Podcast appearances and mentions of Joseph Smith

This is a new episode that I recorded quickly this morning before work.  It briefly covers Doctrine and Covenants 76.   Shine on!

What if everything you thought you knew about heaven, salvation, and Christ's power was just the beginning? Get ready to have your understanding expanded. Summary: In this deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants 76, "The Vision," we explore an expansive understanding of Jesus Christ and His infinite reach. Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon experienced visions that revealed Christ's ability to do "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think," showing His wisdom, marvelous ways, and the unimaginable extent of His work of salvation. We begin by examining how we often underestimate the Savior, discovering that "beside him there is no Savior," yet His mercy and grace extend to bring everyone home except the sons of perdition. The video then unpacks the concept of "The Cosmic Christ," where Joseph and Sidney beheld the glory of the Son, witnessing that by Him, "the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God." Next, we confront the sobering reality of "Perdition and His Sons," understanding the profound loss associated with Lucifer and the specific conditions that lead to becoming a son of perdition. This segment surprisingly reveals God's near-universal plan of salvation, emphasizing that "all the rest shall be brought forth by the resurrection of the dead." Finally, we journey through the three degrees of glory—Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial—receiving a breathtaking glimpse into what "heaven" truly looks like, even surpassing all understanding for the Telestial Kingdom. We'll also touch on the profound spiritual experiences that cannot be written but must be "seen and understood by the power of the Holy Spirit." Prepare to enlarge your vision of God's love, justice, and the boundless power of Christ to redeem. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 6:10 Never Underestimate Christ 16:50 The Cosmic Christ 36:28 Perdition and His Sons 52:19 Celestial Glory 1:05:23 Terrestrial Glory 1:13:13 Telestial Glory 1:29:34 What We Can and Cannot Write 1:42:34 One-Liners

Join us on a fascinating journey to Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin, to explore the unique history and beliefs of a Latter-day Saint group often referred to as the Strangites. This isn't the commonly known LDS Church; rather, it's a distinct branch founded by James Strang. He started a rival Mormon Church in Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin back in 1844 and the church still exists! We'll tour around the Trust Farm and see historic sites, including the Hill of Promise & the home where James Strang died. Gary Weber is a Strangite. He's our tour guide and we'll discuss their church and theology. You don't want to miss this conversation... https://youtu.be/vlL_OQ69CEo Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Genesis of Strangism The Strangite Church, formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Strangite), was founded in 1844. James Strang, who had been sent on a mission to Wisconsin by Joseph Smith, claimed that an angel ordained him on June 27, 1844, the very day Joseph Smith died. This divine ordination, he asserted, made him the rightful successor to the church's leadership. Trip to Voree/Burlington The journey to this lesser-known Latter-day Saint community in Wisconsin involved a mix of trains, planes, and automobiles. Landing in Milwaukee, the trip continued towards Burlington, Wisconsin, where the Church is located. The group believes they are the original Mormon Church and refer to themselves as Mormons. The area around Burlington, known as Voree is the setting for much of Strangite history, especially concerning the "Voree record". The weather in Burlington on June 12th was surprisingly mild for summer, with a high of just 63 and low around 56 degrees Fahrenheit, a notable difference from Utah's typical June temperatures. Current Church Building and Surroundings The current Strangite church building, located on Spring Valley Road near what's called "Mormon Road," is smaller than I expected. According to Bill Shepard, a long-time resident & member, this building was constructed around 1965-1967 and marks the first time the Strangites have had a dedicated church building, as they were previously scattered. The lawn around the chapel is nicely manicured, and visitors are always welcome. Inside, or in their collections, the Strangites possess a wealth of historical documents, including 26 volumes of the Journal of Discourses, Times and Seasons, and Millennial Star. They also have Strang Manuscripts, which are copies of letters, and a publication called The Northern Islander, which was published at Beaver Island. Notably, the Strangites do use the Doctrine and Covenants. Sacred Hill of Promise One of the most significant sites for Strangites is the Hill of Promise. This is where James Strang is believed to have found his "Voree plates. The discovery was found under a small tree on the hill, under which Strang claimed a buried record lay. He gathered respected men from the town to witness the excavation, ensuring no prior disturbance of the soil. An angel reportedly appeared to Strang, revealing the record's location. Upon opening the stone casing, the ancient record crumbled due to exposure to air, a common occurrence with ancient artifacts according to Weber. Strang translated this record using the Urim and Thummim, which he said he received from the angel Moroni. The "Voree record" was a short account of a people named "Raja Ramor" who lived in the area and, similar to the Nephites on the Hill Cumorah, were largely destroyed in a great war. The record also depicted the priesthood structure, aligning precisely with the priesthood under Joseph Smith and James Strang, including prophet, viceroy, twelve apostles, and seventies. Beyond its historical significance, the Hill of Promise holds prophetic importance: James Strang's revelations indicate that Daniel from the Bible will someday app...

