Brigham Young was an early leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. He was born in 1801 in Vermont and later converted to Mormonism in 1832. He became a close associate of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement. After Smith’s death in 1844, Young became the leader of the largest faction of Latter Day Saints, which later became The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He eventually led his followers west to Utah, where they founded Salt Lake City.
The Bible does not directly mention Brigham Young, as he lived centuries after the biblical texts were written. However, the Bible provides some principles that can help us understand Young’s life and legacy from a Christian perspective.
Young’s Conversion to Mormonism
The Bible warns against false prophets who promote teachings contradictory to the gospel. Deuteronomy 13:1-3 says, “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, and the sign or wonder that he tells you comes to pass, and if he says, ‘Let us go after other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us serve them,’ you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams.”
When Young converted to Mormonism, he embraced Joseph Smith as a true prophet of God and the Book of Mormon as divinely inspired scripture. However, the Bible is clear that the period of divine revelation ended with the apostles (Jude 1:3). Hebrews 1:1-2 explains, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.”
Christians see Joseph Smith’s teachings as contradictory to the gospel revealed in the Bible. Young’s acceptance of Smith as a prophet was misguided from a biblical perspective.
Young’s Leadership of the Latter Day Saints
After Smith’s death, several leaders emerged to lead different factions of the Latter Day Saint movement. Young became the leader of the largest group, which ultimately became the modern LDS Church. The Bible warns about divisive leaders who draw people after themselves. Acts 20:29-30 says, “I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them.”
From a Christian view, Young promoted doctrines and practices which departed from biblical Christianity, such as polygamy, temple ceremonies, and baptism for the dead. His authoritative leadership led many to follow these unbiblical teachings. The Bible exhorts Christians to test all teachings against God’s word (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
Young’s Migration West to Utah
In 1846, Young led his group of Latter Day Saints west from Illinois to the Salt Lake Valley, which they settled and colonized. Young and his followers viewed Utah as a promised land, where they could practice their religion freely. However, the Bible does not support the idea of a modern “promised land” for Christians. Rather, believers are called to be pilgrims and sojourners on earth (1 Peter 2:11).
Hebrews 11:8-10 commends the faith of biblical figures like Abraham who looked forward to a heavenly Promised Land rather than an earthly one: “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
Young’s Legacy
Young led his faction of Latter Day Saints for over 30 years until his death in 1877. He established a thriving religious colony in Utah and oversaw the significant growth of Mormonism during his lifetime. Young’s legacy survives today in the 15 million members of the LDS Church.
From a biblical perspective, Christians lament Young’s promotion of doctrinal errors. At the same time, they recognize that only God knows Young’s heart and can judge him righteously. The Bible calls Christians to share God’s truth in love, while relying on the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds (2 Timothy 2:24-26).
Although Brigham Young led many astray from a biblical faith, God can still use his life to accomplish His purposes. The Bible encourages Christians to pray for those who promote false teachings, “that they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil” (2 Timothy 2:26).
Young’s Teachings on Marriage and Family
One area where Brigham Young’s teachings clearly contradict the Bible is on marriage and family. Young introduced the doctrine of plural marriage, or polygamy, into Mormonism. He taught that polygamy was a divine commandment from God.
However, the Bible consistently presents monogamous marriage between one man and one woman as God’s design. Genesis 2:24 states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” Jesus Himself cited Genesis 2:24 as the paradigm for marriage that God instituted “from the beginning” (Matthew 19:4-6).
The New Testament expressly forbids church leaders like elders and deacons from practicing polygamy (1 Timothy 3:2,12; Titus 1:6). 1 Timothy 3:2 instructs that an overseer “must be above reproach, the husband of one wife.” The Bible never authorizes or commends polygamy.
In introducing polygamy, Brigham Young led Mormons to violate the New Testament’s clear ethical standards for marriage. The Bible warns against false teachers who promote immorality like polygamy (Jude 1:4; Revelation 2:14).
Young’s Economic Teachings and Policies
Brigham Young also shaped the economic policies of the early Mormon settlements in Utah. He instituted communal economic programs based on sharing and cooperation. In some ways, Young’s economic ideas aligned with principles that the Bible promotes, such as caring for the poor and needy.
The early Jerusalem church did voluntarily share their possessions to meet others’ needs (Acts 4:32-35). The Bible commands charity and generosity as a moral duty, especially toward disadvantaged groups like widows, orphans, and immigrants (Deuteronomy 10:18; Galatians 2:10; James 1:27).
However, the Bible does not mandate communal living or economic systems. In fact, the Jerusalem church’s sharing of possessions appears to have been voluntary, not compulsory (Acts 5:4). And the Bible upholds personal responsibility and productive work as the primary means of provision (2 Thessalonians 3:6-12).
While aspects of Brigham Young’s economic policies aligned with biblical principles of compassion, the Bible allows significant freedom in structuring economies. Mandated communal programs go beyond biblical precedent.
Young’s Use of Religious Authority
As the leader of the early Mormon community, Brigham Young exercised significant religious authority over his followers. Mormons consider their president to be a prophet who receives divine revelation for the church. Young’s views were considered authoritative and binding.
However, the Bible teaches the priesthood of all believers, not a special priesthood class. All Christians have direct access to God through Christ (1 Timothy 2:5), and the Holy Spirit individually guides believers into truth (John 16:13). Scripture, not any human leader, is the ultimate religious authority for Christians (Acts 17:11).
While God establishes church leaders like pastors and elders, their role is to teach and walk alongside other believers – not dictate doctrine (1 Peter 5:1-3). Unlike Mormonism, biblical Christianity does not permit religious leaders to control believers or function as the conduit of divine revelation. Brigham Young’s religious authority contradicts the Bible’s depiction of church leadership.
