The Nauvoo Expositor Affair [Death of Mormon Joseph Smith]

Before you say that Joseph Smith's actions were legal and proper process, I'd suggest that you read an attempt by LDS Apostle Dallin H. Oaks to defend the destruction of the Expositor. Oaks, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, was an attorney and wrote a law review article in which he attempted to defend it - but even in doing so, he had to admit that it was probably illegal and that Law and the other publishers could have sued.

Try Oaks, Dallin H. "The Suppression of the Nauvoo Expositor." Utah Law Review 9 (Winter 1965):862-903.

Also, don't forget that Nauvoo was given its charter for political reasons. The Mormons voted as a block. Granting that Charter was a good way to lock up the Mormon vote. I don't think those who granted it expected Smith to develop a theocracy with a large military and a judicial system in which non-Mormons couldn't receive justice within Nauvoo, where Mormon leaders couldn't be punished, and where one man was the law.

That's history. As for theology, if you're LDS, Community of Christ, or any other sect that traces its origins back to Joseph Smith's original Church of Christ, I respect your right to your theological beliefs.

I don't think those who granted it expected Smith to develop a theocracy with a large military and a judicial system in which non-Mormons couldn't receive justice within Nauvoo, where Mormon leaders couldn't be punished, and where one man was the law.

AND, this system was carried to Utah by Brigham Young and in full force for decades. It would STILL be in force if it weren't for the fact that Utah desired to join the union.

"Utah's passage to statehood was long and eventful. Because of the Mormon's early belief in polygamous marriage and their self-exile from the rest of country, eastern politicians were wary of those "unpredictable" citizens. Early Mormon pioneers formed a political government which functioned as the State of Deseret between 1849-70, but their petitions for statehood were denied. In 1850, an "outside" form of government was imposed on the area by federal officials. A governor was sent to the new territory, called Utah, to oversee law and order.

It took almost fifty years for lawmakers to admit Utah as an official member of the union. During that time Mormon leaders officially outlawed polygamy. In the autumn of 1895 a constitution was approved, which included granting women the right to vote (one of the first such concessions in the nation). Several months later, on January 4, 1896, Utah was admitted as the 45th state in the union."

Link

The current system is theocratic by virtue of the heavy population of mormons in the state. IMO, if the president of the mormon church desired to "direct" the laws of the state, he would be as successful as Joseph and Brigham were in their time, and if anyone believes this man will not have a heavy influence on the decisions of POTUS Romney, I have a bridge to sell in downtown Phoenix.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.