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Critics often misrepresent Brigham Young’s words, turning powerful teachings into points of contention. Recently, Michelle Grim’s post at Life After Ministry questioned Brigham’s claim of reading thoughts, sparking confusion among readers. But was this really a claim of supernatural power?
Just imagine listening to this all those years ago. Do you just accept it or do you compare it with the Bible?
We’re praying the people of Mormonism today do the latter.
First of all, Brigham Young couldn’t know what’s in man’s heart or the thoughts of anyone.
This would make God a liar and God never lies! (Numbers 23:19)
To address this, we need to look at his statement in its proper historical and doctrinal context. Stick around as I unpack the issue, highlight the flaws in Grim’s argument, and provide a faith-affirming response rooted in scripture and logic. Understanding the truth strengthens our ability to defend the gospel with confidence.
Understanding Brigham Young’s Statement in Journal of Discourses 10:40
Brigham Young’s teachings often carry layers of meaning shaped by the challenges and faith of the early Saints. His statement in Journal of Discourses 10:40, regarding knowing the "very thoughts of their hearts," has sparked conversations and critiques from outside the Church.
I say to the enemies of truth that I can tell them the words that are spoken in their private counsels. The very thoughts of their hearts are made known to me. They lay their plans to accomplish such and such a work in so long a time, and then plan a movement to destroy the “Mormons.” That is what they talk about and what is in their hearts, but they will be disappointed in it all. Every time they make a movement against this kingdom they will sink still lower in the scale of national power, while the kingdom of God will rise more and more in influence and importance in the eyes of all people.
By looking at the historical, scriptural, and doctrinal context, we can gain a better understanding of what he meant and why it matters.
Historical and Cultural Context
Brigham Young led the Church during one of its most turbulent periods. The Saints were no strangers to hardship—driven from Missouri, expelled from Nauvoo, and forced westward into the wilderness. These weren’t just minor inconveniences. They faced mob violence, loss of homes, and even death. Survival required unity and unparalleled trust in their leaders.
At that time, Church leaders needed to speak with boldness. Imagine being in Brigham’s shoes—guiding thousands of people under constant threat. His words weren’t just sermons; they were lifelines. Statements like the one in Journal of Discourses 10:40 were meant to inspire confidence in divine direction amidst the chaos. Critics tend to forget the backdrop of persecution, treating his remarks as if they came from someone with no pressures or responsibilities. That’s the wrong lens to use.
The Purpose of Prophetic Teachings
Prophets don’t just deliver soft reassurances; they challenge, inspire, and unify. Brigham’s bold rhetoric wasn’t about self-promotion or mysticism—it was about leading a people who relied entirely on divine direction. Leaders like Brigham couldn’t afford to speak in vague terms or leave room for doubt. They had to build faith and reinforce the collective confidence of the Saints.
When Brigham spoke of knowing the thoughts of others, it wasn’t boasting. It was a reminder of the prophetic gift—a gift many recognized from scripture. His words emphasized how deeply God was involved in guiding His people. A prophet’s role includes making the unseen felt, pushing the Saints to trust divine power over mortal limitations. Without bold statements from prophets, unity might falter, and the Spirit’s influence could be overshadowed by fear.
Prophetic Insight in Scriptural Context
Brigham’s statement aligns with biblical examples of God revealing knowledge to His prophets. Look at Elisha in 2 Kings 6:12. The king of Syria was baffled by Israel’s ability to anticipate his military moves, only to learn that Elisha, through divine insight, was revealing his plans. Elisha didn’t have to be physically present to know what was happening; God was his source of information.
This concept—prophetic insight through revelation—runs throughout scripture. Joseph, Daniel, and even Christ Himself spoke of things they couldn’t have known without divine revelation. When Brigham spoke of knowing thoughts, he echoed these scriptural moments. God’s prophets have always had access to higher truth when it was necessary to fulfill His work.
Analyzing the Specific Phrase: 'The Very Thoughts of Their Hearts'
Breaking down Brigham’s statement helps clarify its meaning. He wasn’t claiming to read minds like a magician or psychic. Instead, he was emphasizing the role of revelation. The phrase “the very thoughts of their hearts” highlights how the Spirit reveals what’s hidden, whether in motives, intentions, or actions.