Radio Free Mormon shows six places where Joseph Smith used Josephus, a two thousand year old historical source, to supplement Smith's scriptural productions. By this method among others, Joseph Smith fulfilled the Book of Mormon prediction that he would restore ancient truths that had become lost.

Get more great content and support the podcast by becoming a Patreon member. Go to TSAR.website and subscribe to get so much more! In this episode Kerry and Dr. Robert Millet discuss one of the most beautiful and important revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants. They provide the background that elicited The Vision, and then go through the various parts of what Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon saw in vision. They break it into its various parts, and also show how this revolutionizes our understanding of God and heaven. We are grateful for our executive producers, B. Fisher and K. Bradley, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Launchpad Consulting Studios for producing the content and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Radio Free Mormon shows six places where Joseph Smith used Josephus, a two thousand year old historical source, to supplement Smith's scriptural productions. By this method among others, Joseph Smith fulfilled the Book of Mormon prediction that he would restore ancient truths that had become lost. The post Mormon Easter Eggs: RFM: 406 appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Send us a text"Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory"        The Vision, probably the most glorious and most important revelation that sets the church apart from other Christian religions since the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.  The vision was given in the midst of other brethren to Sidney Rigdon and Joseph Smith.  Join us this week as we discuss how "The Vision" was received among members of the church, non members of the church, and those outside of the church.  It was an entirely new and greater understanding of what Heaven and Hell are.  We find out what the celestial, terrestrial, and telestial kingdoms are, and what is required to be a candidate for outer darkness.Support the show... Become a "Patron Saint"!!

I've visited some temples recently! "Gospel Tangents" recently hosted a surprise live session, a "late night unannounced edition," much to the delight of its "night owl" viewers. I shared a whirlwind of Temples, Travels, updates, upcoming content, and even some breaking news from various Restorationist traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_a2PA5jAU Temples, Travels, & Timely Insights! I've been traveling extensively, leading to a "boatload of pictures" and a significant backlog of videos waiting to be edited. Despite the busy schedule, i'm eager to share my experiences: Community of Christ World Conference in Independence: Rick attended and captured his reactions to Stassi Cramm being ordained the new prophet. While there, he met a man from New Zealand (a "Kiwi") and expressed hope for interviews with people from the Temple Lot Church, including Tom from a fundamentalist group and potentially Stassi Cramm herself. Mormon History Association (MHA): This event also proved fruitful, including tours of LDS churches, such as an old one in Ogden and Joseph Soderberg's church where President Hinckley reportedly gained his testimony. Exploring the Strangites in Wisconsin: This trip was a major highlight. I stayed with Bill Shepard, a former guest, and toured various Strangite sites with Gary Weber and David Boice. ◦ A key stop was the Hill of Promise, which the Strangites consider akin to the Hill Cumorah. It's believed to be where James J. Strang found the Voree record, a "short record of the people of Raja Ramor." This record described a people similar to those in the Book of Mormon, with a priesthood structure mirroring Joseph and James's. The Hill of Promise also holds future significance, as Strangite revelations state that Daniel from the Bible will appear there to announce Christ's approaching second coming. ◦ I also visited the site of the unbuilt Strangite temple in Burlington, which was planned to be "quite significant" in size. ◦ Rick also drove by James Strang's house in Burlington, where Strang died three weeks after his assassination on the dock of Lake Michiga. ◦ A fascinating piece of news is that David Boice is moving to Utah at the end of July. Rick plans to visit Beaver Island (Strangite Island) in July or August, noting that while Gary Weber says there's "not a lot to see," one can rent a golf cart for getting around. He also mentioned Vicki Speek is working on a census of the island. ◦ For those unfamiliar, James J. Strang claimed an angelic ordination on the day Joseph Smith died (June 27, 1844). He translated the Voree plates and later the "plates of Laban" (published as the Book of the Law of the Lord). He settled in Burlington, then moved to Beaver Island, where he was crowned king and even served in the Michigan legislature. His efforts to stop Gentiles from selling liquor to Native Americans reportedly led to his assassination with the help of the U.S. Navy. Upcoming Trip to Calgary and Cardston, Alberta: Rick is flying to Calgary for his son's wedding. He plans to make a video about the Cardston Alberta Temple, which was the first international temple for the LDS Church. Some compare it to the Mesa Temple and notes its "pioneer feel" like the Manti Temple. The Cardston Temple's murals are darker, possibly due to varnish, and hopes for a refurbishment once a new temple opens in Lethbridge. Book Giveaways and Exciting New Releases The live session included a book giveaway for "Joseph Fielding Smith a Mormon Theologian," won by Mark Francis. Looking ahead, the channel is celebrating the release of John Turner's new book, "Joseph Smith The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," which launched in June on Amazon. (The contest is over now.) Rick gave away an autographed copy of this book. Potentially "Breaking News" from the Temple Lot Church I discovered some surprising news regarding the Temple Lot Church: they are "going to quit selling the Book of Commandme...

