"God Has Made Us a Kingdom": James Strang And the Midwest Mormons

Brigham Young's chief rival in 1844 was James J. Strang, whose followers included former LDS apostles, witnesses to the Book of Mormon, a stake president, the former Presiding Bishop, and the entire Joseph Smith family. Whereas Young identified himself as the church's "caretaker" until a rightful heir stepped forward, Strang embodied the prophetic model, claiming personal visions, accounts of angelic visitations, revelations, and translations from the so-called sealed portion of the Book of Mormon. Publicly opposed to polygamy, Strang secretly wed an eighteen-year-old teacher disguised as his male secretary. Strang was increasingly despotic and was assassinated by his own followers. In "God Has Made Us a Kingdom," the details of the prophet's life and work are skillfully unraveled, showing the significance of his religious career and influence with those who sought the "garden of peace" in a "stronghold of safety."