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The Morrisites and the Sociology of Religious Schism Presentation by Eric Paul Rogers Annual Meeting of the John Whitmer Historical Association 2006

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Sociological Theory of Religious Schism [the sociologist] sees schisms as the expression of social differences rather than the doctrinal and liturgical disputes they ostensibly represent. Wilson, J. 1971. The sociology of schism. In A sociological yearbook of religion in Britain, edited by M. Hill, pp. 1-20. London: SCM. religion may be a theater in which to act our conflicts arising from other issues. Tubeville, G. "Religious Schism in the Methodist Church: A Sociological Analysis of the Pine Grove Case." Rural Sociology 14 (1949): 29-39.

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Joseph Morris and the Origins of Church of the Firstborn--Morrisites 19811988

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Who was Joseph Morris? To all nations and people of all languages that now dwell upon the earth. Be it known unto you that I am sent by the great King of Kings, and Lord of Lords to rule over all Adams posterity. And being his representative, I hold in my hand this emblem of power, unto which all of the nations and kingdoms of the Earth must bow; for I am the legitimate ruler over all the Earth, and my authority is sanctioned by the First God; therefore, I hold in my hand an emblem of power to represent his scepter which will shortly be given unto me. I am Joseph Morris, President of the Melchisedec Priesthood.

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Revelations Verily, verily, verily, thus saith the spirit unto thee, my servant Joseph: I the Lord, have beheld thy afflictions, and know the intentions of thy heart. And because thou art pure before me, I will give unto thee power over thine enemies; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord, and that I regard not the persons of men only in their obedience to me...

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Success in South Weber

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Organization of the Church April 6, 1861 Six members The Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the Most High The Church of the Firstborn (Morrisites) Counselors and Apostles called

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Brighamite and Morrisite Tensions The imminent coming of Jesus Christ Neglect of winter provisions Perceived militancy Harassment and failed redress of grievances Fines and penalties Increasingly public denouncements of Brigham Young Incitement and anticipated deliverance

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Conflict Unfulfilled revelations Disaffection Imprisonment

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Conflict Unfulfilled revelations Disaffection Imprisonment Court orders Enforcement

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Conflict Unfulfilled revelations Disaffection Imprisonment Court orders Enforcement Battle

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Dispersion Soda Springs, Idaho Deer Lodge, Montana Carson Valley, Nevada Walla Walla, Washington South Weber, Utah

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Comparison of Ideologies Brighamites Physical gathering Possessions held in common Second advent to follow the building of Zion in Jackson County, Missouri Material success is a just reward for temporal and spiritual diligence One written revelation Second Coming to occur soon Polygamy a divine principle for time and eternity Morrisites Physical gathering Possessions held in common Second advent to precede the building of Zion in Jackson County, Missouri Material success reflects neglect of spiritual preparation Voluminous written revelations Second Coming to occur imminently Polygamy a correct principle but not to be practiced as the Brighamites practiced it

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Sociological Influences Resentment of Brigham Young Conflicts with local authorities Poverty Family ties Immigration network