Church News Church historian Matt Grow encourages peacemaking amid historical misrepresentation
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Jan 29, 2025 Matt Grow, managing director of the Church History Department, dives into the often-misunderstood history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He sheds light on Brigham Young's commitment to peace and addresses the historical portrayal of the church in popular media, particularly in a recent Netflix series. The discussion highlights the challenges of early Latter-day Saints' interactions with Native Americans and emphasizes the importance of reconciliation and accurate historical narratives in fostering understanding and peacemaking.
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Brigham Young's Peaceful Leadership
- Brigham Young prioritized peace during the Saints' exodus from Missouri.
- He chose to lead them west rather than fight in Illinois after Joseph Smith's murder.
Challenges of Early Utah Settlement
- Early Latter-day Saint settlers in Utah faced numerous hardships, including crop failures and lack of government.
- Brigham Young held both church and civil leadership positions, navigating complex relationships with non-Latter-day Saint officials.
Latter-day Saint Views on Indigenous Peoples
- Latter-day Saints viewed Indigenous peoples as descendants of Book of Mormon peoples, unlike most white Americans.
- This led to a sense of responsibility to share the gospel but also cultural clashes and occasional violence.