Think about the broader principle of revelation. How often have you felt inspired to say something that turned out to be exactly what someone needed to hear? Prophets operate on a higher level of that same principle. Brigham’s statement reflects the divine insight he was entitled to as the Lord’s mouthpiece.
Critics fixating on this phrase miss the point. This wasn’t about earthly power or intellect—it was about aligning with God’s will. Through Brigham, the Saints learned that nothing could stay hidden from a God who sees all. It wasn’t a spectacle; it was a reminder of divine trustworthiness.
By understanding this statement in its historical and doctrinal context, we can see it for what it was: an expression of faith, revelation, and the prophetic role in the Restoration.
Identifying Logical Fallacies in Michelle Grim's Argument
Critiquing religious leaders often leads to misunderstandings, especially when their words are removed from their historical and spiritual context. In Michelle Grim’s post at Life After Ministry, her analysis of Brigham Young’s claim about reading thoughts falls victim to several logical fallacies. Let me break these down so we can better understand where her argument goes astray.
Strawman Fallacy: Misrepresenting Brigham’s Intent
Grim begins by portraying Brigham Young’s statement as a claim to omniscience, suggesting that he positioned himself as an all-knowing entity. But is that really what he said? Absolutely not. Brigham’s comment wasn’t about personal, limitless power—it was about receiving specific divine inspiration.
By framing his words this way, she creates a strawman argument. She knocks down an exaggerated version of Brigham’s intent rather than tackling the actual meaning behind his statement. Think of it like this: claiming Brigham’s prophetic insight equals omniscience is like saying a weather forecaster who predicts a storm thinks they control the weather. It’s simply not a fair correlation.
Brigham’s words align with countless scriptural examples where God grants prophets insight—not as a permanent resource but as needed to fulfill His work. By misrepresenting his intent, Grim forces a misunderstanding that misleads her readers and disregards historical and doctrinal context.
False Dichotomy: Rejecting Nuanced Interpretations
Grim pushes a false choice in her analysis: either Brigham’s statement was a false claim, or the Bible isn’t trustworthy. This oversimplifies the issue and dismisses the possibility of a nuanced, scripturally consistent explanation. Why exclude a middle ground that aligns both Brigham’s words and biblical teachings?
The Bible offers numerous examples of prophetic insight. Consider when Christ, in John 2:25, knew "what was in man," or when Peter, in Acts 5, discerned Ananias' deceit without being told. These events show that God has always equipped His servants with knowledge beyond human comprehension.
But Grim’s argument refuses to account for those possibilities. Instead, she frames it as an all-or-nothing conclusion that forces readers to choose between faith in the Bible or doubt in Brigham. This ignores the continuity between scriptural precedent and prophetic revelation, as if one must cancel out the other.
Eisegesis: Misapplication of Scripture
One of the more glaring issues in Grim’s argument is her selective use of scripture. She draws on Matthew 16:18 and 1 Corinthians 2:11 to discredit Brigham’s statement, but her approach lacks context and theological depth.
Take Matthew 16:18, for instance. This verse speaks about Peter’s role in building the Church, highlighting divine authority granted to man. Grim uses it as if it undermines prophetic authority, which is ironic because it does the exact opposite. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 2:11 describes the Spirit revealing divine truths. Instead of supporting her claim, this verse directly affirms the principle of revelation.
Grim isolates these passages from their broader context—a classic example of eisegesis. Rather than interpreting scripture in line with its intended meaning, she reads her own conclusions into it. This approach creates a flawed scriptural argument that cherry-picks verses while ignoring their deeper connections to prophetic gifts throughout history.
By examining these logical fallacies, it’s clear her critique of Brigham Young’s statement doesn’t hold up. Misrepresenting his intent, presenting false choices, and misusing scripture only distort the real conversation about prophetic revelation and divine insight. Recognizing these errors allows us to stay grounded in truth and defend our faith with confidence.
Contextual Analysis of Scriptures Quoted in Grim’s Post
When responding to critiques like Michelle Grim’s, it’s essential to examine the scriptures she cites in proper context. Misreading these verses leads to flawed conclusions about prophetic revelation and the doctrines of the Restored Gospel.
