Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

History of Christianity Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Brigham Young University

Discipline
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type

Articles 61 - 88 of 88

Full-Text Articles in History of Christianity

The Palawai Pioneers On The Island Of Lanai: The First Hawaiian Latter-Day Saint Gathering Place (1854-1864), Fred E. Woods Sep 2004

The Palawai Pioneers On The Island Of Lanai: The First Hawaiian Latter-Day Saint Gathering Place (1854-1864), Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

A decade after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, the message of the Restoration continued to breathe new spiritual life into thousands who were part of scattered Israel, and the Hawaiians were no exception. The call to gather had go forth: "Gather ye out from among the nations, from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Send forth my elders of my church unto the nations, which are afar off; unto the islands of the sea" (D&C 133:7-8). After the Saints had been exiled from Nauvoo in 1846 and had migrated …


Traditional Christian Sacraments And Covenants, Noel B. Reynolds, Bryson L. Bachman Apr 2004

Traditional Christian Sacraments And Covenants, Noel B. Reynolds, Bryson L. Bachman

Faculty Publications

Whereas Mormon theology and scripture understands baptism as the witnessing of a covenant to follow Christ, a survey of Christian tradition shows that the early Christian writers did not link their understanding of covenant with baptism. Historical reasons for the de-emphasis of covenant language in the Roman period are identified, before it picked up again in baptismal settings after the fourth century. Extensive discussion of covenant theology emerged later between the reformers. Calvin, Luther, and Zwingli are considered, but Bullinger has the most to say on the link between ordinances and covenants in a way that would make sense for …


Jesse Knight And His Humbug Mine, J. Michael Hunter Jan 2004

Jesse Knight And His Humbug Mine, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

Born in Nauvoo, Illinois to faithful Mormon parents, Jesse Knight later withdrew from activity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). In this biographical sketch, the events associated with his “religious awakening” are recounted, as are the circumstances that led to his amassing a fortune in the mining industry. Considering his wealth to be a stewardship from the Lord, he used it to create jobs for the unemployed, promote education, encourage wholesome recreation, and save the credit of the LDS Church. “Uncle Jesse” was an example of kindness and generosity to all.


That Every Man Might Speak In The Name Of God The Lord: A Study Of Official Declaration 2, Richard Bennett Jun 2003

That Every Man Might Speak In The Name Of God The Lord: A Study Of Official Declaration 2, Richard Bennett

Faculty Publications

Official Declaration 2, tucked away quietly at the very tail end of the Doctrine and Covenants, is in many ways a fitting conclusion to the preface of the Doctrine and Covenants recorded 147 years before. In section 1 the Lord reveals much about the Restoration and about the divine pulley of the First Vision in particular. The term pulley emphasizes the two-way nature of the First Vision, for although Joseph prayed to know heaven's will, God "called upon" his servant to initiate the Restoration. Although much has been said about the boy prophet's request, surely God's intent counts for just …


The Desert Shall Blossom As The Rose : Pioneering Irrigation / John A. Widtsoe, J. Michael Hunter Jan 2003

The Desert Shall Blossom As The Rose : Pioneering Irrigation / John A. Widtsoe, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

Beginning in 1847 Mormon pioneers used irrigation or the artificial application of water to land and soil in order to establish an agrarian system in Utah’s sub-humid Salt Lake Valley. Early leaders and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) viewed irrigation as a means of fulfilling the biblical prophecy of Isaiah, “The desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose” (Isaiah 35:1), although early pioneers and leaders realized that the Salt Lake Valley was not exactly a desert. In fact, some Mormon leaders described it as a “rich fertile valley.” Although a few Mormon …


Scripture Note: Doctrine And Covenants 125, Fred E. Woods Jan 2003

Scripture Note: Doctrine And Covenants 125, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

On 19 January 1841, the Lord gave a revelation to Joseph Smith regarding the building of the Nauvoo Temple and issued a call for the faithful Saints to gather to assist in the building of this sacred edifice (see D&C 124: 25-55). With the emphasis on the gathering to Nauvoo and the building of the temple, the Iowa Saints on the eastern banks of the Mississippi were wondering if they should move across the river to Nauvoo. Therefore, in March 1841, the Prophet Joseph Smith posed the question, "What is the will of the Lord concerning the saints in the …


Who Controls The Water? Yahweh Vs. Baal, Fred E. Woods Jan 2003

Who Controls The Water? Yahweh Vs. Baal, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

