Podcast appearances and mentions of Joseph Smith

We are back today for part two of our examination of the CES Letter vs. the Book of Mormon. The CES Letter is perhaps one of the most influential documents in Mormon studies, and for years the LDS Church has criticized it and its author, Jeremy Runnells. Is this a fair treatment by the Church, or are Jeremy's questions on church doctrine valid?In this series, we are going point by point through the questions raised in the CES Letter to discuss how they line up with the Book of Mormon, as well as the responses the Church has provided thus far.Some of the questions we'll cover include:-Why is there no archaeological evidence for the Book of Mormon?-Where did the events of the Book of Mormon actually take place?-Why does the Book of Mormon share so many similarities with other books from Joseph Smith's time?-Does the Book of Mormon reflect a Trinitarian view of God?Join us today as we attempt to answer these questions—and more.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

When Josh Haskell left Mormonism, he discovered the true God of the Bible was nothing like the one he'd grown up with. Now a Christian educator, Josh reveals how Mormonism uses Christian terms—like “Jesus,” “grace,” and “God”—but redefines them completely.He shares the moment Isaiah 6 shattered his view of God: “The God I worship isn't holy—he's just an exalted man.” From becoming gods to baptisms for the dead, a works-based salvation, and idolizing Joseph Smith, Josh exposes the key differences between Mormonism and true Christianity.His story is both a warning about deceptive theology and a powerful testimony of God's truth. You do not want to miss this two part series! Send us a textPlease leave a review on Apple or Spotify to help improve No Sanity Required and help others grow in their faith. Click here to get our Colossians Bible study.

Joseph Smith was influenced by the free love and spiritual wifery he saw around him.

* On Mormons: Bob Enyart and Doug McBurney interview Lynn Wilder who taught young people preparing to be Mormon missionaries. Hear Dr. Wilder's encouraging testimony of the power of God to save even someone even from the depths of a cult. (See also kgov.com/cults.) * The Pro-Abortion Mormon "Church": See also all the excuses the LDS church offers for the intentional dismemberment of unborn boys and girls, at ProlifeProfiles.com/Mormonism. Also, consider that the false teaching of the Book of Mormon regarding one of its central claims, that pre-Columbian American Indians were primarily of Jewish ancestry, has been falsified. See also: - Part 2 of Bob's Interview with Lynn Wilder - Secret Recording of Bob Enyart talking to Mormons - Bob's interview with Mark Cares, Speaking the Truth in Love to Mormons - Bob's interview with Mark Cares (Part 2) - Bob's interview with Matt Wilder of Adam's Road - Screenshots from the official Mormon "church" website listing the kids they say you can kill - Bob's interview with Brannon Howse on David Barton and Mitt Romney - Bob debates an ex-Mormon polygamist - Brigham (liked-'em) Young and so did Smith (just below) - Coins and monetary units, every coin in the Bible has been excavated whereas the fake monetary units in the Book of Mormon of course have never been confirmed - The BEL program, What Mitt Romney's Mormon Relative Says Bonus: Here are some notes from that BEL program, What Romney's Mormon Relative Says: * Bill Keller, Gregg Jackson & Bob Enyart: These three Christian activists present some of the uglier aspects of Mitt Romney's Mormonism including the cult's longtime claim, as reiterated by Marion Romney at the LDS General Conference, that Mormonism uniquely teaches that God the Father was once a man who grew up on a planet similar to Earth. Weird and heretical. * God the Father was Once a Man said Brigham Young: Not speaking of the incarnation of the Son but speaking of the Father, LDS president, prophet, and successor to Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, said, "The idea that the Lord our God is not a personage of tabernacle [body] is entirely a mistaken notion. He was once a man. Brother Kimball quoted a saying of Joseph [Smith] the Prophet, that he would not worship a God who had not a Father... He [God] once possessed a body, as we now do..." -President & Prophet Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, Vol. 9 see exmormon.org * More Brigham Young: "...the Father of Heights... Yes, he was once a man like you and I are and was once on an earth like this, passed through the ordeal you and I pass through. He had his father and his mother and he has been exalted through his faithfulness, and he is become Lord of all. He is the God pertaining to this earth. He is our Father." -President & Prophet Brigham Young, 14 July 1861 see exmormon.org * Mormon Prophet and President Lorenzo Snow: Again, not speaking of the incarnation but of the Father, Snow said, "I had a direct revelation of this. ... If there ever was a thing revealed to man perfectly, clearly, so that there could be no doubt or dubiety, this was revealed to me, and it came in these words: "As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may be." - President & Prophet Lorenzo R. Snow, Unchangeable Love of God see exmormon.org * Mormon "Church" President Equivocates: LDS president Gordon Hinkley in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle lied and then equivocated... Q: There are some significant differences in your beliefs. For instance, don't Mormons believe that God [the Father] was once a man? A: [Lying] I wouldn't say that. There was a little couplet coined, "As man is, God once was. As God is, man may become." Now that's more of a couplet than anything else. [And equivocating] That gets into some pretty deep theology that we don't know very much about. Q: So you're saying the church is still struggling to understand this? A: Well, as God is, man may become. We believe in eternal progression. Very strongly. * Brigham (liked-'em) Young and so did Smith: Some early Mormons denied that their earliest leaders were polygamists and it was claimed that Brigham (liked-'em) Young introduced the practice. Young had 55 wives. He married ten teenagers while in his 40s including 15-year-old Clarissa Decker when he was 42 and 16-year-old Lucy Bigelow when he was 45. Also, from age 41 to age 66, Young married 23 women in their 20s. Finally in 2014 the Mormon "church" acknowledged that their founder Joseph Smith had up to 40 wives (some historians put it at 49), taking single and even married women. The church claims that some of these marriages were without physical relations, which they would seeing that Smith's youngest bride, Helen Kimball, was only 14, the marriage listed by Smith's own clerk as one of the women the founder married in early May 1843. Helen would later write: [My father] asked me if I would be sealed to Joseph … [Smith] said to me, 'If you will take this step, it will ensure your eternal salvation & exaltation and that of your father's household & all of your kindred.['] This promise was so great that I willingly gave myself to purchase so glorious a reward. Lorenzo Snow, mentioned above, the fifth president, 1989 - 1901, only had nine wives, though a number of them were teenagers half (and much less than half) his age. Recall that the Koran includes Mohammad's warning to his first wife that she faced eternal punishment for objecting to him lying with the young Coptic servant girl whom, allegedly, "Allah" had "made lawful" to him, so too, Joseph Smith dictated a similar warning to his first wife Emma in the founder's "inspired" Doctrine and Covenants. And we see above that though 14-year-old Kimball wasn't threatened she was similarly manipulated nonetheless. * Mitt Romney's Second Cousin Once Removed: "...like begets like [i.e., reproduction after its kind; an organism begets similar organisms] and that for the offspring to grow to the stature of his parent is a process infinitely repeated in nature. We can therefore understand that for a son of God to grow to the likeness of his Father in heaven is in harmony with natural law... This is the way it will be with spirit sons of God. They will grow up to be like their Father in heaven. Joseph [Smith] taught this obvious truth. As a matter of fact, he taught that through this process God himself attained perfection. From President Snow's understanding of the teachings of the Prophet on this doctrinal point, he coined the familiar couplet: "As man is, God once was; as God is, man may become." This teaching is peculiar to the [LDS] restored gospel of Jesus Christ." -Elder Marion G. Romney, General Conference, October 1964 see exmormon.org * No Cities, No Money: Archaeologists and historians have confirmed the existence of scores of biblical cities. However, the No true Scotsman informal fallacy notwithstanding, not a single one of the 38 cities mentioned by Joseph Smith in the Book of Mormon have been recognized by any notable secular historian or archaeologist. And while every coin in the Bible has been found and documented, none of the monetary units described in the Book of Mormon have ever been found. * Mormonism Falsely Claims that Indians are Jews: One of the central historical claims of the Book of Mormon, as stated in its introduction as late as 1981, is that Jews were "the principal ancestors of the American Indians" and that would include the Aztecs, Incas, Mayans, Navajos, etc., are Jews. This false teaching states that some Jews left Jerusalem by ship in about 600 B.C. and built a great civilization in the Americas. Also wrongly about the Americas, "The whole face of the land had become covered with buildings" (Mormon 1:7) including with “fine workmanship… in machinery, and also in iron and copper, and brass and steel, making all manner of tools” (Jarom 1:8; 2 Nephi 5:15) with “silks… oxen… cows… sheep… horses… donkeys… elephants…” (Ether 9:17-19) and "shipping and their building of ships, and of synagogues" and “swords… shields… head-plates… armor…” (Alma 43:18-19; Ether 15:15). None of this is true. * The Lembas: An African tribe, the Lembas, have long been believed to be descendants of the Jews, for they circumcise, keep the Sabbath and the dietary law, and in their DNA they possess the Jewish genetic marker, being perhaps the descendants of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba. DNA research shows that American Indians are not related to the Jews, nor closely related to any Semitic peoples or the descendants of Shem, but rather, that they are primarily of Hamitic stock, from Asian people, having migrated to the Americas not by sailing the Atlantic but by crossing the Bering Straight. * Genetics Confirms Actual Biblical Relationships: In contrast to genetic predictions based on the Bible, those based on the Book of Mormon fail. Regarding the origin 4,000 years ago of people groups descended from Abraham, Dr. Jonathan Sarfati quotes the director of the Human Genetics Program at New York University School of Medicine, Dr. Harry Ostrer, who in 2000 said: Jews and Arabs are all really children of Abraham … And all have preserved their Middle Eastern genetic roots over 4,000 years. This familiar pattern, of the latest science corroborating biblical history, continues in Dr. Sarfati's article, Genesis correctly predicts Y-Chromosome pattern: Jews and Arabs shown to be descendants of one man. * Likewise, Jewish Priests Share Genetic Marker: The journal Nature in its scientific correspondence published, Y Chromosomes of Jewish Priests, by scientists from the University of Arizona, Haifa (Israel's) Technical Institute, and University College of London, who wrote: These Y-chromosome haplotype differences confirm a distinct paternal genealogy for Jewish priests. As expected, genetic science does not reinforce but rather contradicts Mormon claims. The obvious falsehood extends beyond genetics to culture, religion, and history. Contrariwise, because the Judeo-Christian Scriptures are true, mountains of evidence corroborate their historic claims. Regarding Jewish priests, Dr. Sarfati adds to the above that, "These Jews have the name Cohen, the Hebrew for priest, or variants like Cohn, Kohn, Cowen, Kogan, Kagan, etc." and that, "Even today, it is possible to identify the Levites, because they have names such as Levy, Levine, Levinson, Levental..."   * If You Fear Obama, You'll Vote for Romney; If You Fear God, You Won't: Don't fear Obama. Fear God, for that is the beginning of wisdom! Besides, Obama is Romney-lite. And because Romney has already implemented policies that are so destructive that Obama only dreams of accomplishing such things, therefore, a vote for Romney is a vote for Obama. Today's Resource: Meet the Apostle John. He was the youngest of the Twelve. And at the time of this writing, he's now one of the last remaining. If you were an eyewitness to Christ's earthly ministry, what would concern you decades after the resurrection? From the battles that John fought we can learn lessons that will help us as we ourselves fight for the truth and battle false teaching within the church. By looking at "the things that differ," we can know what details in John's three epistles applied to the circumcision believers of his day and which of his teachings apply directly to us. Available on this 4-DVD Video Set and also in audio on MP3-CD or MP3 Download. * THE CONCLUSION OF THE MATTER: Make sure you don't miss Part 2 of Bob Enyart's great interview with former BYU professor Lynn Wilder.  

