The Rough Life Arc of Sidney Rigdon
Without a doubt, Sidney Rigdon is one of the most interesting characters in early Latter-Day Saint history. He was gung-ho until he wasn't. He was Joseph Smith’s right-hand man – even his running mate when JS took a stab at protecting his people from behind the desk in the oval office. Smith was murdered before his name was scribbled onto any ballots – and Rigdon came a bit unhinged. Actually, Rigdon unraveled a little before Smith’s demise. Don’t get me wrong – he had been a very good man. He'd even experienced 'The Vision' with Joseph (also noted in #6 below). But then something happened. He felt entitled to what he wanted. What he wanted wasn't what God wanted, and Rigdon left. Sidney Rigdon is fascinating. Below are some major points from his life-arc. It is mostly chronological, but may not be completely chronological. First – his conversion. Some have accused him of being a secret member from the beginning – ghost writing the Book...