Shownotes
In this episode, AJ and Brandi return to the studio to dive into one of the most jarring and controversial chapters of Mormon history: the Doctrine of Blood Atonement. AJ recounts the "shelf-breaking" moment at BYU when he first discovered that early prophets—specifically Brigham Young—taught that certain sins were beyond the reach of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, requiring the sinner to shed their own blood for salvation. The discussion explores the massive disconnect between 19th-century Mormonism and modern LDS teachings, the theological implications of a "prophet who can lead you astray," and how the biblical definition of atonement offers a stark, grace-filled contrast to the works-heavy requirements of the LDS faith.
Key Discussion Points
1. The Discovery and the "Shelf"
- The BYU Moment: AJ shares how a simple student question in a Book of Mormon class led to a dismissive response from a professor, sparking a late-night research session that left him "sick to his stomach."
- The Infallibility Crisis: Growing up with the song "Follow the Prophet," AJ was taught that a prophet could never lead the church astray. Discovering Blood Atonement shattered this belief, as he realized a prophet had taught something he considered the "antithesis of the gospel."
2. Defining Blood Atonement
- The Core Doctrine: Taught primarily by Brigham Young and Jedediah Grant in the 1850s, it suggested that sins like murder, apostasy, and adultery were so "grievous" that Christ’s blood was insufficient to cover them.
- Literal vs. Rhetorical: While some modern apologists argue the language was metaphorical, historians (including faithful LDS scholars like Richard Turley) acknowledge instances where the doctrine was taken literally and carried out.
- The Motivation: Ironically, it was framed as an act of "love"—shedding a person's blood to save their soul from eternal damnation.
3. The Changing Narrative at BYU
- Inoculation vs. Secrecy: Brandy and AJ discuss the shift in how the Church handles "difficult" history. While AJ’s generation faced silence and "weirdness" from professors, younger generations are being "properly inoculated" with the information early to prevent future shocks.
- The Internet Factor: The group agrees that the transparency isn't necessarily a choice but a necessity in the information age; the Church can no longer "cover up" what is easily accessible on Wikipedia or historical archives.
4. Biblical Atonement vs. LDS Atonement
- Where it Happened: The guests note the cultural Mormon emphasis on Gethsemane as the primary site of atonement, whereas the Bible and traditional Christianity point to the Cross.
- Sufficiency: The biblical view (e.g., Colossians 1:20, Hebrews 9:22) asserts that Jesus’ sacrifice was "finished" and all-sufficient.
- The "Ladder" Analogy: Brandy describes the LDS view of Christ providing a "ladder" that the believer must then climb through obedience, whereas the biblical view is that Jesus is the way, not just a provider of the means to work.
Notable Quotes
"I can no longer in good faith ever say the prophet can't lead you astray because I have a clear example of that happening here." — AJ
"Mormonism blinds people to the gospel. When you say things like 'trust alone for Jesus's righteousness,' they're going to go, 'That's too easy.'" — Brandi
"If the president of the church should ever lead people astray, God would take him away... So when you learn of something like blood atonement, it is so damaging." — AJ
Resources Mentioned
- Books: Vengeance is Mine: The Mountain Meadows Massacre and Its Aftermath by Barbara Brown Jones and Richard Turley.
- Podcasts: Sunstone Mormon History Podcast, Mormon Stories.
- Websites: MRM.org (Mormonism Research Ministry), PursueGod.org.
Scripture References
- 1 John 1:9: Confession and cleansing from all unrighteousness.
- Hebrews 9:22: The necessity of the shedding of blood for remission.
- Colossians 1:20: Peace made through the blood of the cross.
- John 19:30: "Tetelestai" — It is finished.
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The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday.
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