In the second part of our episode on relics, we discuss the early American context for the use of relics, including Joseph Smith's use of seer stones. We also delve into the history of the church's relationship with confirming the use of seer stones.

From May to June 1834, approximately 230 men, women, and children marched to Missouri to help the Saints who had been expelled from Jackson County, Missouri, the previous year. This expedition, known today as Zion's Camp, was initially called the Camp of Israel. It was formed after Joseph Smith received a revelation in February 1834 commanding him to call up the strength of the Lord's house to redeem Zion from its enemies. The revelation instructed Church leaders to recruit at least 100, and preferably 500, men to travel to Missouri. In March, Joseph Smith and others traveled through New York to obtain volunteers and funding for the expedition. And don't forget Zelph's bones! What were they? Were they real? Were they a figment of Jospeh's imagination? Were the records of the experience accurate? Join Lynne Hilton Wilson as she dives into the context and controversies of this exciting part of Latter-day Saint Church History.

Come along with me on a walking tour of Independence, Missouri! We'll explore the historic Temple Lot Church (Hedrickites) and look at rare photographs from the Great Depression, when attempts were made to build the Jackson County Temple on the very cornerstones Joseph Smith laid in 1831. We'll also stop by the Stone Church, the oldest church in Missouri, built by Joseph Smith III, and visit the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. As we walk, we'll trace the same steps once taken by Harry Truman, stopping at the United Nations Peace Plaza and the Auditorium he frequented after returning home from the presidency. Our journey will also take us to the Cutlerite Church and Temple. It's a unique chance to experience history, faith, and legacy all in one walk—you won't want to miss it! https://youtu.be/E-z1dRBPzqw Don't miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved From Zion to Truman Join us on an extended walking tour through Independence, Missouri, a city rich with pivotal moments in both the Restoration movement and American political history. From the foundational sites of early Mormonism to the stomping grounds of President Harry S. Truman, Independence offers a unique blend of historical insights. The Sacred Ground: Temple Lot Our journey begins at the Temple Lot, a site dedicated by the Mormon Prophet Joseph Smith and other Mormon leaders on August 3, 1831. This area was envisioned as the center of Zion, a grand temple complex. Today, it's surrounded by several significant structures, including the Community of Christ Auditorium and Temple, the LDS Stake Center, and LDS Visitor Center. The Temple Lot Church, sometimes known as the Hedrick-ites, stands prominently. This site has seen its share of trials; the first and second churches built here were both tragically destroyed by fire. A particularly heartbreaking incident in 1990 saw a former member reportedly burn down a church with the misguided belief that it would expedite the rebuilding of the temple. Plans for a larger temple with groundbreaking and footings were halted by the Great Depression, leaving a famous foundation hole. Interestingly, artifacts like stones, found by Otto Fetting, are on display, hinting at the never-realized Greek-style design. The envisioned temple's footprint was surprisingly small, especially compared to later temples like Nauvoo or Salt Lake. Inside the Temple Lot Visitor Center, you can see photographs of early leaders and even a display of the Book of Commandments, a precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, which is apparently being phased out of print and may be de-canonized. Architectural and Spiritual Diversity: Other Churches of Independence Just a short distance away, we visit the Stone Church, which stands as the oldest church in Missouri built by Joseph Smith III. Its interior, with its large pipe organ, impressive stained-glass windows, and wooden pillars, might remind visitors of the Salt Lake Tabernacle, albeit on a smaller scale. The Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has its headquarters in the former Chrisman High School, a building that also operates a lunch program for the homeless. A particularly unique stop is the Cutlerite Church, established by Alpheus Cutler in 1853. This small denomination, with fewer than a dozen members (most over 70), maintains a distinctive practice: they are one of the few churches outside the LDS Church and some polygamous groups that practice baptisms for the dead and endowments. Their building serves a dual purpose, with a chapel on the first floor and a "temple area" on the second, where sacred" temple work is conducted. Early Mormon Footprints and Conflicts Independence also holds the memory of early Mormon settlers and the tensions they faced. We visit the site of Edward Partridge's home and the relocated Jones Flournoy Home,...

References in scripture to the Watchman on the Tower often miss how in a version of the parable revealed to Joseph Smith, the tower isn't built and the enemy infiltrates. What might this mean for us?

