Finished JMG Reading

I have just finished the Jedediah Grant biography. I was surprised that prior to reading the book I had not previously known anything about Jeddy Grant. His life was an interesting insight into what it meant to be a Latter Day Saint during the early years of the Mormon Church. I was also fascinated to hear about the reformation that took place under Grant's direction and the fact that Saints were rebaptized. I had never heard anything of the reformation and its implications before reading this text. Jedediah Grant was an intriguing figure in the history of the Church. His dedication and commitment to his religion and all that he accomplished were inspiring to read about.

Revival

I had no idea that the saints had ever been told to repent and then be rebabtized and confirmed in chapt. 16. What was it that had set Jeddy off on his rants of cleanliness both in spirituality and outward appearances? Since he had been a missionary in the beginning of the church I am surprised at his lack of compassion for the gentiles in Utah. Why didn't he just try and convert everyone?

What a Hard Life

I have to admire the pioneers for just hanging in there. I have learned so much more about church history just from reading the book. I have even managed to impress people with my new found knowledge. It makes me thankful for all the sacrifices that were made so I could have it so easy today. I'm glad our trek is in an air-conditioned bus. Can't wait for the trek.

re: Polygamy question

There have been many opinions expressed regarding why polygamy/plural marriage was practiced among a few members of the LDS Church during the 1800's. These opinions include the idea that it was a commandment, it was part of the necessary restoration of the Gospel, the need to support women who joined the Church, etc. There is a statement on the LDS Church's official website (lds.org) regarding polygamy. It is found in the Newsroom section.

It seems that specific reasons for the practice were not given. People who profess a religious faith must accept the fact that some things are to be taken on faith. This is one reason why belief in an afterlife is so valuable. Someday, I think we'll have the answers.

Polygamy

I was under the impression that polygamy was because it was only a commandment, but on p. 118, second to the last paragraph, of Mormon Thunder it mentions that polygamy was partly because women out numbered the men. Is there anyone else that had a question about this?

Teaching with a blank slate

When reading about Jedediah's ability to get up and teach from a blank slate really put into perspective what giving a talk in church is about now days. I was given a subject, have the churches website, magazines, etc. He just went with what he had at the time, which was probably his scriptures. He could talk for hours on one subject and have people riveted to the talk. It is hard sometimes to talk for twenty minutes or so. It talked about this on pgs. 32 -34 of Mormon Thunder. I really wish that I had that ability, or even the faith to do this.

Great Book

I love history in most forms. I enjoy biographies and historical fiction immensly. I have really liked reading this book (except for the hard journal entries due to the poor spelling). I can hardly wait to get out into Wyoming.

Jeddy Grant

As I have read this book it really has struck a new conviction to my membership in the LDS Church. I had to give a talk in Sacrament meeting this past week on following the Prophet. I took my talk from President Ezra Taft Benson's talk in 1981 and Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet. As I prepared my talk I really thought about the talks that Jeddy Grant gave to the people. I could tell that he loved the people yet he loved the Lord more and wanted the people to find that same love and devotion. I look at President Benson as being the same way.

I really could tell that Jedediah was a great speaker and teacher. Being this, he was also influential. It struck me funny when, at the beginning of the book, he was able to tell Brigham Young to come down from working on his house and that was not a proper thing for a prophet of God to do, and Brigham came down.

I can not believe how busy he must have been throughout his life. I have a hard time keeping up with six kids and taking care of my family and one wife, much less having to take care of three or more families, farming, being the Mayor of Salt Lake City, plus being in the First Presidency with Brigham Young. There had to never have a been a dull moment.

Reading History

I think one of the best ways to learn about history is to read biographies from the time period. They seem to give a more personalized view than reading most dry-as-dust textbooks. Someone mentioned that they wanted to read bios of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. I recommend "Rough Stone Rolling," by Bushman if you are interested in reading about Joseph Smith. It's excellent.

Reading good historical fiction can also be instructive. I just checked "Killer Angels" out of the library. This book was recommended by David McCullough as an excellent book about the Civil War time period. I look forward to reading it - maybe there will be some time now that school is out. (But I have found that the days fill right up with other projects during the summer break!)