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Church historian Matt Grow encourages peacemaking amid historical misrepresentation
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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Quick takeaways
- Brigham Young's leadership exemplified a commitment to peace, prioritizing restraint and understanding in conflicts with indigenous peoples and settlers.
- The misrepresentation of Latter-day Saints' history, as seen in American Primeval, underscores the need for accurate narratives and peacemaking efforts.
Deep dives
Understanding Brigham Young's Leadership
Brigham Young's deep commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ shaped his leadership style and decisions during the early years of the Latter-day Saints. Unlike portrayals of him as merely a practical leader, Young embraced his role as a spiritual leader, inspired by a vision of creating a peaceful community. Critical moments in his leadership, such as leading the exodus from Missouri and choosing to move the saints to avoid conflict with the federal government, illustrate his inclination towards peace over violence. Young repeatedly emphasized the importance of suffering wrong rather than inflicting wrong on others, reinforcing his belief in the need for disciples to navigate a world often marked by contention.
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