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 98-101]“Be Still and Know That I Am God”September 8 – September 14, 2025WEEK 37 SUMMARY=================In Doctrine and Covenants sections 98 to 101, the Lord provides guidance and comfort to the Saints during times of persecution and adversity. Section 98 emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and the principle of non-retaliation, encouraging the Saints to seek peace and trust in the Lord's justice. Section 99 is a call to John Murdock to serve a mission, highlighting the importance of missionary work. Section 100 reassures Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon of the Lord's support and guidance in their missionary efforts. Finally, Section 101 addresses the Saints' suffering in Missouri, explaining that their trials are for their growth and purification, and promises eventual redemption and blessings. These sections collectively emphasize faith, obedience, and the Lord's overarching plan for His people.--------------------------------------OBJECT LESSON: “Come And See”: Gospel Learning Gumball MachineOBJECT LESSON: “Look unto Me in Every Thought”: Tiger Teeth Escape TrickOBJECT LESSON: “All Things Work Together for Good”: Stained Glass ArtOBJECT LESSON: “Ye Ought to Forgive One Another”: Floating ForgivenessOBJECT LESSON: “Let All Bitterness…be Put Away”: Caramel Apple ActivityOBJECT LESSON: “Blessed are They Who Will Repent”: DIY Hologram Box TheaterOBJECT LESSON: “I Will Gather Together in One All Things”: Ordered Card Trick------------------------------------------CHAPTERS=========00:01:49 OBJECT LESSON 100:02:39 OBJECT LESSON 200:04:31 OBJECT LESSON 300:07:27 OBJECT LESSON 400:10:37 OBJECT LESSON 500:14:32 WRAP UPLINKS=====WEB: https://www.gather.meckmom.comETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/meckmomINSTAGRAM: Instagram @meckmomlifePODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCLAIMER=================================This podcast represents my own thoughts and opinions. It is not made, approved, or endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or creative interpretations, implied or included are solely those of Maria Eckersley ("MeckMom LLC"), and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great care has been made to ensure this podcast is in harmony with the overall mission of the Church. Click here to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 98-101]“Be Still and Know That I Am God”September 8 – September 14, 2025WEEK 37 SUMMARY=================In Doctrine and Covenants sections 98 to 101, the Lord provides guidance and comfort to the Saints during times of persecution and adversity. Section 98 emphasizes the importance of patience, forgiveness, and the principle of non-retaliation, encouraging the Saints to seek peace and trust in the Lord's justice. Section 99 is a call to John Murdock to serve a mission, highlighting the importance of missionary work. Section 100 reassures Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon of the Lord's support and guidance in their missionary efforts. Finally, Section 101 addresses the Saints' suffering in Missouri, explaining that their trials are for their growth and purification, and promises eventual redemption and blessings. These sections collectively emphasize faith, obedience, and the Lord's overarching plan for His people.CHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:01:49 INSIGHTS PART 100:05:05 INSIGHTS PART 200:38:47 WRAP UPLINKS=====WEB: https://www.gather.meckmom.comETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/meckmomINSTAGRAM: Instagram @meckmomlifePODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCLAIMER=================================This podcast represents my own thoughts and opinions. It is not made, approved, or endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or creative interpretations, implied or included are solely those of Maria Eckersley ("MeckMom LLC"), and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great care has been made to ensure this podcast is in harmony with the overall mission of the Church. Click here to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Unannounced Live Gospel Tangents recently surprised viewers with an unannounced live stream including a JFS book giveaway. This is a "late night edition" that offers a whirlwind update on my extensive travels, upcoming interviews, and even some "breaking news" from the Temple Lot Church. Despite a busy travel schedule and a significant backlog of videos to edit, I managed to connect, give away a JFS book, and share exciting previews of what's to come! https://youtu.be/Jw_a2PA5jAU Recent Travels and Adventures I've been to several significant sites related to the Latter Day Saint movement: Community of Christ Conference in Independence, Missouri: This "super fun trip" included reactions to Stassi Cramm being ordained the new prophet in the Community of Christ. While there, I also visited the Temple Lot Church, meeting a "Kiwi" (New Zealander) who hinted at a possible interview. I also updated my tour with video, experimenting with cell phone cameras, promising many unpublished videos from Independence. Mormon History Association: Following Independence, he attended the Mormon History Association, where I toured several LDS churches, including a "really old" one in Ogden and Joseph Soderberg's church, known for President Hinckley's testimony story. Strangites in Wisconsin: Instead of Houston, I visited the Strangites in Wisconsin, staying with former guest Bill Shepard. He also hung out with David Boice and Gary Weber, who gave me a tour of the Hill of Promise, which the Strangites consider akin to the Hill Cumorah. ◦ The Voree Plates and the Hill of Promise: Gary Weber explained that the Hill of Promise is where James Strang found the Voree record. An angel reportedly told Strang where the record was buried beneath a tree, and respected townsmen witnessed its excavation. The record, encased in stone, crumbled upon exposure to air but was translated by Strang, telling the story of the "people of Raja Ramor". It described a great war, similar to the Hill Cumorah narrative, and a pictorial representation of priesthood structure mirroring that under Joseph Smith and James Strang. ◦ Prophetic Significance: The Hill of Promise is also sacred because Strang's revelations state that Daniel from the Bible will appear there someday to teach the saints and announce Christ's soon approaching second coming. ◦ Beaver Island Plans: David Boice & I visited Burlington (originally called Voree by Strang), where we saw several Strangite sites, including a plaque for a never-built temple. I'm planning a trip to Beaver Island, which was James Strang's later settlement where he was crowned king and assassinated. Gary Weber noted that there's "not a lot to see" on Beaver Island, mostly dirt roads, but a ferry or plane can take visitors there. Calgary/Cardston, Alberta, Canada: I flew to Calgary for my son's wedding and visited Cardston, Alberta, home to the first international temple for the LDS church. I received a book on Raymond, Alberta, a town settled by Raymond Knight (son of Newell Knight) and noted for being "practically Utah up in Canada" due to its 80% Mormon population. Cardston is compared to Manti due to its remote location and pioneer feel, with concerns about preserving its murals during an upcoming refurbishment when a new temple in Lethbridge opens. Beyond church history, I also enjoyed a Brewers-Cardinals baseball game with my friend Walter Reade. Upcoming Interviews and Content Viewers have much to look forward to from Gospel Tangents: John Turner Interview and Book Giveaway: John Turner's book, "Joseph Smith The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," was released on Amazon. I've already conducted an interview with Turner, and part one was released. An autographed copy of this book was given away in a contest. Strangite Interviews: Interviews with Gary Weber and potentially other Strangite figures, including a man named Trevor, are in the pipeline.

Send us a text"All things... shall work together for your good."          For the Saints in the 1830s, Independence, Missouri, was literally the promised land. It was “the center place” of Zion (see Doctrine and Covenants 57:3)—the city of God on earth—which they were making great sacrifices to build. To them, the gathering of Saints there was an exciting and glorious prelude to the Second Coming. But their neighbors in the area saw things differently. They took issue with the claim that God had given the land to the Saints, and they were uncomfortable with the political, economic, and social consequences of so many people from an unfamiliar religion moving into the area so quickly. Soon concern turned into threats, and threats turned into persecution and violence. In July 1833, the Church's printing office was destroyed, and in November the Saints were forced to abandon their homes in Jackson County, Missouri.          Joseph Smith was over 800 miles away in Kirtland, and this news took weeks to reach him. But the Lord knew what was happening, and He revealed to His Prophet principles of peace and encouragement that would comfort the Saints—principles that can also help us when we face persecution, when our righteous desires go unfulfilled, or when we need a reminder that our daily afflictions will eventually, somehow, “work together for [our] good” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:3).See Saints, 1:171–93; “Waiting for the Word of the Lord,” Revelations in Context, 196–201.Support the show... Become a "Patron Saint"!! 

Send us a textGreg McKeown is an author, public speaker, leadership and business strategist. Greg wrote two iconic New York Times bestsellers: 'Essentialism; The Disciplined Pursuit of Less' and 'Effortless: Make It Easier to Do What Matters Most.'I wanted to speak to Greg about applying the principles of his revolutionary books to our Latter-day Saint faith.Some highlights from this episode include being essentialist with advances in AI, how to find balance when you want to progress, what Greg learned from Nephi's vision in the Book of Mormon, and more...--You can find more of Greg's work at the following link:- https://gregmckeown.com/Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content:www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspodhttps://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Qhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via hello@forallthesaints.org or DM on InstagramConversations to Refresh Your Faith.For All The Saints podcast was established in 2023 by Ben Hancock to express his passion and desire for more dialogue around faith, religious belief, and believers' perspectives on the topics of our day. Tune into For All The Saints every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.Follow For All The Saints on social media for daily inspiration.

