NationMaster - Encyclopedia: Blood atonement

In Mormonism, blood atonement is the controversial concept that there are certain sins to which the atonement of Jesus does not apply, and that before a Mormon who has committed these sins can achieve the highest degree of salvation, he or she must personally atone for the sin by "hav[ing] their blood spilt upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an offering for their sins".^[1] Blood atonement was to be voluntary by the sinner, but was contemplated as being mandatory in a theoretical theocracy (see Theodemocracy) planned for the Utah Territory; it was to be carried out with love and compassion for the sinner, not out of vengeance.^[2] The concept was first taught in the mid-1850s by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) during the Mormon Reformation when Brigham Young governed the Utah Territory as a near-theocracy.^{[citation needed]} Though there was discussion about implementing the doctrine, there is no evidence that it was ever practiced by the Mormon leadership in their capacity as leaders of both church and state.^[3] There is some evidence, however, suggesting that the doctrine was enforced by some Mormon individuals.^[4] Writers have also argued that the doctrine contributed to a culture of violence that, combined with paranoia from the Church's long history of being persecuted, incited the Mountain Meadows massacre.^[5] For other uses, see Atonement (disambiguation). ... Korban (Hebrew: sacrifice ×§×¨×‘×Ÿ) (plural: Korbanot ×§×¨×‘× ×•×ª) refers to any one of a variety of sacrificial offerings described and commanded in the Torah (Hebrew Bible) that were offered in a variety of settings by the ancient Israelites, and then by the Kohanim (the Jewish priests only) in the Temple in Jerusalem. ... The Third of May by Francisco Goya Execution by firing squad is a method of capital punishment, particularly common in times of war. ... John Doyle Lee (September 12, 1812 â€“ March 23, 1877) was a prominent, early Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) and came to be known as the central figure in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. ... An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high resolution version (1065x800, 99 KB) Summary Christus statue on Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah Taken by Ricardo630 in August 2005 Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms... For more general information about religious denominations that follow the teachings of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... For other uses, see Sin (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Atonement (disambiguation). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Exaltation or eternal progression is a belief among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that mankind, as spirit children of their Father in Heaven, can become like Him. ... Kapparah redirects here. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: Theodemocracy is a political system theorized by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... For other uses, see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (disambiguation). ... In 1856-1858, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent what is commonly called the Mormon Reformation. ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ... An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ...

LDS Church leaders taught the concept of blood atonement well into the 20th century^{[citation needed]} within the context of government-sanctioned capital punishment, and it was responsible for laws in the state of Utah allowing for execution by firing squad.^[6] Although Bruce McConkie in 1978 repudiated the teaching that blood atonement needs to be practiced in this dispensation, it still has adherents within the LDS Church and within Mormon fundamentalism, a branch of the Latter Day Saint movement not affiliated with the LDS Church that seeks to follow early Mormon teachings to the letter.^{[citation needed]} The concept also survives in Mormon culture, particularly in regards to capital crimes.^[7] In 1994, when the defense in the trial of James Edward Wood alleged that a local church leader had "talked to [Wood] about shedding his own blood," the LDS First Presidency submitted a document to the court that denied the church's acceptance and practice of such a doctrine, and included the 1978 repudiation.^[8] (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The Third of May by Francisco Goya Execution by firing squad is a method of capital punishment, particularly common in times of war. ... Teens From Polygamous Families protested on August 19, 2006 In Salt Lake City Mormon fundamentalism (also called fundamentalist Mormonism) is a belief in the validity of selected fundamental aspects of Mormonism as taught and practiced in the nineteenth century, usually during the administration of Brigham Young as president of The... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The letter of the law versus the spirit of the law is an idiomatic antithesis referring to intent. ...

The blood atonement doctrine is often confused with other blood-related doctrines in Mormonism, such as the "blood for blood" doctrine of Joseph Smith, Jr., and the "blood oaths" and oath of vengeance that were once part of the LDS Church's Endowment ceremony prior to their removal in the 20th century.^[9] Joseph Smith redirects here. ... In Mormonism, the oath of vengeance (or law of vengeance) was an oath that was made by participants in the Endowment ritual of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between the 1850s and the 1920s. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Endowment is a gift of power from on high that has several meanings in various contexts of Latter Day Saint theology. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the...

Historical and doctrinal background

The concept of blood atonement is not specifically discussed in Mormon scripture, which has nothing to say about whether or not the shedding of one's blood may atone for one's sins. However, in common with most of Christianity, Mormon doctrine teaches that the sacrifice of Jesus is an infinite atonement for the sins of humanity, and that no one other than Jesus can shed their blood for the sins of another (Alma 34:11-17). The idea that one may pay for one's own sins through spilt blood and death was an inference based on several elements of Mormon doctrine, including a generally favorable view toward capital punishment, the idea that spilled blood "cries out" for retribution, the "blood for blood" doctrine that says crimes of bloodshed should be punished by the spilling of blood, the concept that repentance requires restitution, and the doctrine that certain people who break the "New and Everlasting Covenant" (Celestial marriage) would be "destroyed in the flesh" and be punished until they received their exaltation at the Last Judgment (an interpretation of D&C 132). Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (768x836, 41 KB)O JESUS WHAT DID U DO NOW! // Cristo de VelÃ¡zquez. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (768x836, 41 KB)O JESUS WHAT DID U DO NOW! // Cristo de VelÃ¡zquez. ... Symbols of the three main Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam Map showing the prevalence of Abrahamic (purple) and Eastern (yellow) religions in each country. ... For other uses, see Blood (disambiguation). ... A sheep is led to the altar, 6th century BC Corinthian fresco. ... For other uses, see Atonement (disambiguation). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... Mormonism, especially in its early history, has a unique relationship with violence. ... Topics in Christianity Movements Â· Denominations Ecumenism Â· Relation to other religions Preaching Â· Prayer Music Â· Liturgy Â· Calendar Symbols Â· Art Â· Criticism Christianity Portal This box: Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ... For other uses, see Atonement (disambiguation). ... Celestial marriage (also called the New and Everlasting Covenant) is a doctrine peculiar to Mormonism, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and branches of Mormon fundamentalism. ... Exaltation or eternal progression is a belief among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that mankind, as spirit children of their Father in Heaven, can become like Him. ... Judgment Day redirects here. ...

Capital punishment in Mormon scripture and ritual

Religious justification for capital punishment is not unique to Mormonism.^[10] Like the Bible, the Book of Mormon has passages that speak favorably about capital punishment. The book described a theocratic government with a law that "if a man murdered he should die" (Alma 42:19; see also 2 Nephi 9:35; Alma 27:6-9). Nevertheless, the Book of Mormon did not always require capital punishment and never indicated that capital punishment was a requirement to atone for sins. The Book of Mormon provided an example where God (and the government) forgave "many murders" after repentance, "through the merits of [God's] Son" (Alma 24:10). The book also stated that murderers could avoid an "awful hell" if they "repent and withdraw [their] murderous purposes." (Alma 54:7). Death penalty, death sentence, and execution redirect here. ... // The Book of Mormon [1] is one of the sacred texts of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ...

