Closed Off from the World
A new book catalogues the injustices of breakaway Mormon communities. July–August 2008
Joseph Smith’s revelation from the angel Moroni in 1822 marked the origin of what became the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. His revelation occurred during the “Second Great Awakening” in America, a period of much religious ferment and social experimentation. Evangelism was widespread. Abolition and women’s rights movements developed. New religious sects and utopian communities based on socialist ideals sprang…