Revelation Dates: February – June, 1834 Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio and Fishing River, Missouri Section 102 - Historical Background: With the rapidly increasing membership of the church, Joseph needed help in administration. A meeting was called consisting of 62 brethren, and Joseph taught about the ancient councils and how they were operated under Moses and Peter, among others. Joseph had received in vision how Peter presided over councils. Joseph laid out the formation of a Church Council (later named High Council) to assist the First Presidency in the administration of the church. This section, rather than a direct revelation like other sections, is the record or minutes of this meeting.  Recap: A High Council will be organized, consisting of 12 High Priests and the First Presidency. Its purpose is to settle disputes that cannot be settled by the Bishop's Council. A quorum of at least 7 must be present to act. The members of the council were chosen and approved. The accused and the accuser will each be represented by half the council, selected by lot. The president will make the final decision but approval will require a majority of councilors to approve that decision. Section 103 - Historical Background: Joseph was deeply concerned for the saints in Jackson County, now that it was learned they had been completely driven from their homes. In Section 101, Joseph learned that at some point he would be required to lead “the strength of mine house” to Zion in order to “redeem” it. Seeking further understanding, comfort and direction, Joseph received this revelation as he petitioned the Lord. Recap: The Lord will pour out his wrath upon the enemies of His church, but only in his own due time. [26 years later, the Civil War ravished Jackson County until nothing was left standing.] A waiting time is required until (1) the wicked are fully ripe in iniquity, and (2) the slothful saints in Zion receive chastisement and repent sufficiently. If they do not repent, the saints will be subject to the kingdoms of the world and thrown down. In due time, Zion will be redeemed. It is decreed by God, for He will raise a powerful leader like unto Moses to accomplish it. This leader will be Joseph Smith. [Note: Because the saints failed to repent, the accomplishment of this decree was delayed, but will still occur in the future by Joseph Smith in his resurrected state, as promised in his patriarchal blessing.]   Joseph is to organize “Zions Camp,” to call up 500 men willing to risk their own lives on a mission of peace and goodwill to restore the fleeing saints to their own lands. If 500 do not heed the Lord's call, 300 will be accepted. If not 300 men, 100 will have to suffice. If at least 100 men cannot be gathered, the relief expedition will be abandoned. Section 104 - Historical Background: As leaders of the church prepared to leave Kirtland for “Zions Camp,” and not knowing if they would survive and return to Kirtland, concern was given over the pressing debts and temporal affairs of the church they were leaving behind. The saints had failed to live the Law of Consecration properly so they were lacking in resources, especially in building the temple. Joseph turned to the Lord for guidance. Recap: The purpose of the United Order is to be a blessing to the church and a benefit for the poor. But some of the saints are unfaithful, resulting in a cursing rather than a blessing. The innocent will be spared, but the guilty cannot escape God's wrath. Leaders are to remove transgressors from the Order. Each saint must be held accountable for their stewardship. The rich are to reach out and assist the poor, so that both may benefit and rejoice. The Lord directs the assignment of properties in the United Order according to faithfulness and usefulness. Because the saints in Zion (Missouri) have transgressed the Order and broken their covenants, their United Order with the saints in Kirtland will be dissolved. The Lord clarifies that all properties are His and the saints are stewards only. There shall be two separate treasuries, one for the sacred funds from the people's tithes for the printing of the scriptures, building of the temple and general works of the church; the other treasury will include proceeds from the properties consecrated to stewards to be used within the needs of the Order. All debts must be paid. The Lord will soften the hearts of their debtors. For this once, the Order is allowed to pledge the properties under stewardship in order to pay off their debts. Section 105 - Historical Background: To answer the Lord's call to rescue Zion, Joseph could only rally 100 men in Kirtland, while other leaders rallied another 100 men from outlying areas, making Zions Camp only 205 men. From this faithful little group, God will later staff his quorums of Apostles and Seventy. Though the group was small, Joseph could wait no longer to proceed. With clothing and provisions, this small group begain their 1,000 mile march to Independence to confront the mobs who greatly outnumbered them. However, they had a pledge from the Missouri Governor that the saints would receive a military escort back to the lands of the homeless saints. At a place called Fishing River, Joseph learned the Governor now refused to honor his pledge. Joseph reaches out to the Lord for directions how they should proceed to redeem Zion.  Recap: Were it not for the transgressions of the church, Zion would have been redeemd already. But the church members have not learned to be obedient, impart of their substance to the poor, and are not united. Therefore, the saints will be chastened and Zion will not be redeemed for now. The leaders are to vigorously teach the saints more perfectly until they are spiritually prepared. God will fight the battles of the saints, but they must first become a righteous people. Those of Zion's Camp who want to stay in Zion may do so, but refrain from boasting of God's revelations. God will soften the hearts of the people, giving the church time to prepare for Zion's redemption. Purchase as much land as possible. Finish the temple in Kirtland and receive endowments there. Those who will redeem Zion will not be called, but will, at that time, be carefully chosen.

We are here today with part fourteen of our Joseph Smith: The Podcast series with Dr. John Turner. Today we are continuing on with chapter thirteen of his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” The chapter is titled “Zion is Fled” and covers the years 1883-1834 in Missouri. In this episode we explore one of the most turbulent periods in early Mormon history. We dive into the Missouri conflict of the 1830s, the Saints' rising tensions with their neighbors, and the violent clashes that shaped both Mormon identity and leadership.We also discuss:-The growing resentment of Non-Mormons-The destruction of a Mormon printing press by mob violence-Slavery in Missouri and how that related to the Saints-Doctor Philastus Hurlbut affidavits-The Solomon Spaulding Manuscript -The 1833 Meteor shower-How persecution shaped and influenced the Saints' identityThis conversation wrestles with big questions: Why did violence erupt? How did Joseph Smith and the Saints respond to failed prophecies? And what do these early struggles reveal about faith, leadership, and survival in a hostile America?Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Join Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon on Mormonism Live as we dig into the long and turbulent history of Joseph Smith's run-ins with the law. From treasure digging charges in New York, to assault accusations in Ohio, to treason indictments in Missouri and Illinois, Joseph Smith's life was marked by constant legal battles that… Read More »The Legal Battles of Mormonism’s Joseph Smith

To celebrate the kickoff to the 2025 NFL season (Eagles -7.5 vs the Cowboys), we begin in the obvious place with a discussion of Orson Hyde's letter to the Missouri Republican in 1861, providing commentary on the Civil War. They read an email from a litner who shares how she used to be afraid of Church history and how the podcast has given her confidence in the face of anti-Mormon garbage, and Richard shares his feelings on the idea of putting Gospel and Church history topics “on a shelf”…spoiler alert, he doesn't like the expression.   Kristy's KorneЯ (Last Minute Lesson Prep): We ran out of time. There is no way your Sunday School teacher will be getting D&C 94 through 97. Use any of the three-part rerelease from D&C 93 last week, and you should be in great shape.    Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future, here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠   If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com   Rex's Elders Quorum President's Show Notes: •00:01:20 – Richard's new glasses, carrots, and “big carrot conspiracy” •00:03:40 – Football season talk (NFL & College) •00:09:20 – Listener mailbag begins •00:09:36 – Testimony of Emer Harris and family connections •00:15:00 – Listener Danica's email on family faith struggles and church history fears •00:25:00 – Richard's thoughts on “putting things on the shelf” vs. gaining testimony •00:31:00 – Discussion of Lyman Johnson's regret and the value of faith •00:35:00 – Dawson's email introducing Orson Hyde's Civil War commentary •00:37:00 – Civil War Prophecy context: hindsight bias and the problem of interpreting prophecy. •00:39:00 – Challenges of Second Coming prophecies and people's tendency to over-interpret. •00:40:30 – Specifics of Joseph Smith's prophecy: slavery, South Carolina, and secession. •00:43:00 – Why hindsight makes the Civil War “seem obvious,” but it wasn't. •00:45:00 – South Carolina newspapers downplaying fears of a large-scale war. •00:47:00 – Border state (Missouri) newspapers hoping for compromise to avoid war. •00:51:00 – Virginia's “scandalous” call for 10,000–20,000 militia—later dwarfed by actual numbers. •00:53:00 – Historical context: the Nullification Crisis and its contrast with Joseph's prophecy. •00:55:00 – War of 1812 Hartford Convention—New England nearly seceding. •01:00:00 – Hindsight bias analogy: Neville Chamberlain's “peace for our time.” •01:02:00 – Why critics' arguments against Joseph Smith's prophecy are hollow. •01:05:00 – Civil War prophecy in early manuscripts and the Pearl of Great Price (1851). •01:07:00 – Prophecy credibility, critics' weak arguments, and final remarks.

