith. In fact, I was impressed with the consistent respect and sincerity the author showed Joseph Smith, especially when dealing with certain delicate historical incidents. Proof of this is seen through the author ascribing Joseph's reasons for polygamy as a means to strengthen his familial theological cosmic view.
Fourth, I love how the author used stories to develop her thesis. In fact, her thesis is built upon the overarching idea that polygamy developed over time through the stories Joseph Smith shaped and revealed to church members. Individuals will not follow radical social changes unless they are able to incorporate resonating narratives into their own psyche. The genius of Joseph Smith was his ability to form powerful narratives that enabled and empowered individuals to participate directly, even intimately, within the divine and eternal cosmos. In other words, Joseph's narratives became the personal narratives of individual church members. The significance of this achievement cannot be understated.
In conclusion, this book resonates with me. It verifies to me, yet again, that history is composed of individuals and their unique experiences. History, at its heart, comprises the stories individuals tell themselves, their loved ones and others. Individuals deeply define themselves and their world/cosmic view through the inner and outer stories they tell themselves. When these stories overlap with the stories of other individuals, a community is created. If the stories are compelling and similar enough, the community develops into a potent and sustained social order. The author convincingly shows this reality within the context of Joseph Smith and early Mormonism.
Product Description
In Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy historian Merina Smith explores the introduction of polygamy in Nauvoo, a development that unfolded amid scandal and resistance. Smith considers the ideological, historical, and even psychological elements of the process and captures the emotional and cultural detail of this exciting and volatile period in Mormon history. She illuminates the mystery of early adherents' acceptance of such a radical form of marriage in light of their dedication to the accepted monogamous marriage patterns of their day.
When Joseph Smith began to reveal and teach the doctrine of plural marriage in 1841, even stalwart members like Brigham Young were shocked and confused. In this thoughtful study, Smith argues that the secret introduction of plural marriage among the leadership coincided with an evolving public theology that provided a contextualizing religious narrative that persuaded believers to accept the principle.
This fresh interpretation draws from diaries, letters, newspapers, and other primary sources and is especially effective in its use of family narratives. It will be of great interest not only to scholars and the general public interested in Mormon history but in American history, religion, gender and sexuality, and the history of marriage and families.
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #146949 in Books
- Published on: 2013-06-25
- Original language:English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: .0" h x.0" w x.0" l,1.25 pounds
- Binding: Hardcover
- 280 pages
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