Date of Award:

8-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Arts (MA)

Department:

History

Committee Chair(s)

Philip L. Barlow

Committee

Philip L. Barlow

Committee

Norman L. Jones

Committee

Richard Sherlock

Abstract

This thesis proposes an analysis of the teachings of Brigham Young, second President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The study focuses on Young’s more striking doctrine—namely, the eternal nature of matter, the capability of humans to live after death where they would eternally gain knowledge, a universe governed by a race of exalted human beings called gods, and the potential for humans, upon reaching the status of gods and goddesses, to create planets and populate them with their children.

This study uses a three-fold method to understand why some of Young’s teachings were so remarkable. First, it analyzes the context from which his teachings were developed—in this case, nineteenth-century America. Second, it examines his striking teachings within their historical context. Third, it inquires as to how these teachings functioned for Young and his followers. Although this research method engages Mormonism as its case study, the principles of this method are equally suitable for studying other religions’ doctrines. This thesis argues that Young’s teachings were so remarkable because they attempted to comfort the persecuted, early Mormons as well as to convince them of the existence of God despite His allowance of their suffering.

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This work made publicly available electronically on July 30, 2012.

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