The history of Mormon prophets (AFTER Joseph Smith)

A look at the evolution of the Mormon Church / Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints after the reign of their first prophet, Joseph Smith. Let's look at the prophets who ran the church after it resettled in Utah in the 1840s.
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Some music by:
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ComradeF- / comradef ,
Some sources used in this video:
Mormonism: a Historical Encyclopedia (2010), W. Paul Reeve and Ardis E. Parshall, editors, ABC-CLIO.
What You Don’t Know About the 100 Most Important Events in Church History (2016), Casey Paul Griffiths, Susan Easton Black and Mary Jane Woodger, editors, Desert Book Co.
Brigham Young, Pioneer Prophet (2012), by John G. Turner, Harvard University Press.
The King of Confidence (2020), by Miles Harvey, Little, Brown and Co.
Our Heritage: A Brief History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1996), published by the church.
Second Class Saints: Black Mormons and the Struggle for Racial Equality (2024), by Matthew L. Harris, Oxford University Press.
HASHTAGS: #mormon #lds #christianity

[@queenvitamin21]

As a JJ McCullough completionist, ex-Mormon, and Mormon history supernerd (currently writing my undergraduate thesis on Mormon economics in the 1890s), this video feels like it was made specifically for me in a lab.

[@Warriorcats64]

Another ExMo!

[@bradypostma5167]

I want to read that thesis when it's complete! That sounds awesome!

[@JJMcCullough]

How did I do?

[@queenvitamin21]

@@JJMcCullough In my opinion, an excellent job! All of these summaries feel pretty loyal to the facts and evenhanded on contentious questions, and you clearly did your research! Lorenzo Snow "inventing" tithing is quite a simplification, but this is a 30-minute summary after all, and he did arguably invent tithing as it's known today. I'd also add that at least from my perspective, Ezra Taft Benson, who you didn't get to but is such a fascinating character, was more associated--especially in his career as an apostle--with the postwar conservatism you talked about with Joseph Fielding Smith. He was a real right-wing anticommunist firebrand who was Eisenhower's secretary of agriculture (first Mormon in the cabinet) while being an apostle, so it's regrettable you couldn't get to him.

[@readjordan2257]

​@@queenvitamin21id like more content from you now or to read your theses if possible.

[@sheffieldsam6212]

I grew up Mormon and I always find myself frustrated by pop educational stuff about mormon culture/history as it is either too uncritical (mormon perspective), too bitter and resentful (exmormon perspective) or poorly informed (non-mormon perspective). Glad to say this video was none of these things. Really good work 👍 As to your last question, to me Russell M Nelson is very much defined in my mind by his opposition to the word 'Mormon', claiming that it is an unsanctioned nickname that decentres Christ. He has encouraged members to describe themselves rather as 'members of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints'. Though only the more loyal mormons really observe this

[@JJMcCullough]

He seems like a nice guy but he’s really fighting an uphill battle with that one.

[@samslade5498]

I agree. Up hill battle. That's why I proposed "Jesus Christers". It hasn't caught on.

[@DiscoDumpTruck]

@@JJMcCullough To be fair, while he asked non Latter-day Saints to refer to the Church by its full name whenever they could, his remarks have been mainly directed at asking members to do so. Non-members can really do whatever they want.

[@adlad75]

@sheffieldsam6212 , I'm not LDS (rather another #SecondGreatAwakening fellow believer), and I would tend to agree with you. However, my LDS practicing 'other half' felt JJ was too cynical. 😲🤷 Perhaps it was more about the delivery, though he did point out some inconsistencies.

[@CiabanItReal]

@@JJMcCullough Gotta start somewhere!

[@BagMonster]

Shoulder length JJ hair will soon be upon us

[@tradtwink-jhbfkjsdf]

JJ's hair breaks the BYU honor code

[@juicyboxesxo]

im a new viewer and my first thought was this dude's gorgeous and has gorgeous hair

[@pablodelsegundo9502]

It will be a marvelous update.

[@mattjames112]

As a child, I remember there being so many Mormon commercials on TV. "This message is brought to you by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints."

[@dinocollins720]

did you watch the BYU channel or something? lol

[@JeffKing310]

@@mattjames112 I remember Davey and Goliath being brought to us by the church of LDS

[@weirdlanguageguy]

@@JeffKing310 I'm pretty sure Davey and Goliath is a lutheran show

[@adlad75]

​@@dinocollins720 , this would be around the 70s and/or 80s probably... They would run PSAs on TV outside of prime time, when advertising rates were lower. (Although, not sure if PSAs were expected to pay?)

[@dinocollins720]

@@adlad75 ahh gotcha, that was before my time. The late 90s and early 00s I saw all the ads on the byu tv channel haha

[@IronPiedmont]

Fun Fact: Ezra Taft Benson, Spencer Kimbell's successor, actually served as the Secretary of Agriculture during the Eisenhower Administration. So aside from George Romney or his son, Mitt, Benson was the closest America had to having a Mormon holding any form of executive power.

[@JJMcCullough]

And because of the Woodruff declaration, his decision to serve in cabinet had to be approved by the apostles.

[@81dnomyar]

It's interesting to note that, as it was rather encouraged at the time, whereas now the leadership of the Church is advised not to take such positions anymore.

[@jonathanhatch9567]

And don’t forget about Reed Smoot in the early 1900s, who was concurrently a U.S. senator and an LDS apostle, which triggered a protracted series of hearings about his eligibility to serve in the senate.

[@KaijinD]

LDS members are well represented in the military, foreign policy, and intelligence agencies of the United States government. I've worked with many over my career. Something about them being patriotic, having spent time abroad, usually knowing a foreign language from their missions, and being easily able to pass a background check.

[@noahheninger]

​@@KaijinD...and blindly carrying out directives without questioning them.

[@DiviAugusti]

I’m convinced JJ gets 10-20% more comments just by changing his hair every video.

[@canuckguy0313]

Imagine the comments if he shaved his head bald and didn’t address it in the video

[@DiviAugusti]

@@canuckguy0313 it would be a tragedy.

[@minngael]

He's been joining different 80's bands.

[@heathermorris893]

Ha, ha😅

[@dustinhaas8538]

Incredible insight, almost as incredible as the hair.

[@winconfig]

My guy, how the duck do you get to so freely and without repercussion get to talk about such complicated subjects without scorn or malice? You made another great video!

[@JJMcCullough]

I think it’s because I’m very biased about most things so I’m more aware what not to do.

[@whofuckingcares420]

​@JJMcCullough interesting and honest response. Holding biases give a perspective on what the opposite bias is sensitive and takes offense to, which can give one a better view on how to be unbiased. Luv ya jj!

[@meloncomicinc1687]

Man’s got the hair of an indie musician from 2008

[@walterthompson2195]

Somebody that you used to know possibly?

[@thomasvance2294]

As an active member of the church I appreciate that you presented this information with as little bias as possible

[@JJMcCullough]

What would be your answer to the question I asked at the end?

[@jamescarroll6881]

@@thomasvance2294 explain why your god thought black people were not able to join his church until the IRS threatened to take away their tax exemption and they he gave a revelation contradicting all his previous revelations to his prophets

[@itsdutchintime1907]

The priesthood ban was never doctrinal. Do better next time.​@jamescarroll6881

[@donovanlocust1106]

How come God seems to change his mind frequently?

[@jamescarroll6881]

@@donovanlocust1106 Especially when the Mormon church's money or power is at stakes

[@FozzyBBear]

As an Aussie, most of the Mormons I have met went through the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and spent some time at the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, which is where they picked up the religion.

