Death on the Spot
In 1863, Brigham Young declared that interracial marriage was punishable by 'death on the spot' under God's eternal law. In 2013, the LDS Church disavowed this teaching.
Audio AvailableSongs
Each song below is accompanied by complete source documentation, historical context, and responses to common apologetic defenses. Every lyric traces to a specific citation in the Journal of Discourses.
Browse by topic or speaker using the tags on each song, or explore the full collection below.
21 songs documented with full source citations
Flat Nose and Black Skin
Brigham Young identified 'flat nose and black skin' as divine curses. For 119 years, this theology denied priesthood to Black Latter-day Saints.
Audio AvailableDevil's Representation
In 1881, LDS Church President John Taylor explained why God preserved the 'curse of Cain' through Noah's flood: 'Because it was necessary that the devil should have a representation upon the earth.' In 2013, the Church quietly disavowed these 'theories' - without naming the prophet who taught them.
Audio AvailableWe Cannot Tone It Down
John Taylor declared they 'cannot tone down' polygamy. He died in hiding, true to his vow. Six years later, the church abandoned the practice.
Adam Is Our God
In 1852, Brigham Young declared 'Adam is our Father and our God, the only God with whom we have to do. Every man will know it sooner or later.' In 1976, the LDS Church denounced it as false doctrine. Sooner or later, every man did know — just not what Brigham expected.
Audio AvailableMonogamy Is Robbery
Brigham Young called monogamy 'a system established by robbers' and 'no part of the economy of Heaven.' Today, every LDS temple marriage is monogamous.
There Are Plenty More
In 1854, Jedediah M. Grant taught that a righteous man, if asked by the Prophet for his wife, should reply: 'here she is; there are plenty more.'
Blood Atonement
In 1856, Brigham Young taught that some sins could only be forgiven by having your blood 'spilt upon the ground.' In 1851, this principle was used to justify murder in a Utah courtroom.
Rather Convert the Devil
In 1854, Brigham Young declared he would 'rather undertake to convert the devil himself' than try to convert a Jew.
The Only Men Who Become Gods
Brigham Young declared that ONLY polygamists can become Gods. He prophesied they would NEVER abandon polygamy for statehood. Both claims were reversed.
Audio AvailableAs God Once Was
The King Follett Discourse — Joseph Smith's magnum opus, delivered 81 days before his death. 'God himself was once as we are now.' Modern church response: 'I don't know that we teach it.'
Audio AvailableEndless Is My Name
In 1852, Brigham Young revealed that 'endless torment' doesn't mean eternal — because 'Endless is my name,' says God. A semantic escape from hell.
The Bridegroom at Cana
In 1854, Orson Hyde taught that Jesus himself was married at the wedding at Cana, with Mary, Martha, and Mary Magdalene as his wives.
A Host of Devils Will Be Needed
Brigham Young revealed that temple endowments are given to 'make devils of those who will deny the faith, for that is also necessary, as a host of devils will be needed.'
Cut Their Throats (Amen)
In 1855, Brigham Young proposed cutting throats as justice, and the congregation shouted 'Amen.' The church published it in their official record.
The Prophet Over Science
In 1857, Wilford Woodruff taught that if the Prophet contradicts scientific fact, it is your duty to 'abandon that principle or theory.' Authority over evidence.
Never Given to Another People
A First Presidency prophet promised 'this work shall never be given to another people.' Six years later, the Manifesto abandoned polygamy. Fundamentalists keep the doctrine but are excommunicated.
Your Husband Is Your Lord
In 1857, Erastus Snow taught that women cannot enter heaven without their husband's approval, declaring 'he is her lord.' Women who honor their husbands insufficiently deserve 'a worse one.'
Every Act of Their Lives
In 1864, Brigham Young declared it was 'our duty to lead this people in every act of their lives' - a vision of total theocratic control that brooked no boundaries between church and personal freedom.
Jesus Had Many Wives
In 1853, LDS Apostle Jedediah M. Grant declared that Jesus Christ was a polygamist, persecuted because 'he had so many wives.' He concluded: 'We might almost think they were Mormons.'
Must Get Forgiveness from Brigham
In 1852, Heber C. Kimball declared that sins against Brigham Young could not be forgiven by God - you had to get forgiveness from Brigham first. 'That is the law of Deseret, gentlemen.'