Gary Weber, a member of the Strangite Church, shared unique insights into their doctrines, including polygamy, baptism for the dead, and their distinctive interpretation of the “stick of Judah” prophecy.

https://youtu.be/_e1Zm605gtE

The Strangite Church believes that polygamy is an eternal principle and can be acceptable to God if commanded by Him, primarily “to build up seed unto [His] name,” not for lustful purposes. This aligns with the Book of Jacob in the Book of Mormon, which states one should have only one wife “unless I command you otherwise.” Historical figures like Abraham are cited as examples of righteous men who practiced it when commanded. 

Regarding their founder, James Strang, initially, he was against polygamy. However, he later embraced it, reportedly through inspiration from God on Beaver Island, allowing it as part of the “Book of the Law of the Lord.” It’s notable that its practice was limited, with perhaps only five families out of thousands practicing it due to financial constraints and the crucial requirement that the wife must not object. 

Currently, the Strangite Church does not practice polygamy. This is primarily because they believe in keeping the laws of the land, and polygamy is against the law. They hold that God would not put people in a position to break the law and go to jail. Gary Weber noted that Joseph Smith also said, “We believe in keeping the laws of the land.” Furthermore, they believe that only a prophet can “usher in a dispensation for polygamy.” Interestingly, Gary mentioned that Joseph Smith allegedly cut off a Mr. Brown from the church for practicing and teaching polygamy three months before his death, suggesting an inconsistency in Joseph Smith’s own stated position if he himself practiced it. 

Another unique doctrine discussed is baptism for the dead, which the Strangites believe requires a prophet to “usher in a dispensation” and obtain “the keys from Elijah.” They assert that both Joseph Smith and James A. Strang received these keys and therefore practiced it. The “Book of the Law of the Lord” includes a section on the doctrine of baptism for the dead, which is described as identical to the information Joseph Smith put out in the 1835 edition of the Doctrine and Covenants. 

A significant difference between the Strangite practice and that of the Utah Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is that the Strangites believe that the sex of the person does not matter; a woman could be baptized for her deceased father if he hadn’t been baptized. In contrast, the Utah church generally practices that women baptize for women and men for men. 

However, the Strangite Church does not currently practice baptism for the dead. The reason, similar to polygamy, is the absence of a living prophet on the earth. 

The Strangite Church has a distinct eschatological belief tied to a prophecy in Genesis 49, where Jacob blesses his 12 sons. When speaking of Judah, it states, “the lawgiver shall not depart between the feet of Judah.” They interpret this to mean that after Joseph Smith, who they consider the prophet of the “stick of Ephraim,” there was to be a prophet from the tribe of Judah who would “bring forth the book of the law.” 

This next prophet is expected to remain in the house of Judah, from the tribe of King David, and will take the gospel to the house of Israel. The Strangite Church is currently waiting for this prophet to come forth, as they believe there was meant to be an “indirect period of time” after James Strang, before the “house of Israel’s dispensation to the Jews” began. 

James Strang lived in the Voree/Burlington area, Wisconsin, from about 1842 until approximately 1849 or 1850. He then moved his community to Beaver Island around 1850, remaining there until 1856 when he was killed. 

Strang held significant authority on Beaver Island, serving as both mayor and “king” through his priesthood, though still under Michigan’s jurisdiction. His leadership led to conflict with other islanders. Reasons for the animosity included: 

• Prohibition on the sale of alcohol to both Indians and Saints on Beaver Island.
• Economic competition from the Strangites, who were selling timber from Beaver Island, taking trade away from other islanders on Lake Michigan.

James Strang was shot on the pier in Beaver Island in 1856 and died a few weeks later at his parents’ house in Voree. Despite having time, he chose not to call a successor, as it was not believed to be the appointed time for the next prophet to come forth. After his death, the Strangite community on Beaver Island scattered, with members returning to various family homes in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin, notably establishing a significant branch in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. 

James Strang reportedly laid the cornerstone for a temple near the White River. However, the exact location of this temple site has since been lost over time, as it was eventually torn down “by the Gentiles.” The temple was never finished. While there have been claims about Strang organizing an “Order of the Illuminati” with Masonic influences, Gary Weber stated there’s no definitive proof from Strang’s own writings. Many early Mormons, including Joseph Smith and James Strang, were Masons. Many of the day had the objective to keep Catholic influence out of politics. 

Following James Strang’s death, the Strangite Church faced a challenge in leadership succession. They believe that only a prophet, through revelation, can call an apostle, and that “the lesser cannot bless the greater or ordain the greater.” Consequently, as their original apostles died out, they could not “regenerate themselves” without a prophet. As such, the Strangite Church is now led by high priests and elders. 

In an interesting note on priesthood, the Strangite Church ordains women to an office within the Aaronic priesthood: Teacher. They believe that Emma Smith, Joseph Smith’s wife, was the first teacher. However, women holding these offices cannot ordain or baptize. 

What are your thoughts?