After the death of Smith, Brigham Young became the new leader of the church and led the Mormons West to avoid further harassment in Nauvoo. In 1847, Young and a scouting party found the Salt Lake City valley and established the city as the future home to the Church of Latter-day Saints. As previously mentioned, Smith, in the creation of the Book of Mormon said America is to be the land of the New Zion. Further proving this point, in the Articles of Faith of the church, Smith said, “We believe in the literal gathering of Israel and in the restoration of the Ten Tribes; that Zion (the New Jerusalem) will be built upon the American continent; that Christ will reign personally upon the earth; and, that the earth will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory.” Smith’s …show more content…
One of the more well-known restrictions is the rule against drinking alcohol. In the Mormon book of covenants, it specifically bans the use of alcohol saying, “That inasmuch as any man drinketh wine or strong drink among you, behold it is not good, neither meet in the sight of your Father, only in assembling yourselves together to offer up your sacraments before him..” Mormons have bans for alcohol because they believe God promised them good health if they abide by his law of health. Stated in their covenant, “And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;”. By following the Lord’s commandments, it keeps the Mormon population faithful to one another and it “distinguishes themselves from the gentiles.” They are strict in their covenants due to this enforcement policy. To them being a gentile is one who opposes God and not being a part of the Mormon community. And for such a communal following being considered a gentile is among the worst things anyone could