As the Israelites settled in the land of Canaan, clashes over religious beliefs and practices developed with other inhabitants of the land. Baalism, the belief in the Canaanite god of water and storm, became a threat to the true belief in Yahweh (Jehovah). This paper is an investigation of the implicit polemical usage of water and storm language in the Deuteronomic History (hereafter referred to as DH). The DH consists of the book of Deuteronomy as well as what is referred to in the Hebrew Bible as the Former Prophets (Joshua, Judges, Samuel, and Kings). Many passages in the Deuteronomic …


The Youngs At West Point, J. Michael Hunter Jan 2002

The Youngs At West Point, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

In 1871, Willard Young, eleventh son of Brigham Young, was the first Mormon to receive an appointment to West Point Academy. His attendance at the military academy drew national attention and criticism from opponents of polygamy. Despite the opposition, he soon gained the respect of his classmates and graduated fourth in his class. He returned to teach engineering in 1879, served in the Spanish-American War, earning a commendation from President McKinley, and during World War I was supervisor of army engineering work on the Missouri River. In 1877, one of Brigham's grandsons, Richard W. Young, was the second Mormon to …


The Cemetery Record Of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton, Fred E. Woods Jan 2002

The Cemetery Record Of William D. Huntington, Nauvoo Sexton, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

When John Butler first visited Commerce (later known as Nauvoo) he recalled, "I asked Brother Joseph what kind of a place it was. He said it was a low, marshy, wet, damp and nasty place, but that if we went to work and improved it, it would become more healthy and the Lord would bless it for our sakes." The Prophet Joseph Smith also stated, "the name of our city (Nauvoo) is of Hebrew origin, and signifies a beautiful situation, or place, carrying with it, also, the idea of rest; and is truly descriptive of the most delightful situation... This …


Has The Lord Turned Bankrupt? The Attempted Sale Of The Nauvoo Temple, 1846-1850, Richard Bennett Jan 2002

Has The Lord Turned Bankrupt? The Attempted Sale Of The Nauvoo Temple, 1846-1850, Richard Bennett

Faculty Publications

If Joseph Smith had lived we should not have been here at this time. We should have been in some other country. We can't stay in this house but a little while. We have got to build another house. It will be a larger house than this, and a more glorious one. And we shall build a great many houses, we shall come back here and we shall go to Kirtland, and build houses all over the continent of North America. On 4 April 1999 Gordon B. Hinckley, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, electrified millions …


Two Sides Of A River: Mormon Transmigration Through Quincy, Illinois, And Hannibal, Missouri, Fred E. Woods Jan 2001

Two Sides Of A River: Mormon Transmigration Through Quincy, Illinois, And Hannibal, Missouri, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

The infamous extermination order issued 27 October 1838 by Missouri Governor Lilburn W. Boggs caused thousands of Latter-day Saints to flee the state and seek refuge in Illinois across the Mississippi River. Illinois, established in 1817, had high hopes for its future, but just two decades later it was smitten, like the rest of America, with the economic depression of 1837. In such a needy condition, the people Illinois welcomed the Mormon migrants for three central reasons. Financially motivated, the state viewed the Latter-day Saint influx as an opportunity to raise its population to boost the economy through the collection …


And I Saw The Hosts Of The Dead, Both Small And Great: Joseph F. Smith, World War I, And His Visions Of The Dead, Richard Bennett Jan 2001

And I Saw The Hosts Of The Dead, Both Small And Great: Joseph F. Smith, World War I, And His Visions Of The Dead, Richard Bennett

Faculty Publications

As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and I saw the hosts of the dead, both small and great (D&C 138:11).


I Saw Another Angel Fly, J. Michael Hunter Aug 2000

I Saw Another Angel Fly, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

This photo essay provides an overview of the history of the Angel Moroni statues, beginning with the angel atop the Nauvoo Temple and continuing through to designs used on the Salt Lake Temple, the Washington D.C. Chapel, the Los Angeles California Temple, the Washington D.C. Temple, and other temples built through 2000. Angel Moroni statues have come to symbolize for Latter-day Saints the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. For Mormons, the Moroni statues herald the gospel being preached “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6). “I Saw Another Angel Fly” discusses …


Storytellers: Scandinavian's Art Told Of Restoration, J. Michael Hunter Jan 2000

Storytellers: Scandinavian's Art Told Of Restoration, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

Missionary work in Scandinavia began 150 years ago with the arrival of the first LDS missionaries in Denmark on June 14, 1850. In keeping with the observance of the sesquicentennial of the Scandinavian Mission, the Church News presents this article by J. Michael Hunter about two prominent Latter-day Saint artists from earlier days in that part of the world. The art and work of Carl Christian Anton Christensen (1831-1921) from Denmark and Danquart Anton Weggeland (1827-1918) from Norway are discussed, focusing on their use of art to tell stories. Images of their art accompany the article.


