Introduction
Doctrine and Covenants 49 is one of the more unusual sections of the Doctrine and Covenants because it directly addresses another specific religious group: the Shakers. Most revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants present teachings without naming other churches, though Joseph Smith’s First Vision accounts include the instruction not to join other churches and, in one account, specifically mention Methodists.
Who the Shakers Were
The Shakers originated as a radical offshoot of the Quakers in England. Quakers themselves were a radical Protestant group who rejected many formalities of traditional Christian worship, especially creeds and rigid church hierarchy…
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Shaker Beliefs Addressed in Doctrine and Covenants 49
Christ’s Second Appearing
Shakers taught that “Christ spirit,” the fullness of God’s power, had come again in Mother Ann Lee…
Shaker Celibacy
Shakers believed all sexual relations were sinful…
Shaker Views on Baptism
Shakers emphasized spiritual baptism rather than water baptism…
Shaker Vegetarianism & Pacifism
Some communities taught abstinence from meat…
Doctrine and Covenants 49 Responses to Shaker Teachings
D&C 49 on the Second Coming of Christ
The revelation insists that Christ will return personally and literally…
D&C 49 on Marriage
“Whoso forbiddeth to marry is not ordained of God…”
D&C 49 on Baptism and Ordinances
Water baptism and laying on of hands remain required…
D&C 49 on Meats
Animals are ordained for the use of man…
Lehman Copley, the Shaker Mission, and Its Aftermath
Lehman Copley’s Role
A former Shaker who joined the Church, he encouraged a mission to his former community…
The Failed Shaker Mission
On May 7, 1831, Rigdon, Pratt, and Copley preached at North Union, but the Shakers rejected the revelation…
Copley’s Apostasy and the Colesville Saints
Copley revoked his consecration and expelled the Colesville Saints from his property…
Doctrine and Covenants 54 and the Move to Missouri
The Lord commanded the Colesville Saints to relocate to Missouri, beginning another long and difficult journey…
Conclusion
Doctrine and Covenants 49 offers a rare and direct engagement with an outside religious movement. It clarifies core restored doctrines in contrast to Shaker teachings and illustrates both the challenges of early missionary work and the volatility of early conversions.