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [DD&C 76]“Great Shall Be Their Reward and Eternal Shall Be Their Glory”July 7 – July 13, 2025WEEK 28 SUMMARY=================Doctrine and Covenants 76 is a profound revelation given to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in 1832, often referred to as "The Vision." It unveils the plan of salvation and the afterlife, describing the three degrees of glory: the Celestial, Terrestrial, and Telestial kingdoms. The vision begins with a testimony of Jesus Christ and His role as the Savior. It then details the fate of those who will inherit each kingdom, emphasizing the importance of faith, repentance, and obedience to the gospel. The Celestial Kingdom is reserved for those who receive the testimony of Jesus, are baptized, and keep the commandments, becoming joint-heirs with Christ. The Terrestrial Kingdom is for honorable people who were not valiant in their testimony of Jesus. The Telestial Kingdom is for those who did not receive the gospel or the testimony of Jesus in the flesh. The revelation also touches on the fate of the sons of perdition, who deny the Holy Spirit after having received it. This section of the Doctrine and Covenants provides a comprehensive view of the afterlife, highlighting God's mercy and justice.SPARK 1: REDEFINING VICTORY================OBJECT LESSON: “I Will Reveal All Mysteries”: Unfolding Revelation CardSPARK 2: VESSELS OF WRATH===================================OBJECT LESSON: “Valiant in the Testimony of Jesus”: Temporary CastsSPARK 3: SHOWCASE SHOWDOWN=============================OBJECT LESSON: “As The Moon Differs from The Sun”: $100 Bill AnalogyCHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:04:26 QUICK GLANCE00:07:44 SPARK 1 INSIGHTS00:16:09 SPARK 1 OBJECT LESSON00:20:20 SPARK 1 QUESTIONS00:22:20 SPARK 2 INSIGHTS00:31:06 SPARK 2 OBJECT LESSON00:35:39 SPARK 2 QUESTIONS00:38:26 SPARK 3 INSIGHTS00:47:32 SPARK 3 OBJECT LESSON00:52:28 SPARK 3 QUESTIONS00:55:31 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.

In Part 6 of our Joseph Smith podcast series, we dive deep into Chapter 6: "A Choice Seer." This episode explores the controversies surrounding the Book of Mormon—its origins, witnesses, and textual issues. We examine the arguments for and against its authenticity, its biblical parallels, and Joseph Smith's role as translator vs. author.Topics include:-Were the witnesses in on a scam?-Historicity of the Book of Mormon-Anachronisms and biblical borrowings-Criticism from early figures like Alexander Campbell-Literary structures like chiasmus-Theology, archeology, and universalism-Is the Book of Mormon scripture?A thoughtful, critical, and respectful look at how scholars and believers wrestle with faith, history, and evidence.___________________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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Something strange happened in Upstate New York during the 1830s. This area was called the "Burned-Over District" because so many fiery religious revivals swept through that it was metaphorically burned over. This region became a key source of the Second Great Awakening, a Protestant revival movement marked by emotional preaching and mass conversions, as preachers like Charles Finney inspired thousands to seek personal salvation and social reform. The revival spirit also birthed new movements: Mormonism emerged with Joseph Smith's founding of the Latter Day Saint movement in 1830, the Jehovah’s Witnesses trace their roots to the Bible Student movement that gained traction later in the century, and Spiritualism took hold in the 1840s with the Fox sisters’ claims of communicating with spirits in Hydesville, New York. This episode, however, isn’t just about the Burned-Over District. It’s about how these revivalists tapped into a distinctly American form of power, one not built on title or lineage, but on pure, raw charisma. From Puritan prophets and prophetesses in the 1600s to big-tent revivalists in the 1800s, and even to modern self-help gurus like Tony Robbins and Oprah Winfrey, charisma has shaped influence across time. It empowers figures like presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama to amass followings, sustain authority, and shape the national narrative through sheer personal appeal. Today’s guest is Molly Worthen, author of Spellbound: How Charisma Shaped American History from the Puritans to Donald Trump. We explore the roots of charisma and power in American democracy, whether it’s necessarily bad or can be used for good, and how to avoid falling under the spell of a charismatic demagogue.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who really was Joseph Smith? When one peels back the layers of legend and legacy to explore the life of Mormonism's controversial founder, a far more complex and human figure emerges—part visionary, part rebel, and entirely unlike the sanitized version told in Sunday School. From buried golden plates and seer stones to secret plural marriages… Read More »Joseph Smith: The Man Behind Mormonism

