Candace Owens' Communism Claim on Latter-day Saints and Utah's Beehive Symbol Sparks Online Debate

A recent social media post from user Joseph has drawn attention to controversial statements made by political commentator Candace Owens, who reportedly suggested that the pioneering founders of Utah and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints were communists. The tweet, which stated, > "Since Candace Owens thinks the pioneering founders of Utah, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, were communists, let's review some facts," highlighted a growing online discussion regarding Owens's assertions.

Owens's claims reportedly stem from a perceived connection between the Church's historical emphasis on communal effort and the beehive symbol, a prominent emblem of Utah, and communist ideology. She is said to have linked these elements to a broader "bee cult" or "underground" theory. This interpretation has been met with skepticism and refutation by many, including the original tweet's author.

Historically, the beehive symbol, or "Deseret" (meaning honeybee in the Book of Mormon), was adopted by early Latter-day Saint pioneers to represent the spirit of industry, cooperation, and community necessary for survival and development in the arid Utah territory. This symbol signifies the collective effort required to build a thriving society in a challenging environment, emphasizing diligent work and mutual support rather than a political ideology.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a documented history of explicitly rejecting communism. As early as 1936, the Church issued statements clarifying its position, asserting that communism is "not the United Order" and "bears only the most superficial resemblance thereto." Official Church teachings differentiate between voluntary cooperation, rooted in love and freedom, and communism, which is characterized by intolerance, force, and confiscation.

The controversy surrounding Owens's remarks underscores a pattern of her making provocative statements that often ignite public debate. Critics argue that her interpretations frequently lack historical accuracy and misrepresent the origins and beliefs of various groups. The tweet serves as a direct challenge to her narrative, urging a factual review of the historical context.