And while the Mormons were apologizing for taking part, why didn't they finish the matter by implicating Brigham Young as the instigator?
2007-11-02 07:29:39 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Scotty 8 - Simmer down. Can one not ask any questions of the LDS? Are they so immune to scrutiny and criticism? This is TODAY, pal, and we can ask questions...even some painful questions.
2007-11-06 03:09:18 · update #1
Heavy question for this crowd. You sound like you have read up on the subject, hence the question.
Sounds like it became a he said (s)he said situation of blame and denial. No way to know WHAT really happened just have to go with the most logical and most trusted source.
That said, Brigham Young was beloved of his people - he was their prophet. He was also an imperfect man (unlike Jesus Christ) subject to mistakes, maybe even horrible mistakes.
It will be sorted out in the end, don't you think?
2007-11-02 07:36:39 · answer #1 · answered by Kim 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Because the only evidence ever found linking Brigham Young to the incident was proven to be a forgery(most likely done by Mark Hoffman). The two mostly known books on the subject by Denton and Bagley are so biased, you can't even get through the first few chapters without realizing these people had alterior motives than history. In-fact, any honest historian who isn't trying to make a buck will tell you that there is no evidence of a conspiracy theory. He indeed helped with a cover-up afterwards, that is proven history, but his connection to the actual deed is completely unfounded.
2007-11-04 02:17:15 · answer #2 · answered by mweyamutsvene 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Brigham Young wasn't involved - it was two guys that lived in Southern Utah that happened to be pretty bad guys, and they happened to be mormon (there's bad eggs in every group that will ruin it for everyone).
Anyway, when there was tension between the Mormons and the wagon trains going through, Brigham Young actually wrote a letter to these guys and all the church members instructing them to leave them alone:
He wrote the following:
“In regard to emigration trains passing through our settlements,” Young continued, “we must not interfere with them untill they are first notified to keep away. You must not meddle with them. The Indians we expect will do as they please but you should try and preserve good feelings with them. There are no other trains going south that I know of[.] [I]f those who are there will leave let them go in peace. While we should be on the alert, on hand and always ready we should also possess ourselves in patience, preserving ourselves and property ever remembering that God rules.”6
While Hollywood has no problem implicating Brigham Young to make a few bucks, the church won't turn on the truth - it has paid for a monument, it has no problem saying these two guys that were members were villans, but it won't lie just to placate misinformed people.
2007-11-06 10:06:43 · answer #3 · answered by daisyk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because I personally have seen no proof the Brigham Young instigated, condoned or even ordered the Mountain Meadows Massacre. If anyone has any, I would love to see it. Until then, I will reserve judgment.
2007-11-02 15:28:54 · answer #4 · answered by Dublin Ducky 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe the role of Brigham Young in the massacre has been completely resolved. However, one must remember that the Mormon were in flight from murderous persecution, and in that state of mind, made many mistakes that resulted in lost innocent lives.
The episode is a national tragedy and one that must be learned from. After a century and a half, or so, trying to affix blame is a pointless exercise.
2007-11-02 14:37:26 · answer #5 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
What's with the Hans Mill Massacre?
Or Governor Bogg's extermination order
Or the Mormon Battalian?
Or Johnson's Army?
Or the murder of Apostle Parley Pratt.
How long can a pressure cooker boil before it blows its lid. If you want to see a hypocrite, go into the bathroom and look just over the sink.
2007-11-06 10:21:34 · answer #6 · answered by scotty_84116 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because he was NOT the instigator. He would not have had it done in such a way, he would have made sure there was NOTHING to even suggest that said party ever came thru Utah.
No, Brigham Young had nothing to do with it.
2007-11-06 08:59:48 · answer #7 · answered by mormon_4_jesus 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's much like when the Pope had associations with the Nazis... the Catholic church eventually apologized for their complicity but of course they denied any blame toward the Pope... who most likely was the one most to be blamed. The LDS 1st President is much like to the LDS as the Pope is the Catholics... their infallible prophet, an idol... and to admit their prophet sinned or made gross errors, would in effect undermine their entire foundation and the church would fall apart. Better to sweep the truth under the rug and protect the Pope (prophet) at all costs.
Ironically the Book of Mormon describes treating a man as the Light of God (in place of God) as priestcraft... a serious sin.
2007-11-02 14:53:41 · answer #8 · answered by Technoman 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Sadly you will never get a fully truthful answer.
The church barely acknowledges that they had ANYTHING to do with it and thats just been recently. They make it out like one or two men went nuts when it was really more than that.
Im sure BY and other "higher ups" knew and were ok with what was going on (or turned a blind eye to it). But that will never be proven or acknowledged by the church either.
2007-11-02 15:03:12 · answer #9 · answered by ChaosNJoy 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Apology is one thing. Truth is quite another. They don't talk about the Danite Riders either.
2007-11-02 14:32:59 · answer #10 · answered by Gracie 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