Publication Information
Author:
Arrington, Leonard J.
Title:
Early Mormon communitarianism
Published in: Mormonism and American culture, edited by Marvin S. Hill
and James B. Allen
Published By:
Mormonism and American culture, edited by Marvin S. Hill
and James B. Allen
New York: Harper and Row, Publishers. 1972. 37-58 p.
By line: Leonard J. Arrington
HRAF Publication Information: New Haven, Conn.:
Human Relations Area Files, 2018. Computer File
Culture:
Mormons (NT24)
Subjects:
Comparative evidence (171);
History (175);
Cultural goals (185);
Property system (421);
Real property (423);
Cooperative organization (474);
Revelation and divination (787);
Congregations (794);
Abstract:
This work discusses attempts by the first Mormons to build
a religious community based on the leveling and communitarian principles of consecration
and stewardship, as originally revealed to Joseph Smith. All property was deeded to the
Church in exchange for a grant based on the needs of each family. Such property became
consecrated, deemed God's possessions, including surplus that was redistributed according
to need. The author reveals the difficulties in implementing the policy, and reasons for
its eventual abandonment in 1838 when the community was forced to move for a third time, to
Illinois. For references cited see Hill and Allen (1972 “Selected
bibliography”).
Document Number:
86
Document ID: nt24-086
Document Type:
Essay
Language:
English
Note:
For bibliographical references see document 95
Field Date:
not applicable
Evaluation:
Historians, Indigenes-4,5
Analyst:
Marlene Martin; Martin Malone; 1978. Ian Skoggard;
2012
Coverage Date:
1831-1841
Coverage Place:
Ohio, Missouri and Illinios, United
States
LCSH:
Mormons