[@3p1cand3rs0n]

that's really interesting! i'm not mormon, but i never considered that they even had mormons in australia.

[@iamboxelz7276]

This video is generally well researched. As a member of the church myself, one thing I can say needs more emphasis is that the choice of Brigham Young as Smith's successor was not a clear one. Multiple other church leaders as well as some of the members also thought they should be the new prophet. Some even left the church to form breakaway groups, like community of christ (although they would claim to be the direct successor of Joseph Smith's church.) Even after it was dicided that Brigham Young would replace Joseph Smith, it took a good few years for him to become the new prophet, although he assumed the role of church president immediately.

[@jjf1234]

yeah there are also many churches that deny Brigham Young

[@hydrogen3266]

It’s a less intense and smaller scale version of the Sunni/Shia divide (I’m nevermo, but that’s what I’ve gathered through research). I will say I personally think Brigham Young was a really awful guy, and I really only know about Mormonism because I’ve done a lot of research on him specifically

[@memahselfni]

Community of Christ wasn’t a direct break off of the original church. It was formed by essentially scooping up the congregations of undecided Mormons and sects that had either failed or were foundering in the Midwest and the East in 1860. Most of these groups didn’t side with Brigham Young due to polygamy and other Nauvoo-era practices and so when Joseph Smith III was put forward as a prophet that rejected those things as well, most of the Mormon communities not in Utah decided to join together into the church, which is why the original name for them was the REORGANIZED Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and why they’re still called RLDS along the CoC.

[@justinstrong9595]

You should leave the church.

[@ethancotton9978]

How has a conditioner not sponsored this man yet? Man has better volume than a stereo.

[@BS-vx8dg]

Best hair comment today.

[@canuckguy0313]

I remember in your award-winning* video on leaders of the world religions from a few years back who the Mormon President is and that many Mormons have pictures of him in their house

[@fredroberts8275]

Yes, I think the ignorance of the middle era and to a lesser degree, the modern era of Mormonism has a lot to do with the fact the story of Joseph Smith is just how weird Mormonism started, while the middle era is mostly though not entirely a story that starts weirder but gets more normal overtime (from a strange theocratic city state to a territory under Young to a territory under the federal government to a US state in the form of Utah).

[@KaijinD]

It's more widely known now, but I always found it interesting that "Battlestar Galactica" was heavily influenced by Mormon theology. It's essentially the westward movement from NY and the Midwest set in SpaaaaaAAAAAAce!

[@coldwar45]

The creator is active LDS

[@coldwar45]

The creator is active LDS. They even use the term quorum of the twelve

[@patrickmurphy3179]

It would be interesting to learn about the beliefs of Mormon members in regard to intelligent life on other planets.

[@michaelwells529]

Member of the church here, and that is a massive rabbit hole of discussion and friendly debate amongst us haha. But the answer for a lot of us (myself included) is YES because there is a verse of scripture that DOES imply the existence of intelligent life on other planets, but it doesn’t elaborate. I’d be happy to answer any questions you have about it though, but again it is a rabbit hole

[@TensileStrength]

Some LDS members have a picture of the prophet, but most don't. They tend to have pictures of a temple or Jesus.

[@howveyouben]

I told my wife when we got married that I refuse to have pictures of Church leaders hanging up and instead have portraits of Christ or temples. As L. Tom Perry put it, the prophets and apostles are "ordinary men with extraordinary callings" and I wouldn't hang pictures of any other ordinary people that weren't related to me.

[@michaelwells529]

Same. Member here too and I have pictures of Christ and temples up, but no church leaders. In fact I can’t think of any of my extended relatives that do. I know some do, I’ve seen it, but always thought it was weird

[@monyetgoblog7038]

Seems very DPRK (N Korea) to have your dear leader hanging on your wall 😂

[@michaelwells529]

@@monyetgoblog7038 A little bit yeah, lol. Thats why most of us don't. It was never encouraged by the church to do that as far as I'm aware, just something some members did that caught on for some

[@monyetgoblog7038]

@@michaelwells529 Still very DPRK to have those piggies on your wall

[@TakfirEnjoyer]

As a lifetime member and a descendant of Brigham Young, I thought you were pretty fair. The only thing I haven't heard thus far from your video though is that Wilford Wodrough was the one who really pushed for genealogy, ('baptizing the dead' (proxy baptism) was already an established practice at that time though.) As for the last 5 prophets, Ezra Taft Benson is often quoted among older conservative Mormons for why "godless communism" is evil, Hunter was a very short lived prophet, Hinkley is known for building cheaper more modest temples so that they could be built in greater number (thus giving more access to members who live in impoverished regions and don't have the funds to easily travel 1,000+ miles), Monson took efforts to rebrand the church and try and destigmatize and own the 'Mormon' label, Nelson likewise has tried distancing the church from that label. One thing I'd like to add about the Mormon experience of members who care about their faith, is that for many Mormons, that part of their identity is the most important aspect --- it's seldom given positive representation, almost exclusively in a negative light. South Park and Fallout: New Vegas probably did the best in my view. South Park is special because they did it in the context of Critiquing Mormon mythology, but did it in a way that didn't really leave the members feeling attacked (outside of their beliefs being called dumb). Anyway, great video! Always enjoy your content.

[@spencerbuchanan95]

I would also add Lorenzo Snow directed the member’s tithe monetarily, as the big change. Tithing was introduced during Smith’s time and had been practiced since then but mostly in the form of member tithing with commodities and goods. If anything Snow’s direction really was a re-emphasize and modernization of the practice especially in the light industrialization.

[@goldenandesite]

I would also add that Hinkley gave “The family: A Proclamation to the World” which talked on the churches view on family, marriage, gender roles, and sexuality.

[@DiscoDumpTruck]

Joshua Graham from New Vegas is the most badass Mormon in pop culture.

[@nathangale7702]

I think what he was getting at with both Woodruff and Snow was that, although those doctrines were established, these presidents brought them to the forefront of your average Mormon life, which according to the history I'm familiar with is broadly true.

[@hydrogen3266]

Mormonism deserves to be critiqued, but the members themselves don’t. It’s the system that’s flawed, but it’s not the people’s fault for being raised in believing that, or for being in that system necessarily. I disagree with the church’s sentiments on homosexuality, but not every Mormon is homophobic, for example (even if the church is).

[@raisedincalifornia1828]

Small correction: Mormon apostles are considered apostles of Jesus Christ, not of the church president. Small shift that would make a big difference for believing Latter Day Saints. Great video!

[@Potato_Devv]

Mormon viewer here, yes, the newer prophets are about how you described them, but keep in mind most, if not all of those "Mormon documentaries" and "anti Mormon" videos are people investigating Mormonism specifically in Utah, where Mormons are much more traditional, conservative, and all that stuff (I lived in both Utah and Brazil, and I've only seen Utah Mormons have pictures of prophets in their homes), so most of the Mormon content you might be accustomed to is more "stereotypical" and less like the majority of Mormons are (another good example is the overall thoughts on the amount of children people have, with Utahns having 3-10 children, and the rest of the world rarely breaking 4) anyways, great video, I like how objective you were, without coming into conclusions and assuming all Mormons are horrible people (most religions don't have a great past haha)

[@parker_chess]

Love your comment. And agree there's a huge cultural divide between outside of the Church and Utah Mormons.

[@loC2ol]

Okay so your cult is extra Fucking weird in Utah?!? What’s your point?

[@ethandouro4334]

You guys in Brazil too?

[@parker_chess]

@@loC2ol I left the Church but it's deeply disrespectful to call it a cult.