An important precursor to the blood atonement concept is the idea that spilled blood "cries out" for retribution, an idea that finds several examples in Mormon scripture. In the Bible, for example, the blood of Abel ascended to the ears of God after he was killed by Cain (Genesis 4:10). In the Book of Mormon, the "blood of a righteous man" (Gideon) was said to "come upon" the theocratic leader Alma "for vengeance" against the murderer (Nehor) (Alma 1:13). Mormon scripture also refers to the "cry" of the blood of the saints ascending from the ground up to the ears of God as a testimony against those who killed them (2 Ne. 26: 3; D&C 88:6). After the death of Joseph Smith, Jr., Brigham Young added an Oath of Vengeance to the Nauvoo Endowment ritual. Participants in the ritual made an oath to pray that God would "avenge the blood of the prophets on this nation."^[11] "The prophets" were Joseph and Hyrum Smith, and "this nation" was the United States.^[12] (This oath was removed from the ceremony during the 1920s.^[13]) In 1877, Brigham Young noted what he viewed as a similarity between Joseph Smith's death and the blood atonement doctrine, in that "whether we believe in blood atonement or not", Joseph and other prophets "sealed their testimony with their blood".^[14] For other uses, see Bible (disambiguation). ... In the Book of Genesis, Abel (Hebrew ×”Ö¶×‘Ö¶×œ / ×”Ö¸×‘Ö¶×œ, Standard Hebrew HÃ©vel / HÃ¡vel, Tiberian Hebrew HÃ©á¸‡el / HÄá¸‡el; Arabic Ù‡Ø§Ø¨ÙŠÙ„ HÄbÄ«l) was the second son of Adam. ... In stories common to the Abrahamic religions, Cain or KÃ¡yin (×§Ö·×™Ö´×Ÿ / ×§Ö¸×™Ö´×Ÿ spear Standard Hebrew QÃ¡yin, Tiberian Hebrew QÃ¡yin / QÄyin; Arabic Ù‚Ø§ÙŠÙŠÙ† QÄyÄ«n in the Arabic Bible; Ù‚Ø§Ø¨ÙŠÙ„ QÄbÄ«l in Islam) is the eldest son of Adam and Eve, and the first man born in creation... Look up alma in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Main article: Joseph Smith, Jr. ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... In Mormonism, the oath of vengeance (or law of vengeance) was an oath that was made by participants in the Endowment ritual of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints between the 1850s and the 1920s. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Endowment is a gift of power from on high that has several meanings in various contexts of Latter Day Saint theology. ... Hyrum Smith Hyrum Smith (February 9, 1800â€”June 27, 1844) was the older brother of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... The 1920s they were sexy referred to as the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties, usually applied to America. ...

Historically, Mormon ritual provided an example in which capital punishment is contemplated, though not necessarily required, for violation of historical blood oaths in the Endowment ritual. The blood oaths in the ceremony related to protecting the ritual's secrecy. Participants made an oath that rather than ever revealing the secret gestures of the ceremony, they would rather have: "my throat ... be cut from ear to ear, and my tongue torn out by its roots"; "our breasts ... be torn open, our hearts and vitals torn out and given to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field"; "your body ... be cut asunder and all your bowels gush out" showing an entire refusal to accept the promises made in the washing and anointing ordinances. These were changed to a reference to "different ways in which life may be taken."^[15] The entire "penalty" portion of the ceremony was removed by the LDS Church in 1990, and during its lifetime there is no documented instance in which a person has been killed for violating the oaths of secrecy. In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Endowment is a gift of power from on high that has several meanings in various contexts of Latter Day Saint theology. ... One of ten full-size tubs that was used for washings and anointings in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints circa 1912 prior to later changes in the ordinance by that denomination that eliminated washing and eventually nudity. ...

"Blood for blood" doctrine and retributive capital punishment

Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, was a strong proponent of capital punishment, and favored execution methods that involved the shedding of blood as retribution for crimes of bloodshed. In 1843, he or his scribe commented that the common execution method in Christian nations was hanging, "instead of blood for blood according to the law of heaven."^[17] Years before making this remark, however, Smith was quoted as saying that the hanging of Judas Iscariot was not a suicide, but an execution carried out by Saint Peter.^[18] In a March 4, 1843 debate with church leader George A. Smith, who argued against capital punishment,^[19] Smith said that if he ever had the opportunity to enact a death penalty law, he "was opposed to hanging" the convict; rather, he would "shoot him, or cut off his head, spill his blood on the ground, and let the smoke thereof ascend up to God."^[20] In the church's April 6, 1843 general conference, Smith said he would "wring a thief's neck off if I can find him, if I cannot bring him to justice any other way."^[21] Sidney Rigdon, Smith's counselor in the First Presidency, also supported capital punishment involving the spilling of blood, stating, "There are men standing in your midst that you can't do anything with them but cut their throat and bury them."^[22] On the other hand, Smith was willing to tolerate the presence of men "as corrupt as the devil himself" in Nauvoo, Illinois, who "had been guilty of murder and robbery," in the chance that they might "come to the waters of baptism through repentance, and redeem a part of their allotted time."^[23] Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Joseph Smith redirects here. ... Joseph Smith redirects here. ... The Latter Day Saint movement (a subset of Restorationism) is a group of religious denominations and adherents who follow at least some of the teachings and revelations of Joseph Smith, Jr. ... For other uses, see Judas. ... St Peter redirects here. ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1843 (MDCCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... George A. Smith George Albert Smith (June 26, 1817â€“September 1, 1875) (commonly known as George A. Smith to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1843 (MDCCCXLIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City In Mormonism, a general conference is a meeting meant for instruction of all members of the Latter Day Saint faith. ... Sidney Rigdon Sidney Rigdon (19 February 1793â€“14 July 1876) was an important figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the First Presidency (or the Quorum of the Presidency of the Church) was the highest governing body in the Latter Day Saint church established by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... There is also a Nauvoo, Alabama, and a Nauvoo, Pennsylvania Nauvoo (× Ö¸××•×•Ö¼ to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew NÃ¥vu, Tiberian Hebrew NÃ¢wÃ») is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. ...

Brigham Young, Smith's successor in the LDS Church, initially held views on capital punishment similar to those of Smith. On January 27, 1845, he spoke approvingly of Smith's toleration of "corrupt men" in Nauvoo who were guilty of murder and robbery, on the chance that they might repent and be baptized.^[24] On the other hand, on February 25, 1846, after the Saints had left Nauvoo, Young threatened adherents who had stolen wagon cover strings and rail timber with having their throats cut "when they get out of the settlements where his orders could be executed."^[25] Later that year, Young gave orders that "when a man is found to be a thief,...cut his throat & thro' him in the River."^[26] Young also stated that decapitation of repeated sinners "is the law of God and it shall be executed."^[27] There are no documented instances, however, of such a sentence being carried out on the Mormon Trail. For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 27th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... is the 56th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1846 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Decapitation (from Latin, caput, capitis, meaning head), or beheading, is the removal of a living organisms head. ... The Mormon Trail or Mormon Pioneer Trail is the 1,300 mile route that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints traveled from 1846-1857. ...

In the Salt Lake valley, Young acted as the executive authority while the Council of Fifty acted as a legislature. One of his main concerns in the early Mormon settlement was theft, and he swore that "a theif [sic] should not live in the Valley, for he would cut off their heads or be the means of having it done as the Lord lived."^[28] A Mormon listening to one of Young's sermons in 1849 recorded that he said "if any one was catched [sic] stealing to shoot them dead on the spot and they should not be hurt for it."^[29] The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution, the Kingdom of God, or its name by revelation, The Kingdom of God and His Laws with the Keys and Power thereof, and Judgment in the Hands of His Servants, Ahman Christ[1]) was a Latter Day Saint organization established...

In Utah, there existed a law from 1851 to 1888 allowing persons convicted of murder to be executed by decapitation.^[30]

Teaching that restitution is required for repentance

During the Mormon Reformation in Utah, Willard Richards and George A. Smith taught that one condition for repentance was "restitution," which required the restoration, to the extent possible, of that which was taken or destroyed by sin.^{[citation needed]} In 1856-1858, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent what is commonly called the Mormon Reformation. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... Willard Richards (June 24, 1804 – March 11, 1854) was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rhoda Howe Richards on June 24, 1804. ... George A. Smith George Albert Smith (June 26, 1817â€“September 1, 1875) (commonly known as George A. Smith to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a...

Being "destroyed in the flesh" for violation of celestial marriage covenants

The most immediate precursor to the blood atonement doctrine stems from a controversial section of Mormon scripture dictated by Smith in 1843 commanding the practice of plural marriage (D&C 132). This revelation stated that once a man and a woman enter the "New and Everlasting Covenant" (a celestial marriage), and it is "sealed unto them by the Holy Spirit of promise" (which Smith later taught was accomplished through the second anointing ritual), that they are guaranteed to become gods in the afterlife no matter what sins or blasphemies they commit, so long as they "commit no murder whereby to shed innocent blood," and they do not commit the unpardonable sin of "blasphemy against the Holy Ghost." If a sealed person shed innocent blood, they would suffer the fate of David, who was redeemed, but fell short of his exaltation, and did not become a god (D&C 132:39). If a sealed person committed the unpardonable sin, they would become a son of Perdition. According to early Mormon teachings, the unpardonable sin consisted of entering the New and Everlasting Covenant, and then falling away to become an "apostate." Plural marriage is a type of polygyny taught by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Celestial marriage (also called the New and Everlasting Covenant) is a doctrine peculiar to Mormonism, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and branches of Mormon fundamentalism. ... In Mormonism, the Second Anointing, also known historically and in Mormon scripture as the fulness of the priesthood, is a very sacred and obscure ordinance usually conducted in temples. ... The eternal sin (often called the unforgivable sin or unpardonable sin) is a concept of sin in Christian theology, whereby salvation or eternal life with God becomes impossible. ... This article is about the Biblical king of Israel. ... Exaltation or eternal progression is a belief among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) that mankind, as spirit children of their Father in Heaven, can become like Him. ... Son of Perdition can be found in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and John 17:12 and is a name commonly associated with the Antichrist and the biblical term of the Devils Advocate mentioned in 1 and 2 John. ...

