Apocalyptic beliefs among Latter-day Saints

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Christian church that believes in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.[2] Preceding these events, members believe there will be a series of apocalyptic events that will prepare the earth for Christ’s return. Some of these events align with scriptural prophecy while others originate from modern day and uncanonized revelation. These events have deep importance in the church, and members believe their role in them is crucial. By adequately studying religious text, adhering to the council from their leaders, and making necessary preparations, church members believe they will be ready for the imminent destruction to come.

“The Latter-day Saints of the nineteenth century belonged to an apocalyptic tradition. Their very identity was entangled with the belief that society was headed toward cataclysmic events that would uproot the current social order in favor of a divine order that would be established in its place.”[1]

Apocalypticism

The word apocalypse is often correlated with Judaism and Christianity. The earliest literary records of apocalyptic ideologies are found in the Bible.[3] There are four characteristics of an apocalypse that can be categorized and used to determine these beliefs. Throughout time, many different religious groups have possessed beliefs that align with these categories. Through the writings of the ancient prophets, current religions have been able to form apocalyptic beliefs about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ surrounding the prophecy of the text. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is also one of these religious sects to hold similar beliefs. The categories are:[4]

  1. Righteous people will be vindicated, and the opposition will be vanquished.
  2. An angel or heavenly messenger will disclose certain revelations regarding the event.
  3. Ancient figures appear.
  4. Ambiguous signs or objects will be presented that the general public will not understand, but the elect will.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe the righteous will be saved, religious figures will appear to reveal prophecy, and signs will be sent that the prepared members will recognize and respond to. These categories form the backbone of the Latter-day Saint apocalyptic beliefs.

Apocalyptic beliefs in doctrine

Before Christ's second coming, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe there will be a period of destruction and death. The phrase "the last / latter days" refers to this period of time.[5] Saints believe these will be "perilous times" filled with "great calamities".[5][6] The following prophecies describe the church’s doctrinal beliefs regarding this apocalyptic period from canonized scripture and modern apostolic words.

  • Rain and hail[7]
  • Thunder and lightning[8]
  • Waves of sea beyond bounds[8]
  • Valleys uplifted and mountains lowered,[9] earthquakes[8]
  • Mountains broken[10]
  • Sun darkens[11]
  • Blood, fire, and smoke vapors[12]
  • "Weeping and wailing" of men[11]
  • Wars and rumors of wars[13] 

Despite the prophesied destruction and calamities of the "last days", members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that they should not be afraid if they are prepared and righteous.[14] [15]

Impact on US political history
Edwin Rushton and Theodore Turley claimed Joseph Smith Jr. prophesied to them of the US and Latter-day Saint's futures concerning the "end of times".[16] This prophecy, called the White Horse Prophecy, is not considered official LDS doctrine but has made a significant impact on their cultural outlooks and actions.

LDS church members' historical relationship with the US government has been complicated by their apocalyptic doctrines and prophecies. According to Latter-day Saint beliefs, Jesus Christ is prophesied to take his place as King, restoring peace just as the nation and government fall apart.[17] [2] Members anticipate events like war, sickness, and intense religious persecution prior to Christ's second coming.[5] In the early years of the church there was "an outpouring of apocalyptic commentary" within LDS communities.[1] These were often from uncanonized visions and prophecies, such as the White Horse Prophecy that warned that the US constitution will "hang by a thread" before Christ’s second coming.[18] With great persecution, disease, and death among the early LDS community, speculation of the rapid coming of  “the last days'' and the government’s degradation was soon popularized. These speculations became so influential because the saints had much anticipation for Christ to deliver them from their injustices.[1] The great excitement surrounding the topic of apocalypse at the time, meant even ordinary individuals’ claimed visions were quickly circulated within the community. This caused some discrepancy between "official" church doctrine and LDS members' cultural beliefs and actions.[1]