Matthew 16:18: The Rock of Revelation
In Matthew 16:18, Christ declares to Peter, “Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church.” Critics often interpret “rock” as Peter himself or use this passage to challenge modern prophetic authority. But what does the “rock” really mean? Revelation. It’s not about Peter as a person but the divine process by which God leads His Church.
Let me ask this: How does one build anything enduring without a strong foundation? Christ’s Church must be rooted in continuing communication with heaven. Revelation turns mortal leaders into instruments for divine will. The “rock” here isn’t a man—it’s God’s ability to reveal truth to humanity. That’s the foundation of eternal stability.
This doctrine aligns perfectly with Latter-day Saint beliefs. Prophets today, as in biblical times, guide the Church through revelation. Critics like Grim miss this point entirely. Instead of weakening Brigham Young’s statement, Matthew 16:18 reinforces it. Brigham’s ability to discern “the thoughts of their hearts” wasn’t a claim of personal power but evidence of God working through him. Without such spiritual gifts, how could God’s Church withstand opposition, trial, or human error over centuries?
By focusing solely on Peter, Grim ignores the broader truth this verse teaches: revelation is the heartbeat of the Church. It’s the same gift Christ promised Peter, the same power Brigham used to lead the early Saints, and the same principle guiding the Church today.
1 Corinthians 2:11: Knowing Through the Spirit of God
In 1 Corinthians 2:11, Paul asks, “For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.” This verse doesn’t diminish human understanding—it elevates it by recognizing the transformative power of divine revelation.
Have you ever had a moment when you just knew something, even if you couldn’t explain how? That’s a glimpse of what Paul is describing. The human mind, no matter how sharp, can’t grasp the depth and scope of God’s purposes without the Spirit. Prophets, through their calling, experience this on a much grander scale. God reveals truths to them that are vital for His Church.
Grim’s appeal to this scripture misses an important point: revelation bridges the gap between the finite and the infinite. Brigham Young’s insight into the “thoughts of their hearts” wasn’t a party trick or a wild claim. It was an example of this very principle. The Spirit gave him understanding that served the greater purpose of guiding the Saints.
Paul’s message actually supports the idea of spiritual gifts being granted to those God calls. Grim’s attempt to dismiss Brigham’s statement by referencing this passage is ironic. Instead of disproving prophetic insight, it validates the role of the Spirit in revealing hidden truths. Without such divine guidance, Paul himself couldn’t have taught the Corinthians with the power and understanding he possessed.
So what can we take away from all this? These scriptures highlight that prophets don’t rely on their own wisdom. Whether it’s Peter’s role in Matthew or Paul’s teaching to the Corinthians, both prove the necessity of revelation. Brigham’s prophetic role fits seamlessly into this scriptural framework, showing us that God continues to work through His chosen servants to accomplish His purposes. Grim’s argument loses its footing when the texts are read with their full meaning in mind.
The Role of Divine Inspiration in Prophetic Leadership
Understanding the role of prophetic leadership means understanding how divine inspiration empowers God’s chosen servants. Throughout history, prophets have received knowledge far beyond human reasoning, serving as instruments to lead, protect, and teach God’s people. From ancient scripture to modern times, the pattern remains strikingly clear: God grants prophets the insight they need to accomplish His purposes.
Let’s take a closer look at how this pattern unfolds in both the Bible and the life of Brigham Young.
Old Testament Examples of Prophetic Awareness
The Old Testament is filled with examples of prophets receiving divine insight to fulfill their missions. One striking instance is found in 2 Kings 6:12, during the ministry of Elisha.
In this chapter, the King of Aram is enraged because the Israelites seem to anticipate his every move. He accuses his servants of being spies, but one of them responds, “Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” Imagine the king’s frustration—there was no natural explanation for Israel’s knowledge of his plans.
This wasn’t a case of clever strategy or espionage. Elisha didn’t have informants lurking in Aram’s courts. Instead, God revealed the king’s intentions to Elisha, empowering him to protect Israel. This divine insight saved lives and demonstrated that nothing is hidden from God.