Evaluating Young’s Impact
How should Christians evaluate Brigham Young’s immense influence in pioneering Mormon settlement in the American West and establishing the LDS Church as a major world religion? On the positive side, Young proved to be an able administrator and organizer who guided Mormonism during a difficult transitional period after the founder Joseph Smith’s death.
Young also deserves credit for establishing orderly, prosperous communities in Utah that lifted up families, cultivated the arts, and valued education. Under his leadership, converts joined Mormonism by the thousands. Growth is a sign of vitality.
However, even beneficial ends do not justify unbiblical means. Here a Christian analysis must fault Young for promoting doctrinal falsehoods that led multitudes astray. Jesus said false prophets would arise and “mislead many” (Matthew 24:11). Tragically, this occurred through Brigham Young’s teachings.
Christians can appreciate moral elements of Young’s community vision while rejecting the unbiblical ideologies he promoted. Acts 17:22-23 models appreciating truth wherever it is found, while calling people to repent of falsehood. With both grace and truth, Christians can point to the greater hope found in Jesus (John 1:17).
Young’s Conflicts with U.S. Government
Brigham Young’s leadership of the Mormons also led to significant conflicts with the United States government in the mid to late 1800s. When Young led the Mormons west, the area was still under Mexican control. But after the U.S. obtained the territory through the Mexican-American War, tensions grew between the Mormon settlers and the federal government.
Young rejected federal appointees to Utah territory and sought to establish a sovereign Mormon nation. He openly practiced polygamy despite prohibitions. In 1857-1858, this culminated in the “Utah War” where U.S. troops marched on Utah before reaching a compromise.
The Bible teaches that civil government is instituted by God for society’s benefit (Romans 13:1-7). Followers of Jesus should model good citizenship and obedience to authority (1 Peter 2:13-17). While there are certainly times for civil disobedience, the overall biblical model is one of respecting government and seeking the welfare of society.
Brigham Young’s clashes with the U.S. government violated these biblical principles. His actions promoted conflict rather than the peace and harmony the Bible encourages (Romans 12:18). Christians seeking to apply biblical values to politics should advocate for moral policies while also modeling honor to governing authorities.
Lessons Christians Can Learn from Young
While Brigham Young promoted many unbiblical teachings, Christians can still appreciate some of the positive qualities he exhibited and learn from observing his life:
- He was a tireless and effective leader. The enormous responsibilities of leading the Latter-day Saints seemed to energize rather than exhaust him.
- He led a frugal lifestyle despite his position. He lived humbly and avoided any hint of seeking improper personal gain.
- He displayed perseverance in the face of adversity. From hostile locals to clashes with the federal government, Young met major challenges resiliently.
- He valued unity and cooperation in community endeavors. His cooperative economic policies reflected a “we’re all in this together” mindset.
Of course, Christians reject the unbiblical ideologies Young promoted. But they can still admire positive qualities in his character and leadership while avoiding his theological falsehoods.
Young’s Perspectives on Work and Self-Reliance
Brigham Young heavily emphasized hard work and self-reliance. He popularized the Mormon dictum, “A man is saved no faster than he gains knowledge.” Young expected every able Mormon to diligently labor for both temporal and spiritual advancement.
The Bible similarly values faithful work and individual responsibility. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 says plainly, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” Genesis 2:15 shows that God gave Adam responsibility to cultivate and keep the garden of Eden.
God’s ideal is not dependence but empowerment. Ephesians 4:28 instructs thieves, “Rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.” Young captured some of this emphasis on productive labor and personal industry.
At the same time, Christians would balance Young’s self-reliance emphasis with the biblical call to care for the needy. The early church willingly redistributed wealth to eliminate poverty among their members (Acts 4:34). Following Jesus involves both personal responsibility and voluntary compassion.
Young’s Advancement of Education
Brigham Young considered education and learning to be sacred duties. Under his leadership, the University of Deseret (now the University of Utah) was established in Salt Lake City in 1850. Mormons founded many public schools as well. Young once stated, “Every accomplishment, every polished grace, every useful attainment in mathematics, music, and in all science and art belong to the Saints.”
The Bible affirms the value of wisdom and knowledge. Proverbs 4:5-7 instructs believers to “get wisdom, get understanding.” God endowed humans with intellectual faculties, suggesting He desires mankind to cultivate the life of the mind. Jesus grew continually in wisdom (Luke 2:52), modeling a love of learning.
Young rightly recognized education’s importance. Of course, Christians would emphasize that true wisdom flows out of reverence for the Lord (Proverbs 1:7). But they can agree with Young on the spiritual significance of the pursuit of knowledge while directing that pursuit toward truth revealed in Scripture.
Applying Biblical Discernment to Young’s Life
Analyzing the life of Brigham Young from a biblical perspective requires discernment. Christians can appreciate Young’s work ethic, leadership skills, educational priorities, and sense of community while rejecting the unbiblical doctrines he promoted which led many astray.
This aligns with the biblical model of examining everything carefully and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Just as Paul commended truth he found evident among the Athenians while urging them to repent of idolatry (Acts 17:22-23), Christians can take a nuanced approach to complex historical figures like Young.
With humility, believers acknowledge that no person is without flaws. All fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). But by God’s grace, He can work through fallen people to accomplish His purposes. Christians can have discernment without judgment, recognizing both positive contributions and dangerous errors in leadership figures like Brigham Young.
Above all, analyzing Young’s legacy pushes believers back to the supreme authority of Scripture. The Bible is the final standard by which all beliefs and conduct must be measured – including the life and teachings of Brigham Young.