1 - Historical Overview, Succession, and Council of Fifty

Ben Finch

I think a main theme in these readings is the need for order and direction following Joseph's death. We see this in the Council of Fifty Minutes - how any dissenters like Rigdon were removed form the Council. I also see this theme in the document outlining the succession crisis - how Brigham was able to lead the church in a super organized manner. I found it interesting that our church is the only one to accept the late Nauvoo doctrines like the temple & baptisms for the dead. I also enjoyed reading Jane Manning James's autobiography and how she became converted and stayed converted despite the racist policies of the church.