Difference between revisions of "Criticism of Mormonism/Books/American Massacre/Chapter 6"

79

• The author claims that Brigham's fortification of villages against attack by the Indians was a reversal of Book of Mormon prophecies regarding the Lamanites.

• During the so-called "Walker War" against Indians (1853–54) Brigham Young and the Nauvoo Legion preferred defense and peaceful resolution over attack. This strategy—as well as self-defense—is consistent with numerous Book of Mormon teachings (e.g., Alma 43꞉14,47, Alma 61꞉10).
• See: Howard A. Christy, "The Walker War: Defense and Conciliation as Strategy," Utah Historical Quarterly 47 (fall 1979): 395–420.

• No source provided, although the author dates this to July 21, 1853.

90

• The author claims that Latter-day Saint elders were "in the habit of confiscating at will younger wives of less ranking members of the church."

•  Absurd claim: the author would need to provide some evidence for this claim.
• An abbreviated version of a talk by Brigham Young is sometimes used in this vein, but a review of the contemporaneous text gives a different picture.

• No source provided.

90

• In the Gunnison death, the Mormons are claimed to have defamed the victims while blaming the Indians.

• Despite anti-Mormon polemic to the contrary, Gunnison's death was the fault of an Indian attack.
• Gunnison's death

• No source provided.