However, if a sealed and anointed person broke their covenants to any extent short of murder or the unpardonable sin, they would still gain their exaltation and become gods and goddesses in the afterlife, but would be "destroyed in the flesh, and shall be delivered unto the buffetings of Satan unto the day of redemption" (D&C 132:26). The revelation did not, however, specify the mechanism by which such people would be "destroyed in the flesh," and it did not indicate whether that "redemption" would be the result of the sinner's own blood or the result of the atonement of Jesus. This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

Blood atonement teachings during the Brigham Young administration

Teachings by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

As far as scholars can tell, the author of the blood atonement doctrine was LDS Church president Brigham Young, who first taught the doctrine after the death of Joseph Smith, Jr.^{[citation needed]} The doctrine first began to be heavily taught and promoted, however, during the Mormon Reformation (1856-1858), most insistently by Jedediah M. Grant of the First Presidency. Public talk of blood atonement diminished substantially by the end of the Mormon Reformation in 1858, when Brigham Young surrendered his theocracy to Alfred Cumming, the governor appointed by the U.S. as a result of the Utah War. The subject of blood atonement remained largely dormant until the 1870s, when the issue was revived by the national media during the John D. Lee trials for his role in the Mountain Meadows massacre. For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... Main article: Joseph Smith, Jr. ... In 1856-1858, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent what is commonly called the Mormon Reformation. ... Jedediah Morgan Grant (1816â€“1856) (commonly known as Jedediah M. Grant) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ... Belligerents United States Utah Territory Commanders Pres. ... John Doyle Lee (September 12, 1812 â€“ March 23, 1877) was a prominent, early Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) and came to be known as the central figure in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. ... An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ...

Development of the doctrine in the 1840s and early 1850s

When Brigham Young led the Saints from Nauvoo, Illinois to the Salt Lake valley beginning in the mid-1840s, he and his followers intended to establish a theocracy independent of the United States, where there would be no distinction between church and state. (For Mormon theocratic political theory, see Theodemocracy). Brigham Young's first recorded teachings on the blood atonement doctrine were in 1845, when Young had stepped into the shoes of Joseph Smith, Jr., the previous theocratic leader who had been killed in 1844. That year, he was said to have approved of a Mormon being killed by an unknown assailant in Nauvoo, Illinois, an act he characterized as "a deed of charity" because "he might now possibly be redeemed in the eternal world" (Smith 1845). For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... There is also a Nauvoo, Alabama, and a Nauvoo, Pennsylvania Nauvoo (× Ö¸××•×•Ö¼ to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew NÃ¥vu, Tiberian Hebrew NÃ¢wÃ») is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. ... Constantines Conversion, depicting the conversion of Emperor Constantine the Great to Christianity, by Peter Paul Rubens. ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: Theodemocracy is a political system theorized by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Joseph Smith redirects here. ... Main article: Joseph Smith, Jr. ... There is also a Nauvoo, Alabama, and a Nauvoo, Pennsylvania Nauvoo (× Ö¸××•×•Ö¼ to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew NÃ¥vu, Tiberian Hebrew NÃ¢wÃ») is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. ...

In the Salt Lake valley, Young maintained a Council of Fifty composed of religious leaders as a kind of legislature, but this body's power was limited (Quinn 1997, pp. 262–63). In 1849, as Young and the Council of Fifty were drafting a plan for a proposed State of Deseret, Young spoke to the Council about what to do with thieves, murderers, and adulterers, and said, "I want their cursed heads to be cut off that they may atone for their crimes".^[31] The Council voted the next day that an imprisoned man "had forfeited his head" and to "dispose of him privately" (March 4 entry). Two weeks later, Young recommended decapitation for the man and a fellow prisoner, but the Council decided to let them live.^[32] Later in 1851, the General Assembly of the State of Deseret, picked by the Council of Fifty, adopted a capital punishment provision allowing decapitation as a means of execution, which would remain in force until 1888 (Gardner 1979, p. 13). The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution, the Kingdom of God, or its name by revelation, The Kingdom of God and His Laws with the Keys and Power thereof, and Judgment in the Hands of His Servants, Ahman Christ[1]) was a Latter Day Saint organization established... The Council of Fifty (also known as the Living Constitution, the Kingdom of God, or its name by revelation, The Kingdom of God and His Laws with the Keys and Power thereof, and Judgment in the Hands of His Servants, Ahman Christ[1]) was a Latter Day Saint organization established... The boundaries of the provisional State of Deseret (orange) as proposed in 1849. ... Decapitation (from Latin, caput, capitis, meaning head), or beheading, is the removal of a living organisms head. ...

In a speech before the Utah Territory legislature on February 5, 1852, Young appeared to be arguing for a law requiring decapitation for whites "condemned by the Law" for miscegenation with black people (Young 1852).^[33] He told the legislature that miscegenation was a grave sin that would bring a curse upon a man and his children produced by the union (Young 1852). He said that if a white Mormon "in an unguarded moment should commit such a transgression", decapitation "would do a great deal towards atoning for the sin…it would do them good that they might be saved with their Bre[theren]" (Young 1852). He said, "It is the greatest blessing that could come to some men to shed their blood on the ground, and let it come up before the Lord as an atonement" (Young 1852). The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ... is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Decapitation (from Latin, caput, capitis, meaning head), or beheading, is the removal of a living organisms head. ... Frederick Douglass with his second wife Helen Pitts Douglass (sitting) who was white, a famous 19th century American example of miscegenation. ... Though most indigenous Africans possess relatively dark skin, they exhibit much variation in physical appearance. ...

Impending theocratic blood atonement for "covenant breaking" Mormons

During the Mormon Reformation, church leaders began to criss-cross Mormon communities in a dramatic call for greater orthodoxy and religious purity. Brigham Young, who was then a theocratic leader, began preparing church members for what they thought was the quickly-approaching Second Coming, and for a time of "Celestial law" in the Utah territory. According to Young: "The time is coming when justice will be laid to the line and righteousness to the plummet; when we shall take the old broadsword and ask, Are you for God? And if you are not heartily on the Lord's side, you will be hewn down." (Young 1856a, p. 226) In 1856-1858, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent what is commonly called the Mormon Reformation. ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ... For other uses, see Second Coming (disambiguation). ... The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ...

The most vocal proponent of the blood atonement doctrine was Jedediah M. Grant, Young's second counselor in the First Presidency from 1854 to 1856. Grant, a firebrand preacher, rose to the First Presidency after the death of Willard Richards in 1854 and became the main force behind the Mormon Reformation (Campbell 1988, ch. 11). His teachings in 1854 related to "covenant breakers," people who had broken their covenants made in the Endowment or Celestial marriage. At a meeting in the Salt Lake Tabernacle on March 12, 1854, Grant asked, "What disposition ought the people of God to make of covenant breakers?" In answer to his question, he stated that they should be put to death (Grant 1854, p. 2). However, he lamented on the difficulty in applying this in a secular democracy, stating, "I wish we were in a situation favorable to our doing that which is justifiable before God, without any contaminating influences of Gentile amalgamation, laws, and traditions." (Grant 1854, p. 2) Arguing for a purer theocracy, he stated that it is the right of the church "to kill a sinner to save him, when he commits those crimes that can only be atoned for by shedding his blood.... We would not kill a man, of course, unless we killed him to save him." (Grant 1854, p. 2) Jedediah Morgan Grant (1816â€“1856) (commonly known as Jedediah M. Grant) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... Willard Richards (June 24, 1804 – March 11, 1854) was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rhoda Howe Richards on June 24, 1804. ... In 1856-1858, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints underwent what is commonly called the Mormon Reformation. ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the Endowment is a gift of power from on high that has several meanings in various contexts of Latter Day Saint theology. ... Celestial marriage (also called the New and Everlasting Covenant) is a doctrine peculiar to Mormonism, particularly The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) and branches of Mormon fundamentalism. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1854 (MDCCCLIV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ...

