Inspired mostly by your comments on my Emma post, but also because I am curious to see if this will be the runaway win that I think it will be I offer you:
HISTORICAL MORMON SMACKDOWN!
This week’s contestants: Emma Hale Smith and Eliza Snow Smith. Which of Joseph’s two most prominent wives do you think is the most important historical figure in Mormonism?
Emma, first wife of Joseph, subject of D&C 25, mentioned a few other times in the D&C, struggled with and eventually denied the revelation on plural marriage, first president of Relief Society, stayed in Nauvoo and eventually encouraged Joseph Smith III to participate in the founding of the RLDS (Community of Christ).
Eliza, a plural-wife of Joseph (I don’t know the order), wrote poetry and hymns, sister of a prophet, eventually a (sorta) general Relief Society president (first Relief Society secretary), apparently was cool with plural marriage and Brigham, gave blessings and generally acted in a manner that would not be smiled upon today.
Please vote and help us decide this most important question.
Definitely Emma in terms of historical impact. Let’s not forget Emma and Eliza reportedly had an actual smackdown, and Emma prevailed. Posted by Dave
Dave, that was hilarious. Posted by J. Stapley
Have you ever read Eliza’s poetry? Gag….Emma without a doubt. Emma’s life after Joseph’s death was not the hell BY and his colleagues had predicted it would be, and I love that. I’m not saying it was great, and there were still some bad times, but it appears she was fairly happy.I do think it extremely unfortunate she denied Joseph’s polygamy. But she was so emotionally tied to this that I can’t say I blame her. IMO, denying polygamy to her adult children when they asked her was her only significant fault. I’ve heard it said this was a factor in her youngest son’s insanity. His name was David and his biography came out about a year ago. Haven’t gotten to it yet.I don’t know if the insanity claim is true, but I still wish she had told the truth at that time. I loved Mormon Enigma. Emma is a much larger figure in Morminism than Eliza, IMO. It’s just that most Mormons don’t know it.Jaynee Posted by Jayneedoe
People, In addition to commenting (which I encourage), vote in the blogpoll to make your voice heard! It’s just over there to the right. I have a funny feeling that neither Dave nor Jaynee voted (though I can’t be sure)
John,I’m sorry, but on my screen I can’t see the poll. I did discover, however, by clicking on your Avatar that “The Mission” is one of your favorite movies.That is also in my top ten, maybe even number one, but I rarely meet anyone who has ever seen it. It’s truly an extraordinary film.Can you place my vote for me. Again, Emma all the way.Jaynee