Church History Matters Podcast Summary
Episode: 088 The First Violence Against Latter-day Saints
Release Date: November 5, 2024
Hosts: Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths

Overview

In Episode 088 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve into the tumultuous period of the early 1830s when the Latter-day Saints (LDS) faced severe persecution in Jackson County, Missouri. This episode, part of the series “Peace and Violence in Latter Day Saint History,” examines the factors leading to the violent expulsion of the Saints, the responses from both church leaders and state authorities, and the theological implications derived from the revelations Joseph Smith received during this crisis.

Historical Context: Settlement in Jackson County

The episode begins with Scott Woodward setting the stage in the late summer of 1831, when Joseph Smith led a group of church members to settle in Jackson County, Missouri, following a revelation identifying the area as the promised land for building Zion (00:05). The influx of over a thousand Saints into an already established community ignited immediate tensions with the non-LDS locals.

Tensions Escalate to Violence

By spring 1832, hostility toward the Saints manifested in verbal threats and vandalism, aimed at intimidating them into leaving the county (00:05). These hostilities intensified over the next year, culminating in violent confrontations by summer 1833. The culmination of this conflict was the forcible eviction of the Saints from Jackson County, a pivotal moment in LDS history.

Model of Violence: Categories and Analysis

Casey Griffiths introduces a model to categorize instances of violence involving the Saints:

1. Category One: Saints as victims of external violence (e.g., mob attacks on the John Johnson Farm, 03:03).
2. Category Two: Saints retaliate in response to aggression (e.g., the 1838 Mormon War, discussed briefly 04:12).
3. Category Three: Saints initiate violence against others (e.g., Mountain Meadows Massacre, mentioned 06:25).

The focus of this episode is primarily on Category One, illustrating the Saints’ role as victims rather than aggressors.

Religious and Cultural Clashes

The host discusses how differing religious beliefs and cultural practices between the Saints and Jackson County residents exacerbated tensions. LDS doctrines, such as the belief in building a literal New Jerusalem and the restoration of the tribes of Israel, were perceived as threatening and blasphemous by the existing population (08:19).

Notable Quote:
Casey Griffiths reflects on the deliberately challenging location of Independence, Missouri, stating, “I got to wonder if this is by design, like Independence was. Difficulty level 10” (11:30).

Revelations and Theological Responses

Throughout the episode, Scott and Casey explore the series of revelations Joseph Smith received in response to the unfolding crisis. These revelations, recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants, emphasized non-violence and legal recourse over retaliation.

Notable Quotes:

• Joseph Smith in D&C 98:16 advises, “renounce war and proclaim peace.”
• In a poignant moment, Bishop Edward Partridge recounts his non-violent stance: “I bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness that it appeared to astound the multitude” (28:05).

Casey Griffiths counters accusations of inherent violence in LDS theology by highlighting these revelations:

“It seems like he's telling them to not engage in violence... Joseph and Casey argue that LDS teachings advocate for patience and non-violent solutions, only justifying self-defense when absolutely necessary” (49:06).

Governor's Response and Legal Attempts

The Saints sought legal redress by petitioning Missouri Governor Daniel Dunklin and hiring lawyers to prosecute the mob. Governor Dunklin expressed willingness to assist but ultimately failed to protect the Saints due to widespread local hostility and a lack of legal support.

Notable Development:
The Missouri Attorney General, upon being sent to investigate, admitted, “Nothing you can do” (32:25), highlighting the severity of the local opposition and the failure of state intervention.

Formation of Zion’s Camp

In response to the deteriorating situation, Zion’s Camp was organized—a march by over 200 Saints led by Joseph Smith to escort the Saints back to Jackson County. Despite initial hopes, the mission was unsuccessful, leading to further introspection and revelations about the appropriate response to persecution.

Spoiler Alert from Hosts:
Scott Woodward hints at the impending failure of Zion’s Camp, stating, “This is going to lead to what's called Zion's Camp. We're going to talk a lot more about this in our next episode” (45:11).

Theological Implications and Conclusion

The hosts conclude by reinforcing that LDS revelations during this period consistently advocated for non-violence, urging the Saints to seek legal and peaceful solutions before considering self-defense. This counters narratives suggesting that LDS theology is inherently violent, emphasizing instead a framework that prioritizes peace and legal measures.

Closing Reflection:
Casey Griffiths encapsulates the episode’s argument:

“It's hard to read sections like section 98, which is probably the most extensive statement we have on violence, and say that it's inherently violent when the Lord is telling them, no, I will bless you if you bear this patiently” (48:32).

Key Takeaways

• Victimization of Saints: The Saints were primarily victims of escalating tensions and mob violence in Jackson County.
• Non-Violent Doctrine: LDS revelations and teachings during this period emphasized peace, patience, and legal recourse over violence.
• Failed Legal Remedies: Attempts to seek justice through the Missouri legal system were thwarted by local hostility and systemic failures.
• Zion’s Camp: The formation and failure of Zion’s Camp underscored the challenges the Saints faced in seeking protection and justice.

Conclusion

Episode 088 provides a comprehensive analysis of the first major violent conflict against the Latter-day Saints in Jackson County, Missouri. Through historical narrative and theological examination, Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths argue that LDS teachings advocate for non-violence and legal solutions, challenging claims of an inherently violent religious foundation. The episode sets the stage for further exploration of Zion’s Camp and its implications in subsequent installments of the series.

Notable Quotes:

1. Casey Griffiths (11:30): “I got to wonder if this is by design, like Independence was. Difficulty level 10.”

2. Bishop Edward Partridge (28:05): “I bore my abuse with so much resignation and meekness that it appeared to astound the multitude… I was so filled with the spirit and love of God. That I had no hatred towards my persecutors or anyone else.”

3. Casey Griffiths (48:32): “It seems like he's telling them to not engage in violence...”

4. Casey Griffiths (49:06): “It is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another.”

References:

• Doctrine and Covenants: Sections 28, 52, 57, 58, 84, 90, 97, 98, 101, 103, 105
• Historical Accounts: Edward Partridge’s writings, Joseph Smith Papers

This summary encapsulates the critical discussions and insights presented in Episode 088, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the factors leading to the first violent persecution of the Latter-day Saints and the church’s response rooted in non-violence and legal action.