Join Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon on Mormonism Live as we dig into the long and turbulent history of Joseph Smith's run-ins with the law. From treasure digging charges in New York, to assault accusations in Ohio, to treason indictments in Missouri and Illinois, Joseph Smith's life was marked by constant legal battles that… Read More »The Legal Battles of Mormonism’s Joseph Smith The post The Legal Battles of Mormonism’s Joseph Smith appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Join Bill Reel and Radio Free Mormon on Mormonism Live as we dig into the long and turbulent history of Joseph Smith's run-ins with the law. From treasure digging charges in New York, to assault accusations in Ohio, to treason indictments in Missouri and Illinois, Joseph Smith's life was marked by constant legal battles that… Read More »The Legal Battles of Mormonism's Joseph Smith

This is a rebroadcast of my 2018 interview with John Hamer & Lachlan MacKay from the Community of Christ. They'll bust some LDS myths about the Kirtland Temple, Word of Wisdom, Alice Cooper, and more! Check it out! https://youtu.be/NjnkS1Y-tls Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission A Journey Through Kirtland and Beyond The early history of the Latter-day Saint movement is far richer and more complex than many realize, marked by vibrant architectural innovations, evolving theological understandings, and a dramatic succession crisis that led to the formation of numerous distinct traditions. Recent discussions with Community of Christ leaders, Apostle Lachlan MacKay and Seventy John Hamer, offer fascinating insights into this intricate past, shedding light on topics ranging from the Kirtland Temple's original appearance to the diverse interpretations of core doctrines. John is the author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Bust LDS Myths on Kirtland Temple: Kaleidoscope of Early Worship The Kirtland Temple, a pivotal edifice in early Latter-day Saint history, holds a storied past, not least because of its surprising original aesthetics and a tumultuous ownership saga. When first constructed, the building did not present the pristine white façade it does today. Rather, it was designed to emulate a grand, cut-stone look, achieved through an ingenious building technique introduced by Artemus Millet. The walls, approximately two feet thick and 45 feet high, were constructed from rubble, primarily sandstone, held together with mortar. To create the desired elegant appearance, a hard plaster or stucco finish was immediately applied to the exterior. This stucco was mixed with crushed old crockery and glass, making the surface sparkle brilliantly when struck by sunlight. Mortar joints were then painted onto the walls, giving the illusion of large, meticulously cut stone blocks from a distance. Far from white, the temple was described as "blue" in the 1830s, likely a slate gray hue. Even the wooden shingles were dipped in red lead paint for preservation, and the front doors were olive green, presenting a far more colorful structure than we envision today. This vibrant exterior, sadly, was toned down over the years due to fading, extensive patching of cracks, rust streaks from iron in the sandstone, and eventually, the removal and replacement of stucco in the 1950s, leading to its brilliant white appearance only since the 1960s. The temple's initial function also differed significantly from modern Latter-day Saint temples. In Kirtland, it served as a public house for worship with a strong emphasis on spiritual and intellectual empowerment. Two-thirds of the temple was dedicated to classroom space, where people would attend worship on Sundays and school six days a week. It even housed the Kirtland High School, accommodating students from six years old through adulthood, making it the center of community life. This public access contrasted with the Nauvoo temple, where a tithe-payer's receipt was required for the baptismal font, a precursor to the modern temple recommend concept. The Kirtland Temple's ownership history is equally complex, described as "a mess". Joseph Smith sometimes owned it personally and at other times on behalf of the Church. Amid financial difficulties, it was signed over to William Marks to protect it from creditors. After Joseph Smith's death, there were attempts by various groups, including Brigham Young's followers, to sell or claim the temple. A particularly violent incident in 1838 saw dissenters storm the temple with guns and knives, aiming to take possession, only to be ejected by police amidst a chaotic scene involving a toppled stovepipe and soot. The Community of Christ's "Kirtland temple suit" in the 1880s was primarily about establishing identity as Joseph Smith ...

In this episode covering Doctrine and Covenants 94–97, I talk about how the Lord gives us patterns—whether in building temples or in building our lives—and how following His plan brings blessings we can't find in the world's way of doing things. I share a listener's touching review about the power of the Book of Mormon, insights on the Lord being in the details, and lessons from Joseph Smith's insistence on building the Lord's house His way. We discuss chastening as a sign of God's love, Hyrum Smith's eagerness to begin the Lord's work, and how temples and Zion invite us to become pure in heart. Most of all, this episode reminds us that the Lord wants to refine, bless, and multiply us when we humbly follow Him.   See Saints, 1:169–70; “A House for Our God,” Revelations in Context, 165–73. Below is the talk I referenced, The Lord's Strange Act by Rex C Reeve. https://speeches.byu.edu/talks/rex-c-reeve-sr/lords-strange-act/

How can educators help students stop fearing their sins and start trusting Christ? In this episode, Professor Stephan Taeger discusses his article “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom.” He explores how teaching justification by faith can transform our classrooms. Addressing both guilt-ridden and morally indifferent students, he clarifies the doctrine using scripture, prophetic teachings, and scholarly insights. Taeger explains how understanding grace and justification fosters peace, inspires obedience, and strengthens discipleship. He offers practical teaching models that help students internalize their justified state and live with hope, love, and purpose. This episode empowers gospel educators to teach grace with clarity and conviction.   Publications: “Declared Guiltless: Justification by Faith in the Latter-day Saint Classroom,” Religious Educator, 25.2, 2024 Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days, Religious Studies Center, 2025 “By Our Own Transgressions: Understanding God's Punishment,” in This Great and Lasting War: Studies in Alma 45–63, Religious Studies Center, 2025 “The Word Made Flesh: Teaching the Gospel Concretely,” Religious Educator, 18.1, 2017 “Using Elements of Narrative to Engage Students,” Religious Educator, 16.3, 2015   Click here to learn more about Stephan Taeger

“For the Salvation of Zion”Doctrine and Covenants 94–97All About Temples for Kids! Today our listeners on Come Follow Me Kids will learn:The temple is the house of the Lord.With audio from the church produced: Building the Kirtland Temple: A special house for the LordYou're listening to Come Follow Me Kids!A Come Follow Me Podcast for Primary Kids of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. Children will learn shout the scriptures while playing games that go with the Come Follow Me Lessons from the church.This year we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants. If you are looking for a Doctrine and Covenants Podcast for Primary Kids, look no further! Our podcast is called Come Follow Me Kids. Come Follow Me for kids that are primary aged 2-12 in the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We follow the come follow me manual from the church but are not officially affiliated in any way. Some audio segments come from the friend magazine and other church sources. On this podcast we play interactive games while learning about the gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ.If your children would like to be guests on this podcast or to receive a baptism shout out, please email us at their info at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com From the come follow me manual:Anciently, the Lord commanded Moses to build a tabernacle “according to the pattern shewed to [him] in the mount” (⁠Hebrews 8:5⁠; see also Exodus 25:8–9⁠). The tabernacle was to be the center of Israel's wilderness camp (see Numbers 2:1–2⁠).In 1833, the Lord commanded Joseph Smith to build temples “not after the manner of the world” but rather “after the manner which I shall show” (⁠Doctrine and Covenants 95:13–14⁠; see also 97:10⁠). Like the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple was meant to be a central feature in Kirtland (see Doctrine and Covenants 94:1⁠).Today, temples are found around the world. Even if they aren't at the center of our cities, they point us to Christ, who should be the center of our lives. Though each temple differs in appearance, within them we learn the same divine pattern—a heavenly plan to bring us back into the presence of God. Sacred ordinances and covenants connect us to Christ and strengthen our families “not after the manner of the world” but after the pattern God shows us.

For information, books or if you would like to make a love donation, please visit us at https://www.walkinginpower.orgCondensed Summary of the Critique of MormonismThis text presents a strong critique of Mormonism (the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), arguing that it is not a Christian denomination but a cult that distorts the gospel. The critique highlights several key issues: the origins of the movement, its scriptures and prophets, its teaching on Jesus Christ, its doctrine of salvation, and its ultimate goal of exaltation.Origins and AuthorityMormonism began in the 1800s with Joseph Smith, who claimed revelations restoring the “true church.” The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price, along with later prophetic teachings, are treated as scripture. The critique argues that this undermines sola scriptura by elevating human words above the Bible. Because LDS leaders hold ongoing prophetic authority, doctrine can shift with new revelations, creating instability and contradicting God's unchanging Word.The LDS Jesus vs. the Biblical JesusMormonism teaches that Jesus is the firstborn spirit child of Heavenly Father and Heavenly Mother, making Him a created being and the spirit brother of Lucifer. This stands in sharp contrast to biblical teaching that Jesus is the eternal, uncreated Son of God, fully divine and equal with the Father. The critique warns that the LDS view diminishes Christ's uniqueness and undermines the sufficiency of His atonement.Salvation and WorksA central concern is Mormonism's doctrine of salvation. While claiming belief in grace, LDS theology redefines it as divine power enabling obedience. In practice, salvation requires faith plus works—keeping commandments, temple ordinances, and moral performance. This, the critique argues, denies biblical justification by faith alone (Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8–9). Instead of resting in Christ's finished work, Mormons are left uncertain, striving to prove themselves worthy.Exaltation and the AfterlifeDistinctive to Mormonism is the doctrine of exaltation: faithful Mormons may become gods, ruling over their own creations. The critique condemns this as a revival of the serpent's lie in Genesis 3:5 (“you will be like God”). Scripture affirms that God alone is eternal and sovereign (Isaiah 43:10), and humanity is called to worship Him, not to pursue godhood.Prophets and Continuing RevelationThe LDS Church claims to be led by a living prophet whose revelations guide the church. This places ultimate authority in human leaders rather than Scripture, leading to doctrinal contradictions over time (such as reversals on polygamy or race-based priesthood restrictions). Such changes reveal the instability of a faith grounded in human authority rather than God's Word.ConclusionThe critique acknowledges the sincerity of many Mormons but insists that zeal without truth cannot save. Mormonism presents a counterfeit gospel—adding to Scripture, diminishing Christ, and making salvation dependent on human works. Biblical Christianity proclaims salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. For this reason, the text concludes that Mormonism is not Christianity but a cult, and calls Christians to bring the true gospel of grace to those within it.