Parley P. Pratt, a prominent member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was also a proponent of the blood atonement doctrine. On December 31, 1855, Pratt pressed the Utah Territory legislature to "[m]ake death the penalty for fornication and adultery." (Pratt 1855, p. 357) He cited 1 Cor. 5:5, calling on early Christians "[t]o deliver [an adulterer] unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus," as a Biblical justification for the blood atonement doctrine (Pratt 1855, p. 357). Pratt stated, "This destruction of the flesh must have had reference to the death of the body; the man having justly forfeited his life in accordance with the law of God." (Pratt 1855, p. 357) Parley P. Pratt Statue of Parley P. Pratt facing Parleys Canyon at sunrise. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1855 (MDCCCLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ...

On March 16, 1856, Young acknowledged that it might seem, based on rhetoric from the pulpit, that "every one who did not walk to the line was at once going to be destroyed," but thus far, he said, nobody had been killed (Young 1856a, p. 245). He warned them, however, that the time "is not far distant" when the LDS Church would enforce the law of blood atonement against covenant breakers (Young 1856a, p. 246). One of the temple covenants at the time was, "I will never have anything to do with any of the daughters of Eve, unless they are given to me of the Lord." (Young 1856a, p. 246) Though the "strict penalty of the law" dictated death to atone for breaking this covenant, Young said that the church would "not yet" enforce it (Young 1856a, p. 246). is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

On January 11, 1857 Heber C. Kimball, a member of the First Presidency, spoke about the adulterers within the church and warned that "[t]hey are worthy of death, and they will get it. That time is near by, and God has spoken from the heavens, and when certain things are about right, we shall make a public example of those characters, …and the time is just at our doors." (Kimball 1857a, p. 174) In the meantime, rather than atoning for sins with blood, Kimball taught that it was possible to at least partially atone for sins by means other than blood, and encouraged covenant breakers to "pay all you can, that there may not be much against you when the accounts are settled up." (Kimball 1857a, p. 177) is the 11th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Heber C. Kimball Heber Chase Kimball (June 14, 1801 â€“ June 22, 1868) (commonly known as Heber C. Kimball) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ...

Echoing Kimball's words, on February 8, 1857, Young warned the church that institution of the "celestial law" requiring mandatory blood atonement was "nigh at hand," and that under this law, covenant breakers guilty of adultery would be "hewn down." (Young 1857, p. 219) In the meantime, he said, "if this people will sin no more, but faithfully live their religion, their sins will be forgiven them without taking life." (Young 1857, p. 219) is the 39th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... This article is about the act of adultery. ...

Voluntary blood atonement and enforcement by individuals

In addition to talk about blood atonement as a theocratic form of capital punishment whose time was "nigh at hand," church leaders also discussed unofficial blood atonement. According to one interpretation of Brigham Young's sermon on March 16, 1856, the sermon encouraged enforcement of the doctrine by individuals in certain situations. He said that if "you found your brother in bed with your wife, and put a javelin through both of them, you would be justified, and they would atone for their sins, and be received into the kingdom of God." (Young 1856a, p. 247) He said, "under such circumstances, I have no wife whom I love so well that I would not put a javelin through her heart, and I would do it with clean hands." (Young 1856a, p. 247) But he warned anyone who intended to "execute judgment" that he or she "has got to have clean hands and a pure heart, …else they had better let the matter alone." (Young 1856a, p. 247) If the adulterous couple were not actually caught in the act, Young recommended to "let them live and suffer in the flesh for their sins." (Young 1856a, p. 247) According to Young, when any person violates a covenant with God, "The blood of Christ will never wipe that out, your own blood must atone for it" either in this life or the next (Young 1856a, p. 247). Death penalty, death sentence, and execution redirect here. ... is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ...

At a meeting on September 21, 1856 attended by both Young and Grant, Grant stated that there were a great many covenant-breaking members in the church "who have committed sins that cannot be forgiven through baptism." (Grant 1856, pp. 51) These people, Grant said, "need to have their bloodshed, for water will not do, their sins are too deep a dye." (Grant 1856, pp. 49) Therefore, Grant advised these people to volunteer to have a committee appointed by the First Presidency to select a place and "shed their blood." Grant 1856, pp. 51 Brigham Young spoke in agreement, stating: "There are sins that men commit for which they cannot receive forgiveness in this world, or in that which is to come, and if they had their eyes open to see their true condition, they would be perfectly willing to have their blood spilt upon the ground, that the smoke thereof might ascend to heaven as an offering for their sins, and the smoking incense would atone for their sins." Indeed, Young claimed that men had actually come to him and offered their blood to atone for their sins (Young 1856a, p. 53). For these sins, which Young did not specify, the shedding of blood is "the only condition for which they can obtain forgiveness," or to appease the wrath that is kindled against them, and that the law might have its course." (Young 1856a, p. 53) The atonement of Jesus, Young said, was for "sins through the fall and those committed by men, yet men can commit sins which it can never remit." (Young 1856a, p. 53) is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... This article is about Jesus of Nazareth. ...

On February 8, 1857, Brigham Young stated that if a person "overtaken in a gross fault" truly understood that "by having his blood shed he will atone for that sin, and be saved and exalted with the Gods," he would voluntarily ask to have his blood shed so he could gain his exaltation (Young 1857, p. 219). He framed blood atonement as an act of selfless love, and asked the congregation, "Will you love that man or woman well enough to shed their blood?" (Young 1857, p. 219) As a matter of love, he said, "if [your neighbor] needs help, help him; and if he wants salvation and it is necessary to spill his blood on the earth in order that he may be saved, spill it." (Young 1857, p. 220) is the 39th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

Blood atonement for apostasy

Most discussion of blood atonement during the Mormon Reformation concerned the killing of "covenant breakers." The greatest covenant breakers were thought to be "apostates," who according to early Mormon doctrine would become sons of Perdition and for whom "there is no chance whatever for exaltation." (Young 1857, p. 220) Nevertheless, Brigham Young believed that blood atonement would have at least some benefit. Young's first discussion of blood atonement in 1845 concerned a man who may have been considered an apostate in Nauvoo, Illinois (Smith 1845). On February 8, 1857, Young said, regarding apostates, that "if their blood had been spilled, it would have been better for them." (Young 1857, p. 220) Young warned these apostates that although "[t]he wickedness and ignorance of the nations forbid this principle's being in full force, …the time will come when the law of God will be in full force," (Young 1857, p. 220) meaning that apostates would be subject to theocratic blood atonement. In August 1857, Heber C. Kimball echoed Young's statements about apostates, stating that "if men turn traitors to God and His servants, their blood will surely be shed, or else they will be damned, and that too according to their covenants." (Kimball 1857b, p. 375) Son of Perdition found in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 and is a name commonly associated with the Antichrist mentioned in 1 and 2 John. ... There is also a Nauvoo, Alabama, and a Nauvoo, Pennsylvania Nauvoo (× Ö¸××•×•Ö¼ to be beautiful, Sephardi Hebrew NÃ¥vu, Tiberian Hebrew NÃ¢wÃ») is a city in Hancock County, Illinois, United States. ... is the 39th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ...

Properly-practiced blood atonement

Blood atonement as taught above was not to be used as a way to punish, but as a way for the sinner to make restitution for his sins. One hearsay account was given by John D. Lee, who was killed for his involvement in the Mountain Meadows massacre (see below). Lee stated in his memoirs that he had heard of only one person who had properly received death by blood atonement - by willingly atoning for the crime:

Lee refused to be killed in the same manner for his conviction, requesting instead that he be executed by firing squad, rejecting the notion that he needed to atone for the Mountain Meadows massacre.

Killings said to have been incited by the doctrine

Although blood atonement was taught as a way to save "covenant breakers" or "apostates," the church's teachings on the subject have been cited as a contributing factor in inciting various extra-judicial killings in the Utah Territory. The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ...