[@michaelwells529]

It’s all over the world, in fact one of the current serving 12 apostles is Brazilian

[@tononanez1601]

To me the no1 sign of a cult beang a cult is that their leader suddenly makes it ok to marry multiple wives 8:28 or makes everyone married in a massive wedding

[@DrPeppering]

I am a JJ fan and LDS. I've commented elsewhere on your question. I am always amazed at how you can present information so seemlessly with various cultural objects. Its a real talent. I saw you used Our Heritage as a source. Its worth noting that the LDS church has created a more recent history that is less faith promoting and better researched and sourced. Its called Saints. This video and the comments also got me thinking about Harold Bloom's book The American Religion. I think his analysis of aspects of various American religions all being part of a larger whole might interest you.

[@TheSwedishHistorian]

I am a active mormon in Sweden and we exist here as well. We are all over the world

[@davidsenra2495]

That's really sad.

[@lachlanchester8142]

Maybe you can explain why god changes all the rules conveniently when the us government threatens to take their money or buildings away

[@SeanyeMidWest]

​@@lachlanchester8142 I don't believe anyone of us will be able to give you an answer that will satisfy you. But I will point to the story of Jesus walking on the water in Mattew 14. In verse 22 Jesus tells His disciples to get in a ship. Those disciples get caught in a storm. They had nowhere to go. Then in the 4th watch, which is just before dawn, Christ finally comes out to them. Now if Christ was all knowing, which I believe He is, why did He tell His disciples to go on a boat if He knew they were going to get caught in a storm? Then, why did he make them fight against the storm all night and not go to them earlier in the night? Why in just the 4th watch? I believe that God will let us get caught in a storm, and let us fight against if for a time under our own strength to show us our dependence on Him and that no matter what He will come to our rescue. It may be in the last minute, but He will be there. Why does He sometimes do it like that? I can't say for sure, but maybe it helps us to increase our faith. Maybe he wants to test if we are willing to follow His commands until things look most bleak. But as I said before, you probably will not find that answer satisfactory. But I don't follow Christ out of reason or logic. I follow because I am able to see His hand and feel His presence in my life. If that makes you think I am brainwashed, gullible, deceived... then so be it. But I believe the time will come when every knee will bow and every lip confess that Jesus is the Christ.

[@E-4]

We love Sweden 🇸🇪

[@vladruiz9853]

lets wait a few generations

[@MrMultiPat]

I didn't know the first thing about any of this history, so I really enjoyed this video. You're right that everything post-Joseph Smith is not well known history to non-Mormons.

[@anthonydelfino6171]

Honestly a lot of the specifics of each prophet aren't well known to many Mormons either. I grew up in it will I was 20 and really they mostly just focus on Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and whoever the current prophet is. I couldn't have told you the names of all the ones in between, even though my parents had pictures my mother sewed of all of them hanging on our wall.

[@JNJNJN1]

Hey JJ, I was raised in the church and I am a currently active member of the church. To answer your question at the end Hinckley is typically remembered for expanding the number of Temples built as well as being the first leader in a significant amount of time to actively make public appearances in more traditional media such as his Larry King or 60 Minutes interviews, Monson is mostly regarded for his changes to how the missionary program operates and changed the ages for when missionaries are eligible to serve, as for Nelson what he will be remembered for most likely won’t be culturally integrated until his after his death but I feel his legacy might be his continuation of building temples as well as his active shifting of missionary work from a majority in person endeavor to a more online endeavor. For me I will always remember his “Peacemakers Needed” talk at the April 2023 General Conference which I found to be one of the most beautiful talks given by a sitting Prophet. Thank you for the video 😁

[@DrPeppering]

Also LDS and would agree with this analysis. Nelson has made many changes that could be added to his picture but I would say shifting from prescribed rules for the entire church to more flexible individualism is a big one. In many ways I think he is trying to dismantle some of bureaucracy that was creating a Pharasaic church. Also a crazy rapid increase in temple announcement and building.

[@JNJNJN1]

@@DrPeppering I haven’t kept up with the major policy or structural changes he’s made to the bureaucratic elements within the church outside developing the ministering program so I’ll have to look more into it but his talks have definitely come off more individualistic in nature and emphasized a personal connection to God to me. After more thought I could also see the Pathways Program and adding to the church’s educational system being a key factor in how he’s remembered.

[@DrPeppering]

@@JNJNJN1 I'm not aware of big church stuff. I'm thinking of things like ministering, new youth standards, yw organization changes, elevation of auxiliary roles, come follow me, instituting ward level councils, the handbook being widely available, handbook changes that avoid prescriptive language and focuses more "suit this to your local needs". Even thinking about teaching Gospel Doctrine classes. The old manuals gave very specific stories to tell, scriptures to read, and questions to ask. You could just follow it point by point and have a lesson. Come Follow Me is very different. It requires more from both the teacher and the students Oh and Pathways was done under Monson.

[@haydenmaeser2549]

That Larry King interview seems like a big thing for the church, at least at the time. Didn't Hinckley also add the expectations of no tattoos, no rated R movies, and no gambling? I think those have had huge cultural impact on the church

[@captain0981]

jjs hair is a piece of art

[@SamanthaEatsCookies]

I hope he knows just how glorious it is

[@jamieohjamie]

Literally came here to say the same thing.

[@BS-vx8dg]

His hair has _always_ been interesting, but the look today was absolutely amazing.

[@Ricky-oi3wv]

I always thought it was a wig

[@BS-vx8dg]

@@Ricky-oi3wv If you think that, you must be a bit new around here. J.J.'s hair has undergone so much gradual (and rapid, with shaves) change that it's part of his vibe.

[@sheevpalpatine2901]

I still can’t believe that the current Mormon prophet Russel M. Nelson is older than Jimmy Carter and still looks healthy enough to run the church

[@coldwar45]

He was a heart surgeon before he became a Mormon apostle so he must know how to take care of himself

[@migoreng7789]

he has access to much better healthcare that 99% people in the usa so there's that. mormon church is rich af thanks to tithes

[@carsonhowell3100]

I will say that you really glossed over Ezra Taft Benson, you touched on his “conservative beliefs” but Benson was probably one of the single most conservative Church leaders in history. He had not only had reactionary beliefs on black members of the LDS church itself, not only supported the segregationist candidacy of George Wallace in the 1968 election, but wrote a forward to a racist manifesto in the 1960s describing black people as being “fundemtnally and intrinsically” more likely to fall to communism, as well as referring to the appointment of black federal officials as appointing “moral and spiritual lessers.” He also opposed Women serving in politics, and, while serving as the agriculture secretary of the eisenhower administration, publicly criticized his administration for giving women roles, and claimed such roles would “destroy the American home.” All without mentioning his membership in the radical right wing John Birch Society, a hyper conservative group of the 50s with such a lovely history of civil rights opposition but also outright anti semitism and holocaust denial, none of which Benson ever addressed or argued against His legacy is one of the most toxic in the faith, and he really is without equal in this regard, other church leaders since him have been conservative, but there has been a rather departure from Benson Era Conservatism in the church, that his successors can’t fully be fit into his specific mold.

[@coldwar45]

Technically he was never of the member of the JBS although he was an active supporter of it

[@sniedendepoes]

Holy shit the guy sounds based

[@paperclipee]

Geneology is huge in Utah. Growigng up Mormon I was expected to know the history of my pioneer ancestors and as a teen I learned how to index old documents for the church's data base. I remember being stoked that I was distantly related to Brigham Young before I learned it's pretty common here. The church's early history is essential to the Mormon identity, it's why so many look past Brigham Young's wild racism.

