Introduction to the History of Mormon Religion

Introduction to the History of the Mormon Religion

Reading about the history of the Mormon religion is both tantalizing and satisfying. So much has been written and spoken about it that both fact and legend abound. Books and movies have portrayed Brigham Young, Joseph Smith as Prophets of God, brilliant charlatans, and naïve purists.

Here, we must break out of that trend and give you a refreshing change and extraordinary suggestions about how to learn more about the facets of the history of the Mormon religion. We will illuminate such fantastically interesting subjects as Joseph Smith, the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Porter Rockwell, Handcart Companies, Women of Mormon History, The Church

of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, their doctrine and others.

The history of the Mormon religion shows us how ordinary people can do extraordinary things. The events in Mormonism can be both triumphant and tragic. LDS books on the subject give insight, but in a perfect world they would be written objectively. Let’s face it though, no one can speak or write purely objective material about Mormon history (or on any volatile subject, for that matter). We all have bias, for or against, member or non-member. We all have our own history that directs our interpretation of the material. The history of the Mormon religion is the same as your own personal history. It is diverse, fascinating and open to wide interpretation.

Porter Rockwell, for example, is viewed as both hero and murderer. He was a bodyguard to both Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. He is Orrin Porter Rockwell. Short, muscular, full of energy and dedication to his religion and leaders.

On one occasion he was in prison in Missouri for nearly a year, during which time he grew his beard and hair. When he was released he walked to Nauvoo and crashed a formal Christmas party in Joseph Smith's Mansion House and accosted those that were assigned to guard the doors. He pretended to be a drunken Missourian rascal. He fought his way through the astonished men and shocked women to get to Joseph Smith. When Joseph looked past the dirty face and greasy hair, he peered into those eyes he knew this smelly, long-haired ruffian to be his true friend Porter Rockwell.

Joseph Smith embraced the man who hadn’t had a bath for months and then and there promised him,

"I prophesy, in the name of the Lord, that you—Orrin Porter Rockwell—so long as you shall remain loyal and true to thy faith, need fear no enemy. Cut not thy hair and no bullet or blade can harm thee!"

There’s the story that spawned legends and songs. There’ll be more interesting history on Porter Rockwell in later pages. Bur for now you need to know that the history of Mormon religion contains more fascinating stories about interesting characters such as this kind, dangerous, friendly ruffian.

This is an example of the many stories that illustrate the mixture of interesting, entertaining, yet weighty matters that permeate the history of the Mormon religion.

There are benefits in the study of the history of the Mormon religion for all, whether member or non-member. Learn more about this unique religion, or any other religions for that matter, and you’ll see the Mormon religion is an stimulating change Twelve Apostles 1835

to the ordinary and plain. There is fire here, in the eyes of believer and non-believer.

This website will deal with religion, doctrines, history and Mormonism in a way that will be interesting and beneficial. The Mormon religion is not just doctrine and piety, but it is the lives of every member, from Joseph Smith to the last member

These pages on this site will be well worth your time to read more about the history of the Mormon religion.