An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ... Illustration from Stenhouse 1873 Main article: Mountain Meadows massacre Mormon public relations have evolved with respect to the Mountain Meadows massacre since it occurred on September 11, 1857. ... Main article: Mountain Meadows massacre The Mountain Meadows massacre has been an important and fruitful topic of coverage by the media since at least the 1870s, and continuing into the 21st century. ... A stone from Hauns Mill, at one time used as a memorial at the site of the massacre. ... A statue commemorating the Mormon pioneers The Mormon pioneers were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Latter-day Saints, who migrated across the United States from the midwest to the Salt Lake Valley in what is today the U.S. state of... â€œPiuteâ€ redirects here. ... Within Mormonism, the priesthood authority to act in Gods name was said by Mormonisms founder, Joseph Smith, Junior, to had been removed from the primitive Christian church through apostasy (also known as a falling away), which Mormons believe occurred not due to the deaths of the original apostles. ... Belligerents United States Utah Territory Commanders Pres. ... Plural marriage is a type of polygyny taught by Joseph Smith, Jr. ... Main article: Mountain Meadows massacre The Mountain Meadows massacre has been an important and fruitful topic of coverage by the media since at least the 1870s, and continuing into the 21st century. ... Juanita Brooks (1898) is famous for the integrity with which see researched and wrote about the Mountain Meadows Massacre. ... Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is an historical novel written by Jon Krakauer. ... September Dawn is a 2007 film by Christopher Cain, released on August 24, 2007. ...

Mountain Meadows massacre

The Mountain Meadows massacre of September 11, 1857 was widely blamed on the church's teachings of blood atonement and other anti-United States rhetoric by LDS Church leaders during the Utah War.^{[citation needed]} The widely-publicized massacre was a mass killing of Arkansan emigrants by a Mormon militia led by prominent Mormon leader John D. Lee, who was later executed for his role in the killings. After escalating rumors that the emigrants participated in early Mormon persecution, the militia conducted a siege, and when the emigrants surrendered, the militia killed men, women, and children in cold blood, adopted some of the surviving children, and attempted a cover-up. An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ... An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ... is the 254th day of the year (255th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Belligerents United States Utah Territory Commanders Pres. ... John Doyle Lee (September 12, 1812 â€“ March 23, 1877) was a prominent, early Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) and came to be known as the central figure in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. ...

Though widely connected with the blood atonement doctrine by the United States press and general public, there is no direct evidence that the massacre was related to "saving" the emigrants by the shedding of their blood (as they had not entered into Mormon covenants); rather, most commentators view it as an act of intended retribution. Young was accused of either directing the massacre, or of baring complicity after the fact. However, when Brigham Young was interviewed on the matter and asked if he believed in blood atonement, he replied, "I do, and I believe that Lee has not half atoned for his great crime." He said "we believe that execution should be done by the shedding of blood instead of by hanging," but only "according to the laws of the land." (Young 1877, p. 242)

Rumors of blood atonement enforcement by Utah-era Danites

Many of these rumors were centered around a group called the Danites. The Danites were a fraternal organization founded by Latter Day Saints in June of 1838, at Far West in Caldwell County, Missouri. The Danites operated as a vigilante group and took a central role in the events of the Mormon War. Joseph Smith eventually condemned the organization and its leader, Sampson Avard, was excommunicated from the church. Although the organization ceased to formally exist in Missouri, the name "Danites" may have been used in both Nauvoo and Utah by outlaws with no apparent formal connection to the LDS Church (Cannon & Knapp 1913, p. 271). However, it is not certain whether the Danites continued to exist as a formal organization in Utah (Cannon & Knapp 1913, p. 271). The Danites were a Latter Day Saint vigilante group organized in the late 1830s. ... Far West, Missouri, was a Latter Day Saint (Mormon) settlement in Caldwell County, Missouri. ... Caldwell County is a county located in the state of Missouri. ... Sampson Avard was the leader of a band of Mormon vigilantes called the Danites, which existed in Missouri during the period of the Mormon War. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ...

During the 1860s and 1870s, there were widespread rumors that Brigham Young had a Danite organization that was enforcing the blood atonement doctrine. Evidence of this, however, never rose above the level of rumor (Cannon & Knapp 1913, p. 271). Responding to this, Brigham Young stated on April 7, 1867: April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 1867 (MDCCCLXVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Thomas Coleman murder

An example used by some to illustrate the alleged practice of blood atonement is the 1866 murder of the former-slave, Thomas Coleman (or Colburn), who was in good standing as a member of the LDS Church. As Mormon historian D. Michael Quinn has documented, Coleman was apparently secretly courting a white Mormon woman, contrary to both territorial law and Mormon teachings at the time.^{[citation needed]} At one of their clandestine meetings behind the old Arsenal (on what is now Capitol Hill in Salt Lake) on December 11, Coleman was discovered by "friends" of the woman. The group of vigilantes hit Coleman with a large rock. Using his own bowie knife, his attackers slit his throat so deeply from ear to ear that he was nearly decapitated, as well as slicing open his right breast, in what some believe was a mimicry of penalties illustrated in the temple ritual. Not all of Coleman's wounds correlated with the temple ritual, however, since he was also castrated. A pre-penciled placard was then pinned to his corpse stating.Even though it was the middle of winter, a grave was dug and Coleman's body was buried. The body was disposed of in less than three hours after its discovery. Less than twelve hours after that, Judge Elias Smith, first cousin of Joseph Smith, appointed George Stringham (a Mormon ruffian and vigilante with ties to Porter Rockwell, Jason Luce, and William Hickman) as the foreman of the Coroner's Jury; they briefly met and summarily dismissed the case as a crime that was committed by either a person or by persons unknown to the jury, abruptly ending all official enquiry into the bizarre murder^[36]. This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

It has been suggested that the ritualistic elements involved in the execution of Coleman’s murder may have been in response to a public sermon made three years earlier by Brigham Young on March 3, 1863. In this sermon, Young states, “I am a human being, and I have the care of human beings. I wish to save life, and have no desire to destroy life. If I had my wish, I should entirely stop the shedding of human blood.”^[37] Following this statement, however, Young makes a statement regarding interracial relations in which he continues, "Shall I tell you the law of God in regard to the African race? If the white man who belongs to the chosen seed mixes his blood with the seed of Cain, the penalty, under the law of God, is death on the spot. This will always be so." Young continues his sermon by condemning whites for their abuse of slaves with the proclamation, “for their abuse of that race, the whites will be cursed, unless they repent.”^[38] is the 62nd day of the year (63rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ...

With regard to Coleman's murder, LDS apologetics point out that the practice of "blood atonement" is said to apply to endowed Mormons who apostatized. Coleman was a member in good standing and was not endowed, suggesting that his death may have actually been the result of racism.^[39]

Other killings

One of the examples cited by critics of the church is a set of murders in Springville, Utah of individuals who, according to historical documents and court records, were "very questionable characters." Judge Elias Smith stated in regard to the case: "We have carefully examined all the evidence furnished by a remarkably accurate stenographic reporter, and can only conclude that evidence before the court goes to show that Durfee, Potter and two of the Parrishes got into a row about matters best, if not only, known to themselves, and for that Potter and two Parrishes were killed." -- Records published in the Deseret News, April 6th, 1859. Springville is a city located in Utah County, Utah. ... The Deseret Morning News is a newspaper published in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Utahs oldest continually published daily newspaper. ...

Blood atonement after Brigham Young

By 1877, when Brigham Young died, the blood atonement doctrine, whether or not it was properly understood by the public, had "done more than any other thing save polygamy to bring Mormonism into disrepute" (Cannon & Knapp 1913, p. 202). In response, church leaders and journalists took an active interest in explaining and justifying the doctrine, and in countering the negative press. John Taylor, Young's successor, acknowledged in North American Review the "we believe some crimes can only be atoned for by the life of the guilty party"; however, he said, "all culprits worthy of death…should be executed by the proper civil officer, not by any exercise of the lex talionis or the intervention of ecclesiastical authority" (Taylor 1884, pp. 10–11). For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... For other persons named John Taylor, see John Taylor (disambiguation). ... First issue of the North American Review with signature of its editor William Tudor (1779-1830). ...

Chief among the Mormon apologetic writers defending the doctrine in the late 19th century was Charles W. Penrose, editor of the church-owned Deseret News, who would later become a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and the First Presidency. Apologists are authors, writers, editors of scientific logs or academic journals, and leaders known for taking on the points in arguments, conflicts or positions that are either placed under popular scrutinies or viewed under persecutory examinations. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ... Categories: LDS stubs ... The Deseret Morning News is a newspaper published in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Utahs oldest continually published daily newspaper. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ...