[@daltonmichelsen6046]

JJ, when I saw you had reviewed a graphic novel about Joseph Smith I knew we’d be seeing some Mormon content on the channel! As a historian who has had some experience doing Mormon research I applaud this mature analysis and summary of post-Joseph Smith Church history. In answer to your question (and as a member of the Church) I would say the last five leaders are generally thought of as presiding over a period of increased bureaucratization and globalization.

[@occam7382]

Where is this review you're talking about?

[@deadbushinc.5105]

"I refer of course to the whole black people thing" what a quote

[@thomasottinger9095]

I feel like the last several prophets (and the general direction of the LDS church in the last 3 decades) have been heavily defined by "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" from 1995. At BYU, when I was there, you had to take at minimum 4 religion courses, on the New Testament, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Family Proclamation. So it was given pretty equal billing. And most of the major recent controversies have also directly tied to that document.

[@ethanhaynes7406]

YES! It can not be understated just how much that document has changed the direction of Mormonism. While it isn't talked about much directly outside of religious classes, it's referenced everywhere. Even a lot of the restructuring in the last 6 years seems directly inspired by this new family centric spirituality. I believe if it wasn't for that document we would have seen a lot better relationships between LGBTQ+ and Mormons as well as some potential integration. Then again, many of the writers lived passed that moment (and I'm pretty sure some are still alive?) and literally wrote it to codify their stance against gay marraige.

[@spideyN8R]

​@@ethanhaynes7406 It isn't just about gay marriage though.

[@ethanhaynes7406]

@@spideyN8R That may be what it says, but I'd encourage reading into the creation and historical context of it. Even LDS scholars acknowledge that it is directly meant to oppose gay marriage policies and was written to share with world governments at summits and events at the time

[@anthonydelfino6171]

@@spideyN8R I was in the church when it was released. it was a direct response to growing calls for LBGT rights and marriage equality. I was only a teenager at the time, but as a closeted gay person, I could very clearly see that's what its intent was.

[@arfyego0682]

As a Mormon I'm used to seeing my faith pretty firmly trashed on by pop historians so I genuinely dreaded this notification. But I was pleasantly surprised, thanks for being fair and respectful to our beliefs and our history!

[@romme4204]

+1

[@ezrafriesner8370]

Your beliefs that openly disrespect my people? Ok coloniser

[@romme4204]

@@ezrafriesner8370 lmao

[@ezrafriesner8370]

@@romme4204 you’re not funny

[@romme4204]

@@ezrafriesner8370 you’re butthurt by mormons bro, growup xDD

[@GeneaVlogger]

The history of the LDS church after the death of Joseph Smith is quite interesting. I learned a lot about the history of the LDS church in the 2nd-half of the 19th century when I researched Drew Durnil's family history and discovered he descended from Danish Mormon Immigrants. It's quite amazing how quickly they were able to start sending missionaries all across the World.

[@weirdlanguageguy]

I remember that video! I was very shocked to find out about his danish Mormon ancestors

[@GriffinDurtschi]

I'm actually currently Mormon. I think that sometimes people praise the prophet too much. Whenever I see paintings of him in people's houses it makes me a bit uncomfortable. While I do think that they receive some guidance from God on how to run the church, they are still just people. I actually left the church for a few years before joining it again. The point you made on youth leaving the church is so true and so relevant. Within the next 10 or so years the amount of Mormons in the US will drop like crazy. I mean even in my own circle of people all my friends left the church. Anyway, I love God, love Jesus, love the church, and even love the prophet, although I don't worship him like some Mormons seem to do.

[@dinocollins720]

I'm a member of the church. JJ you should interview an LDS member. A lot of these things are a lot more nuanced. For example Lorenzo Snow was not the first to introduce tithing.

[@Sadqueerguy69]

Cult member!

[@justinlkriner]

The Church very much values councils and consensus in decision making. From the local ward to the Quorum of the Twelve, even the slightest bit of apprehension is enough to stall something, everyone has to be on board. There is a story where Henry B Eyring of the first presidency was a junior apostle and was able to hold off a decision because his concerns were taken seriously by the other members even without an explanation.

[@howveyouben]

JJ, as a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and a stalwart Mormon apologist, I cannot thank you enough for your accurate description of what led to Official Declaration 2. Most people sum it up as "Kimball decided being racist is bad" (or as that offensively racist musical puts it: "in 1978, God changed His mind about Black people.") In reality, its exactly as you said. There was never any doctrinal backing behind it and it was literally just because Brigham Young inacting this heinous policy which was perpetuated by racist church leaders. The Church put out an official statement on this when I was serving my full-time mission (circa 2014) and I used that to teach people who were already members what actually happened and not the various justifications older members made. Oh, also, I do think it’s entirety possible to believe in the Church and also openly accept that prophets are imperfect men who make mistakes. The prophets in the Old Testament did disastrous things but were still God’s mouthpiece, and the same goes for the imperfect humans God calls to serve as prophet. I'm so happy that the Church has been more open about this fact in the last decade or so.

[@SpongeBobaFett]

Well said!

[@肉骨粉]

If you're interested, I'd like to try for a civil discussion about your last paragraph. While I don't disagree that it's possible to believe in your church and also accept that its prophets are imperfect men who make mistakes, I feel that any church that claims it represents God and divine morals should lead the way in changing societal attitudes regarding racism, rather than react to evolving societal standards long after the Civil Rights Act was passed. Otherwise, it appears to be less, not more moral than secular society, at least in that regard. And racial equality is such a fundamental issue that I have trouble accepting that any entity that lags in it should be seen as a moral authority, especially when it seems like a repeat of Official Declaration 1's concession toward societal hostility against polygamy. As an extension to that, according to my own ethics the fact that no prophets or priests are women is another form of discrimination that your church has yet to address. I recognize that your church doesn't view this as discrimination and I'm not going to argue that it objectively is, but I hope you can understand how it appears to an outsider like me as another area where your church may lag. I would appreciate any arguments you could provide to counter my doubts about the church or its leaders being a moral authority.

[@iemy2949]

@@肉骨粉Nope. You nailed it. It’s nonsense. - (former) Cradle Mormon

[@sniedendepoes]

Black people ruin every neighborhood or thing they come across. I’m not mormon, but this decision is disastrous. Going away from black people made my life bright again

[@hydrogen3266]

Do you apologize the rampant racism, homophobia, and sexism of your church?

[@tomasparrado873]

I'm from the UK, I had heard of mormonism and I had heard of the first two. I was most surprised to hear there was a mormon church over here in London. Great video as usual JJ

[@JJMcCullough]

The oldest surviving Mormon churches are actually in England! Because I guess the original American ones no longer exist or something.

[@ethanhaynes7406]

​@@JJMcCulloughsome of them still exist, many of them were abandoned when the Mormons moved throughout the states because of persecution/legal problems. However, most of the existing histortical churches belong to splinter groups like the RLDS (community of christ). Community of Christ was actually founded by Joseph Smith's son because his family believed that the next prophet should be a descendant of Smith. Recently the LDS church actually made a deal with the community of christ to provide them with funding in exchange for the rights to Joseph Smith's other manuscripts and access to church sites owned by Community of Christ

[@TakfirEnjoyer]

@@JJMcCullough They were burned down

[@weirdlanguageguy]

@@JJMcCullough There might be some earlier surviving ones in the United States, but they would be part of Community of Christ now if they still exist. When the Brighamite Mormons went west, the Reorganized Mormons kept most of the leftover properties back east

[@ethanhaynes7406]

@@weirdlanguageguy Yes! I wrote a comment about this but it got deleted for some reason. CoC actually recently made a deal with the lds church to transfer the rights to the rest of Joseph Smith's manuscripts over to the lds church and allow the lds church to jointly use many of their historic church properties in exchange for funding (because the CoC is pretty small). I've heard a lot of CoC members are pretty upset about this.

