Canonizing the Constitution: Theology and Law in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

This thesis explores the Mormon belief in a divinely inspired U.S. Constitution. It charts developments in how the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) has understood and applied this tenet throughout its history. Examining the LDS' involvement in legal battles over polygamy, civil rights, and same-sex marriage, it draws attention to the dialectic between Mormon theology and American law. The LDS' relationship with the Constitution has allowed it to navigate the tension between religious truths and deeply held societal values.