Church History Matters 155 - Was Zions Camp a Success or Failure? With Matt Godfrey - E38C September 15-21
Sep 11, 2025
Matt Godfrey, a Senior Managing Historian in the Church History Department and former managing historian of the Joseph Smith Papers, joins the discussion. They dive into the complex legacy of Zion's Camp, evaluating its outcomes and the diverse motivations of its members, including significant contributions from women. The podcast also highlights tensions between the Saints and the government, the challenges faced by Joseph Smith during crises, and how these historical insights contribute to our understanding of faith and leadership in the church.
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Success Measured By Spiritual Growth
- Most participants judged Zion's Camp by personal spiritual growth rather than military outcomes.
- They emphasized what they learned, not whether lands were recovered.
Protective Rather Than Offensive Mission
- Joseph intended Zion's Camp as a protective force, not an offensive army to retake land.
- The plan relied on state militia to escort Saints back and then leave camp to protect them.
Revelation Emphasized Peaceful Means
- Section 105 emphasizes peace and obtaining lands by peaceful means.
- The camp published a proclamation promoting peace during the expedition.