[@redwolf6213]

This is one of the best objective videos I have seen on Mormons.

[@nathanblack3614]

Im mormon and have loved your channel for years!!!! Thank you for being non biased on this stuff. I’m not proud of all the LDS churches history but I’ve also learned that I don’t have to associate myself with the past

[@thirdtooth4069]

Genuine and good faith question: if you believe that your prophets recieve direct and explicit messages from God then that's seems like a difficult square to circle. Do you just believe that God changed his mind on race for example?

[@nathanblack3614]

@@thirdtooth4069 not at all. I personally don’t really like Brigham young and believe he personally had a lot of issues. However, I follow the faith mostly because I need personal guidance and I feel comfort that god loves me. I don’t believe god changed his mind or was ever racist and recent leaders of the church have lashed out against former racist policies.

[@cm4nxd]

@@thirdtooth4069I personally believe it’s one of those things where, God never changed his mind, but knew that the church needed a man like Brigham Young to survive in the harsh frontier. So he allowed Brigham Young to enact the racist policies of the time because the Good outweighed the bad. Kind of like how biblically he was willing to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if there was even one righteous soul. God works with flawed people all the time to bring his doctrine to the world.

[@thirdtooth4069]

@@cm4nxd This just begs more questions with problematic implications. Like are you saying that God withheld guidance from Brigham young? Or that God didn't have the courage to confront him? Or are you saying the direct and explicit instruction of God himself would have been inadequate ti dissuade Brighams predispositions?

[@thirdtooth4069]

@@cm4nxd also, if the prophets are receiving direct instruction from God, then how could they confuse thier own ideas and goals with God's direction? It seems like a massive problem to the entire idea of believing in ongoing revelation if you can't be sure what's genuine revelation and what's just thier personal opinion. It also implies pretty bad judgement on God's part

[@jonathanhatch9567]

ExMo here 🙋‍♂️: I think that Ezra Taft Benson and Gordon B. Hinckley deserve more historical attention. Benson for his public service as the Secretary of Agriculture for the Eisenhower administration and his rabid, conspiratorial, Bircher-society anti-communist stance. Hinckley for his role in internationalizing the Church, esp. the temple ritual films, and his spokesmanship for the Church during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

[@Persistence_run_444]

Ex Mormon here. Loved the video, mate! The CES letter is great. I left at 16 after finding out about the eternal progression-humans can become gods, and the creator of us was originally human somewhere else. Thus, there are trillions of gods throughout the universe (or multiverse or whatever). I didn’t like that. Plus, I didn’t liked being asked if I self abused all the time. I got kicked out of my mom’s house and luckily was able stay with some friends. After the last of the polygamous prophets, the rest of these guys just always seemed like grandads with some good advice.

[@strawberriesandcandy]

Lorenzo Snow is objectively the coolest prophet name (sorry I don’t make the rules)

[@lloydnoid6506]

Im an ex mormon I really appreciate the unbiased look into mormon history, so much of it is muddled by sweeping unsavory things under the rug and a refusal to even listen to the other side. Whenever i get an outsiders analysis, it recontextualizes things i was taught as a kid, which is always endlessly facinating. Also fun fact, I still sometimes cant tell if a name I heard is a president or a prophet. This isnt uncommon. Theres this whole song that lists all the prophets in order, and you tend to learn it around the time youre learning about the presidents in school. Id LOVE more videos around the topic, maybe you could start a series on cultural regions of the north american continent (both Canadian, US, and Central American), like the pacific northwest or appalachia. Its kind of hard to ignore the mormon influence in the utah/idaho/colarado region.

[@coyotelong4349]

As a NeverMo who grew up on the East side of Mesa, AZ, I grew up well-familiar with the LDS and with that culture around me, to a degree The LDS Church, history, doctrine, etc fascinates me and I’ve studied it like crazy, while never actually wanting to join the religion JJ explains things very well here!

[@dennispawlik6215]

I grew up in an extremely Mormon town in northern Arizona. There was a large temple in town. Quite a few towns in towns in the area are named after the prophets such as Woodruff, Heber, Snowflake, Taylor and Joseph city. All of which have massive Mormon populations.

[@qheward]

Yep, I’m from Woodruff 🤣 it’s a small world

[@GregoryHunter-rm4ei]

This might be your finest video yet. This topic is extremely interesting, and I don’t realize the early history of Mormonism was so chaotic and legally contentious with the government.

[@JeffKing310]

If this video essay does not win an award, it will be worthy of a Senate investigation.

[@DiamondKingStudios]

As a Catholic, I’ve finally found in this video a religion that appoints older leaders than our cardinals do the Pope. I think the closest we here have gotten in recent decades to the centenarian pope was Leo XIII (who died in 1903 at about 93, after having been pope since 1878).

[@Sarimaximus]

I have a few things to say as a former mormon. 1: your summary of the history of the Latter Day Prophets is Scarily accurate. If I didn't know any better, I'd assume you were an ex-mormon yourself. 2: Gordon B Hinckley Is known for having a LOT of churches and temples built, and it seems that was a major mission of his as his term in office. 3: Thomas S. Monson's rule is tainted by a lot of people leaving the church because he pulled a page from JW's book by thinking that not only should LGBT members not be allowed into the church, but Family and friends who do not disfellowship said people are to join them. This got repealed by the modern prophet. 4: Deseret is pronounced "deserey" and their charity drives have them brand a lot of food with Deseret. I would know because My family used to need their food a lot.

[@daveSoupy]

This feels like a good companion piece to Johnny Harris’s video on Mormonism

[@JJMcCullough]

What was his like?

[@daveSoupy]

@@JJMcCullough It was two parts with part 1 being more about Smith’s background along with the movement of early Mormons across the country. The second part was more about how they became a political entity in Utah. It didn’t go into the leadership after Smith like I thought it would.

[@davidwilson1401]

I am a non-Mormon who is fascinated by the religion, has studied its history and doctrine extensively, and I knew every “prophet” you mentioned. I am also fascinated with the KZbin channel of a certain non-Mormon Canadian! 😂😂😂

[@frankfinnsweenryan]

As a very inactive or lapsed Mormon. Ezra Taft Benson's political influence in the LDS is huge and explains a lot of the membership's political feelings to this day

[@stoutyyyy]

As someone who was really involved with the Boy Scouts as a teenager I’ve always been fascinated by the influence the LDS Church had on Scouting. Until very recently every Mormon boy had to be a Scout and that sizeable chunk of membership gave them a lot of influence on the organization’s policy.

[@amaravazquez8591]

As someone who is has never been Mormon, my fascination with them is because the culture is so alien to me. I didn't have a very religious upbringing, so the idea of living your whole life without ever having had coffee or alcohol, having to wear certain modest undegarments and partake in temple rituals, believing that Jesus once visited the Americas etc. is incredibly interesting (if not a bit sad for a worldly heathen like me lol). I wouldn't be surprised if that was the reason for a lot of people's fascination.

