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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
Categories: History, American
4 out of 5 stars (3 ratings)

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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)

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Profile Image for james needham
  • james needham
  • 23-11-14

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.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Michael
  • Michael
  • 23-10-16

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.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Adam
  • Adam
  • 06-09-14

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.

6 of 10 people found this review helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Bryce
  • Bryce
  • 01-08-17

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!

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Nichole
  • Nichole
  • 03-04-15

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.

1 of 3 people found this review helpful