Whats yhe big deal the mormons where just copying the U.S. government's example, who was massacring all the Native Americans!

Whats yhe big deal the mormons where just copying the U.S. government's example, who was massacring all the Native Americans!

As a devout Mormon, I think this story needs to be told, but please make it truthful and as close to the facts as possible. The Mountain Meadows Massacre was a deeply disturbing tragedy for everyone involved. There is no doubt that local leaders of the Church were involved but it is what led up to this event that made otherwise moral and just men become merciless executioners. And that is the real story. Brigham Young may not have been directly involved but there is no doubt he made some serious errors in judgement that set the stage for the event. This is no doubt another example of religion and blind faith gone mad. Ex. Spanish inquisition, Salem Witch Hunts, Crusades, Third Reich, Islamic Terroists, _____________ fill in the blank.

Those who particpated in this massacre will have hell to pay.

However, between 1840-1869 around 70,000 Mormons emigrated from all around the world to Utah. If Brigham Young or any other Mormon prophet wanted to wage a holy war of terrorism, there should be more than 150 non-mormon deaths to show for it.

In the 1940's alone over a half million pioneers moved west.

Mike's comment reflects a long tradition of anachronism when it comes to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Like virtually all significant events, this one is interpreted and used according to the political needs of the moment. Brigham Young MUST be indicted because its important to discredit Mormonism or religion generally.

The public is treated to history as a series of unrelated incidents. World War I, World War II, etc... Very little effort is spent in tracing the seeds of one conflict back to the last one. In fact, WWII had its roots in the Napoleonic wars, which in turn was a reaction to previous conflicts.

MMM was simply one incident in a series of such outrages. One cannot discuss MMM without also discussing the Hahn's Mill massacre and the larger issue of the Mormon experience in Missouri and Illinois. I am constantly amazed at how often MMM is discussed without mentioning the fact that the U.S. had an army enroute to "put down the rebellion"

As Natalie points out, 150 casualties is remarkably low for a holy war. Its rather interesting that the most virulent critics of the church and MMM are leftists, whose philosophy has resulted in the death of millions.

Mike's comment reflects a long tradition of anachronism when it comes to the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Like virtually all significant events, this one is interpreted and used according to the political needs of the moment. Brigham Young MUST be indicted because its important to discredit Mormonism or religion generally.

The public is treated to history as a series of unrelated incidents. World War I, World War II, etc... Very little effort is spent in tracing the seeds of one conflict back to the last one. In fact, WWII had its roots in the Napoleonic wars, which in turn was a reaction to previous conflicts.

MMM was simply one incident in a series of such outrages. One cannot discuss MMM without also discussing the Hahn's Mill massacre and the larger issue of the Mormon experience in Missouri and Illinois. I am constantly amazed at how often MMM is discussed without mentioning the fact that the U.S. had an army enroute to "put down the rebellion"

As Natalie points out, 150 casualties is remarkably low for a holy war. Its rather interesting that the most virulent critics of the church and MMM are leftists, whose philosophy has resulted in the death of millions.