[@ethanhaynes7406]

Born Mormon and raised in Utah, It's something you don't realize is weird growing up in it. Much of the "weird" stuff is kept pretty secret from you until you've spent 16 years of your childhood being indoctrinated, and by that point you don't see anything weird about it and all your friends/family are all doing it too. I'd definitely say it's the most "normal" cult since to outsiders who don't know what it is you just seem like a very devout Christian. As far as the doctrine is concerned a lot of it sorta makes sense to me as it answers a lot of "flaws" of Christianity. "Why did god only visit the middle east if everyone in the world was his children?" He didn't, he went to America and in fact mant Mormons believe he went to other continents too and one day those stories will be found. "Why did god abandoned the world after Jesus's apostles died?" He didn't, we have living prophets today (although it makes you wonder why he waited 1800 years to finally establish a church?)

[@reillycurran8508]

Kinda funny how polygamy was seen as the height of perversion in the olden days, but now Polyamory is on the rise in acceptance, but at the same time with explicit distancing from polygamy because the idea of multiple partners has now separated from a view of "Polygamy", not as being a form of sexual deviancy, but as a form of patriarchal oppression since modern followers of the mormon proposed idea of "plural marriage" tend to be a lot less humanising about how they treat their women and a lot more like they see them as livestock that makes human babies. I'm not even exaggerating, FLDS adherents in mexico have been known to execute cattle raid style attacks on rival settlements and clans to coerce their women and girls into their own harems.

[@howveyouben]

I'm an active member, and I would say that of the recent prophets not discussed, Nelson has had by far the biggest impact on the culture of the Church. Within his first few years as prophet, he made lots of major changes in policies and organizational structures that really shook things up for many members. Lots of people's faith has been tried simply because he broke the status quo. Also of note is his major effort to make the Church and it's culture more international and less America-centered, with the announcement of dozens of temples in foreign countries that previously had no access, forming cordial relationships with many foreign leaders (including Chinese leaders who respect him highly), and even doing things like making church magazines and hymnals consistent among all nations (with only the language being changed and not the content). I've had nothing but admiration for Nelson because he has essentially been stripping away the toxic culture of the Church and has made massive efforts to make it more Christ-centered.

[@cartercordingley6062]

Wow this show how much people adore or even idolize the prophet. But sadly he is not "christ" like he knew of the shell companies that hide money from the government the media the members and the general public, he allows policies that punished kids where there parents where part of the LGBT community just to name a few.

[@chandlermorris2219]

Hi JJ, I'm a big fan of your show and a later Day Saint myself. I appreciate your objectivity and respect. I think it's important to note that like any religious group we are not a monolith. Me and many of my fellow members are frustrated with the historical revisionism. It was wrong and was always wrong for black members to be denied the priesthood! Polygamy is and always has been wrong and it is even condemned in the book of Mormon itself! Me and many others think it is about time that queer individuals are given the respect and complete acceptance they deserve. We will give that respect and acceptance whether the church likes it or not. I believe that if you think your leaders are infallible, you are no longer in a religion. You are in a cult. Thank you for making this video. It's important for people to know about my faith, warts and all.

[@noahheninger]

Millennials and Gen Z especially seem to struggle with the Church's LGBT policies. This while the Church oscillates between doubling down and relaxing its stance. It's frankly a big mess.

[@howveyouben]

Yes! Thank you! It's incredibly important to accept that the prophets are fallible humans. The Old Testament prophets were also fallible humans who made much bigger mistakes yet still were appointed to be God's mouthpiece.

[@chandlermorris2219]

@@noahheninger Mathew 7 16 Ye shall know them by their 'fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth "good °fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. If you are someone who thinks that an entire group of people is evil I would suggest getting to know them to see if their lives bear good fruit. If there is one thing I know about church members is that we are always ready to clean up a mess.

[@noahheninger]

@@chandlermorris2219 Nothing I said would suggest that I think an entire group of people is evil. I frankly don't even know what you're talking about.

[@chandlermorris2219]

@@noahheninger I'm sorry I didn't mean to suggest that I meant that regarding members of my own church and lgbtq individuals.

[@evilemperorzurg9615]

As a former Mormon this is probably the most subjective, fair, and well researched video I’ve seen about the history of the LDS church. Exmos tend to be extremely bitter, active members biased in the opposite direction, and non Mormons often making big mistakes or misunderstandings. Good job!

[@bruhmoment11111]

The church has stayed unified because of its hierarchy and centralized doctrine, moreso than other protestant faiths. However it's interesting to note how many people who have a major disagreement with the church as an organization who stay in the church without leaving. It feels like many members these days look back on the first two prophets with differing ideals about what they did as prophets and what they did as men. Both major decisions most members detest were revised in the 1890 and 1978 declarations, which adds to the confusion many members face. I think the revisionism is honestly what pushes most members away, not some spontaneous decision that God doesn't exist but the slow trickle of half-truths from what is supposed to be the only consistent truth in the world.

[@taylorferrell493]

Thank you for another great video with minimal bias explaining a lesser known aspect of North American history! As a member myself I appreciate a well done telling of our history. I think a follow up video on the most recent years of the church might be an interesting topic for you to cover. Thanks for making the internet a bit more sane 😂

Hello! I live and was born in Mexico in the Yucatán Peninsula. I have only heard about Joseph Smith. Most people here is catholic and their teachings were that all others faiths, religions or Gods are cults or cult like organizations. I am 54 and my teachings date from the 70s, so I guess they have changed through the years.

[@BS-vx8dg]

Stopping with President Kimball made sense (as you said, there have been no changes in doctrine since 1978), but if you had an alternate history channel I'd love to see what would have happened if five minutes of Mormon history would have been changed in 1943 . . . As you note, J.J., seniority makes all the difference in who becomes the Prophet. Spencer Kimball and Ezra Taft Benson were both called as apostles on the same day, October 7, 1943, but Spencer was sustained a few minutes before Benson. That changed *_everything_* because if their elevations had been reversed, Benson, not Kimball, would have become the Prophet in 1973, and because he lived to 1994, almost ten years past Kimball, Kimball would never have been President. And Ezra Taft Benson was an *_extremely conservative_* Mormon, so conservative that his presence in President Eisenhower's cabinet (Benson served for eight years as Secretary of Agriculture) was cause for awkwardness. And if Benson had thus become President of the Church in 1973, *the prohibition of black men from holding the Mormon priesthood would almost certainly not have been lifted* , at least until Benson's 1994 death, and maybe forever. I believe the Church would have emerged from a 20-year Ezra Taft Benson presidency as a fraction of its 1973 size, and Mormons would never have gained the degree of mainstreaming they have today.

[@coldwar45]

Agreed. Without Kimball there would’ve been no 78 revelation. Fun fact, Kimball went first because he was older than Benson

[@BS-vx8dg]

@@coldwar45 I did not know that was the reason (I had not yet joined the Church in 1973). Thanks for the trivia.

[@clifforddean232]

I'd be interested until I found out they don't allow caffeine, no coffee, no chocolate or Coke. Can't stand behind a movement that doesn't allow my Timmies and chocolate timbits.

[@magimon91834]

Caffeine is ok, it's just specifically coffee that's not allowed! Common mistake

[@n.d.n.e1805]

Caffeine is fine; it's just specifically coffee that isn't allowed! It's a common mistake. We have hundreds of soda shops in Utah, more than any other state.

[@TheDude4077]

Something interesting about the current prophet, Russell Nelson, is that he spent his career as a genuinely brilliant and trailblazing heart surgeon. It can probably be argued that he had a bigger impact on cardiovascular surgery than he has had on the Mormon church.