Send us a text"For the Salvation of Zion"Join us this week as Marcus and Jackson discuss the call of The Lord for Joseph to move the church forward in building a Temple: The House of The Lord!            When the Lord commanded Moses to build a tabernacle, He told Moses to “make all things according to the pattern shewed to [him] in the mount” (Hebrews 8:5; see also Exodus 25:8–9). The tabernacle was to be the center of Israel's wilderness camp (see Numbers 2:1–2). Later, God commanded Solomon and his people to build a temple according to a pattern He revealed (see 1 Chronicles 28:12, 19).         As the Lord restored the fulness of the gospel, He commanded Joseph Smith to build temples according to a revealed pattern. “Let the house be built, not after the manner of the world,” the Lord declared. “Let it be built after the manner which I shall show” (Doctrine and Covenants 95:13–14; see also 97:10). Like the tabernacle in the wilderness, the temple was meant to be a central feature in Kirtland (see Doctrine and Covenants 94:1).         Today houses of the Lord are found around the world. Even if they are not at the center of our cities, they can be central in our lives. Though each temple differs in appearance, within them we learn the same divine pattern—a heavenly plan to bring us back into the presence of God. Sacred, eternal ordinances help us build our lives and strengthen our families “not after the manner of the world”, but after the pattern God shows us.Support the show... Become a "Patron Saint"!!

Send us a textAnastasia Kocheva is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from the Crimea Region of Ukraine.I wanted to speak to Anastasia about her experiences during the Russian Invasion of Ukraine, and to hear insights about how the Church operated during the war and where the Church is at now.Some highlights from this episode include how Anastasia always felt at home at church wherever she was, Anastasia's heart-wrenching story of giving birth to her newborn just before the war, and how her faith has stood strong despite her circumstances.--Follow For All The Saints on social media for updates and inspiring content:www.instagram.com/forallthesaintspodhttps://www.facebook.com/forallthesaintspod/For All The Saints episodes are released every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVDUQg_qZIU&list=UULFFf7vzrJ2LNWmp1Kl-c6K9Qhttps://open.spotify.com/show/3j64txm9qbGVVZOM48P4HS?si=bb31d048e05141f2https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/for-all-the-saints/id1703815271If you have feedback or any suggestions for topics or guests, connect with Ben & Sean via hello@forallthesaints.org or DM on InstagramConversations to Refresh Your Faith.For All The Saints podcast was established in 2023 by Ben Hancock to express his passion and desire for more dialogue around faith, religious belief, and believers' perspectives on the topics of our day. Tune into For All The Saints every Monday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more.Follow For All The Saints on social media for daily inspiration.

Welcome to another episode with Dr. John Turner as we cover his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” Today we are covering chapter thirteen titled “Zion is Fled” that covers 1833-1834 in Kirtland, Ohio.We answer important questions like: What is the importance of scriptures and what does that mean for this religious movement? Is Joseph Smith credible as a prophet, seer, and revelator? Even the Mormon church today is calling the Book of Mormon a “revelation” not a translation. Is the Book of Mormon a work of genius or is it from God?We also cover topics such as the School of the Prophets, how the Word of Wisdom came to be and Joseph Smith's vision of the grand Zion Community in Independence, Missouri.Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeAt Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

Independence, Missouri, was to be the culmination of the Saints' dreams and revelations for the establishment of Zion in the last days. Many were obedient and gave everything they had to create Zion and others were disobedient and lacked Faith. A number of mistakes were made by the Saints and the Missourians. The results were tragic. What went wrong in Missouri? Was the prophet Joseph Smith wrong about the revelations he received? Why did the Lord send the Saints to Independence, if he knew they would fail? If the failure of the establishment of Zion was due to sin, what sins did the Saints commit that brought them such horrible troubles? As relations between the Saints and the Missourians soured, Jackson County leaders demanded a meeting. At the July 20th meeting, the Jackson County leaders gave the Saints a list of demands: 1) No more Mormonites could settle in Jackson County. 2) Those already in the county must sell their property and leave as soon as possible. 3) Printing of 'The Evening and the Morning Star' must stop immediately. 4) The church storehouse and shops must close as soon as possible. Not knowing exactly what to do and needing to seek the prophet's counsel, Bishop Edward Partridge asked for three month stay to communicate with the Prophet in Ohio. The Missouri leaders refused. In the end, they gave the Bishop fifteen minutes to decide to accept the terms. His unwillingness to obey the order led to him being tarred and feathered in front of the Independence courthouse. The expulsion of the Saints from Missouri had begun. Join Lynne Hilton Wilson and professor Janiece Johnson as they discuss the details behind this exciting and tragic period of Church History. Thank you for joining us at Scripture Central! We hope that you have enjoyed this content.

Changes in RLDS Succession Last Spring, John Hamer gave a monumental address about RLDS succession at the JWHA Meetings that literally changed RLDS History. Pres-prophet Steven Veazey had announced his pending retirement in 2 years and said he would choose a successor. John argued in his address that if Veazey did so, it would make his presidency illegitimate as well as whoever he picked. So, the process was changed as a result of his address. He'll give more details. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/2rQnCWIYxqE John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. Don't miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved From Monarchical Tendencies to a "Prophetic People" Historically, leadership in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS), now Community of Christ, was heavily influenced by the Joseph Smith lineage. Joseph Smith III's succession, recognized by the General Conference (World Conference), established two pillars of legitimacy: appointment by the predecessor and the "royal line" of Joseph Smith, which was seen as holy according to the Book of Mormon. William Smith, brother of Joseph Smith, actively promoted the idea of a Smith "royal seed," drawing parallels to James, the brother of Jesus, leading the early Christian church. However, this tradition soon saw shifts. Joseph III's son, Frederick M. Smith, introduced the concept of "supreme directional control," concentrating power in the First Presidency, which he led. This led to significant internal conflicts, including the resignation of the entire Presiding Bishopric and the departure of prominent figures like R.C. Evans, who felt sidelined despite his own aspirations for leadership. The Smith lineage continued through Joseph III's sons until Wallace B. Smith, a grandson, took the helm. He was a "progressive leader" who, in 1984, initiated the end of priesthood discrimination based on gender (D&C 156), a move that led to schism within the church as "restorationist" groups broke away. Importantly, Wallace B. Smith broke from the Smith lineage tradition by appointing a non-Smith, W. Grant McMurray, as his successor. Grant McMurray's tenure marked another pivotal shift. In D&C 162, he articulated a vision of the church as a "prophetic people, not just a people with a prophet," introducing a new pillar of legitimacy that emphasized discernment and input from the wider church body. This concept challenged the previous monarchical tendencies and opened the door for more democratic forms of leadership. Crisis and Controversy: The Kirtland Temple Sale and Succession Plans Grant McMurray's abrupt resignation in 2004, without appointing a successor, created a succession crisis, effectively breaking the chain of appointment. In response, a special World Conference was called, and the First Presidency assigned the Council of Twelve Apostles to choose the next prophet, who turned out to be Steve Veazey. Steve Veazey's 20-year presidency, however, was marked by significant financial struggles for the church, leading to an "unmitigated decline". This culminated in the controversial sale of the historic Kirtland Temple for less than $200 million. Critics, including historian John Hamer, argued that the sale was conducted "in secret" and for "a pittance," insufficient for the church's long-term financial sustainability. The World Conference had previously required a revelation to sell the Kirtland Temple, highlighting the lack of transparency in the recent transaction. Adding to the controversy, Steve Veazey announced a plan to personally select his successor. John Hamer publicly argued that this move would "retroactively completely delegitimize" Veazey's tenure and render his chosen successor illegitimate, as it contradicted the principle of a "prophetic people" and the broken chain of appo...

