Logan
Puritan Board Graduate
Chapter 25--Epilogue
Interesting that many viewed him not as a false, but as a fallen prophet, believing his earlier prophecies even if they rejected things like his eventual views of marriage.
His death is a very sad chapter in American history, and that violence bore bad fruit in that it brought forth even more fanaticism. It is probably of note that not many other cult founders ended up as a "martyr", and this may be one reason for the strength of the Mormons.
Who but God knows what happened between Smith and all his "wives" which some say he never had physical relations with, and many who were sealed to him after his death and others who clearly had no consummation. His wife Emma says there were no other wives, but his guards and others bore testimony to his midnight trysts. Just don't know and would be careful of slandering unduly (there are plenty of other areas for criticism).
One of the lasting legacies for Smith was his emphasis on education: "The glory of God is intelligence" and that legacy has proven very advantageous for the cult.
In the supplement it was fascinating to see that many of the characters and events in his book of Mormon parallel his own life and familial relations. One wonders if this was some cathartic way of dealing with it and finding a purpose for himself. Also fascinating was the history of his family and how they seemed to have a culture of seeing visions and mysticism. Them believing him seems to bear testimony to their credulity.
Overall a great book. Very informative and gives a pretty solid explanation for Smith, his background, and motivations, and how something like Mormonism could have grown.
Interesting that many viewed him not as a false, but as a fallen prophet, believing his earlier prophecies even if they rejected things like his eventual views of marriage.
His death is a very sad chapter in American history, and that violence bore bad fruit in that it brought forth even more fanaticism. It is probably of note that not many other cult founders ended up as a "martyr", and this may be one reason for the strength of the Mormons.
Who but God knows what happened between Smith and all his "wives" which some say he never had physical relations with, and many who were sealed to him after his death and others who clearly had no consummation. His wife Emma says there were no other wives, but his guards and others bore testimony to his midnight trysts. Just don't know and would be careful of slandering unduly (there are plenty of other areas for criticism).
One of the lasting legacies for Smith was his emphasis on education: "The glory of God is intelligence" and that legacy has proven very advantageous for the cult.
In the supplement it was fascinating to see that many of the characters and events in his book of Mormon parallel his own life and familial relations. One wonders if this was some cathartic way of dealing with it and finding a purpose for himself. Also fascinating was the history of his family and how they seemed to have a culture of seeing visions and mysticism. Them believing him seems to bear testimony to their credulity.
Overall a great book. Very informative and gives a pretty solid explanation for Smith, his background, and motivations, and how something like Mormonism could have grown.