The Detective Diaries of Dr. Roxanne Robles: Mormonism and Brigham Young

What/Who are Mormons?
Mormons are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, also known as Mormonism. Mormonism, was founded by Joseph Smith. Mormons believe that there are four sources of divinely inspired words; these sources were the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and The Pearl of the Great Price.

Who is Joseph Smith and why is he important to the Mormons?
Joseph Smith Jr. founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Mormonism in 1830. When he was young, he had the desire for finding the truth. He was very religious, and when he was baptized, he had to decide on which Christian religion to decide. He had turned to the bible for guidance on his decision. Later, he had said that he had received a vision from God and Jesus, calling him to become the prophet of God. He was told that all the churches were all false, and he was the one who should “restore true Christianity” and claimed that his church was the “only true church on earth”. Later on, he had gained visions instructing him to translate a history of ancient inhabitants of North America, and he published theses in 1830 as the Book of Mormons. He was important to the Mormons, for he had founded and the leader of their church and was seen as the prophet of God.

Who is Brigham Young and why is he important to the Mormons?
Brigham Young was the head of the Mormon Church and the architect of the Mormon colony in Utah and the author of one of the most important chapters in the American West. He was born on June 1, 1801, in Vermont. He had converted to Methodism in 1823, but when he read the Book of Mormon in 1830, he was drawn to Joseph Smith’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In 1832, he was baptized and became a Mormon. Later on in 1835, he was called "the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles". He led the migration to the Rocky Mountains in 1846-1847 and founded Salt Lake City. He became President of the Church on December 21, 1847. He established Latter-day Saint settlements in Utah and around the American West. He also constructed temples in Salt Lake, St. George and Logan. He brought the telegram and railroad to Utah, and encouraged Latter-day Saints industry. He had also supported and stimulated excellence and refinement in every aspect of life. After 30 years as Church President, he died on August 29, 1877 in Salt Lake City.

What are some of the rules of the Mormon Community?
In order to be a faithful member in the Mormon Community, one must be in “good standing”. There are Mormon rules, that each member must follow. For example, one must pay 10% of their income before tax and give other donations to many church funds, one must obey the Mormon authority without hesitation, fully believe that the Mormon church is the only true church, pass a worthiness interview each year so one can attend the temple, no sex before marriage, have many children, and attend all church meetings. These are only some of the rules that Mormons must follow to be considered as a faithful member of their community.

What is a plural marriage? Are they legal in Canada?
The practice of plural marriage, also known as polygamy, was introduced by Joseph Smith to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the nineteenth century. It can be defined as the marriage of one man to two or more women. In Canada, plural marriage is illegal due to Section 293 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

What are your thoughts about his reversal? Is he justified? Is a sacred promise exactly that?
While out in the Alkali Desert, near death, John Ferrier had agreed to follow the Mormon rules when he and his daughter, Lucy, was saved. But later, he disagrees with their wishes for Lucy to be wedded off to one of the members of the Mormon church. His reserval is not justified through the eyes of the Mormons, for when he and Lucy were out dying in the desert, the Mormons were there to save him only if he were to pledge to following their religious practices, for which he agreed. He had told them that he would, and in return, for what they have done for them, it is only fair that he must follow through with their agreement. But in my opinion, his desperation for survival during that time, may be the reason for willingness to agree. Being thirsty, famished, and exhausted after having to survive in the desert alone, taking care of a child, he was only thinking for survival and may not have realized what he was getting himself and Lucy into; and because of these reasons, I believe that his reversal is justified. If agreeing to believe in a religion will save one from death, anyone would agree. He made his decision based on the means of wanting to live, instead of being left there to die. Therefore, I believe it is justifiable for he had done what he did so that he, and Lucy can live.

How is/was polygamy acceptable in some societies, and why is it banned in Canada?
In some societies, polygamy is acceptable. It is acceptable because either it is acceptable in their faith or because there is a higher population of women than men. Some cultures believe that women cannot provide for themselves, and since there are more numbers of women compared to men, polygamy is accepted. Many Mormons follow this practice introduced by Joseph Smith, but America views it as incomprehensible and unacceptable. Therefore, causing it to be a very controversial issue. In Canada, all forms of polygamy, and other informal multiple sexual relationships, are illegal. It is illegal because of parliament’s view that it is harmful to women, to children, to society, and to the institution of monogamous marriage.

