What is "Blood Atonement?"

Question:
Did Brigham Young preach blood atonement? -Christ’s blood was not enough?

Response:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, or “Mormons,” are often slandered because of a misunderstanding concerning statements made by early church leaders, particularly Brigham Young. As a matter of fact, they never even used the term “blood atonement.” The true meaning of Blood Atonement (If we are to use this term) refers to the atoning powers of Christ’s blood and sacrifice. Through this act man may be cleansed “through the blood of the lamb.” Some have twisted the words of early, and recent church leaders to say all sorts of inaccurate things and brassly proclaim that that’s what Mormons believe.

What God (and the early church leaders) did teach, is a form of capital punishment for grevious crimes (such as murder murder). The teaching states if a person has been received into the Church and received a fullness of truth, if they shall sin against this greater light by murdering, the atonement of Christ alone will not “absolve the person of the consequences of the sin.” -Encyclopedia of Mormonism: Blood Atonement The offender would need to voluntarily suffer the will of the Lord will the atonement take effect upon the offender. The doctrine is found in the Old Testament:

“Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man”
-Genesis 9:6

Some believe that this is a wicked teaching. Those who believe the Bible to be the word of God accept this teaching as divinely inspired. This was a commandment given before the Law of Moses, hence, when the law of Moses was fulfilled, this commandment was not nullified.

It is important to note that the Church does not, and has never enforced this law on their own accord. Offenders are delivered up to the courts of our country to be judged according to their crimes.

I hope this answered your questions.

Best Wishes,
Rusty
Truthisrestored.blogspot