About the book
From the Mormon Church’s public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. Did principles of religious freedom and local self-government protect Mormons' claim to a distinct, religiously based legal order? Or was polygamy, as its opponents claimed, a new form of slavery — this time for white women in Utah? And did constitutional principles dictate that democracy and true liberty were founded on separation of church and state?
As Sarah Barringer Gordon shows, the answers to these questions finally yielded an apparent victory for antipolygamists in the late nineteenth century, but only after decades of argument, litigation, and open conflict. Victory came at a price; as attention and national resources poured into Utah in the late 1870s and 1880s, antipolygamists turned more and more to coercion and punishment in the name of freedom. They also left a legacy in constitutional law and political theory that still governs our treatment of religious life: Americans are free to believe, but they may well not be free to act on their beliefs.
Editions of The Mormon Question
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807826614
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807849873
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807875261
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890870742
Read an Excerpt
From the Mormon Church’s public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. Did principles of religious freedom and local self-government protect Mormons' claim to a distinct, religiously based legal order? Or was polygamy, as its opponents claimed, a new form of slavery — this time for white women in Utah? And did constitutional principles dictate that democracy and true liberty were founded on separation of church and state?
As Sarah Barringer Gordon shows, the answers to these questions finally yielded an apparent victory for antipolygamists in the late nineteenth century, but only after decades of argument, litigation, and open conflict. Victory came at a price; as attention and national resources poured into Utah in the late 1870s and 1880s, antipolygamists turned more and more to coercion and punishment in the name of freedom. They also left a legacy in constitutional law and political theory that still governs our treatment of religious life: Americans are free to believe, but they may well not be free to act on their beliefs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Mormon Question about?
From the Mormon Church’s public announcement of its sanction of polygamy in 1852 until its formal decision to abandon the practice in 1890, people on both sides of the “Mormon question” debated central questions of constitutional law. Did principles of religious freedom and local self-government protect Mormons' claim to a distinct, religiously based legal order? Or was polygamy, as its opponents claimed, a new form of slavery — this time for white women in Utah? And did constitutional principles dictate that democracy and true liberty were founded on separation of church and state?
As Sarah Barringer Gordon shows, the answers to these questions finally yielded an apparent victory for antipolygamists in the late nineteenth century, but only after decades of argument, litigation, and open conflict. Victory came at a price; as attention and national resources poured into Utah in the late 1870s and 1880s, antipolygamists turned more and more to coercion and punishment in the name of freedom. They also left a legacy in constitutional law and political theory that still governs our treatment of religious life: Americans are free to believe, but they may well not be free to act on their beliefs.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in The Mormon Question?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity > Christian Churches, denominations, groups > Denominations of American origin
Where can I read a sample of The Mormon Question?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807826614
How long is The Mormon Question and how many pages does it have?
The Mormon Question has 352 page(s)
Is The Mormon Question part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Studies in Legal History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book The Mormon Question?
Sarah Barringer Gordon
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
The Mormon Question is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807826614) and paperback(ISBN 9780807849873) and ebook(ISBN 9780807875261) and pdf(ISBN 9798890870742)
Where can I buy The Mormon Question online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy The Mormon Question from below
Where can I buy The Mormon Question?