What are some norms in your culture/family?
A “norm” is a principle of right action binding upon the members of a group and serving to guide, control, or regulate proper and acceptable behavior. In my culture, there are many norms. For example, as a Catholic my norms are going to church every Sunday, praying the rosary, and reading the bible. As a Filipino, examples of norms, especially ones that show our sign of respect. An example is when speaking to elders we address the with correct terms like "tito"(uncle), "tita"(aunt), "ate"(sister), "kuya"(brother), etc. These terms we use depend on their age and who they are to us. Usually, when we address them by those terms even though we may not be blood related. Additionally, when talking to our elders, we also add "po" or "opo". It is a Filipino gesture that acts as a sign of respect to our elders. Lastly, another gesture of respect is "Mano" or "Pagmamano", where one takes the hand of the elder, and presses it to their forehead. It is performed as a way of accepting a blessing from someone who is older. These are only some examples of the norms I follow in my culture and family.
Explain how Lucy's nickname "Flower of Utah", leads her to trouble. What is Lucy’s dilemma? How do you feel about her situation?
Lucy is nicknamed the “Flower of Utah”; however that nickname leads to trouble for her. As being nicknamed the “Flower of Utah”, she is seen for her beauty, as she has grown up and bloomed to be a beautiful, and charming young woman. But these name may cause her to be seen, as an object. For because of her beauty, she has attracted the attention of many men in the community, who now see her as an object; a prize to be won. This causes her to have a dilemma; for she has fallen in love with Jefferson Hope, a Christian; while the Mormon community, especially the elders, are pressuring her to marry someone within their faith and community, particularly, Enoch Drebber or Joseph Stangerson. Like her, I would feel trouble and scared because though she loves Jefferson Hope, she fears for her and her father, John Ferrier’s life because of it. She fears for what the Mormon elders will do and what will happen to them if she does not follow their rules and their customs; especially after she hears about the dreadful stories of those who oppose the Prophet. So if I were her, I would be confused and unsure about my decision, for I must choose between my life and the man I love.

There are no women in this story, other than Lucy. how does her fate suggest how women are probably treated in the community (in the story)? Doyle alludes to possible kidnapping of other women outside of the community in order to make them Mormon wives. How does Doyle portray the Mormon community? (use support from the book)
There are no women in this story, other than Lucy. Lucy’s faith suggest that women are treated like objects and prizes in the community; that women are not given much of a value or voice in issues regarding themselves or their lives. It seems as though women are seen as objects that can be controlled and can be used for a man's own benefit. For example, Lucy is seen and nicknamed as the “Flower of Utah” for her beauty, and because of this she is desired and wanted by many men; they see her as a prize to be won. This is supported by the fact that “She had found favour in the eyes of many who are high in the land.” (124, Doyle) This shows their views on women and how they see them as objects, and things, rather than humans. Furthermore, Doyle depicts the Mormon community negatively. He writes and describes the community as a dark, ruthless and immoral society. He supports this when they force John Ferrier to become apart of their faith. Instead of helping him from the goodness of their hearts, the only do if he agrees to join their faith. Additionally, Doyle alludes to possible kidnapping of other women outside of the community in order to make them Mormon wives. He portrays this through when John Ferrier notices that “the supply of adult women was running short, and polygamy without a female population on which to draw a barren doctrine indeed. Strange rumors began to be bandied about - rumors of murdered immigrants and rifled camps in regions….Fresh women appeared in the harems of the elders - women who pined and wept, and bored upon their faces the traces of an inextinguishable horror. Belated wanderers upon the mountains spoke of gangs of armed men, masked, stealthy and noiseless, who flitted by them in the darkness.” (121-122, Doyle) This implies that the Mormons would go to extreme, violent measures to get what they want. It shows their barbaric and inhumane natures and how they kidnap women and force them to marry against their will. He depicts their true, dark nature, when there are rumors circulating about men disappearing and the kidnapping of men. Also, it creates the Mormon community to have an authority that is dangerous and immoral. He shows this when the elders force John Ferrier, to follow the rules of the Mormons and to agree for his daughter to marry one of the Mormons. But when he refuses, and they blackmail him and send an assassin to threaten them everyday for a month. From this, it expresses how they emphasize the Mormon rules, and how everyone should follow it; and if not serious consequences will be made. Lastly, through the Mormon’s responses of killing John Ferrier and forcing Lucy to marry, that were taken due to John and Lucy fleeing with Hope; it exemplifies how they will do anything to those who oppose them and their rules. In conclusion, Doyle’s depiction of the Mormon community exhibits them to be seen as an evil society and because of his depiction of Mormonism, it has gained great attention, and has even led to the book being banned in the USA.