Who was Brigham Young?

Overview and Historical Context

Brigham Young (1801–1877) was a noted 19th-century religious figure who served, most prominently, as the second president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Latter-day Saints or LDS Church). His leadership in Utah’s settlement and his significant influence on the shaping of early Mormon doctrine and community life continue to mark him as a central figure in the history of Mormonism.

His life spanned an era of western expansion in the United States, following the aftermath of the country’s early growth and development. The broader historical backdrop involved pioneer migrations, debates on religious freedom, and the forging of new settlements in the vast territories of the American West. Brigham Young emerged as a leader primarily after the death of Joseph Smith, who founded the church known in that time as the Church of Christ (later renamed), eventually recognized as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Early Life and Conversion

Brigham Young was born in Vermont. He was raised in a traditional setting of the early 19th century, characterized by various religious revivals and movements in the northeastern United States. Amid this spiritual fervor, he encountered the teachings of Joseph Smith. After investigating the Book of Mormon and its claims, Young embraced Mormonism in 1832.

During these formative years, he undertook missionary labors and leadership roles within the fledgling Latter-day Saints movement. He garnered a reputation for practical wisdom and organizational skills, traits that would later establish him as a key figure among the faithful following Joseph Smith’s death.

Leadership in the Latter-day Saints Movement

Upon Joseph Smith’s assassination in 1844, a succession crisis ensued within the young religious community. Eventually, Brigham Young, who had already been recognized within church leadership, emerged as the group’s primary leader. In December 1847, he formally became the second president of the LDS Church.

As president, Brigham Young directed the migration of thousands of Latter-day Saints from Illinois to what is now Utah. They settled in the Salt Lake Valley in 1847, aiming to build a society predicated on their faith. He oversaw the construction of temples, including the beginnings of the iconic Salt Lake Temple, and established numerous settlements across the region.

Teachings and Distinctives

Brigham Young’s teachings, as preserved in various LDS discourses, expanded upon and at times departed from classical Christian tenets. Under his guidance, doctrines such as continuing revelation, temple ordinances unique to Latter-day Saints, and additional “scripture” (the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) were emphasized.

From a standard biblical perspective, there are clear distinctions between this LDS theological framework and the historic Christian belief rooted solely in the Old and New Testaments. One pivotal concern is the biblical warning against embracing an alternate gospel:

“Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be under a curse!” (Galatians 1:8).

Brigham Young’s leadership thus continued and cemented these developing LDS doctrines—distinguishing the movement from a traditional Christian reading of Scripture.

Influence on Western Expansion

As the recognized leader of the Latter-day Saints, Brigham Young wielded considerable influence on the social landscape of the American West. He initiated large-scale colonization efforts throughout Utah and surrounding territories, which resulted in the formation of numerous cities and towns. His direction involved agricultural innovations, irrigation projects, and the construction of infrastructures essential for community survival in the arid climate of the Great Basin.

Points of Doctrinal Divergence

While Brigham Young’s leadership solidified many organizational and communal aspects of the LDS Church, his doctrinal stances remain a departure from historically accepted Christian tenets. Areas of divergence include:

1. Additional “Scriptural” Texts

The LDS Church’s reliance on the Book of Mormon and other volumes (e.g., Doctrine and Covenants, Pearl of Great Price) differs from orthodox Christianity’s reliance on the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible, which are proclaimed as complete and final revelation. Scripture affirms its thoroughness and enduring authority:

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31)

2. Nature of God and Continuing Revelation

Brigham Young taught various interpretations about the Godhead and man’s potential destiny, which depart from the Bible’s teaching presented in passages such as Isaiah 44:6: “This is what the LORD says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD of Hosts: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God but Me.’”

Additionally, the idea of continuing revelation as practiced by the LDS Church contrasts with the historic understanding of the Bible’s sufficiency (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

3. Salvation and Exaltation

Classic Christian theology teaches salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9). In LDS thinking, especially during Brigham Young’s tenure, salvation involves a combination of faith, works, and participation in unique temple rites.

Cultural and Societal Impact

Brigham Young served not only as a religious figure but also as a territorial governor of Utah (1851–1858) and commanded significant influence over local legislation. He organized missions across the world, sending out church members to share Mormon beliefs. The large families and communal approach within Mormon settlements also left a distinctive mark on Utah’s and the American West’s social fabric.

In broader American history, Young’s name is closely associated with the pioneer ethos of forging a path in a new land under challenging circumstances. For many within the LDS Church, he remains a “modern Moses” figure, leading his people to a new home.

Biblical and Historical Perspective

In evaluating Brigham Young historically, scholars reference a wide range of documents: early diaries of pioneers, government reports from the Utah Territory, letters penned by Young, and local archives. From a biblical standpoint, it is essential to note that the measure of any teaching is compared against Holy Scripture:

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

While his role in shaping the West is widely acknowledged, questions about his doctrines and teachings center on whether or not they remain consistent with the final authority of the Bible as historically accepted by Christians.

Conclusion

Brigham Young was the second president of the LDS Church, recognized for his determination, organizational prowess, and leadership in establishing Mormon settlements in the American West. From the standpoint of biblical examination, however, significant departures exist between the tenets he championed and the foundational doctrines of historic, orthodox Christianity as solely grounded in the Old and New Testaments.

This examination illuminates both his historical importance and the reasons why his teachings remain controversial among many Christian denominations. In any comprehensive study of religious movements emerging from 19th-century America, Brigham Young stands as a central figure whose impact continues to affect religious and cultural discussions to this day.