Who really was Joseph Smith? When one peels back the layers of legend and legacy to explore the life of Mormonism's controversial founder, a far more complex and human figure emerges—part visionary, part rebel, and entirely unlike the sanitized version told in Sunday School. From buried golden plates and seer stones to secret plural marriages… Read More »Joseph Smith: The Man Behind Mormonism The post Joseph Smith: The Man Behind Mormonism appeared first on Mormon Discussions Podcasts - Full Lineup.

Who really was Joseph Smith? When one peels back the layers of legend and legacy to explore the life of Mormonism's controversial founder, a far more complex and human figure emerges—part visionary, part rebel, and entirely unlike the sanitized version told in Sunday School. From buried golden plates and seer stones to secret plural marriages… Read More »Joseph Smith: The Man Behind Mormonism

Much of the Joseph Smith story turns on this question: Did he really discover golden plates? Historian John Turner says no, but he doesn't dismiss what came next.

This week, we delve into some profound Masonic discussions that you won't want to miss! A Philosophic Reflection: Hear a thought-provoking piece by a Brother who, just three months after the historic event, wrote about the grave philosophical implications of dropping the atomic bomb. The Masonic Minute with Steve Harrison: Discover the intriguing story of William Morgan's wife and widow, who later married Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. This segment promises to be both enlightening and enthralling! Exclusive Preview: Get a first look at a premier article being featured in the June edition of The Lyceum, the official Masonic Education Arm of the Grand Lodge of Illinois Education Committee. Don't miss this riveting episode filled with Masonic insights and historical revelations. Tune in now and let your journey of discovery continue!  #MasonicPodcast #WhenceCameYou #MasonicMinute #MasonicEducation #Freemasonry Links:  Steve's Book - tinyurl.com/morgan-book - Get the book! Masonic Con Kansas https://masonicconkansas.com/tickets/ https://masonicconsouth.com Masonic Con South Y'all! https://masoniccon.com/#schedule SPML Masonic Con Skull and Crown Ltd. www.skullandcrownltd.com Craftsman+ FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftsmanplus/ WCY Podcast YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/WhenceCameYou Ancient Modern Initiation: Special Edition http://www.wcypodcast.com/the-Shop The Master's Word- A Short Treatise on the Word, the Light, and the Self - Autographed https://wcypodcast.com/the-shop Get the new book! How to Charter a Lodge: https://wcypodcast.com/the-shop Truth Quantum https://truthquantum.com Our Patreon www.patreon.com/wcypodcast Support the show on Paypal https://wcypodcast.com/support-the-show Get some swag! https://wcypodcast.com/the-shop Get the book! http://a.co/5rtYr2r  

“No Weapon That Is Formed against You Shall Prosper”Doctrine and Covenants podcast for kids. Sections 71–75You're listening to Come Follow Me Kids! A Come Follow Me Podcast. We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. This is a Doctrine and Covenants Podcast for Kids! 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, please email us at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com They can share their testimony about the restoration of the gospel, or share an experience they had with prayer, the Holy Ghost, or Missionary Work. Make sure they include their name and where they are from in the audio recording. And don't worry about your recording being perfect, we can edit out mistakes. Any sound file should work. If your children would like a baptism shout out, email us their name, and where they are from and we will add them to an upcoming episode. Use the same email listed above. Ever since he was a boy, Joseph Smith faced critics—even enemies—as he tried to do God's work. But it must have been particularly difficult in late 1831 when Ezra Booth began publicly berating the Church, because in this case the critic was a former believer. Ezra had seen Joseph use God's power to heal a woman. He had been invited to accompany Joseph on the first survey of the land of Zion in Missouri. But he had since lost his faith and, in an attempt to discredit the Prophet, published a series of letters in an Ohio newspaper. And his efforts seemed to be working, because “unfriendly feelings … had developed against the Church” in the area (⁠Doctrine and Covenants 71⁠, section heading). What should believers do in a case like that? While there is not one right answer for every situation, it seems that often—including in this case in 1831—part of the Lord's answer is to declare the truth and correct falsehoods by “proclaiming [the] gospel” (⁠verse 1⁠). Yes, the Lord's work will always have critics, but in the end, “no weapon that is formed against [it] shall prosper” (⁠verse 9⁠).Ideas for Teaching ChildrenDoctrine and Covenants 71I can defend the truth by sharing my testimony.Doctrine and Covenants 72:2The Lord has called a bishop to help me.Doctrine and Covenants 75:3I can give my best effort to the Lord.