[@TrevorMiller754]

As an active Latter-day Saint, I would say the following things define the last five presidents of the church (I’ll give secular and spiritual answers): Ezra Taft Benson: Opposing leftist ideologies (communism especially) and spreading the Book of Mormon throughout the world. Howard W. Hunter: Establishing cultural centers throughout the world and emphasizing temple worship for the Latter-day Saints. Gordon B. Hinkley: Putting Latter-day Saints on the global stage and becoming a Christlike people full of integrity. Thomas S. Monson: Increasing missionary efforts and loving and serving others as Christ would. Russell M. Nelson: Building interfaith relations and emphasizing our Christian identity. I also found it hilarious when you acknowledged the church’s bias in its own material but then quoted the CES Letter (an openly antagonistic document) as non biased….

[@JJMcCullough]

I don’t recall saying it was unbiased

[@ethanhaynes7406]

This is also EXTREMELY biased. You've left out some crucial factors like Gordon B. Hinckley signing "the family a proclamation to the world" as a direct response to proposed Gay Marriage laws

[@TrevorMiller754]

@@JJMcCulloughAt 5:30, you said that ex Mormon material is more objective which I automatically conflated with the CES Letter (apologies). In Latter-day Saint vernacular, “ex-Mormon” usually carries an antagonistic connotation, so hearing “ex-Mormon,” my brain immediately thought you were talking about the CES Letter. Still though, I feel it’s important to acknowledge that there are very few people writing truly objectively about the church. Everyone has their biases-even outside observers. Overall, I’m impressed with your video and applaud your careful approach to the information! Matt Harris is an incredible man, and I loved his book. I’m so glad you recommended it at the end of your video!

[@TrevorMiller754]

@@ethanhaynes7406 oh that would have been a good one to include. I just put the first things that popped into my head for each

[@coldwar45]

Ezra Taft Benson viewed anything to the left of Atilla the Hun as a Communist LOL

[@classicstarr]

Not a Mormon, but I grew up going to scouts at a Mormon church for a decade with my best friend who was. My family would go to the church for Christmas. I would go to the teen events they would have. I even went on a youth group type trip to Kirtland, Ohio, which had the first established Mormon temple (and one of the few anyone can visit since it is not under LDS control). Over the years, I’d say I’ve become pretty knowledgeable of Mormon theology and history as a nonmember. They’re some of the kindest and welcoming people.

[@adlad75]

@classicstarr , I'm another non-LDS that's visited the #KirtlandTemple ... You may have missed the memo: "With the LDS Church's acquisition of the temple on March 5, 2024, it will remain a historic building and the church reopened it to the public March 25, 2024..."

[@patriceq_18]

You probably could look out a bit more of information about Benson, since he’s the only apostle that also served in the US government. I think that could be interesting to learn more about… also, Hinckley was important because he started to put emphasis in building more temples around the world, and it’s something that is growing a lot, with almost 10 new temples being announced every six months.

[@LoganBeck]

As an Ex-Mormon this was a fun and very well done video!

[@GarisonC]

Why has no one done a video on the similarities between Mormons and Freemasonry. It is an incredibly American thing and very well known that Smith used a ton of Freemason (as a Freemason himself) teachings/symbolism in creating LDS.

[@bradypostma5167]

There are a lot of scholarly papers on how freemasonry influenced Mormonism. I think there are a couple books on it, too; the Joseph Smith biography _Rough Stone Rolling_ has a little about it, but I was left wanting more.

[@JJMcCullough]

The Freemasons actually resented Joseph Smith for co-opting a lot of their stuff

[@TakfirEnjoyer]

Can confirm from my expeience in the Chruch and a Masonic Lodge.

[@atravismoore]

I’ve been watching your videos for years, JJ! So long that I already knew you had a small obsession with my Church, but this video was still nonetheless a nice surprise. Thank you for the well-mannered breakdown of the “yada yada yada” parts most people gloss over. The one thing I’d add is that the most important aspect of my faith is that Jesus Christ, as the only begotten Son of God, died, was resurrected, and lives today, and I love Him! Thank you again 🙇

[@AbraminWonderland]

As an ex Mormon, I think Russell M Nelson‘s biggest legacy will be the distancing of the churches identity with traditional “Mormon-ness.” He has disavowed the traditional nickname as a “victory for Satan,“ and seems to be pushing Mormonism further towards mainstream Protestantism and evangelicism. His has also seen the destruction of a lot of pioneer era, artwork and architecture, specifically within the Salt Lake and Manti temples, which I think is a real shame. It’s interesting to see the leader of the Mormon church, almost by the things that make it unique among Christendom.

[@nickfromm5315]

JJ always looks so hip and stylish

[@Koroblin]

hi, Exmormon from Utah, i hated that I could recognize so many of the names of these prophets but where never really told what each of them do. I swear the more i learn about the church i was raised in, the happier i am that im out

[@AudMaker]

😧 jj on mormons?! my 2024 obsessions have been combined!

[@thenotoriusg]

You know it's good when you finish the video and just watch it all over again.

[@benevenuto9794]

JJ makes even the most boring subjects not only bearable but interesting. Love this man.

[@royceharline6813]

Excellent video! I'm a practicing Mormon. You're right that most Mormons are conservative, but there is a large progressive community that is quickly growing with each election cycle. Here are a few things I'd note about about a few of the prophets Grant was prophet when Mormons started strictly enforcing "The Word of Wisdom", or the commandment to abstain from tobacco, alcohol, tea, and coffee. Before this, it was taken as a suggestion, and several prophets drank varied amounts of alcohol. Benson I'd argue more than anyone is the reason for Republican loyalty in the modern church. There had been more conservative (and frankly far-right) leaders like J Reuben Clark high up in the hierarchy, but having an ultra-conservative become the head guy solidified the Republican identity most Mormons still hold. Hinckley, Monson, and Nelson all focused on expanding the number of Temples. Every six months, you'll see between 6-20 new temples announced. Expanding on politics though, there is a stigma amongst white Mormons against voting Democrat, especially because of abortion. This is despite the church encouraging its members to diversify their views and really look into who they vote for and avoid being single issue voters. In fact, I believe one of the apostles is a registered Democrat, and another's family donated to the Biden campaign.

[@81dnomyar]

Utchdorf's family donated to a democratic campaign. I don't know about the democrat apostle, though.

[@porchtime504]

Do you think you need to promise jj some dem votes or something?

[@royceharline6813]

@@81dnomyarI believe Dale G. Renlund is a registered Democrat.

[@royceharline6813]

⁠@@porchtime504Seeing as how he's a Canadian conservative, I don't think he cares how I vote. I'm just sharing my experience and opinions given the context of the video.

[@81dnomyar]

@@porchtime504 I think it's more about combating the common narrative among members of the church that republican is the only viable option for a believing Christian.

[@susaxsempi665]

I will be rewatching this 😊 thank you JJ ❤

[@MichScarn73857]

Mormon JJ super fan here. In fact, I usually watch your videos right after church when you drop on Sunday. This video will certainly be award-winning. Regarding your facts and trivia about each president, I have no notes. Do we venerate the president more than Catholics venerate the pope? Possibly. Probably. But even then, viewers of this video may be surprised at how little the current president plays a role in the typical member’s faith and worship. I watch his “general conference” addresses on KZbin two sundays a year. I watched this video with my wife and the only thing we sorta disagreed with you on was the notion that hanging a picture of the president in a mormon family home was common. Maybe it was in times past. I find pictures of Jesus or pictures of a temple to be ubiquitous in Mormon homes. Also regarding blacks not being ordained. Brigham Young was a racist. Huge L for him he will have to answer to god for that. BUT the notion that we are coy secret racists that are begrudgingly ordaining black people because the government or IRS is twisting our arm is NOT one I agree with. Sometimes earnest change lines up with political expediency. Especially during the civil rights movement.