What made Elisha’s ability unique wasn’t his personal skill or power. It was his role as a prophet. Through revelation, Elisha received knowledge far beyond what was humanly possible. His example proves one essential truth: prophets are God’s instruments, equipped with divine wisdom to guide His people.
New Testament Examples of Inspired Knowledge
The New Testament continues this pattern, showing how Christ and His apostles operated with divine understanding. Two examples stand out: Christ discerning thoughts in Luke 5:22 and Peter confronting deceit in Acts 5:1-11.
In Luke 5:22, Jesus perceives the thoughts of the scribes who silently criticize Him for forgiving sins. Without hearing their words, He addresses their doubts directly, asking, “Why do you question in your hearts?” This wasn’t a parlor trick—it was evidence of His divine authority. Christ’s ability to perceive hearts wasn’t rooted in assumption or deduction but in His connection to the Father.
Similarly, in Acts 5, Peter experiences inspired knowledge when Ananias and Sapphira lie about their donation. Without being told, Peter knows the truth and calls them out for their deceit. He says, “You have not lied to men but to God.” This revelation wasn’t for Peter’s personal benefit—it served to protect the integrity of the early church and demonstrate the seriousness of dishonesty before God.
In both instances, these moments of insight weren’t rooted in ordinary reasoning. They were manifestations of divine inspiration, granted in specific situations to fulfill God’s purposes.
Brigham Young’s Role in Continuing the Biblical Pattern
Brigham Young’s claim of knowing “the very thoughts of their hearts” aligns perfectly with the biblical examples discussed above. His statement wasn’t an arrogant claim to omniscience—it was recognition of prophetic insight granted as needed to lead the Saints.
Consider the era in which Brigham led the Church. The Saints faced unimaginable trials: violent persecution, grueling migration, and the monumental task of establishing Zion in the wilderness. In such circumstances, they needed a leader who could draw on divine wisdom. Brigham’s role wasn’t just logistical; it was deeply spiritual.
Like Elisha guiding Israel or Peter safeguarding the early church, Brigham Young demonstrated God’s power to reveal what was necessary for His work. His ability to discern thoughts wasn’t about mind-reading in a sensational sense. Instead, it was about being in tune with the Spirit to protect and guide the Saints.
For example, Brigham’s inspired leadership often helped him identify challenges within the community before they escalated. Much like Peter calling out Ananias, he could sense when someone’s actions or intentions threatened the unity of the Saints. This wasn’t about personal judgment; it was about maintaining the sanctity and safety of the Church.
Brigham’s prophetic gift fits seamlessly into the scriptural pattern. Prophets throughout time have been granted divine insight to fulfill specific purposes, whether it’s protecting a nation, preserving the church, or offering guidance during tumultuous times. His leadership serves as a modern continuation of the same principles we see in the Bible.
Let’s not overlook the consistency here. Prophetic insight, whether in ancient Palestine or 19th-century Utah, shows us that God actively prepares His servants to lead. This principle hasn’t changed. The same God who revealed the King of Aram’s plans to Elisha also worked through Brigham Young to lead the Saints.
Understanding this connection strengthens our confidence in the role of prophets. It shows that divine inspiration isn’t reserved for ancient times—it continues today, ensuring that God’s people are always led by His hand.
Lessons for Addressing Criticism of Latter-day Saint Teachings
When tackling criticisms like the ones found in Michelle Grim’s post, it’s important to approach these arguments thoughtfully and systematically. Whether it’s a misunderstanding of prophetic statements or a misrepresentation of doctrine, careful evaluation helps us respond with clarity and confidence. Let’s focus on three strategies that can strengthen your understanding and defense of Latter-day Saint teachings.
Seek Historical and Doctrinal Context
Before jumping to conclusions about controversial statements, we need to understand why they were made and the setting in which they were shared. Many criticisms, like Grim’s, strip prophetic teachings of their historical and doctrinal backdrop, making them easier to dismiss—but this approach distorts their true meaning.
Take Brigham Young’s leadership as an example. His era wasn’t a calm, predictable environment. The Saints faced enormous external pressures, from physical danger to spiritual challenges. Leaders like Brigham spoke boldly because their words carried enormous weight during times of crisis. Imagine criticizing someone’s map without understanding the terrain they were navigating. That’s what happens when context is ignored.