Dallin H. Oaks, an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, commented that “in the first decade of the restored Church, its members on the western frontier were suffering private and public persecution. Partly, this was because of their opposition to the human slavery then existing in the United States.”[19] American divisions over slavery diminished Saints’ trust in the US government. The LDS church and US government became even more tense because, despite appealing for government assistance, church members were not given aid during their religious persecution. This persecution included being threatened, killed, and pushed from their homes. Further, there was a Mormon extermination order issued in 1838. Other issues such as government restrictions on polygamy also created a greater wedge between the two groups, reinforcing Latter-day Saint ideas that signs of "wickedness" observed within the government meant "the last days" were upon them.[20] Joseph Smith, the prophet of the church at the time stated, "Who is so big a fool as to cry, 'The law! The law!' when it is always administered against us and never in our favor?"[21]

Preparation

Physical

Latter-day Saints are well-known for storing food and emergency supplies.[22] Latter-day Saint leaders have instructed their members to prepare themselves[23][24] such that they could survive without government aid.[22] In studying the scriptures, members believe the earth will suffer famines like occurred in ancient times; they also believe imminent natural disasters will take place in the "last days", leaving them without access to basic necessities.  It has been recommended that members store up to one year of food, water, and other supplies.[25][26] Members often dedicate a room in their home for storing extra food and emergency supplies. Specific companies in Utah and Idaho are dedicated to providing food storage supplies for purchase.[26]

Common food/supplies stored:[22][26]

  • wheat
  • MREs
  • hot chocolate packets
  • powdered milk
  • canned goods
  • cheese powder
  • powdered eggs
  • peanut butter
  • pasta
  • sugar
  • oats
  • salt
  • flashlights
  • batteries
  • money
  • toilet paper
  • gas
  • first aid supplies
  • deodorant
  • tools
  • candles
  • water (water must be treated and stored in very specific ways to avoid contamination over long periods of time)[27]

Intellectual

Latter-day Saints are constantly encouraged by their leaders to avoid debt and practice self-reliance.[28] It lessens their reliance on outside sources, preparing them for the perilous days they believe to be ahead. The church offers self-reliance courses for their members to teach them how to accomplish this.[23][29] Church leaders have taught to only accrue debt with a house payment, education loans, and a car.[28] Members' obedience to this council is said to help them be more financially independent.

Recognizing signs

The Latter-day Saint faith finds great importance in the signs of the Second Coming. They believe that by being aware of the apocalyptic signs, they will be better aware of when the Second Coming will occur.[24] While some members of the faith claim to have visions of the apocalyptic time before the Savior’s return,[30] most faithfully follow the advice and warnings of the prophets– believing them to receive direct guidance from God Himself.

Latter-day Saints are taught to know what the signs are and understand the timeline of events. A large part of their preparation is being adept in an understanding of the scriptures and being faithfully obedient.[31] Members are constantly admonished by the scriptures and church leaders to “watch and be ready.”[32][33] They are also taught from the Bible that even the elect members of the faith will be deceived.[34] This deception can come by temptation, sin, or worldly affairs. With this prophecy looming overhead, members prioritize their obedience to the faith’s standards, so they can ensure their fate at the Second Coming. They believe the righteous will be gathered into the presence of Jesus, and that He will bless them with exaltation.[35] Latter-day Saints believe exaltation to be the purpose for life, and this possibility motivates much of what they do.

Gathering of Israel
One of the LDS temples in which members can attend to prepare themselves and their family for the events of the apocalypse.

Members believe that as the apocalypse comes closer, they have a duty to share their religious message with others in the world. This is known within the faith as the prophecy of the Gathering of Israel. Russell M. Nelson, the current prophet, has been known to greatly emphasize this prophecy, and the benefits of fulfilling it in the "last days".[36] Due to this, the church sends missionaries into the world to share their faith with others.[36][37] Leaders also encourage members to be good examples in their communities and invite others to join them in their faith. Family genealogy and service done in LDS temples are other key practices in Gathering Israel.[36][38] The church believes that by making these efforts, more people will be able to gain salvation while spiritually preparing themselves and their families for apocalyptic events.

COVID-19 pandemic reactions
In the event of an apocalypse and supply shortage, Latter-day Saints store food in order to ensure their own personal health and safety.