Norfolk And The Mormon Folk: Latter-Day Saint Immigration Through Old Dominion (1887-90), Fred E. Woods Jan 2000

Norfolk And The Mormon Folk: Latter-Day Saint Immigration Through Old Dominion (1887-90), Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

On 11 September 1887, the front page of the Norfolk Virginian had a bold headline, "Four Hundred Mormons," along with the following information: "The Old Dominion steamer Richmond, which arrived from New York yesterday, had on board four-hundred and twenty Mormon immigrants from the British Isles who had arrived in New York on Thursday on the steamship Wisconsin. The immigrants are all new converts to the Mormon religion and will swell the number of adherents to the Brigham Young faith in the territory considerably. The party is composed of men, women and children, and when the special train with nine …


I Saw Another Angel Fly, J. Michael Hunter Jan 2000

I Saw Another Angel Fly, J. Michael Hunter

Faculty Publications

This photo essay provides an overview of the history of the Angel Moroni statues, beginning with the angel atop the Nauvoo Temple and continuing through to designs used on the Salt Lake Temple, the Washington D.C. Chapel, the Los Angeles California Temple, the Washington D.C. Temple, and other temples built through 2000. Angel Moroni statues have come to symbolize for Latter-day Saints the restoration of the gospel in the latter days. For Mormons, the Moroni statues herald the gospel being preached “to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6). “I Saw Another Angel Fly” discusses …


Gathering To Nauvoo: Mormon Immigration 1840-46, Fred E. Woods Jan 1999

Gathering To Nauvoo: Mormon Immigration 1840-46, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

The gathering of the Mormon pioneers to Utah (commencing in 1847) has received extensive attention; however, the earlier LDS immigration to Nauvoo has not been adequately treated. This paper is the inspiring story of the British Saints who traveled to Nauvoo between June 1840 and February 1846. The international call to gather was received by the Prophet Joseph Smith during the second presentation of the Restored Church, less than six months after its organization in 1830.


More Precious Than Gold: The Journey To And Through Zion In 1849-50, Fred E. Woods Jan 1999

More Precious Than Gold: The Journey To And Through Zion In 1849-50, Fred E. Woods

Faculty Publications

The California gold rush, the first international gold rush in history, turned the world upside down, reaching its zenith in the years 1849-50. As a result of the rush during these two climactic years, the population swelled our nation's Pacific coast, entitling California to receive statehood in the fall of 1850. During these catalytic years, Latter-day Saints were journeying to the American West for a different kind of treasure. They gathered from afar to their Mormon mecca nestled in the Salt Lake Valley to fulfill their dreams of establishing Zion. Yet the California gold rush had a significant impact on …


The Star-Spangled Banner Forever Be Furled: The Mormon Exodus As Liberty, Richard Bennett Jan 1998

The Star-Spangled Banner Forever Be Furled: The Mormon Exodus As Liberty, Richard Bennett

Faculty Publications

You wanted to know what we waited to move for, wrote Sidney Tanner, an early Mormon pioneer, to his family in the East. "It was to go to a land of freedom where we could enjoy the peace of society and our liberty. We did not want to live in a country where there was no peace, no liberty and its citizens [were] not allowed their rights." So much has been written about the Mormon Trail that one wonders if there is anything of consequence to be said. Surely all the prominent details are well known. And were it not …


Some Reflections At Winter Quarters, Richard E. Bennett Jan 1997

Some Reflections At Winter Quarters, Richard E. Bennett

Faculty Publications

On this Memorial Day weekend, it is altogether fitting and appropriate that we gather today at this sacred place to remember the lives of our progenitors everywhere. From Gettysburg to Hiroshima, from Arlington to Flanders Field, and from the city cemetery to the family plot, we honor our dead ancestors and friends long since stilled. Whether they died on the battle fields of war or perished in the labor of giving birth, we honor them. Whether on the trail to a new life in Oregon or a new chance in Ukraine, they all were the lifeline to our present bright …


Inmates Of Honor: Mormon Cohabs In The Idaho Penitentiary, 1885-1890, Fred E. Woods, Merle W. Wells Sep 1996

Inmates Of Honor: Mormon Cohabs In The Idaho Penitentiary, 1885-1890, Fred E. Woods, Merle W. Wells

Faculty Publications

While stories of Idaho's Mormon polygamists' capture and trial are well known, the prison experiences of these men are not. Since prison overcrowding was a nineteenth-century problem too, they served their sentences in several states. Many kept diaries or journals, and from these personal accounts we can learn a good deal about their life in prison.


