The Reed Smoot Hearings

Mormonism and biblical Christianity represent two contrasting paths to God: the former combines adherence to righteous living and Jesus’ sacrifice, while the latter relies solely on faith in Jesus’ redemptive work. Shawn McCraney highlights this divergence, emphasizing that true Christianity does not base salvation on personal worthiness or moral accomplishments, contrasting with the LDS belief in the necessity of righteous living alongside Jesus’ atonement.

Shawn McCraney emphasizes that personal worthiness cannot be based on oneself but must be rooted in faith in Jesus Christ, revealing his own sinful nature and attributing any good from him to Jesus alone. Additionally, he discusses the history of Mormonism's political and religious entanglements, highlighting events like the Reed Smoot hearings that exposed LDS doctrines and practices, including plural marriage and oaths conflicting with loyalty to the United States.

The teaching discusses the historical controversy surrounding early Mormon practices, focusing on the "oath of vengeance" in LDS temples, which persisted until 1927, posing a significant challenge to Mormons holding public office, such as Senator Reed Smoot. It highlights issues of political and spiritual allegiance, LDS beliefs about governance, and the contradictions and deceptions revealed during the Smoot hearings, particularly regarding polygamy and the church’s efforts to protect its image amidst accusations of lying and manipulation.

The 1890 manifesto issued by the LDS was portrayed as a strategic maneuver, not an actual denunciation of polygamy, as evidenced by prominent figures like Senator Reed Smoot who misrepresented discussions of plural marriage and advocated for its restoration, leading to divisions within the church between followers adhering to traditional polygamist practices and those moving towards modernized societal roles. This period marked a transformational shift in Mormonism from its origins to a significant political influence in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for the emergence of Mormon fundamentalism as some Saints sought to hold onto the original teachings of prophets like Joseph Smith and Brigham Young.