Blood atonement for murder

Prior to the death of Brigham Young, blood atonement doctrine was taught primarily as a means for Mormon "covenant breakers" (usually adulterers and apostates) to pay for their sins, but a full list of sins requiring blood atonement was never given. In at least one instance, Heber C. Kimball suggested that the principle would apply to the sin of murder.^[40] After Young's death, blood atonement continued to be taught as a necessary means to pay for the sin of adultery,^[41] however, blood atonement teachings largely ignored the penalty for apostates and lesser "covenant breakers", and focused primarily on the sin of murder, emphasizing that it was intended to be operative only within the context of legal capital punishment. For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... Heber C. Kimball Heber Chase Kimball (June 14, 1801 â€“ June 22, 1868) (commonly known as Heber C. Kimball) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. ... This article is about the act of adultery. ... Death penalty, death sentence, and execution redirect here. ...

According to Penrose, "Murder is a 'sin unto death,' which prayers and repentance and ordinances will not wash away" (Penrose 1880, p. 664). Therefore, "the only valid offering that the criminal can make is his own life's blood poured out upon the ground in willing expiation."[1] That is why, Penrose said, the Territory of Utah gave convicted murderers a choice between hanging and shooting (id.) The Utah Territory was an organized territory of the United States that existed between 1850 and 1896. ...

As Mormon thinkers recognized, application of the blood atonement doctrine to the sin of murder seemingly created some difficulties. The Book of Mormon states that murderers can receive forgiveness by repentance (Alma 24:10, 54:7). Nevertheless, a passage in the Doctrine and Covenants says that murder is unpardonable {D&C 42:18). Attempting to resolve this seeming conflict in a Deseret News article on July 4, 1883, Apostle Charles W. Penrose taught that in some cases such as murder done in anger or provocation, murder might be forgiven, but only after the guilty party atones for the murder by the shedding of blood (Penrose 1883, p. 376). // The Book of Mormon [1] is one of the sacred texts of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... Wikisource has original text related to this article: The Doctrine and Covenants The Doctrine and Covenants (sometimes abbreviated and cited as D&C) is a part of the open scriptural canon of several denominations of the Latter Day Saint movement. ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1883 (MDCCCLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Categories: LDS stubs ...

Repudiation of allegations of the practice by the LDS church in 1889

The practice of “blood atonement” was formally denied and repudiated by the church in a statement issued in 1889:

LDS Church general authority B.H. Roberts responded to Young’s statements, stating: In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a general authority is a member of a select body of approximately 100 men with administrative and ecclesiastical authority in the church. ... Brigham Henry Roberts (March 13, 1857 _ September 27, 1933) was born in Warrington, a manufacturing town of Lancashire, England. ...

Accusation by R. C. Evans

In 1920, R. C. Evans, a former member of the First Presidency of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who had left the church, wrote a book called Forty Years in the Mormon Church: Why I Left It!. Evans accuses both the RLDS Church and the Utah-based LDS Church of advocating “blood atonement” and associates the alleged practice with the “Danites.” In response to denials by both churches that the practice had ever been implemented, Evans wrote: Richard Charles Evans (October 20, 1861â€“January 18, 1921) was a Canadian apostle and member of the First Presidency in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who became the leader of a schismatic sect that separated from the RLDS Church in 1918. ... The First Presidency of the Community of Christ is the churchs highest-ranking priesthood quorum. ... RLDS redirects here. ...

Response by Joseph Fielding Smith

Responding to Evans’s accusations regarding the alleged implementation of the practice of “blood atonement”, Joseph Fielding Smith restated the doctrine, but denied that it had ever been practiced by the church, claiming that any such accusation was a “damnable falsehood.” Smith wrote, Joseph Fielding Smith (July 19, 1876 â€“ July 2, 1972) was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970 to 1972. ...

Statements in the late twentieth century

Like several teachings enunciated by Brigham Young (see, e.g., Adam-God theory), blood atonement has been widely criticized by Latter Day Saints. The status of the teaching has been addressed by modern leaders in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As late as 1970, the church's First Presidency authorized a church publication that interpreted D&C 132:26 (Joseph Smith's written revelation authorizing plural marriage in 1843) as saying that even after repentance, "some sins may call for a most dreadful punishment even then—the destruction in the flesh and being turned over to the buffetings of Satan until the day of redemption. This punishment is most severe."^[46] The Adam-God theory (also called the Adam-God doctrine) is based upon comments, never fully explained, by Brigham Young, the second prophet and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... For other uses, see The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (disambiguation). ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ... Plural marriage is a type of polygyny taught by Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

In 1954, church historian Joseph Fielding Smith taught the following about blood atonement: Joseph Fielding Smith (July 19, 1876 â€“ July 2, 1972) was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970 to 1972. ...

In addition, Apostle Bruce R. McConkie agreed with Brigham Young and Joseph Fielding Smith that "under certain circumstances there are some serious sins for which the cleansing of Christ does not operate, and the law of God is that men must then have their own blood shed to atone for their sins."^[48] This is the current Mormon collaboration of the month! Please help improve it to meet the ideal article standard. ... Bruce R. McConkie Bruce Redd McConkie (July 29, 1915â€“April 19, 1985) was an influential theologian and apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ...

McConkie's repudiation of the need to practice the doctrine

In 1978, Bruce R. McConkie, acting under the direction of President of the Church Spencer W. Kimball and the First Presidency, repudiated the blood atonement doctrine: Year 1978 (MCMLXXVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar). ... In the Latter Day Saint movement, the President of the Church is generally considered to be the highest office of the church. ... Spencer Woolley Kimball (March 28, 1895 â€“ November 5, 1985) was the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1973-1985). ... Thomas S. Monson, Gordon B. Hinckley, and James E. Faust, the recent members of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. ...

Blood atonement in a theocracy

In McConkie's letter, he suggested that the doctrine could, in fact, be valid, but only in a pure theocracy, although also stating that "Brigham Young and the others were speaking of a theoretical principle that operated in ages past and not in either their or our day." He further stated: Forms of government Part of the Politics series Politics Portal This box: For the metal band, refer to Theocracy (band). ...

Regarding "blood atonement" in a theocracy, the Encyclopedia of Mormonism states:

Relation to capital punishment in Utah

In addition, in his first edition of the book Mormon Doctrine, McConkie opined that because blood atonement requires the "spilling of blood upon the ground", execution by firing squad was superior to execution by hanging, which would not suffice to create a blood atonement. At the request of then Apostle and later church president Spencer W. Kimball,^{[citation needed]} this statement was deleted from McConkie's second edition of the book. Regarding this, McConkie commented: The Third of May by Francisco Goya Execution by firing squad is a method of capital punishment, particularly common in times of war. ... Hanging is the suspension of a person by a ligature, usually a cord wrapped around the neck, causing death. ... Spencer Woolley Kimball (March 28, 1895 â€“ November 5, 1985) was the twelfth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1973-1985). ...

This doctrine was seen by some commentators as one of the reasons why Utah was one of the last three U.S. states to continue the practice of execution by firing squad.^{[citation needed]} This was discontinued on March 15, 2004. While the decision for this law was being made, the Church was consulted and stated that they had nothing against the discontinuation of this practice. is the 74th day of the year (75th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

In an interesting contradiction, author Sally Denton in her book American Massacre, states that execution by firing squad was not considered a valid method for performing “blood atonement,” claiming instead that “beheading was the preferred method.” Denton recounts the execution of John D. Lee for his role in the Mountain Meadows massacre. When offered a choice of execution by hanging, firing squad or beheading, Denton claims that Lee’s “choice of execution by firing squad sent a clear signal to the faithful that he rejected a spiritual need to atone for any sins.”^[54] John Doyle Lee (September 12, 1812 â€“ March 23, 1877) was a prominent, early Latter-day Saint (LDS or Mormon) and came to be known as the central figure in the Mountain Meadows Massacre. ... An Illustration of the Mountain Meadows massacre, from a seminal 1873 history of the Mormons by T.B.H. Stenhouse. ...