It’s also essential to weigh prophetic teachings against core doctrines. Were Brigham’s statements consistent with Gospel principles? Absolutely. His bold rhetoric often pointed Saints toward unity, repentance, and the reliance on divine revelation. By keeping both the historical context and doctrinal foundation in mind, we can better grasp the purpose and meaning of prophetic counsel.
When evaluating criticisms:
- Research the historical period: Why was the statement given, and what challenges were the Saints facing?
- Focus on the audience: Was the teaching aimed at inspiring faith, addressing rebellion, or reinforcing doctrine?
- Look for doctrinal consistency: Does it align with scriptural teachings or other prophetic statements?
These steps help you see the full picture rather than relying on selective or surface-level interpretations.
Focus on Scriptural Consistency
A solid way to evaluate prophetic statements is to compare them with biblical principles. When prophets speak, their words don’t exist in a vacuum—they build upon established patterns found in scripture. Grim’s approach often ignores this, dismissing links between the Bible and modern revelation.
For instance, Brigham Young’s statement about “knowing the very thoughts of their hearts” mirrors numerous scriptural examples. Elisha received revelations that foiled enemy plans. Peter discerned dishonesty in the early Church. Even Christ knew the intentions of His critics before they spoke. These aren’t random coincidences—they reflect how God consistently works through His servants.
How can we align teachings with scripture?
- Identify scriptural precedents: Does the Bible describe similar events or principles? Look for harmony, not conflict.
- Understand prophetic roles: Prophets don’t act alone. They’re instruments in God’s hands, accomplishing His purposes.
- Seek the Spirit’s confirmation: Study prayerfully to better see the connections that critics often overlook.
By focusing on scriptural consistency, you cut through distortions and uncover deeper truths. Brigham’s statement wasn’t extraordinary when you recognize it as part of a long-standing scriptural pattern.
Avoid Logical Pitfalls in Discussions
Critics often rely on flawed arguments to make their points appear stronger than they are. Recognizing these logical fallacies is crucial when defending your faith. Let me share specific ways to spot and counter these pitfalls.
One common fallacy is the strawman argument, where critics misrepresent teachings to make them easier to attack. For example, Grim portrays Brigham as claiming supernatural omniscience, which isn’t what he meant at all. Instead of addressing his actual intent—a moment of divine insight—she exaggerates his words into something they aren’t.
Another tactic is the false dichotomy, where readers are forced to choose between two extreme options. Grim’s analysis suggests you must either dismiss Brigham’s words as false or question the reliability of the Bible. She ignores the nuanced truth: Latter-day Saint teachings build on, not contradict, biblical scripture.
Finally, watch for eisegesis, where critics project their interpretations onto scriptures without considering context. Grim takes Bible verses that affirm revelation and twists them to argue against prophetic insight. This approach works only if readers aren’t familiar with the full scriptural narrative.
When you spot these fallacies, try these strategies:
- Ask clarifying questions: What’s the evidence for her claim? Does it align with scripture or historical records?
- Point out the fallacy: Politely explain why the argument misrepresents Church teachings.
- Redirect toward the truth: Share examples or context that refute her distorted conclusions.
Once you’re aware of these tactics, they lose their power. Instead of feeling defensive, you can calmly highlight the flaws and steer the discussion toward truth.
By taking the time to understand historical settings, align teachings with scripture, and avoid common logical traps, we lay a strong foundation for responding to criticism with faith and knowledge. Each principle works together, helping us clearly articulate the truth while strengthening our own understanding.
Conclusion
Brigham Young’s words reflect a consistent scriptural pattern of prophetic insight and divine inspiration. Critics like Michelle Grim fail to consider context, both historical and doctrinal, leading to misinterpretations of his teachings. Prophets, whether in ancient scripture or the Restoration, have always received revelation to guide God’s people.
Understanding this principle reinforces the truth of continuing revelation and the role of modern prophets. I encourage readers to study these topics prayerfully, seeking to deepen their faith and knowledge. By embracing the scriptures and prophetic teachings fully, we align ourselves more closely with divine truth.
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