The Politics of American Religious Identity: The Seating of Senator Reed Smoot, Mormon Apostle Book

Most LDS are familiar with the dual-nature of the Church. On the one hand, we have the polygamous, communal/cooperative, isolated Church of the 19th century. Then we have the monogomous, capitalist/industrial, patriotically integrated and public-image aware Church of the 20th Century. How did such a change happen? What it the process for a Church community to so radically redefine it's relationship to the world and prosper?

"The Politics of American Religious Identity" focuses on one of the key catalysts in that transition, and shows the great (and sometimes painful) changes enacted by the LDS Church and community to make that transition.

When LDS Apostle Reed Smoot was elected to congress in 1902, he faced bitter opposition from many Senators. Questions about his loyalty and marriage status were critical in the public's eye for determining his suitability to serve in Washington. So the senate held a hearing to decide whether a high-ranking (monogamous) Mormon Apostle could properly act as a Senator. This hearing brought the Mormon Church to the forefront of American awareness, and resulted in the final renouncements of polygamy nearly 16 years after the original "manifesto" began the process of ending the practice. It also set in motion greater cultural and doctrinal changes that set the path for the Church in the 20th century and beyond.

Highly recommended for those interested in aspects of LDS Church history and culture that are rarely discussed in a Church setting, but critical to understanding how the Church has evolved over the years.