Endless 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.
Audio coming soon
The Quote
“For behold, I am endless, and the punishment which is given from my hand is endless punishment, for Endless is my name. Wherefore, eternal punishment is God’s punishment. Endless punishment is God’s punishment.” — D&C 19, read by Brigham Young in JoD 6:286 (August 15, 1852)
Lyrics
Coming Soon
Historical Context
The Setting: August 15, 1852 — Salt Lake Tabernacle. Brigham Young delivers a discourse on the “Extensive Character of the Gospel,” explaining the fate of those who never heard the Mormon gospel.
The Speaker: Brigham Young — Second President of the LDS Church (1847-1877), Prophet, Seer, and Revelator.
The Doctrine: Young reads from D&C 19 (then called the Book of Doctrine and Covenants, Section 44), a revelation given to Martin Harris. The revelation redefines “endless” and “eternal” punishment — words that terrified 19th-century Christians with visions of unending hell-fire. The revelation claims these terms don’t describe duration but rather ownership: punishment is “endless” because God’s name is “Endless.”
The Implications:
- Nearly everyone is saved eventually (except sons of perdition)
- Hell is temporary for most
- Traditional Christianity’s eternal damnation was based on a misunderstanding
- The Spirit World offers second chances
Young uses this doctrine to argue that good people of all religions will receive glory according to their faithfulness, even without Mormon baptism in this life.
Lyric-to-Source Mapping
Coming Soon
Addressing Apologetic Responses
“This is beautiful doctrine”
Many find this teaching comforting. The song isn’t necessarily critical — it explores the irony of a semantic loophole being presented as divine revelation, and the question of whether word games constitute theology.
“This shows God’s mercy”
Perhaps. But it also shows revelation operating through 19th-century wordplay. “Endless” doesn’t mean endless because “Endless” is a name? This is philosophy, not prophecy.
“It’s in the D&C, not just the JoD”
Correct. This makes it canonized scripture, not just a sermon. The song explores what it means for “revelation” to hinge on definitions.
“Universal salvation is mainstream now”
Among many Christians, yes. But Mormonism claimed to restore this truth through revelation — the question is whether renaming hell constitutes revelation.
“Endless is my name.”