In this episode, we discuss the sealed portion of the plates. Gerrit shares the accounts of Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery on returning the plates and go through comments from Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, and David Whitmer. Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

In this rereleased episode, we dive deep into one of the most important revelations ever received by Joseph Smith, Doctrine and Covenants 93.  But to understand how radical and how profound this revelation is, we must first understand a little of what the Christian world thinks about the nature of God, the nature of Christ, and our own nature. Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

The Apostle Paul versus Joseph Smith: Why the Apostle Paul would have expelled Mormon founder Joseph Smith

This week I'm diving into Doctrine and Covenants 93—“Receive of His Fulness.” I talk about Elder Renlund's message on “Infuriating Unfairness” and the importance of being stone-catchers instead of stone-throwers, share some powerful listener stories about following the prophet, and explore how we grow grace by grace, just like the Savior did. We'll look at what it means to climb the ladder of exaltation one step at a time, how light and truth fill our lives as we keep the commandments, and why setting our own homes in order really matters. I hope this episode reminds you that you are a child of God with divine potential and that little by little, you can receive of His fulness. From the manual:  “When you climb up a ladder,” Joseph Smith taught, “you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 268). Sometimes that ladder of exaltation seems impossibly high , but we were born to climb to the top. Whatever limitations we may see in ourselves, Heavenly Father and His Son see something glorious in us, something godlike. Just as Jesus Christ “was in the beginning with the Father,” so “ye were also” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:21, 23). Just as He “continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness,” so also “you shall receive grace for grace” (verses 13, 20). The restored gospel teaches us about the true nature of God, and so it also teaches us about ourselves and what we can become. Despite the efforts of the “wicked one” (verse 39)—and despite what you feel you may lack—you are a literal child of God with the potential to “in due time receive of his fulness” (verse 19). https://youtu.be/3mzj-gBeAZg?si=2JS0EzsTV4gm4bkB https://youtu.be/JBX-InLxObI?si=F-5cI1YIb6x3UeAD https://youtu.be/tMRm1NfpQYQ?si=FECvAJzW-_fBCuAy https://youtu.be/VZljNTyemcU?si=LL_Bz98ayO9-pNN1 Check out my book, "Feasting on the Words of Christ," where I share a simple, five-step method for receiving answers to your prayers through the scriptures. You're really going to love it!

RFM covered the excommunication of Brandeis Hebrew scholar David P. Wright a few weeks ago. Now we cover the paper written by David P. Wright that got him excommunicated! The paper shows how Joseph Smith used the Epistle to the Hebrews from the Bible in his creation of the Book of Mormon. Professor Wright’s paper… Read More »Excommunicated for THIS? : RFM: 411

RFM covered the excommunication of Brandeis Hebrew scholar David P. Wright a few weeks ago. Now we cover the paper written by David P. Wright that got him excommunicated! The paper shows how Joseph Smith used the Epistle to the Hebrews from the Bible in his creation of the Book of Mormon. Professor Wright’s paper… Read More »Excommunicated for THIS? : RFM: 411 The post Excommunicated for THIS? : RFM: 411 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

A 15 year old kid walks into the woods to ask some questions about the meaning of life. Nothing unusual there. However, this kid, Joseph Smith, walks out of the woods and starts a movement in the 1820s that leads to spiritual enlightenment for millions... but to violence, murder, and what some consider sexual deviance for others.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if your understanding of God, Jesus, and even yourself is incomplete? Doctrine and Covenants Section 93 is a theological masterclass, offering mind-blowing insights that will deepen your relationship with the Divine and help you find your purpose. In this episode, we tackle the profound and beautiful theology of D&C 93. We begin by exploring the incredible promise that we can "see my face and know that I am" by following five simple steps. Next, we analyze the principle of "grace for grace," revealing how even Jesus Christ grew in His divinity and set a pattern for our own eternal progression. We'll discuss how the highest form of worship is emulation—striving to become like our Heavenly Parents and the Savior. Then, we dive into the core doctrine that "the glory of God is intelligence". We'll explore two layers of this truth: first, as the acquisition of knowledge , and second, as our eternal, co-existent nature with God. This leads to the remarkable revelation about the innocence of man at birth. Finally, we'll bring it all home with the Lord's direct counsel to Church leaders—and to all of us—to "set in order your own house" and prioritize the most important work we will ever do: raising our families. Call-to-Action: What insights did you gain from this powerful section? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you're gaining new insights from our "Unshaken" series, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and ring the notification bell to stay updated. Tags: D&C 93, Doctrine and Covenants, Unshaken, Jared Halverson, Come Follow Me, Latter-day Saints, LDS, Joseph Smith, Jesus Christ, intelligence, grace for grace, spiritual progression, truth, worship, eternal life, family, sanctification, Newel K. Whitney, Frederick G. Williams, Sidney Rigdon, eternal progression, home work, set in order your house. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:56 Seeing the Face of God 16:48 Grace for Grace, Grace to Grace 29:40 How and What We Worship 46:47 Light and Truth as Intelligence 57:37 Humanity as Intelligence 1:11:46 Guilty at Birth? 1:21:56 Home Work 1:34:03 One-Liners

Grace For Grace - Growth Mindset For Kids - “Receive of His Fullness : Doctrine and Covenants 93”When you climb up a ladder,” Joseph Smith taught, “you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation” (⁠Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 268⁠).Sometimes that ladder of exaltation seems impossibly high, but we were born to climb to the top with the Savior's constant help. Whatever limitations we may see in ourselves, Heavenly Father and His Son see something glorious in us, something godlike. Just as Jesus Christ “was in the beginning with the Father,” so “ye were also” (⁠Doctrine and Covenants 93:21, 23⁠). Just as He “continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness,” so also “you shall receive grace for grace” (⁠verses 13, 20⁠). The restored gospel teaches about the true nature of God, and so it also teaches about your true nature and destiny. You are a literal child of God with the potential to “in due time receive of his fulness”.This week we discuss the scriptures in doctrine and covenants 93, how Jesus Christ grew grace to grace, we can too. We liken this to the ladder that Joseph smith taught about. We also play some fun growth mindset games. You're listening to Come Follow Me Kids!A Come Follow Me Podcast for Primary Kids of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. Children will learn shout the scriptures while playing games that go with the Come Follow Me Lessons from the church.This year we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants. If you are looking for a Doctrine and Covenants Podcast for Primary Kids, look no further! Our podcast is called Come Follow Me Kids. Come Follow Me for kids that are primary aged 2-12 in the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We follow the come follow me manual from the church but are not officially affiliated in any way. Some audio segments come from the friend magazine and other church sources. On this podcast we play interactive games while learning about the gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ.If your children would like to be guests on this podcast or to receive a baptism shout out, please email us at their info at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com 

This episode exposes how Joseph Smith's view of God shifted dramatically between the Book of Mormon and his later teachings—raising big questions about the nature of God and the foundations of Mormon theology.--The Unveiling Mormonism podcast pulls back the curtain on Mormon history, culture and doctrine. Join us for new episodes every Monday. Find resources to talk about these episodes at pursueGOD.org/mormonism.Help others go "full circle" as a follower of Jesus through our 12-week Pursuit series.Click here to learn more about how to use these resources at home, with a small group, or in a one-on-one discipleship relationship.Got questions or want to leave a note? Email us at podcast@pursueGOD.org.Donate Now --Podcast Shownotes: Who Is God According to the Book of Mormon?Episode OverviewIn this episode, we take a deep dive into how Joseph Smith's view of God evolved from the publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 to his famous King Follett Discourse in 1844—just months before his death. Layne and Bryan explore the stark contrast between the eternal, unchanging God of the Book of Mormon and the progressive, exalted man described in later Mormon scriptures.Whether you're LDS, a former Mormon, or simply curious about church history, this episode will challenge assumptions and invite you to ask critical questions about the nature of God, the reliability of scripture, and what it all means for faith today.What You'll LearnJoseph Smith's Changing TheologyHow his earliest writings portray God as eternal and unchanging—while later teachings suggest God was once a man who progressed to godhood.The Book of Mormon vs. Later Mormon ScripturesWhy the God described in the Book of Mormon looks much more like the God of the Bible than the God of the Doctrine and Covenants or Pearl of Great Price.The King Follett DiscourseWhat Joseph Smith taught about God just three months before his death—and why it marked a major theological shift.Contradictions and QuestionsHow LDS leaders respond when members raise concerns about conflicting teachings across Mormon scripture.A Call to “Test Everything”Why the Bible encourages believers to examine claims critically instead of blindly following authority.Why It MattersYour view of God shapes everything—your faith, your worship, and ultimately, your eternal hope. If the God of the Book of Mormon and the Bible is eternal, unchanging, and unique, what does that mean for the progressive, exalted man described in later LDS teachings?This episode invites you to wrestle honestly with these questions and discover why your view of God matters more than you might think.

