Closed Off from the World

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 up, although most did not survive long. The LDS, or Mormon, church that grew out of this heady time not only survived but has evolved and thrived.

The survival of the Mormons was in the face of persecution that forced them to make several moves. During their sojourn in Illinois, Smith introduced the principle of plural marriage. Opposition to polygamy split the group. When some of his followers denounced him in print as a polygamist and fallen prophet, Smith retaliated by destroying their printing press. He was arrested for doing so. In 1844...