We're discussing polygamy in John Turner's Joseph Smith Biography and giving away a book! https://youtube.com/live/09QmyE6WweU Don't miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission   Welcome, everyone, to Gospel Tangents Live! Sunday, we were live, giving away a copy of John Turner's acclaimed biography, "The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet." I just wrapped up an amazing interview with Turner. He is a super fun guy. It was certainly an engaging discussion, even touching on unexpected controversies like the gold plates. I'll have a specific focus on the often-debated topic of polygamy. I'll be tackling this subject for an upcoming presentation at Sunstone (University of Utah, Aug 1st) and the John Whitmer Historical Association (Independence, September 20th). Let's break down some of the key points discussed, looking at both the "problematic" and "overwhelming" evidence surrounding Joseph Smith's polygamy. Problematic Polygamy: Unflattering Episodes and Skeptical Points There are several challenging aspects of Joseph Smith's polygamy, as presented in Turner's book: Questioned Revelations: Turner raises questions about the 1831 revelations regarding polygamy to Native Americans. This is partly based on the reaction of Ezra Booth, an early church critic, who, according to Turner, would have made a "bigger deal about polygamy" if such a revelation had been widely known and accepted at the time. Obscurity of Activities: Joseph Smith took "great pains to obscure his polygamy activities," which Turner notes makes it difficult to ascertain the full scope and nature of these practices. Polygamy skeptics often don't acknowledge this challenge. Limited Sexual Relations: Turner believes that sexual relations with plural spouses were limited. I'm working on a probability model to explore how often Joseph and another wife besides Emma should have gotten pregnant. Joseph and Emma had nine children (eight pregnancies), proving Joseph's fertility. Skeptics often jump to extremes, either no sex or sex "every night," with "never a happy medium". Denouncing Adultery: Joseph Smith publicly denounced adulteryon pages 276-277 of Turner's book, a point skeptics often over emphasize. The Nancy Rigdon Incident: This incident, leading to the infamous "Happiness Letter," is discussed on pages 277, 286, and 287. Nancy Rigdon rejected Joseph's marriage proposal in April 1842. John C. Bennett later published the "Happiness Letter". Turner considers Sidney Rigdon's denial that Joseph wrotethe letter (as opposed to denying the allegationsthat Joseph propositioned Nancy) a "weak response," especially since Joseph typically used scribes to write almost everything. The Sarah Pratt and John C. Bennett Incident: Also on pages 286-287, this involves Sarah Pratt (married to Orson Hyde) and John C. Bennett. When Orson Hyde discovered a potential relationship between Sarah and Joseph, he wrote a suicide note. In a subsequent meeting, Orson Pratt (Sarah's husband) reportedly opposed Joseph Smith in a subsequent meeting due to the issue with Sarah Pratt, a well-documented story according to Turner and most historians. Brigham Young's Polygamy Rejection: Brigham Young's plural marriage proposal to Martha Brotherton was rejected, as noted on page 289. This isn't a flattering portrayal of polygamy. These "problematic" cases often involve both pro-polygamy (like Brigham Young) and anti-polygamy (like John C. Bennett or Sarah Pratt) sources. Their agreement on key events "is pretty strong evidence that something happened". Overwhelming Evidence: "Prodigious" Polygamy Points Despite the problematic aspects, John Turner consider "overwhelming evidence" for Joseph Smith's involvement in polygamy: Early Sealings:

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 71-75]“No Weapon That Is Formed against You Shall Prosper”June 30 – July 6, 2025WEEK 27 SUMMARY=================In Doctrine and Covenants sections 71-75, the Lord provides guidance and instruction to Joseph Smith and other early Church leaders. