The Mormon Hierarchy: Extensions of Power by D. Michael Quinn

by D. Michael Quinn

The Mormon church today is led by an elite group of older men, nearly three-quarters of whom are related to current or past general church authorities. This dynastic hierarchy meets in private; neither its minutes nor the church’s finances are available for public review. Members are reassured by public relations spokesmen that all is well and that harmony prevails among these brethren. But by interviewing former church aides, examining hundreds of diaries, and drawing from his own past experience as an insider within the Latter-day Saint historical department, D. Michael Quinn presents a fuller view. His extensive research documents how the governing apostles, seventies, and presiding bishops are likely to be at loggerheads, as much as united. These strong-willed, independent men–like directors of a large corporation or supreme court justices–lobby among their colleagues, forge alliances, out-maneuver opponents, and broker compromises. There is clandestine political activities, investigative and punitive actions by church security forces, personal “loans” from church coffers (later written off as bad debts), and other privileged power-vested activities. Quinn considers the changing role and attitude of the leadership toward visionary experiences, the momentous events which have shaped quorum protocol and doctrine, and day-to-day bureaucratic intrigue from the time of Brigham Young to the dawn of the twenty-first century. The hierarchy seems at root well-intentioned and even at times aggressive in fulfilling its stated responsibility, which is to expedite the Second Coming. Where they have become convinced that God has spoken, they have set aside personal differences, offered unqualified support, and spoken with a unified voice. This potential for change, when coupled with the tempering effect of competing viewpoints, is something Quinn finds encouraging about Mormonism. But one should not assume that these men are infallible or work in anything approaching uninterrupted unanimity.

Genres: History, Religion, Mormonism, Nonfiction, Lds, Spirituality, American History

Hardcover

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disclosure: I am a fully active and committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

This book is not for every member. In fact, I would not recommend it to more than 5% of the LDS I know. It's too much for their testimonies to handle. For those 5%, it is exactly what they need to progress in further light and truth.

The book is completely objective. I didn't find any of the sort of sneers you'd expect from an excommunicated member of the Church. It is a history book, plain and simple. You'll find a more accurate depiction of the processes of the leading quorums of the Church and an insight into how some of the current policies evolved here. Everything is from official sources, such as minutes from the meetings of the Twelve. If you're wondering where he got them, the answer is the records were open until the 80s.

Unless you would consider yourself a rock-solid (as in self-sufficient, not culturally perfect) member of the Church, I wouldn't recommend reading this. If you have some questions about the way things work and are not sure about what you've been told, maybe you are ready for this.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Volume II of Quinn's comprehensive treatment of the formation and activities of the leadership of the Mormon Church illuminates many lesser-known points of relevant history. The latter half of the text comprises extensive source notes and appendices. On rare occasion, I felt some specific claims seemed slightly more speculative than the cited evidence could support, but this is without my reading of the original sources in question, and in any event probably applies to less than .01% of the total number of claims or citations. In the vast majority of cases, Quinn's conclusions appear to be supported by strong evidence and often by an overwhelming number of corroborating sources.

An exceptionally interesting and thorough treatise.

[Jeffrey Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could probably say this about several books within Mormon Studies, but it's difficult to genuinely and thoroughly understand the social and political dynamics of Mormonism if one hasn't read at least one of the three volumes in Quinn's Mormon Hierachy series. Much of this history is available in other places now (this book nearly 25 years removed from its initial publication), but Quinn gathers it in a single dense narrative. It helps to pull back the curtain on the inner workings of Mormon leadership and its theocratic influence on the territory formerly known as Deseret—and beyond.

As usual, he includes a mountain of resources and notes for those who want to dig deeper and come to their own conclusions based on the primary source material.

Some of the topics explored:
-Brigham Young's dictatorial leadership style
-Dynastic marriages among the Hierachy
-Politicking and shadow governments (19th-century theocracy in Utah)
-Blood Atonement and the culture of violence in Territorial Utah
-Ezra T. Benson and his blurring of boundaries between the John Birch Society and the LDS Church
-Corporatization of the LDS Church
-The Council of 50
-Mormon influence on partisan politics regarding the Equal Rights Amendment and gay marriage

Mormonism could have taken so many different roads, had less-conservative and less-authoritarian figures wielded just a bit more influence within the Hierarchy. Quinn offers us glimpses into how a different Mormonism might have grown.

Despite all this naturalizing of Mormon history, Quinn still holds onto the faith of his inheritance. "I found much to admire in the personal lives and private councils of 'the Brethren,'" he says, "and these findings have reinforced my youthful conviction of their divine callings. I also discovered stark evidence of their human qualities."

Quinn has truly been involved in a "great and mighty work" during his 45+ years of honest and dedicated service in researching Mormonism, being of unrivaled benefit to a community he so fiercely loves.

[Tyler · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was clearly a staggering amount of historical research that went into this book that was very impressive. I learned a lot of new things about the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from reading this book. In this book the author chooses to emphasize a lot of controversial topics in church history and the human weaknesses, foibles, etc of church leaders. The general tone was fairly critical of the church. The author portrays church leaders in some ways as privileged oligarchs who at times seem to be manipulative, sometimes have their own agendas, grapple for power, argue with each other a lot, do a fair amount of political maneuvering etc. There is no doubt that some of all of those things happened, but to me the author's emphasis on these subjects made the account seem a bit unbalanced in some respects. There are a few positive statements about the church and church leaders but most of the book comes across quite critical.

This book was fairly interesting reading in some parts, but it was quite a slog and I probably wouldn't recommend it to my friends.

[Andrew Kalinowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read if you’re into a lot of data. I think Michael described this as an appendix to his other books in the series, and I think that’s pretty accurate. I found it very interesting though. Only gave it a four because the the exhibits and data tables in the book were tough to read in ebook format.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Long and tedious, and Quinn is not the best statistician. But if you have the patience to read and check his work, the book gives many sensational insights into the history of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints.

[Kendal · Rating 2 out of 5]

"In his exquisite act of revenge p***, Quinn consistently uses slanted language. By choosing the expression 'hierarchy,' as opposed to the more neutral 'leadership,' Quinn gives you a gut punch of terror."

"He wants you to fear something, and that's something is the church."

[Kason Kendall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn shows how Mormonism shaped Utah’s culture in the 20th century. He has sources to back up every claim.

[Harry Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

well researched, very informative

[David Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really thoughtful deep dive into the personal and organizational politics that have moved the church over the years.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biggest flaw in "Extensions of Power," and it's quite a large one, is that it frequently devolves from exhaustively researched and incisive analysis into paragraphs upon paragraphs of lists of names, organizations, and other dry information that ostensibly supports Quinn's conclusions. But a mere fraction of the data provided is actually needed to accomplish the purpose; the rest could easily be relegated to footnotes.

This recurring issue, which is not quite as noticeable in volume one of "The Mormon Hierarchy," causes this work to drag in many places and unfortunately detracts from what is, at its core, a enormously useful and insightful history of the inner workings of the Mormon hierarchy, as well as its role within the political and social contexts within which it has existed since its birth in the early to mid-19th century.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Extensions of Power” builds on Quinn’s tradition of meticulously researched non-fiction. You’ll get all the information you could hope for on this topic, but I’m docking a full star for multiple passages that are essentially lists, such as a list of the Mormon general authorities who served in municipal positions. In some instances these lists were presented as tables instead of paragraphs, and I think the book would have benefited if this approach had been followed more consistently. Still, learning about the dynamics at play among strong-willed leaders who are expected to act in unanimity was worthwhile, and the deep dives on Ezra Taft Benson and the ERA were fascinating.

[Colt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had first heard about this book listening to one of many Mormon podcasts. It was listed with his first volume Origins of Power. I decided to read this volume putting off Origins as I wanted something with a more recent history.

Being unfamiliar with Dr. Quinn I soon realized that I wouldn't be able to read this book as I would a Novel and soon had highlighter and page markers in hand. With the amount of footnotes, appendixes, I soon found myself reading much of the sources that he drew from, mainly Dialogue articles.

The most fascinating part of the book that I found was it's near exposé on Ezra Taft Benson and his unethical dealings with rooting out self perceived communists operating within the church. Using documented sources in and out of the church, Dr. Quinn was able to paint a pathology of a man who failed to see the irony and effects of his actions.

Despite the plethora of information and Dr. Quinn having been excommunicated from the LDS church (one that he still oddly claims a faith in) he offers a neutral analysis, in some parts of the book. For example when speaking of LDS church president Brigham Young sending delegates to Washington D.C. to give certain politicians there in power, bribery money, ones 21st century sensibilities and indignation towards corruption in politics and religion are tested until the point Dr. Quinn points out that this was a common practice in the American political system.

My biggest takeaway from the book is this: despite what my changing feelings for Mormonism are, it's that it's more than complex and nuanced than what we learn in a Sunday school lesson or stump speech. The LDS Church is a man made organization, and because of that it doesn't exist within a vacuum that many members seem to place it in. Though one doesn't have to prescribe to the organization and its members hubris that it is "the one and only true church", much can be learned of its history and the power and influence that it wields, whether one wants to use it as a weapon to aim at others, or be caught in its crosshairs.

A great book with content that should be studied rather than merely read through.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a kid I debated hotly with Mom over the history of the church. I knew beyond a doubt that MY priesthood leaders would never tell me anything except the complete truth.

Fast forward to this book. Quinn is very detailed, and the footnotes and references are longer than the actual book. I learned so much about church history, and it was really devastating to learn that church leadership isn't above lying (or at least telling half-truths and leaving out important facts, which is their definition of lying) if it makes them look better.

Who'd have guessed it....Mom was right all along. (Of course, she already knew that.)

[Ty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A companion volume to Quinn's "Mormon Hierarchy: Origins of Power," this book chronicles the inner-workings of Mormon leadership throughout its short history. Following the evolution of Mormon administration through the 19th and 21st centuries, Mormon readers will likely come away with mixed views as to whether Quinn went "too far" in revealing the more personal matters of Mormon leaders, though Quinn assures his readers that prophets can still receive revelation in spite of their foibles and other fallibilities. Certainly well-worth the time to read.

[Aaron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very thorough and fascinating read regarding Church leadership since Brigham Young. Some chapters were absolutely fantastic, particularly the chapter about Ezra Taft Benson. The research is extensive, yet the prose is very readable. As with 'Origins,' the chronological history was awesome.

Ultimately, though, I did just read over 1500 pages (including notes) of scholarly work, two tomes back to back. I admit I fell asleep several times while reading, and can not wait to get back to novels...

[Abram · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever want to be a fly on the wall on what happens behind the scenes among the church leaders or the Mormon church. This provides one. Quinn interviewed Spencer W Kimball many times and took notes of the documents he had access to(but couldn't photo copy) when he had access to the church archives. Unfortunately this book was published after Quinn's excommunication so this book is looked at by many Mormons as "anti-mormon". Even though Quinn is still a believer.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loads of footnotes which is a Quinn trademark. Although much of what is in the book is really interesting, Quinn's negative and almost gossipy tone (the "behind the story" stuff) and his obvious beefs with Church authorities really wore me down as a reader. I could go on. But I won't. I'm glad I own these books but I'm not going to recommend them.

[Clay · Rating 4 out of 5]

D. Michael Quin is always a pleasure to read. His academic honesty is superb. If anyone is serious about Mormon history I would purport that it would be almost impossible to avoid his writings.

If I have any qualms with his writing it would be that sometimes is too meticulous and I occasionally get lost in the details.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are a lot of dry parts in this book, and I don't think I could recommend this book in entirety to someone that is not way into Mormon history. However, the chapter on the politics of Elder Benson in the 1960's was way interesting and it would be a good chapter for any member of the Church to read.

[Barry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up where his Origins of Power book left off, Extensions of Power chronicles the leadership of the church from Brigham's ascension through the 20th century. It's a fascinating education in how the church works at the highest levels.

[Susy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart. It exposes a lot of what really goes on in the LDS church. The faituful will dismiss it because the author is gay, but he was a historian and had access to the archives....

[Daniel Hadley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quinn is the kind of historian I like: skip the platitudes, find the controversies and pack the footnotes. I was struck by Quinn's description of the violence on the early Utah frontier, but my favorite chapter was on the LDS church's fight against the ERA.

[Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really frightened me by how powerful and inbred the LDS hierarchy currently is. But it was also encouraging by showing the cracks in the Mormon monolith....

[Viliami · Rating 4 out of 5]

60% useful for Quinn's commentary and 40% useful for the footnotes. I kind of have to pick my way through his stuff. A must have reference book.

[Austin Archibald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not quite as good as Vol. 1, but still has some fascinating details and research.

[Josh]

Going to take a break and come back to this one. So much mind-blowing stuff though.