Church History Matters Podcast Episode 089: Was Zion's Camp Violent?

Release Date: November 12, 2024
Host/Author: Scripture Central
Title: Church History Matters - Was Zion's Camp Violent?

In Episode 089 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths delve into the complexities surrounding Zion's Camp—a pivotal event in Latter-day Saint Church history. This episode meticulously examines whether Zion's Camp was an inherently violent endeavor or if its true purpose was aligned with principles of peace and divine guidance.

1. Introduction to Zion's Camp

The episode opens with Scott Woodward providing historical context:

Scott Woodward [00:06]: "In November 1833, ruthless mobs of local settlers drove over a thousand church members out of Jackson County, Missouri, plundering their property and burning their homes to dissuade them from ever returning."

These displaced Saints sought refuge while church leaders reached out for divine and governmental assistance. Missouri Governor Daniel Dunklin showed sympathy, offering a military escort to help Saints reclaim their lands. However, his support was limited to temporary protection, lacking a permanent military presence.

2. Formation and Purpose of Zion's Camp

Casey Griffiths sets the stage for an in-depth exploration:

Casey Griffiths [01:28]: "We dig into some of the ins and outs of Zion's camp and discuss what the march of a quasi-military group of Latter Day Saints led by a prophet of God might teach us about peace and violence among Latter Day Saints."

Zion's Camp was conceived as a response to the Missouri persecution, aiming to escort Saints back to Jackson County and establish a standing army for their protection once Governor Dunklin's troops withdrew.

3. Theological Reflections on Violence

The hosts engage in a thoughtful discussion on the nature of violence within Latter-day Saint history:

Wilford Woodruff [02:13]: "Is our theology violent? Does our history lend itself to violence more than others?"

They reference figures like Captain Moroni from the Book of Mormon, highlighting his reluctance to shed blood unless in self-defense:

Wilford Woodruff [03:31]: "Moroni was very reluctant to shed blood and only saw violence as justifiable if you were defending your home and your family."

Casey adds:

Casey Griffiths [04:05]: "Mormon himself was an awesome military leader. But he was also reluctant to shed blood."

4. The Revelation and Its Implications

Scott Woodward elaborates on the divine revelations received by Joseph Smith during this period, particularly sections 97 through 105 of the Doctrine and Covenants. In section 101, a parable about a nobleman and his vineyard is presented, which some interpret as an endorsement of Zion's Camp's mission.

Scott Woodward [14:36]: "This is a long parable, so maybe we should pause in the middle and do some exploring here."

The parable suggests active preparation against impending threats, leading to the interpretation that Zion's Camp was sanctioned to defend and redeem Zion.

5. The March of Zion's Camp

As Zion's Camp journeyed from Ohio to Missouri, they faced extreme hardships, including severe weather and shortages of water. The hosts recount notable incidents:

Casey Griffiths [30:11]: "Joseph learns that there's these men in camp that are trying to kill three rattlesnakes. He actually intervenes and says, 'Let them alone, don't hurt them.'"

This story exemplifies the camp's underlying commitment to non-violence despite the martial language surrounding their mission.

6. Internal Conflicts and Reactions

Not all members of Zion's Camp were content with the directives received. Casey discusses early detractors like William E. McClellan and David Whitmer, who questioned the Prophet's leadership:

Casey Griffiths [21:39]: "William McClellan... thought it was proof Joseph was a fallen prophet."

Wilford Woodruff adds personal anecdotes of grumbling and discontent within the camp, emphasizing the human challenges faced during the march.

7. The Outcome and Divine Intervention

Upon reaching the border of Jackson County, the anticipated confrontation did not materialize as Governor Dunklin retracted his offer of a standing military escort. Instead, a severe storm struck, which many interpreted as divine intervention preventing violence:

Wilford Woodward [35:06]: "A storm comes out of nowhere and strikes with such violence that the men of Zion's camp scramble for cover."

This event led to the reception of section 105, where Joseph Smith was instructed to disband the camp due to collective disunity and lack of sufficient resources, emphasizing a return to education and spiritual preparation:

Scott Woodward [38:10]: "Section 105... states that Zion cannot be built up unless it's by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom."

8. Reflections on Peace and Violence

The hosts analyze the duality of Zion's Camp as both a potential military force and a spiritual journey:

Wilford Woodruff [54:27]: "The Lord doesn't want Zion... built on a foundation of blood."

Casey highlights the Christlike emphasis on peace despite the initial violent rhetoric:

Casey Griffiths [58:06]: "The purpose for that language does not seem to be to inspire them to actually be violent. In fact, it's quite the opposite."

They conclude that Zion's Camp serves as a testament to the Saints' commitment to peace, obedience, and sacrificial discipleship rather than organized violence.

9. Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, memorable quotes encapsulate the hosts' perspectives:

• Brigham Young [51:15]: "Property and mines of wealth are not to be compared to the worth of knowledge."

• Wilford Woodruff [53:16]: "We had the privilege of traveling a thousand Miles with [Joseph Smith] and seeing the workings of the spirit of God with him."

These reflections underscore the transformative impact of Zion's Camp on future church leaders and the broader Latter-day Saint movement.

10. Conclusion: Understanding Zion's Camp

In wrapping up, Scott and Casey acknowledge the complexity of Zion's Camp, recognizing it as a multifaceted event that cannot be neatly categorized as merely violent or peaceful. Instead, it represents a critical moment of testing, faith, and leadership formation within the church.

Wilford Woodruff [62:06]: "Zion's camp is another one of those stories like Abraham, where I don't know if we have all the answers or if we've picked out the full lesson yet."

The episode invites listeners to reflect on the nuanced interplay between divine instruction, human agency, and the enduring quest for peace within the Latter-day Saint tradition.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• Scott Woodward [00:06]: Describes the initial expulsion of Saints from Jackson County.
• Casey Griffiths [01:28]: Introduces the episode's focus on Zion's Camp.
• Wilford Woodruff [03:31]: Discusses Captain Moroni's reluctance to shed blood.
• Casey Griffiths [05:12]: Shares personal mission experiences countering violent expectations.
• Wilford Woodruff [36:00]: Relates the Battle of Fishing River and divine intervention.
• Casey Griffiths [58:06]: Emphasizes the Christlike desire for peace despite violent rhetoric.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Episode 089, providing listeners with a thorough understanding of the discussions surrounding Zion's Camp and its implications for peace and violence in Latter-day Saint history.