Practice of "blood atonement" by fundamentalist groups

In modern times, the concept of "blood atonement" has been used by a number of fundamentalist splinter groups as an excuse to justify murdering those who disagree with their leaders or those who attempt to leave their church. These groups all claim to follow the "original" teachings of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young, and claim that the LDS church has strayed from the proper path by banning these practices.^[55] This practice is attributed to a tendency toward extreme "literalism" in the interpretation of early doctrines.^[56]

Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Warren Jeffs, leader of the LDS splinter-group Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), a polygamous sect based in Arizona and Utah, USA, has allegedly indicated his desire to implement the doctrine in his church. Former FLDS member Robert Richter reported to the Phoenix New Times that Jeffs repeatedly alluded in his sermons to blood atonement for serious sins such as murder and adultery. Richter also claims that he was asked to design a thermostat for a high temperature furnace that would be capable of destroying DNA evidence if such "atonements" were to take place.^[57] Warren Steed Jeffs (born December 3, 1955 in San Francisco, California) is a convicted accomplice child rapist and the leader of a controversial Mormon fundamentalist polygynist sect known as the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church). ... The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS Church) is one of the largest Mormon fundamentalist denominations[1][2] and one of Americas largest practitioners of plural marriage. ... Polygamy has been a feature of human culture since earliest history. ... Official language(s) English Spoken language(s) English 74. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The Phoenix New Times is a free, weekly Phoenix, Arizona newspaper, put out every Thursday. ...

Ervil LeBaron and the Church of the Lamb of God

Ervil LeBaron, the leader and prophet of the Church of the Lamb of God, initiated a series of killings which ultimately resulted in his being sentenced to life in prison. Before his death in prison, LeBaron wrote a document which he called The Book of the New Covenants. This document listed a number of people who had been disloyal and "deserved to die." Copies of this list fell into the hands of LeBaron's followers, who proceeded to administer what they called "blood atonement" to the individuals listed.^[58] Ervil Morrell LeBaron (February 22, 1925 â€“ August 16, 1981) was the leader of a polygamous Mormon fundamentalist group who ordered the killings of many of his opponents. ... The Church of the Lamb of God is a polygamous sect that was started by Ervil LeBaron. ...

One of LeBaron's daughters, Lillian, relates an account of some of these killings in the film The God Makers II. Chynoweth relates the account of the murder of her husband, her brother-in-law and his 8-year-old daughter by her half brothers on the 27th of June, the 144th anniversary of the death of Joseph Smith Jr.. She states that their names were “on the list to be atoned for” because her father believed that they were “traitors to God’s cause.” Not explicitly named in the film, the list that Chynoweth referred to was called ‘’The Book of the New Covenants’’, and was written by Ervil LeBaron before his death in prison. The document contained a list of individuals that LeBaron believed deserved to die. Upon receipt of the list by several of his sons, they proceeded to administer this punishment.^[59] At the end of Chynoweth’s interview, she states that if anything happens to her that the “Mormon” church will be responsible. Immediately following this statement, the film states that shortly after the interview, Lillian was found dead in her home from a gunshot wound. Depressed and aware that she was on the list and that other members of the Church of the Lamb of God were still looking for her, Chynoweth committed suicide.^[60] Daguerreotype which some experts believe to be an original 1843 photograph of Joseph Smith, Jr. ...

References to "blood atonement" in modern works

A number of modern authors refer to "blood atonement," usually in association with "Danites." These references often appear in works critical of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and rumors of "Danites" practicing some form of "blood atonement" often play a significant role in these accounts.

In her book Leaving the Saints, Martha Beck postulates the existence of a "Danite" band "disposing" of people who opposed Brigham Young: Dr. Martha Nibley Beck (born 29 November 1962) is a sociologist, therapist, and best-selling writer. ...

Sally Denton, in her book American Massacre, claims that the Danites and "blood atonement" had a prominent role in 19th century Utah society. Denton attributes the creation of the Danites to Joseph Smith as his “secret group of loyalists” and suggests that they became “one of the most legendarily feared bands in frontier America.” According to Denton, this “consecrated, clandestine unit of divinely inspired assassins” introduced “the ritualized form of murder called blood atonement-providing the victim with eternal salvation by slitting his throat.”^[62] Denton claims that “blood atonement” was one of the doctrines which Mormons held “most sacred” and that “[t]hose who dared to flee Zion were hunted down and killed.”^[63] Denton implies that large numbers of such “atonements” occurred during the Mormon reformation of 1856, although “none of the crimes were ever reported in the Deseret News," and that the “bloody regime…ended with [Jedediah] Grant’s sudden death, on December 1, 1856.”^[64]

Notes

^ (Young 1856a, p. 53)
^ (Young 1857, p. 220)
^ (Campbell 1988, ch. 11)
^ (Stenhouse 1873, pp. 467–71)
^ (Quinn 1997)
^ (Salt Lake Tribune, 11/5/94, p. D1)
^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher, Concept of Blood Atonement Survives in Utah Despite Repudiation, Salt Lake Tribune November 5, 1994 notes that "In the past decade, potential jurors in every Utah capital homicide were asked whether they believed in the Mormon concept of 'blood atonement.'"
^ Stack, Peggy Fletcher, 1994. The article also notes that Arthur Gary Bishop, a convicted serial killer, was told by a top church leader that "blood atonement ended with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ."
^ Issue 56 - Salt Lake City Messenger
^ (Gardner 1979, p. 10)
^ (Buerger 2002, p. 134)
^ (Buerger 2002, p. 134)
^ (Buerger 2002, pp. 139–40)
^ JD 18:361 (May 6, 1877)
^ (Buerger 2002, p. 141)
^ (Roberts 1909, p. 296)
^ This statement is found in Roberts 1902, p. 435, which was written by Willard Richards in 1843.(Jessee 441)
^ (Peck 1839, pp. 26, 54–55)
^ George A. Smith later changed his views on capital punishment, and would write the first criminal code in Utah which allowed execution by firing squad and decapitation.(Gardner 1979, p. 14)
^ (Roberts 1909, p. 296)
^ first manuscript version, minutes of general conference, LDS Archives. See Quinn 1997, p. 531, n.140.
^ April 6, 1844 statement compiled on April 24, 1844 by Thomas Bullock, LDS Archives. See Quinn 1997, p. 531, n.140.
^ (Roberts 1932)
^ (Roberts 1932)
^ (Roberts 1932, p. 597)
^ Diary of Thomas Bullock, 13 December 1846
^ Diary of Willard Richards, Dec. 20, 1846; Watson, Manuscript History of Brigham Young, 1846-1847, p. 480.
^ Diary of Mary Haskin Parker Richards, 16 April 1848.
^ Daniel Davis diary, 8 July 1849, LDS archives, quoted in (Quinn 1997, p. 247).
^ (Gardner 1979, p. 13)
^ John D. Lee Diary, March 3, 1849.
^ John D. Lee Diary, March 17, 1849.
^ Earlier, when Young had heard that a black Mormon in Massachusetts had married a white woman, he told the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that he would have them killed "if they were far away from the Gentiles." Minutes of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 3 December 1847, 6, LDS archives, cited in Quinn 1997, p. 251.
^ Confessions of John D. Lee, photomechanical reprint of the original 1877 edition, pages 282-284
^ Young 1867, p. 30
^ Quinn, Extensions of Power, p. 256 and Daily Union Vedette, 15 December 1866.
^ Young 1863, p. 108
^ Young 1863, p. 110 Young also declares that he is “neither an abolitionist nor a pro-slavery man” but that if he had to choose, he would “be against the pro-slavery side of the question.”
^ Blood Atonement. Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research.
^ JD 7:236 (Aug. 28, 1859)
^ Redirect URL
^ Roberts, Brigham H. Blood Atonement. Retrieved on 2007-03-08.
^ Roberts, Brigham H. Blood Atonement. Retrieved on 2007-03-08.
^ Evans 1920, pp. 105-6
^ Smith 1954, p. 135-6
^ LDS Church (1970), The Doctrine and Covenants Containing Revelations Given to Joseph Smith, Jr., the Prophet With an Introduction and Historical and Exegetical Notes, Revised Edition, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, p. 829.
^ Smith 1954, pp. 133-138
^ Mormon Doctrine at 92
^ McConkie 1978
^ McConkie 1978
^ Snow, Lowell M. Blood Atonement. Retrieved on 2007-03-08.
^ Smith 1954, p. 136
^ McConkie 1978
^ Denton 2003, p. 230
^ In the film The God Makers II a man identified as "Art, Polygamist, Mormon Fundamentalist Prophet and Leader," promotes the doctrine of "blood atonement" and states that he is "trying to get the Mormons into the original doctrine that Brigham and Joseph had it set on."
^ Cummings 1982, p. 96 “[M]any of Joseph Smith’s followers have to outdo the Prophet himself in the pursuit of literalism, a trend which has led to many doctrinal distortions and ecclesiastical abuses."
^ Dougherty, John. "Wanted: Armed and Dangerous", November 10, 2005. Retrieved on 2007-03-08. Dougherty states: ”There is a credible report that Jeffs wants to begin practicing a 19th-century Mormon doctrine calling for the ritualistic human sacrifice of "apostates" who dissent from his rules.”
^ Krakauer 2003, p. 266-267
^ Krakauer 2003, p. 266-67
^ The Los Angeles Times (September 20, 1992) listed her death as ‘suicide’. It should be noted that in The God Makers II, Lillian LeBaron Chynoweth refers to the "Mormon Church" as being responsible for the killings. The film does not make clear that the "Mormon Church" referred to by Chynoweth is actually the "Church of the Lamb of God." The film also makes no mention the suicide and instead infers that Chynoweth was killed.
^ Beck 2005, p. 190 LDS scholars note a contradiction between the existence of a "Latter-day grapevine" that is aware of "Danites" and the statement that "not many Mormons know this detail of Church history"
^ Denton 2003, p. 16
^ Denton 2003, p. 70, 106
^ Denton 2003, p. 106

