The Rise of the LDS Church: Why It Outshone 19th Century Religious Movements in America

Throughout the 19th century, numerous religious movements emerged in America, seeking to restore or reinvigorate long-forgotten theological practices. However, only one movement managed to not only endure but to thrive: the LDS Church. This success, paradoxically, is often linked to a form of totalitarian fanaticism that set the LDS apart from its contemporaries. In this article, we explore the unique factors that contributed to the longevity and influence of the LDS Church compared to other religious movements.

Survival through Isolation

The LDS Church was one of the few 19th century religious movements that managed to survive and even thrive over the centuries. This longevity can largely be attributed to its leaders' ability to isolate the church from external influences. By moving their followers far into the wilderness, the church avoided competing authorities and larger societies where dissatisfied members could easily leave. This isolation was a strategic move, necessitated by the intense condemnation from their fellow Americans over their practice of plural marriage.

Loyalty and Plural Marriage

The members' willingness to move to such remote locations stemmed from a complex set of reasons, all of which revolve around the intense loyalty they felt towards the church and its struggle to maintain plural marriage. As the church continued to move westward from New York to Ohio and then to Utah, the condemnation from mainstream American society grew more extreme. This loyal adherence to their beliefs, despite the challenges, was a critical factor in the church's survival and eventual success.

Political and Financial Power

The continued success of the LDS Church through the late 20th and 21st centuries is largely due to its diminishing political control of Utah and its significant financial resources. The church has managed to maintain considerable influence in Utah, thanks to its consistent efforts to shape political and social policies. Moreover, the vast financial resources at the church's disposal have allowed it to invest in marketing and expansion, further cementing its position both within and outside of Utah.

Competing Religious Movements

While the LDS Church was distinguishing itself, other religious movements of the 19th century were either fading away or converting to more commercial ventures. One notable example is the Oneida Community, which shifted from a religious experiment to a business enterprise. There were also other movements seeking to "restore" the Church, such as the Holiness Movement and the Stone-Campbell "restoration" movement, which resulted in the emergence of numerous denominations like the Church of Christ (Acapella) and the Disciples of Christ.

Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, crossed paths with these movements during his early days, leading to the founding of the LDS Church. Unlike these other movements, Smith’s vision was not merely spiritual but also political and commercial. Going to Utah, a desolate and then seldom-visited place, allowed the LDS to build a strong base of power and influence in the Midwest. Once established, the church then developed a sophisticated marketing strategy, appealing to the idea that one needs to be "in the inner ring" to fully understand the church's beliefs and practices. This strategy has been particularly effective in maintaining the church's influence and longevity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the LDS Church's enduring success in the face of so many other 19th century religious movements can be attributed to a combination of isolation, loyalty, political control, and financial resources. Unlike other movements which faded or converted to more commercial enterprises, the LDS Church's fanatical dedication to its beliefs, combined with strategic leadership and marketing, allowed it to not only survive but to thrive.