One night Emma went to go look for Joseph and Fanny and found them together in the barn. Years later, the boy referred to Emma and said, “I was raised in her home and knew what kind of woman she was…. The fact that it is written from a female perspective makes it all the more significant. What the Bible says about it. : The Spalding Enigma at Amazon.com. This is a meticulously researched and thorough look at Emma Hale. The climax of polygamy took place in Nauvoo. How was it that a woman who had a testimony of the one and only true church could just leave it after her husband died? From my understanding and considering the sources used by the authors, I must say that Mormon Enigma is a worthwhile read. Even today, reviews can still be seen challenging its place and accuracy within Mormon History; most of these seem to be from that period of its original publication. Book Review: It’s True: An Evangelical Pastor’s Journey to Truth in the Mormon Church . Read Mormon Enigma: EMMA HALE SMITH book reviews & author details and more at Amazon.in. Mormonism: A Very Short Introduction Richard Bushman's short survey of LDS history and beliefs. To see what your friends thought of this book, Mormonism has had a bit of a schizophrenic relationship with Emma Smith. Â I’m not going to quote the whole podcast, but John gives a very interesting introduction to the book. Read Mormon Enigma: EMMA HALE SMITH book reviews & author details and more at Amazon.in. ... Terryl Givens' scholarly but readable introduction. Growing up, there were two people my mother would never let me speak ill of: John Denver and Emma Smith. I know that she had remarried but that was it. The authors explain how, “as a young woman, Emma was physically and emotionally strong, with a streak of independence” (p. 6). It didn’t take very long before “Emma began to talk as firmly and urgently to Joseph about abandoning plural marriage as he had formerly talked to her about accepting it” (p. 145). If you have any questions, or need the bot to ignore the links, or the page altogether, please visit this simple FaQ for additional information. But they simply portrayed him as a cruel, small-minded, selfish man in all instances. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. The woman had suffered so much up to that point. Amazon.in - Buy Mormon Enigma book online at best prices in India on Amazon.in. Whether or not the story of a miscarriage is true—the authors of the book seem to doubt it—“the incident between Emma and Eliza forced the issue of plural marriage into the open. “Emma would eventually know about some of Joseph’s plural wives, her knowledge of seven can be documented conclusively, and some evidence hints that she may have known of others” (p. 98). Doctrine and Covenants / Pearl of Great Price, Mormon Objections to Christian Evangelism, Teachings of the Presidents of the Church, That Polygamy Doctrine that Just Will Not Go Away, Early Mormon Marriages: Tangled Webs to Sort Out in the Eternities. : The Spalding Enigma at Amazon.com. For example, the author uses journals written in 1872 and 1886 about events that allegedly happened in 1835, and from apostate members. Probably the issue that most tried Emma was polygamy, also known as plural marriage. Emma is very bitter and full of resentment and anger.” Joseph put the paper in his pocket, saying, “I told you you did not Emma as well as I did.” By the late summer of 1843, the majority of Emma’s friends had either married her husband or given him their daughters. Her attitude towards it defined her for the rest of her life. After the church was founded, there were growing pains. Book Review: Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith . Free delivery on qualified orders. It was refreshing to read a biography of Emma rather than one focused on the many men in the church, though even this book does on occasion feel like it's more about Joseph or Brigham or Emma's sons. I look forward to a biography that portrays both individuals together--that is--a book that will investigate the entire Smith household with objective scholarship. I read this at a friend's suggestion and I'm glad I did. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. We’d love your help. Wednesday, September 17, 2014. It was Joseph Smith who announced that an angel of the Lord had commanded him to introduce a 'new order of marriage.' “I had much rather have followed her to her grave” (p. 20). The authors do a good job of describing the Mormon story from the perspective of Joseph Smith’s wife. . It was written by people who belong to the group that believe the only way to make one person 'good' is to make the people in their life 'bad.' I’ll start with the first. Read reviews from world’s largest community for readers. Apostle Dallin H. Oaks personally told the authors that “your book represents a non-traditional view of Joseph Smith,” which he felt could damage the faith of church members (Anderson, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon History, “A History of Dialogue, Part Three, Summer 2002, vol 35, no 2, p. 45). Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. While there is no documentation, Emma was stunned when she found out that her friend Eliza R. Snow was married to Joseph; “evidence leads to the conclusion that some sort of physical confrontation occurred between the two women … Emma is currently reported as having had recourse to a vulgar broomstick as an instrument of revenge.” (p. 134) The beating Snow received apparently “destroyed Eliza’s hopes of becoming the mother of a prophet’s son.” According to Eliza’s nephew, Emma knocked Eliza down the stairs with a broom, which he said caused a miscarriage. Buy a cheap copy of Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith book by Linda King Newell. She took everyone in who needed food, shelter or help of any kind. It is an EXTREMELY well-researched biography with extensive documenting notes, showing the vast amount of research done by the authors. Emma Smith did not document her life in a diary or journal. I felt as if I were reading a book about church history and Emma was just thrown in for effect. Emma Smith (1804-1879) may not be as well-known as her husband, Joseph Smith, Jr. but understanding this woman is important for anyone who desires to have a more complete picture to the Mormon story. Was going to Utah really a bridge too far for her? I had an excellent RS lesson on Emma Smith the summer I was married. I loved reading this book. It's true that history changes depending on who wrote it because this book has a very different feel than the Bushman book on Joseph Smith I read a couple of months ago. The authors do a good job of describing the Mormon story from the perspective of Joseph Smith’s wife. “No such thing as polygamy, or spiritual wivery, was taught, publicly or privately, before my husband’s death, that I have now, or ever had any knowledge of.” When she was asked if her husband had any other wives, she replied, “He had no other wife but me; nor did he to my knowledge ever have.” When asked if Joseph had marital relations with others, she said, “He did not have improper relations with any woman that ever came to my knowledge” (p. 301). i loved this book,it is well written,informative and i felt it is unbiased.Emma Smith,has until recently received a lot of bad press,her story is incredible,she was a woman of incredible courage,she was more than simply wife and mother and this book made Emma live with me for a number of weeks after reading It was in this environment that Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith was released, and as a result was received with mixed emotions. The victim? mormon enigma Emma Hale Smith. “Unknown to Emma, Joseph had already taught these older women the principles of plural marriage. Read 193 reviews from the world's largest community for readers. . “You do not know Emma as well as I do,” Joseph said. If you never read another book (and I'm not sure there are others) about Emma Hale Smith, the wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of Mormonism, you'll be none the worse for content. Undoubtedly a little dated on some particulars today, the book remains an excellent and highly sympathetic account of Emma Smith that helps one to better understand both Nauvoo Mormonism and the foundations of the RLDS Church. Besides that, Bidamon had a similar trait to Emma’s first husband. I enjoyed this very interesting but challenging biography, especially the perspective presented of Emma Smith’s family after the death of Joseph in 1844. However, Brigham Young explained twenty-two years later that Joseph had accused Emma and “called upon her to deny it if she could… He told her that she was a child of hell, and literally the most wicked woman on this earth, that there was not one more wicked than she.” The authors write, “Evidence suggests that Joseph indeed accused Emma of poisoning his coffee… Apparently Joseph believed at the time that Emma poisoned him, but strong evidence suggests that his self-diagnosis was mistaken and, therefore, so was his accusation of Emma” (p. 164). June 1st 1994 (University of Illinois Press, 1994), 394 pages, paperback, ISBN 0-252-06291-4. When the Saints left, Emma stayed behind in Navuoo. Inside these pages the Mormon enigma of polygamy is examined from its origin, practice, evolution, and legal entanglements to its present-day status and current political impact. An excellent book! It helped me better understand polygamy when it was introduced by Joseph Smith. It is obvious at this point, however, that during the upcoming election, Mormon polygamy will remain the controversial enigma it has been for more than 170 years. Vea reseñas y calificaciones de reseñas que otros clientes han escrito de Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell (1994-06-01) en Amazon.com. A year after portraying Emma Hale Smith Bidamon in a film for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I finally read her biography. She kept going back and forth with the polygamy issue. Polygamy book. Your generous support makes the work of MRM possible. Since its first release, Mormon Enigma has seen steady sales--about 1000 copies a year. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. Plus, I'm a member of a church not known for being gay friendly making me a Mormon enigma. Â In light of my recent post Latter-day Dissent, I thought I would continue the theme of how the church deals with intellectuals.. Joseph resolutely tried to bring Emma around” (p. 137). This was, of course, not easy for anyone. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Free delivery on qualified orders. I think that when a book helps a feminist Mormon get closer to terms with a long, internal battle with polygamy it should get a "hurrah" and 5 stars. Although Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith received several awards from LDS sources when it came out in 1984–including the “Best Book” award from both the Mormon History Association and the John Whitmer Historical Association as well as the $10,000 Evans Biography Award administered at that time by BYU–it soon lost favor as those in power finally understood that the book shed an unfavorable light on Joseph Smith. In this 1994 book, two female historical researchers—Linda King Newell and Valeen Tippets Avery—tackled the life of the first wife to the founder of the Mormon religion. The only real biography of Emma, but definitely a product of the New Mormon History, and with an eminently American feminist appeal. A must read for anyone interested in early church history. Book Review This month, the MoHo book club chose to read "Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell" by Susanna Clarke. . While the mind of Emma was center stage, Joseph's thoughts and many of his benevolent and charitable acts were left out. ed., University of Illinois Press, 1994. Joseph Smith was killed at the Carthage Jail on June 27, 1844. Emma Smith did not document her life in a diary or journal. The big rift between her and Brigham Young divided those who went west from those who stayed in Nauvoo. I was intrigued to read it because I wanted to know what happened to Emma after the Saints all left Nauvoo. Since its first release, Mormon Enigma has seen steady sales--about 1000 copies a year. