Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy

The Introduction and Implementation of the Principle, 1830-1853

By: Merina Smith

Narrated by: Lisa Baney

Length: 11 hrs and 41 mins

Publisher's summary

In Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy, historian Merina Smith explores the introduction of polygamy in Nauvoo, a development that unfolded amid scandal and resistance. Smith considers the ideological, historical, and even psychological elements of the process and captures the emotional and cultural detail of this exciting and volatile period in Mormon history. She illuminates the mystery of early adherents' acceptance of such a radical form of marriage in light of their dedication to the accepted monogamous marriage patterns of their day.

When Joseph Smith began to reveal and teach the doctrine of plural marriage in 1841, even stalwart members like Brigham Young were shocked and confused. In this thoughtful study, Smith argues that the secret introduction of plural marriage among the leadership coincided with an evolving public theology that provided a contextualizing religious narrative that persuaded believers to accept the principle.

This fresh interpretation draws on diaries, letters, newspapers, and other primary sources and is especially effective in its use of family narratives. It will be of great interest not only to scholars and the general public interested in Mormon history but in American history, religion, gender and sexuality, and the history of marriage and families.

©2013 University Press of Colorado (P)2014 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Others, including myself, have never adequately explained the emergence of polygamy ideologically. Smith does so brilliantly, meticulously tracing the factors that overcame resistance to the doctrine among the LDS faithful. She made it possible for me to understand my own ancestors' rationale in adopting a way of life that so offended their Victorian sensibilities.” (Janet Bennion, author of Polygamy in Primetime)

I knew nothing now I know something

Worth the listen if you want to get a history of Mormons and the ways they dealt with their polygamy.

Best Mormon read of the year.

Would you listen to Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy again? Why?

yes

What other book might you compare Revelation, Resistance, and Mormon Polygamy to and why?

Brigham Young, Turner

What about Lisa Baney’s performance did you like?

A good recording stays out of the way of a good listen.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Staggering that this is the beginning of my religion.

Any additional comments?

This is a great story never told, at least in audio. All Mormons need to read this and see what really happened in Nauvoo and the later effects of that period into Utah. This book was so interesting in creating a narrative to the origin and the playing out of events in the story of polygamy.

A happy accident!

I happened upon this book by chance, and am so glad I did! I'm a big fan of early Mormon history, and there aren't many that I haven't read yet. I even read the one about Lyman wight's Texas colony (the one that bishop miller joins after leaving the saints in winter quarters).

I mention that so you can better know that know my interests when evaluating my review.

this book is definitely worth a read, and challenged me with some things I didn't already know! you can tell that the author has done a significant amount of primary research, (for example reading all of John d Lee's extensive journals), and it really shows. she pulled done interesting content out that wasn't well known and wrote a book full of new stuff that most people wouldn't already know.

I also deeply appreciated the neutral scholarly tone. things that might embarrass the church (or harm a fragile testimony) unfortunately in this genre often get omitted, or worse spun into something they're not. I don't have the foggiest idea about the authors personal religion and beliefs, and I mean that as a great compliment!

I strongly suspect that I'll be giving this book a second listen, and recommend it for your if you're interested in early Mormon church history

Enlightening read for Mormons and non-Mormons

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It wouldn't be my first pick. Certain friends, maybe.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

It's not a story. Who knows how much is the truth?

Have you listened to any of Lisa Baney’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Any additional comments?

The Mormon history is one giant story, based mostly on lies. I'm not saying this in a mean spirited way- just my opinion. Most everything that has to do with any religion is based on lies as far as I'm concerned.

Biased against the Mormon church

What didn’t you like about Lisa Baney’s performance?

When she quoted a historical person from the Mormon church it sounded like she was negatively portraying their tone and inflection.

Any additional comments?

This is not a balanced look at this historical period of time in the Mormon faith. It was her subtle choice of words that clearly indicated that she didn't mind slamming the Mormon faith.

Sterile sociological treatise taken out of context

I found this book to be an informative sociological study, but discussing a religious topic without reference to faith is a little like discussing the swimming without acknowledging that water is a main component. The Narrator was also almost mocking in her tone which was annoying!

Resacralize ALL the things

I struggled with this one. If you are sensitive to the same word, being repeated AD NAUSEM.....pass on this book. It's used about 708 times.

Had high hopes but it was a bust.