Doctrine

Painting depicting Jehovah and Lucifer standing before Elohim and addressing the heavenly hosts during the premortal grand council.
Conspiracism, Theology

In the (Quasi-Religious) Mind of a Mormon Conspiritualist

In the previous essays, we have summarized the research literature on the cognitive and behavioral correlates of conspiracy belief along three general categories—epistemic, existential, and social motives. In this essay, we will explore the functional similarities between religious and conspiracist discourse, using Mormonism as an ethnographic lens.

Mormon statues on display in Salt Lake City of Adam and Eve in the garden.
Brigham Young, Gender & Sexuality, Patriarchy, Polygamy, Temple Ritual

The Legacy of Adam-God in the Mormon Theology of Heteropatriarchy

The Adam-God doctrine may be a “deadly heresy” in the current LDS church, but ideas that have their origins in this doctrine remain at the center of Mormon theology today. Let’s discuss how current temple worship and LDS teachings/policies regarding gender and sexuality continue to be influenced by ideas initially developed as part of Young’s polygynist cosmology.

Mormon women marching to the Salt Lake Temple in support of women's ordination.
Doctrine and Covenants, History, Patriarchy, Theology

Fascinating Priesthood: Oaths and Covenants for Patriarchal Dominance

The lessons this week are focused on directing members to identify the ways they are blessed by restored priesthood authority and the rituals and ordinances pertaining thereunto. A major emphasis of the lesson materials is devoted to gender complementarianism and gaslighting women into accepting the policy of male-exclusive ordination in the LDS church.

Doctrine and Covenants, History, Joseph Smith, Theology

“These are they”: Kirtland’s Expansion of the Mormon Afterlife

This week’s “Come, Follow Me” lessons cover “the Vision” of the afterlife that dramatically expanded Mormon theology in 1832. In my most detailed response on the 2021 curriculum so far, we take a close look at the historical and intellectual context of D&C § 76, and how the modern church is shifting its narrative.

Doctrine and Covenants, History, Joseph Smith

Revealing the Revelations: A Reaction to Ezra Booth

The decision to publish the Book of Commandments, and the revelations produced between 1–12 Nov 1831, were all in direct response to Ezra Booth’s opposition to Smith and the church. The “Come, Follow Me” manuals ignore this context entirely, favoring instead to present a message about how awesome are God’s mouthpieces. Also, baptize your kids.