We're excited today to talk about the temple. It's a topic we love—one that sits at the heart of our faith—but because of its sacred nature, it can sometimes be difficult to explore openly.Our guest today is historian Jonathan Stapley, who has spent the past two decades studying the temple and its role in Latter-day Saint life. His new book, Holiness to the Lord, is coming out this fall, and it incorporates a remarkable collection of never-before-seen archival records.The book explores the temple's earliest origins and the ways Joseph Smith drew on the book of Revelation and biblical archetypes to transform ordinary people into priests and priestesses through covenant, community, and ritual. Jonathan also documents the generational shifts in temple practice over time and the sacred work the temple has been doing in the lives of Latter-day Saints from the beginning to today.We're especially grateful that Jonathan was willing to engage some of the harder questions—things that don't always fit neatly in a Sunday School setting, but that many of us carry quietly. He speaks candidly about temple recommends, garments, and evolving expectations around worthiness. We got to ask him about the temple's connection to Masonic rituals (how similar are they, really?) and about how we sit with the very real pain that can come with conditional temple participation—especially when its means leaving family members behind for temple sealings.Jonathan brings both deep scholarship and lived faith to this conversation. He helps us see the temple as a living, evolving expression of our faith—one that reflects a divine invitation to connection, transformation, and covenant belonging, and that draws us into Joseph's bold, sacred project: to bring heaven to earth.Preorder the book from Bookshop.orgPreorder the book from AmazonJoin us for an event discussing the relationship between ancient and modern temples at The Compass Gallery on Sept 21.Read what we've published about temples in our magazine, Wayfare. 

Can a prophet be true if he was previously claiming to use divine assistance to ascertain the location of hidden treasure?

Who is Joseph Smith, and why is he so important in Mormonism? Today, we'll look at the historical figure who kicked off one of the biggest religions. We'll talk about the early life of Joseph Smith, the Second Great Awakening, Joseph's First Vision of God, discovering the Golden Plates, and other interesting topics… WELCOME TO Religion CAMP!

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 93]“Receive of His Fulness”August 25 – August 31, 2025WEEK 35 SUMMARY=================Doctrine and Covenants 93 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith that emphasizes the importance of understanding the nature of God and the process of becoming like Him. It teaches that Jesus Christ grew from grace to grace until He received a fullness of the glory of the Father, and that we, too, can receive a fullness of joy by following His example. The section highlights the significance of truth, light, and intelligence, and it encourages us to seek knowledge and live righteously. It also provides guidance on the importance of family and the responsibility of parents to teach their children the principles of the gospel.SPARK 1: PAINT BY NUMBER================OBJECT LESSON: “Shall See My Face and Know That I Am”: Edible RocksSPARK 2: GRACE FOR GRACE===================================OBJECT LESSON: “He Received Grace for Grace”: Origami DovesSPARK 3: HOME IMPROVEMENT=============================OBJECT LESSON: “Bring Up Your Children in Light and Truth”: Cup Catching GameCHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:02:44 QUICK GLANCE00:06:15 SPARK 1 INSIGHTS00:15:50 SPARK 1 OBJECT LESSON00:20:06 SPARK 1 QUESTIONS00:21:52 SPARK 2 INSIGHTS00:33:48 SPARK 2 OBJECT LESSON00:37:15 SPARK 2 QUESTIONS00:39:52 SPARK 3 INSIGHTS00:49:58 SPARK 3 OBJECT LESSON00:54:39 SPARK 3 QUESTIONS00:57:09 WRAP UPLINKS=====WEB: https://www.gather.meckmom.comETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/meckmomINSTAGRAM: Instagram @meckmomlifePODCAST: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST DISCLAIMER=================================This podcast represents my own thoughts and opinions. It is not made, approved, or endorsed by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Any content or creative interpretations, implied or included are solely those of Maria Eckersley ("MeckMom LLC"), and not those of Intellectual Reserve, Inc. or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Great care has been made to ensure this podcast is in harmony with the overall mission of the Church. Click here to visit the official website of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Send us a textJoin us this week as we discuss section 93 and say goodbye to Heidi....at least on a weekly basis.  She may make an appearance every once in a while down the road.  We thank Heidi for sharing her time, insights, humor, and weight lifting analogies with us!!        “When you climb up a ladder,” Joseph Smith taught, “you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 268).        Sometimes that ladder of exaltation seems impossibly high, but we were born to climb to the top. Whatever limitations we may see in ourselves, Heavenly Father and His Son see something glorious in us, something godlike. Just as Jesus Christ “was in the beginning with the Father,” so “ye were also” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:21, 23). Just as He “continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness,” so also “you shall receive grace for grace” (verses 13, 20). The restored gospel teaches us about the true nature of God, and so it also teaches us about ourselves and what we can become. Despite the efforts of the “wicked one” (verse 39)—and despite what you feel you may lack—you are a literal child of God with the potential to “in due time receive of his fulness” (verse 19).Support the Show!  Become a "Patron Saint"! 

We are back with Chapter Twelve of John Turner's new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” Today we are covering Chapter Twelve which is titled: “Olive Leaves” that covers the years 1832-1833 in Kirtland, Ohio.We tackle topics like the excommunication of Jesse Gause, one of the first General Authorities and other conflicts between the Mormon leaders.We also answer questions like...-Was the idea of the different priesthoods original to Joseph Smith?-Did Joseph Smith speak in tongues?-Did Joseph Smith actually predict the Civil War?-Is the School of the Prophets unique and where did the Solemn Assembly come from?You won't want to miss this important installment of the Joseph Smith Podcast!___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this rereleased episode, we decided to tackle one of the great hot-button historical issues of the day…well, of Joseph Smith's day anyway. We discuss the history of the Apocrypha and how controversy in Christianity led to Joseph Smith's revelation on it. Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠ If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com

Join us live today as we welcome back Ganesh Cherian who is here to discuss the aspects of the Book of Mormon that clearly show its 19th century origins. What influences did Joseph Smith use to write the Book of Mormon? Do unique aspects of his life show up in the text?From American patriotism and Native American policy to slippery treasure and evolving doctrines, this deep dive challenges the traditional narrative that the Book of Mormon is an ancient text. Based on Ganesh's new book “Joseph Smith: The Architect of Mormonism” we answer the question: Did Book of Mormon Lamanites Exist?___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

In this episode, I continue with Doctrine & Covenants 88 and move into sections 89–92, “A Principle with a Promise.” I share the wrestle I had over releasing this episode that talks about the vaccine, why I ultimately felt impressed to publish it, and how it ties into following the prophet and learning by faith. We'll look at what it means to submit our will to God, seek answers in the scriptures, and embrace the Word of Wisdom as both temporal counsel and spiritual promise. “… the submission of one's will is really the only uniquely personal thing we have to place on God's altar. The many other things we “give,” brothers and sisters, are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God's will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!” “Swallowed Up in the Will of the Father” Swallowed up in the Will of the Father Alan Jackson - Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus "Seek Learning By Faith," Elder David A. Bednar The Power of Sustaining Faith - Elder Eyring Synonyms for Sustain assist defend help aid approve back comfort confirm endorse support uphold validate verify lend a hand stand by stick up for Antonyms of sustain hinder obstruct condemn contradict deny disagree disapprove discourage disprove ignore invalidate oppose refuse reject Melanie's Video about the Vaccine Check out my book, "Feasting on the Words of Christ," where I share a simple, five-step method for receiving answers to your prayers through the scriptures. You're really going to love it!

We are very excited this week to release a first-of-its-kind Mormon Stories episode! Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, Sirisha Shumway converted to Mormonism at the age of 14, against the wishes of her family. She quickly became a very devout member of her LDS community, served a mission, and even worked for the church as a translator.After moving to the US to completer her education, Sirisha faced increasing pressure to marry and raise a family in the LDS faith. But when her husband began questioning church history, she embarked on her own faith crisis, uncovering disturbing truths about Joseph Smith, polygamy, and other deceptions about church history.Topics include:-Sirisha's upbringing in India-Structure of the LDS church in India-Church interfetance in family relationships-And the long-lasting impact of high-demand religions on personal identityWe are grateful to Sirisha for sharing her story with us, and hope you enjoy this very unique episode.___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

We are back again with historian Dr. John Turner to explore Chapter Eleven of his new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The chapter is titled “Pure Language” and covers the years 1831-1832 in Kirtland, Ohio. Turner discusses the stories of healing on the part of Joseph Smith, the controversy surrounding the publishing of the Book of Commandments as well as some of the members questioning Joseph Smith's revelations. Dr. Turner also discusses Joseph Smith's revelation on the three degrees of heaven and the possible connections to Emanual Swedenborg (as well as the fact that Hitler is in Mormon heaven!)We also tackle some big questions:-Is John Turner's book just another hagiography idealizing his subject?-Why did Alexander Campbell oppose Mormonism so vehemently?-What are we to make of these stories of healing?-Was the tar and feathering of Joseph Smith having to do with sexual impropriety?You won't want to miss this important episode in the Joseph Smith Podcast series!___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117