History of Blood Atonement Sources

Sources for Executing Salvation: The Disturbing History of Blood Atonement in Mormonism

Historical Documents and Teachings

Temple Endowment Penalties: Details from early Mormon temple ceremonies showing symbolic death oaths related to blood atonement theology.

• Source: Temple Endowment Ceremonies (Pre-1990).

Doctrine and Covenants Section 132: Discusses consequences for failing to abide by polygamy, suggesting punishment by destruction.

• Source: Doctrine and Covenants 132.

Joseph Smith's Teachings on Capital Punishment: Quotes emphasizing judgment and physical punishment for transgressions.

 

• Source: History of the Church, 5:296.

The Reed Peck Manuscript: Cites Joseph Smith’s discussions of "dissenters" and punishment.

• Source: Reed Peck Manuscript.

 

Brigham Young’s Teachings

Journal of Discourses:  

Blood atonement for apostates:

• Source: Journal of Discourses Vol. 1, pp. 83-108 (1853)

Deseret News: Teachings on saving sinners through death: July 27, 1854.

• Source: Deseret News Archives.

Brigham Young on Adultery:  

"The time has been in Israel...": 

• Source: Journal of Discourses, v. 4, p. 219.

"Loving Your Neighbor" Doctrine: Advocates spilling a neighbor's blood to save their soul.

• Source: Journal of Discourses, v. 4, pp. 219-220, Feb. 8, 1857.

 

Eyewitness Accounts and Historical Testimonies

John D. Lee Diaries: Details killings in Nauvoo and Utah, attributing them to the enforcement of blood atonement.

• Source: John D. Lee Diaries.

The Temple Lot Case: Apostle William Smith testifies about blood atonement in 1845.

• Source: Temple Lot Case.

Springville Massacre: Account of murders tied to blood atonement ideology.

 

• Source: Journal of Mormon History Archives.

Rocky Mountain Saints: Story of polygamist wife murdered by her husband under the guise of blood atonement.

• Source: Rocky Mountain Saints.

 

Official Statements

Joseph Fielding Smith: Endorsed blood atonement as scriptural doctrine.

• Source: Doctrines of Salvation, v. 1, pp. 135-136 (1954).

BYU Professor Gustive O. Larson: Cited a case of blood atonement carried out in Cedar City.

• Source: Utah Historical Quarterly, Jan. 1958, p. 62.

Judge Cradlebaugh’s Testimony: Accounts of Mormon violence and murders under blood atonement doctrine.

• Source: U.S. House of Representatives Records, 1859.

Additional Historical Context

Affidavits and Testimonies: Numerous statements detailing violent enforcement of church doctrines, such as the murders of Henry Jones and his mother.

• Link: Utah Mormon Speeches.