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “We are not makers of history. One question dealt with polygamy. As of 2002, Mormon Enigma is still not allowed to be cited in any official LDS publication ((Anderson, Dialogue: A Journal of Mormon History, “A History of Dialogue, Part Three, Summer 2002, vol 35, no 2, p. 47). But they simply portrayed him as a cruel, small-minded, selfish man in all instances. Book Review: Gethsemane . Book Review: Shaken Faith Syndrome . A woman named Nancy Abercrombie came to live with the family, and in 1859 she gave birth to an illegitimate child. (Part of this is due I'm sure to the lack of information directly from Emma - very few letters and no journal.) Pennsylvania State University. It was ridiculous. Lea reseñas de productos sinceras e imparciales de nuestros usuarios. While the mind of Emma was center stage, Joseph's thoughts and many of his benevolent and charitable acts were left out. I wish so badly that Emma had kept journals. After reading this book I have a new appreciation for her sticking to her guns, I also have a better perspective on the history of the group that eventually became the Community of Christ (formerly the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints). Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith; Mysteries of Godliness: A History of Mormon Temple Worship; Old Testament and Related Studies (Collected Works Vol. This book is a biographical reconstruction of Emma Smith's life from documents and evidence other than... Free shipping over $10. I found the years after Joseph's death to be particularly interesting as I'd never before learned in depth about what happened to Emma during those years. Paperback, 9781515052777, 151505277X Mormon Enigma, Part 4. Abelard Enigma D/FW metroplex, Texas, United States I've got a wife and children - and I'm gay, which makes me an enigma. To me, this alone proves what a great woman she was. Despite their differences, the murder of her husband was not something that Emma desired. gossiping half the time. Amazon.in - Buy Mormon Enigma: EMMA HALE SMITH book online at best prices in India on Amazon.in. Looking at the reviews here, I am in the infinitesimal minority. A Mormon Enigma An exploration of what it means to be Married, Mormon, . . Very well researched and did not in the least feel biased one way or the other. Thursday, March 29, 2007. . From my understanding and considering the sources used by the authors, I must say that Mormon Enigma is a worthwhile read. Linda King Newell & Valeen Tippets Avery, Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, 2nd ed. On July 12, 1843, Hyrum Smith told his brother Joseph to write the revelation down. Sometimes we think that if something doesn't paint the church in a perfect light we should ignore it. Smith kept the marriages secret from his wife, whose “love for Joseph, together with her own pious upbringing, left no room for such a doctrine” (p. 96). Newell, Linda King and Valeen Tippetts Avery, Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith, Prophet's Wife, Elect Lady, Polygamy's Foe. Verified Purchase. She believed in it, then she didn't, then believed again. Start by marking “Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith” as Want to Read: Error rating book. She sacrificed comfort, privacy, hardship, and many demands with what appears to be steadfast character and a strong spirit and sense of self, even in a religious culture where women were completely subject to their husbands. If the Lord will, my heart says let Emma come up and stand in her place. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mormon Enigma: Emma Hale Smith by Linda King Newell (1994-06-01) at Amazon.com. Everything may be sacrificed in order to maintain the integrity of those essential facts. I know that she had remarried but that was it. Hardcover, 9780385171663, 0385171668 Undoubtedly a little dated on some particulars today, the book remains a. The reader leaves with an increased awareness and respect for Emma and the trials she endured. The victim? I look forward to a biography that portrays both individuals together--that is--a book that w. This is a meticulously researched and thorough look at Emma Hale. Have the assassins shot you?’ … Have they taken you from me at last!” Dimick Huntington even claimed that Emma asked Joseph to forgive her (p. 197). I made the following changes: Sometimes we think that if something doesn't paint the church in a perfect light we should ignore it. Sometimes referred to as ‘Mothers in Israel,’ they assisted Joseph by contacting women, explain the new order of marriage to them, and occasionally delivering marriage proposals” (p. 109). time I've read this and I'm going to put a note to myself in the front cover this time so that I don't read it again. He is a student of Mormon history and has given innumerable presentations discussing the history, people, and doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints including presentations at the University of Utah, Brigham Young University, and Montana State University. Rather than Emma not being true to the Church I see Joseph and the Church not being true to her). In early 1847, she and Lewis Bidamon began a relationship that eventually ended in marriage later that year. This seems to be an impartial, fair book which helps us learn more about Emma Smith and her feelings about polygamy. 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