Nephite Uses And Interpretations Of Zenos, Noel B. Reynolds Jul 1992

Nephite Uses And Interpretations Of Zenos, Noel B. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

The allegory of the olive tree attributed to the ancient prophet Zenos and copied from the plates of brass into the small plates by Jacob was a source used by several Book of Mormon prophets. Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, and Alma seemed to be relying on the allegory at several points in the elaboration of their own visions, prophecies, and teachings. This paper provides a systematic documentation of this phenomenon, including passages that have not previously been linked to Zenos. It also demonstrates how the interpretations of the allegory by the earliest Nephite prophets advanced distinctive concepts and language that also …


Eastward To Eden: The Nauvoo Rescue Missions, Richard E. Bennett Dec 1986

Eastward To Eden: The Nauvoo Rescue Missions, Richard E. Bennett

Faculty Publications

I have felt sensibly there was a good deal of suffering among the saints in Nauvoo, as there has been amongst us, but the Lord God who has fed us all the day long, has his care still over us and when the saints are chastened enough, it will cease. I have ever believed the Lord would suffer a general massacre of this people by a mob. If ten thousand men were to come against us, and no other way was open for our deliverance, the earth would swallow them up (Journal History, 27 Sept. 1846). These were the words …


Cousin Laman In The Wilderness: The Beginnings Of Brigham Young's Indian Policy, Richard E. Bennett Jan 1986

Cousin Laman In The Wilderness: The Beginnings Of Brigham Young's Indian Policy, Richard E. Bennett

Faculty Publications

Historians of the American West have observed that compared with most other mid-19th century American overlanders, whether Oregon-bound farmers or California Agronauts, the Mormons enjoyed a relatively more amicable, more peaceful relationship with the American Indian. Furthermore several contend with cause that Brigham Young was the principal architect of peace with the Ute, Shoshoni, Navaho, Hopi, and other tribes in the deserts and valleys of "Deseret," the Mormon Zion in the Great Basin Kingdom. Leonard Arrington, Davis Bitton, James Allen, and other modern writers have argued that Young pursued a conciliatory (if not self protective and condescending) policy toward the …


Chinese Christianity Since 1949: Implications For The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Bruce J. M. Dean Jan 1981

Chinese Christianity Since 1949: Implications For The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints, Bruce J. M. Dean

Theses and Dissertations

In the last thirty years, Chinese Christianity has experienced severe persecution. Communism actively sought its subjugation. Despite this, Chinese Christians maintained their faith. When their church organizations became puppets of the state, Christians went underground and continued to worship in house churches. The recently li eralized political climate in China has allowed Christians to more openly practice their faith. The official Protestant and Catholic churches have been rehabilitated. House churches have come out of the closet. Capitalizing on an acute spiritual malaise in China, Christians are experiencing a major and sustained revival. There are ample opportunities for The Church of …


History And Doctrinal Development Of The Order Of Aaron, Ralph D. Erickson Jan 1969

History And Doctrinal Development Of The Order Of Aaron, Ralph D. Erickson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to trace the historical development of the Order of Aaron, or Aaronic Order, the governing body of the True Church of God, and to determine its present status in the religions of the world. The study included a summary of the origin of the Order, historical development, present establishment, organization within the Order, including types of memberships, as well as a resume of the theological teachings and practices of this group.

Research involved a study of the publications of the Aaronic Order. Information from these sources was supplemented by correspondence and personal interviews with …


History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Ireland Since 1840, Brent A. Barlow Jan 1968

History Of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints In Ireland Since 1840, Brent A. Barlow

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis pertains to the efforts of the Mormons in establishing their Church among the Irish and is arranged to give a chronological account of activities there. A brief background of the establishment of Christianity in Ireland and a knowledge of numerous conflicts between Catholics and Protestants helps to understand the complex religious interaction occurring at the time Mormonism was introduced in that country. The difficulties encountered by the first Mormon missionaries in Ireland suggest reasons why the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints did not expand as rapidly as it did elsewhere in Britain and other European countries. …


The Tree Of Life Symbol; Its Significance In Ancient American Religion, Irene M. Briggs (Woodford) Jun 1950

The Tree Of Life Symbol; Its Significance In Ancient American Religion, Irene M. Briggs (Woodford)

Theses and Dissertations

Not too much is known today about religion of ancient Mesoamerica, and it will only be through an intensive comparative study of the various deities as presented in the heiroglyphic manuscripts and native writings, and of the symbolic religious art in the architectural and sculptural remains, that greater knowledge of the subject will be gained. The "Tree of Life," one of the most striking religious symbols of the area, may be one key to such knowledge.