[@DrPeppering]

I think it's important to note that when the priesthood change came it was after the political pressure had died down.

[@zenithcoinsandhobbies]

As a Protestant Christian who grew up in a private school background, we went through several books where we learned about the major doctrines of Mormonism. As a result, I recognized several of the names mentioned here other than the first two.

[@sacramentotoday]

Which religious group will JJ cover next?

[@PolaPolooza]

Member here. I have been following you for ages as I am also Canadian, and loved your videos on international matters. Ok, what do I think about the last ones? Funny because they are the ones I know the most. I have been very inspired by Nelson lately. He talks a lot about the importance of Following Christ and choosing to think of Him when making choices. So many distractions and opinions arise that we tend to forget, what does God want for us? How can I align my life more to act as He would want me to act? Anyway, there are so many things they teach and every six months there is a church wide conference, in which they speak to the people. The next one is coming up on the First weekend of October. You should check it out.

[@JayByrd8]

As a member of the church myself this was a well researched and relatively balanced video. Always enjoyed J.Js videos.

[@canadianmonarchist6357]

As a recent ish convert (less than a year and with the Toronto temple being renovated since before I joined I’ve not been able to set foot in one) From what I’ve seen and my own knowledge most Latter Day Saints will know the most about brother Joseph and then brother Brigham then usually the current prophet of the time or the prophet that had a hand in whatever interests them the most

[@Duck-wc9de]

This lore is so EPIC. My 80% catholic country is so booring!

[@Duck-wc9de]

I lived next to a Mormon "church", or missionary camp, I dont realy know... in the small city of Viseu, Portugal. It had some american young adults that spoke a bit of portuguese. They were quiet and polite, allways saying goodmorning and all. They walked the closest city park trying to evangelise and offering some Jesus related bookmarks... I have sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many mormom Jesus related bookmarks. They would also let the kids of the neighborhood play basketball in their court. I dont know if they had any success, Viseu is more catholic than the Vatican, but sure, it was fun.

[@jsedmonds256]

Thanks JJ. Raised a member and for an “outsider” I think you did a fairly good job which makes me think you do a good job on topics of which I don’t know about. What defines the other prophets not covered would be mostly: Gordon B. Hinkley - massive expansion of temple construction worldwide, increased facetime with the public (60 min), & humorous. He visited more people in more countries than any before him it seemed. He seemed to work endlessly.

[@richardlusk8024]

As an active member of the church of jesus christ of latter day saints i always cringe a little when i see articles/videos about the church, but as a jj fan i know youre fair

[@DavidJamesHenry]

Drop the hair care routine, Brother McCullough

[@grantbriscoe8764]

Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints here. Thanks for the much more balanced video about a practically uncovered Mormon aspect! AA couple of interesting notes for background- the early church consolidating their membership led to political and cultural tensions and even a state-sponsored execution order during the time of Joseph Smith. I think that would help give some insight into the early church's (and early leadership's) struggles with the US government. And a summary of the most recent prophets can be that with the globalizing church there has been a focus on more temples in more places so that those blessings no longer need trips to Utah like you had mentioned.

[@richardm9934]

I grew up Mormon in the 2000s. I knew JS and BY, but I always mixed up the other presidents with real US presidents as a kid because we learned their names at church using rhymes in the exact same way we learned the US presidents' names in school.

[@richardm9934]

Brilliant video idea btw. I've just realized I've never seen a serious video on LDS history not tailored by the Church itself.

[@EggsBenAddict]

I really missed these long-form videos by JJ

[@spencedog8086]

I was raised in this church and it is refreshing to have an unbiased view like this. Thank you for all the informative videos you make! They really brighten my day.

[@matthewlawton9241]

Lack of bias is a liar's balm. There is NOTHING more biased than a fact.

[@spencedog8086]

@@matthewlawton9241 very well then :)

[@ephraiminsigne5312]

Active member of the Church here from outside the US. With regards to the last three prophets that i personally have grown up with over the years, their eras have been mostly that of rapid expansion of the church (Hinckley leading the most number of temple dedications in church history), rapid growth in missionary service (lowering of age of eligibility for prospective missionaries under Monson), and a focus on home centered gospel learning (a reduction of Sunday church time from 3 hours to 2 hours with the missing hour being carried over to family study at home instead under Nelson.) That last one under Nelson is particularly of note because it began in 2019 as President Nelson declared it as instruction from God, and at some level, most members wondered about this change. Nevertheless, we started to focus on gospel learning at home, and when 2020 came about with a global pandemic and the church adopted temporary virtual methods of Sabbath service, the majority of the church was already prepared for the event because we had been practicing how to do so for a year at that point.

[@dinocollins720]

I'm a member, to answer your question JJ: Pres Hinkley was known for his positive attitude always saying "things will work out" he did some major interviews taking the church to the world Pres Monson had an incredible memory and would always site classic literature and poetry. He was very funny and could wiggle his ears. Pres Nelson is known for change and progress. Under him the church has build hundreds of temples. He made some big changes to the length of church , to missionary work, and the name of the church. He had an extremely successful career as a heart surgeon and supported the first open hearted surgery using a heart lung machine.

[@nannywhumpers5702]

I love learning about religion. I already enjoyed your channel, so double bonus today!

[@maxx1906]

As a practicing member of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, I must say that this is absolutely one of the best videos on the subject out there. There isn’t much of a bias in either direction, and JJ does an incredibly good job with explaining the basic beats of each prophet through to Kimball. Fantastic video JJ, I hope that more unbiased and much more honest commentary on my church such as this is not too far off in the future from other creators!

[@hydrogen3266]

Your church deserves bias and criticism. There’s a lot of homophobia and sexism in the teachings and practices, and I think that is very wrong. Everyone should be treated the same no matter what Telling young women that they are licked cupcakes or chewed gum is disgusting, and raising young men to believe they have to marry virgin/untouched women is creepy. Don’t even get me started on the masturbation and underwear. This isn’t hate to you, it’s directed at the religion for creating a system that enforces shame in young people, and inequality amongst genders and sexual orientations. And it’s not just Mormons, it’s a lot of religions that are like this (I was raised Catholic, very similar)

[@hydrogen3266]

Your church deserves bias and criticism. There’s a lot of homophobia and sexism in the teachings and practices, and I think that is very wrong. Everyone should be treated the same no matter what Telling young women that they are licked cupcakes or chewed gum is disgusting, and raising young men to believe they have to marry virgin/untouched women is creepy. Don’t even get me started on the masturbation and underwear. This isn’t hate to you, it’s directed at the religion for creating a system that enforces shame in young people, and inequality amongst genders and sexual orientations. And it’s not just Mormons, it’s a lot of religions that are like this (I was raised Catholic, very similar)

[@augy-p-rex9566]

I haven't watched a JJ video in a while and I was not ready for this hair transformation

[@ethanhaynes7406]

Love the video JJ! As someone who was raised Mormon and in Utah it often takes videos like this for me to rexamine things I grew up just believing were normal (and were definitely not lol). I might be biased but I think there are a LOT of videos that can be made about Utah and Mormons. I'm really glad people like you, Johnny Harris, and Knowing Better have all been approaching this subject. Videos like these that don't come from a strong Anti-mormon/Ex-mormon perspective is what allowed me to begin questioning my faith, instead of me immediately dismissing what other very agressive videos had said.

[@skooterbooters]

As someone who has grown up Mormon in Utah, you don’t actually see that many pictures of the prophet in peoples houses. You see it sometimes, but i think it’s more common in older peoples homes