The COVID-19 pandemic that began in the early months of 2020 created apocalyptic anxieties within Latter-day Saint communities. These events were especially concerning and impactful to church missionaries who were separated from their families or experiencing emergency evacuation from a foreign nation.[39] Many Latter-day Saints relied on their emergency food and supply storage during the shortage.[40]

References
  1. Blythe, Christopher James (2020). Terrible Revolution: Latter-day Saints and the American Apocalypse. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. pp. 2–3. ISBN 9780190080310.
  2. "Second Coming of Jesus Christ". Church of Jesus Christ.
  3. Himmelfarb, Martha (2010-01-22). The Apocalypse: A Brief History. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-1-4443-1822-7.
  4. Underwood, Grant (1999). The Millenarian World of Early Mormonism. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-06826-3.
  5. "Signs of the Times". Church of Jesus Christ.
  6. "2 Timothy 3:1". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  7. "Ezekiel 38:22". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  8. "Doctrine and Covenants 88:89-90". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  9. "Isaiah 40:4". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  10. "Doctrine and Covenants 133:22". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  11. "Doctrine and Covenants 29:14-15". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  12. "Doctrine and Covenants 44:41". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  13. "Doctrine and Covenants 87:2". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  14. "Doctrine and Covenants 38:30". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  15. "Doctrine and Covenants 45:35". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  16. "Edwin Rushton as the Source of the White Horse Prophecy". BYU Studies. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  17. Stewart, D. Michael. "What do we know about the purported statement of Joseph Smith that the Constitution would hang by a thread and that the elders would save it?". Church of Jesus Christ.
  18. "The White Horse Prophecy", George Cobabe, Foundation for Apologetic Information & Research (2004). Retrieved November 22, 2022.
  19. Oaks, Dallin H. (April 2021). "Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 22 November 2022.
  20. "Antipolygamy Legislation". Church of Jesus Christ.
  21. Translation of Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter Days, Volume 1, The Standard of Truth, 1815–1846. Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 2018. p. 334.
  22. Powell, Randal Louis (2020). 'The Day Soon Cometh': Mormons, the Apocalypse, and the Shaping of a Nation (Thesis). ProQuest 2445907545.
  23. Saints, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day (2006). Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. pp. Chapter 11. ISBN 978-1-4651-0082-5.
  24. Stapley, Elder Delbert L. Stapley Of the Council of the Twelve ImageElder Delbert L. "To Make a People Prepared for the Lord". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  25. "Food Storage". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  26. Spikes, Allie (2020). "Canned". River Teeth: A Journal of Nonfiction Narrative. 22 (1): 43–53. doi:10.1353/rvt.2020.0018. S2CID 243181502. Project MUSE 771338.
  27. "Drinking Water Guidelines". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  28. Cranney, Rachel (9 August 2011). The Good Life: Mormons and Money (Thesis). ProQuest 2548392590.
  29. Self-reliance courses at the Church of Jesus Christ
  30. Pontius, John (2012). Visions of Glory: One Man's Astonishing Account of the Last Days. Cedar Fort. ISBN 978-1-4621-1118-3.
  31. Crapo, Richley H. "Free Will and Obedience: The Role of Paradox in Mormon Myth and Ritual." context 2397 (1970): 2398.
  32. "Matthew 24:42-44". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  33. "Doctrine and Covenants 50:46". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  34. "Matthew 24:24". Church of Jesus Christ. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  35. Olive, P. C. (2017). The Prophesied Coming of Christ: Book of Mormon, Native America, and Latter-day Prophecies of the Second Coming. Cedar Fort.
  36. Nelson, Elder Russell M. Nelson Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ImageElder Russell M. "The Gathering of Scattered Israel". www.churchofjesuschrist.org. Retrieved 2022-11-18.
  37. Shepherd, Gordon; Shepherd, Gary (1996). "Membership Growth, Church Activity, and Missionary Recruitment". Dialogue. 29 (1): 33–57. JSTOR 45226166.
  38. Guelke, Jeanne Kay (2016-04-22). Geography and Genealogy: Locating Personal Pasts. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-317-12889-2.
  39. Bialecki, Jon (3 April 2022). "A managerial apocalypse: Mormon Missionaries, eschatological anxieties, and covid-19". Religion. 52 (2): 306–321. doi:10.1080/0048721X.2022.2051800. S2CID 247869927.
  40. "Families' Food Storage Helps Them Sustain Through COVID-19 Lockdown". ChurchofJesusChrist.org. 23 April 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.
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