class="preview" id="pv478"> Marquis of the Salt Lake Tribune on the Tribune Building in Downtown Salt Lake City The Salt Lake Tribune is Salt Lake City, Utahs largest-circulated local daily newspaper. ... Gary Arthur Bishop (1951-1988) was an excommunicated former Mormon from Hinckley, Utah who was executed by lethal injection on June 10, 1988 at the Utah state prison at Point of the Mountain, for five counts of capital murder, five counts of aggravated kidnapping, and one count of sexually abusing... Willard Richards (June 24, 1804 – March 11, 1854) was born in Hopkinton, Massachusetts to Joseph and Rhoda Howe Richards on June 24, 1804. ... George A. Smith George Albert Smith (June 26, 1817â€“September 1, 1875) (commonly known as George A. Smith to distinguish him from his grandson of the same name) was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and as a... The Third of May by Francisco Goya Execution by firing squad is a method of capital punishment, particularly common in times of war. ... Decapitation (from Latin, caput, capitis, meaning head), or beheading, is the removal of a living organisms head. ... is the 96th day of the year (97th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... is the 114th day of the year (115th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Jan. ... Thomas Bullock (December 23, 1816â€“February 10, 1885) was a Mormon pioneer and a clerk and Assistant Church Historian in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... This article is about the U.S. state. ... The current Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the LDS Church. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

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Dr. Martha Nibley Beck (born 29 November 1962) is a sociologist, therapist, and best-selling writer. ... Jedediah Morgan Grant (1816â€“1856) (commonly known as Jedediah M. Grant) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... is the 71st day of the year (72nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1854 (MDCCCLIV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... is the 208th day of the year (209th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1854 (MDCCCLIV) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar). ... Jedediah Morgan Grant (1816â€“1856) (commonly known as Jedediah M. Grant) was a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Heber C. Kimball Heber Chase Kimball (June 14, 1801 â€“ June 22, 1868) (commonly known as Heber C. Kimball) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. ... is the 11th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Heber C. Kimball Heber Chase Kimball (June 14, 1801 â€“ June 22, 1868) (commonly known as Heber C. Kimball) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement. ... is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... Jon Krakauer Jon Krakauer (born April 12, 1954), is an American non-fiction author and mountaineer, well-known for outdoor and mountain-climbing writing. ... Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith is an historical novel written by Jon Krakauer. ... Bruce R. McConkie Bruce Redd McConkie (July 29, 1915â€“April 19, 1985) was an influential theologian and apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... is the 261st day of the year (262nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1839 (MDCCCXXXIX) was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... Categories: LDS stubs ... 17 November is also the name of a Marxist group in Greece, coinciding with the anniversary of the Athens Polytechnic uprising. ... Year 1880 (MDCCCLXXX) was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Categories: LDS stubs ... is the 185th day of the year (186th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1883 (MDCCCLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... Categories: LDS stubs ... Parley P. Pratt Statue of Parley P. Pratt facing Parleys Canyon at sunrise. ... is the 365th day of the year (366th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1855 (MDCCCLV) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian Calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 16th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... Brigham Henry Roberts (March 13, 1857 _ September 27, 1933) was born in Warrington, a manufacturing town of Lancashire, England. ... Brigham Henry Roberts (March 13, 1857 _ September 27, 1933) was born in Warrington, a manufacturing town of Lancashire, England. ... Brigham Henry Roberts (March 13, 1857 _ September 27, 1933) was born in Warrington, a manufacturing town of Lancashire, England. ... Joseph Fielding Smith (July 19, 1876 â€“ July 2, 1972) was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970 to 1972. ... Bruce R. McConkie Bruce Redd McConkie (July 29, 1915â€“April 19, 1985) was an influential theologian and apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. ... Joseph Fielding Smith (July 19, 1876 â€“ July 2, 1972) was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1970 to 1972. ... William Smith (also found as William B. Smith) (1811â€“1893) born in Royalton, Vermont, was a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement and an original member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. ... is the 302nd day of the year (303rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1845 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar). ... The Warsaw Signal was a newspaper edited and published in Warsaw, Illinois during the 1840s and early 1850s. ... For other persons named John Taylor, see John Taylor (disambiguation). ... First issue of the North American Review with signature of its editor William Tudor (1779-1830). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 36th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1852 was a leap year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 128th day of the year (129th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1853 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 61st day of the year (62nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 75th day of the year (76th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1856 was a leap year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 39th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1857 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 67th day of the year (68th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1863 (MDCCCLXIII) was a common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Tuesday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... Year 1867 (MDCCCLXVII) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Sunday of the 12-day slower Julian calendar). ... For other uses, see Brigham Young (disambiguation). ... is the 120th day of the year (121st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1877 (MDCCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ... is the 143rd day of the year (144th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1877 (MDCCCLXXVII) was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Contents

Historical and doctrinal background

Capital punishment in Mormon scripture and ritual

"Blood for blood" doctrine and retributive capital punishment

Teaching that restitution is required for repentance

Being "destroyed in the flesh" for violation of celestial marriage covenants

Blood atonement teachings during the Brigham Young administration

Teachings by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

Development of the doctrine in the 1840s and early 1850s

Impending theocratic blood atonement for "covenant breaking" Mormons

Voluntary blood atonement and enforcement by individuals

Blood atonement for apostasy

Properly-practiced blood atonement

Killings said to have been incited by the doctrine

Mountain Meadows massacre

Rumors of blood atonement enforcement by Utah-era Danites

Thomas Coleman murder

Other killings

Blood atonement after Brigham Young

Blood atonement for murder

Repudiation of allegations of the practice by the LDS church in 1889

Accusation by R. C. Evans

Response by Joseph Fielding Smith

Statements in the late twentieth century

McConkie's repudiation of the need to practice the doctrine

Blood atonement in a theocracy

Relation to capital punishment in Utah

Practice of "blood atonement" by fundamentalist groups

Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Ervil LeBaron and the Church of the Lamb of God

References to "blood atonement" in modern works

Notes

References

See also

External links

Contents

Historical and doctrinal background GA_googleFillSlot("encyclopedia_square");

Capital punishment in Mormon scripture and ritual

"Blood for blood" doctrine and retributive capital punishment

Teaching that restitution is required for repentance

Being "destroyed in the flesh" for violation of celestial marriage covenants

Blood atonement teachings during the Brigham Young administration

Teachings by the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve

Development of the doctrine in the 1840s and early 1850s

Impending theocratic blood atonement for "covenant breaking" Mormons

Voluntary blood atonement and enforcement by individuals

Blood atonement for apostasy

Properly-practiced blood atonement

Killings said to have been incited by the doctrine

Mountain Meadows massacre

Rumors of blood atonement enforcement by Utah-era Danites

Thomas Coleman murder

Other killings

Blood atonement after Brigham Young

Blood atonement for murder

Repudiation of allegations of the practice by the LDS church in 1889

Accusation by R. C. Evans

Response by Joseph Fielding Smith

Statements in the late twentieth century

McConkie's repudiation of the need to practice the doctrine

Blood atonement in a theocracy

Relation to capital punishment in Utah

Practice of "blood atonement" by fundamentalist groups

Warren Jeffs and the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Ervil LeBaron and the Church of the Lamb of God

References to "blood atonement" in modern works

Notes

References

See also

External links

Historical and doctrinal background