Chelsea Schofield and Dr. Brian Cannon, History
When I began my paper, I searched past General Conference talks to discover instruction given to members of the LDS church by their leaders through the moral decay of the 1920’s. I concluded that the issue of morality and moral decay raised great concern among the brethren of the church. Upholding these laws and living in accordance to these moral principles is stressed today, just as it was in the 1920’s.
I want the lights to brightly shine I want the man, I want the wine
I want the fun without the price
I want to be naughty and yet be nice. (1) (Author Unknown)
The end of World War I marked the beginning of an intriguing era commonly referred to as the Roaring Twenties. The above statement captures a small glimpse of the times. It reflects a trend of the attitudes of some young women called flappers.
The Roaring Twenties was a powerful time of transformation and technological improvement but also of moral decay. Although the moral problems originated in the bigger cities, their effects were far-reaching, and they spread to even the small communities. One such community was Provo, Utah. This small town of 10,303 people, whose lives were highly defined by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, experienced a new lifestyle right along with the rest of the nation. The LDS church was caught in a whirlwind of change, due to this moral breakdown, which necessitated action on the part of church leaders to guide the youth.
New fads brought great concern to the Mormon-dominated community. Immorality and Word of Wisdom problems were among those of greatest concern. General Authorities spoke out to the youth about the destroying effects of tobacco and also of succumbing to an immoral lifestyle.
Hyrum G. Smith, patriarch of the church, acknowledged the declination in the LDS standard lifestyle. He stated, “We are mortal, we have weaknesses. . .We are getting caught up and going wayward with the changing times and have not lived up to their privileges of keeping the commandments” (2).
Anthony W. Ivins, during the 97th semi-annual conference in 1925, also criticized that, “There are many signs having appearance of being hopeful that the old Mormondom known in the days of Brigham Young is crumbling. . .” The high moral standards that had once existed were beginning to deteriorate, to the dismay of church leaders.
Many general authorities also spoke strongly on the importance of keeping the Word of Wisdom and what detriment the individual was doing to himself or herself by not living in accordance to it. Teenagers began to pick up smoking and drinking as acts of rebellion and as attempts to define their individuality.
One of the strongest statements made by a general authority was the words of David O. McKay, “No boy living would commence the use of cigarettes if he knew what a useless, soulless, worthless thing they would make of him. The boy who smokes cigarettes need not be anxious about his future. He has none” (3).
Hyrum G. Smith also stated that church members should “keep the laws of the Word of Wisdom. . .these habits prevent reception of blessings” (4). Melvin Ballard described these acts as “evil and tempting things of the world” (5). This type of self-indulgence led to sin and transgression and also to weakening the individual to succumb to immorality.
David O. McKay warned young men that smoking would hamper their physical well-being, and if they desired to be strong in sports, business, or the community, then they should not smoke (6).
Provo, Utah during the “Roaring Twenties” also experienced a decline in obedience of the law of chastity. Free love seemed to become more common during this time, even among the Mormons. In the Y News, there was a great concern over the increase of unwanted pregnancies at BYU (7).
David O. McKay had much to say on this issue. He expressed no sympathy for the youth who justified their actions by saying, “We want to live. . .We want a good time!” (8) Physical pleasures was not the answer to fulfilling the want to live. This could be done through being better students, daughters, and sons. There is no peace in transgressing virtue and chastity, but there is much happiness in yielding temptation.
Leaders of the LDS church gave council that was applicable to the saints during the “roaring twenties.” They were aware of the moral decline and instructed the church members on how to be obedient and live pure lives.
References
- Pittman, Jeanne Willardson. Provo, Utah, and the Moral Problems of the “Roaring Twenties”. (Brigham Young University: Provo), 1973.
- General Conference Reports, p.138, 1925.
- General Conference Reports, 1927.
- Ibid.
- General Conference Reports, p.65, 1927.
- General Conference Reports, p.44, 1920.
- Y News, May 1928.