Mormon Stories Podcast 149: Daymon Smith Pt. 1 - Federal Prosecution, Post-Manifesto Polygamy and Mormon Fundamentalism
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May 12, 2010 Daymon Smith, an LDS anthropologist and author, delves into the complex history of Mormonism, focusing on the late 1800s federal prosecutions for polygamy. He explores post-manifesto polygamy and the rise of Mormon Fundamentalism. With a blend of humor and gravitas, he discusses the paranoia and secrecy within those communities. The ethical dilemmas of deception during religious persecution and the erosion of trust are highlighted. Smith also examines loyalty tests, shifting doctrines, and the evolving church structure, revealing the tensions that shaped modern LDS identity.
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"Mind Your Own Business" Creed
- Mormons developed the creed "mind your own business" to avoid answering questions during federal polygamy prosecutions.
- This creed led to widespread paranoia and people commonly refused to share truthful information, even in basic conversations.
Authenticity via Obfuscation
- Saying one thing to the public and another in private was a norm for Mormons in leadership during the underground period.
- The ability to obfuscate became a marker of authentic Mormon identity amidst persecution.
Cow Code Paranoia Example
- A bishop's son misunderstood a farmer's innocent question about cows as a coded marshal warning and fled in paranoia.
- This story illustrates how deep distrust and seeing coded messages everywhere pervaded Mormon interactions.