1st paper: This paper will present the historical background to the earliest and most complete written accounts of the first vision of Joseph Smith. The three most important descriptions were provided in 1832, 1835 and 1839, and all have different backgrounds and emphasis. Early developments came in 1835 when theological changes were being made in …
Speaker: CLAIR BARRUS
Mormonism and Masonry: Emerging Evidence
Clair Barrus will investigate how Joseph Smith’s treasure seeking changed direction in the 1820s in response to Masonic ideology, opening the way for the restoration of scripture. Cheryl Bruno will investigate the underlying objectives of Nauvoo Freemasonry, demonstrating their cross-purposes with the Grand Lodge. The dramatic clash of Mormons and Masons from New York to …
Evolution of the name of the Church; The Masonic Magic Mormon Connection
Over the years all branches of Mormonism have struggled with the name of their organization and how to adjust to change. The first paper examines the location of the first church meeting. It also follows the development of the three church names. The second paper examines the early relationship between Masonry and magic in American …
Gender, Religious Authority, and the ‘Elect Ladies’: Jemima Wilkinson, Ann Lee, and Emma Smith
Gender and authority shaped the roles played by Emma Smith, Ann Lee, and Jemima Wilkinson, each of whom profoundly affected her religious community (1770s to 1840s). Each was called Joseph Geisner, Maxine Hanks, Clair Barrus
Mormonism and the Tradition of Change
First Paper: Change and Evolution in Mormonism Presenter: H. Michael Marquardt This paper explains a variety of changes that occurred in the Mormon tradition, including some of the early revelations, summarizing some of the more interesting changes. Understanding the changing historical record opens a door to new modes of interpretations. Second Paper: Anti-Mormon Influence on …
The Nauvoo Council of Fifty Minutes
In September 2016 the LDS Church Historian’s Press made available in print the early minutes of the Council of Fifty. These minutes were kept from church members and the public for well over one hundred and fifty years. This paper will explore some of the events and topics discussed in these meetings, including Joseph Smith …
The Policy In Context Of Mormon Thought On Cursed Lineage And Marriage
Early Mormon views on marriage, race, and progeny provide a background to consider the church’s new policy banning gay families from church membership. Brigham Young taught that interracial marriage of white Mormon men to black women would bring a curse upon the church, reducing the Mormon people below the descendants of Cain, and recommended execution …
Joseph Smith S Teachings About Priesthood Temple And Women
In October 2015 the Church released its essay “Joseph Smith’s Teachings about Priesthood, Temple, and Women. This panel explores early teachings about these concepts, including the “Anointed Quorum”, and their implications for LDS women today. Clair Barrus, Bryndis Roberts, Nancy Ross
The Plural Marriage Revelations Of Joseph Smith
The recent Gospel Topics essay “Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo” asserts that Joseph Smith received the revelation authorizing polygamy around 1831 and that “the revelation on plural marriage was not written down until 1843.” However, the 1843 version of the revelation responds to contemporary events, raising such questions as: How much of the revelation …
Mormons And Masonry
In the early nineteenth century, many prominent Freemasons sought to “Christianize” Freemasonry. Distinguished European Masonic writers promoted interpretations of Masonic rituals that were almost clusively Christian. Reverend Salem Town of New york also promoted this Christian application in his widely circulated A System of Speculative Masonry (1818), claiming that the initiate’s progression out of darkness …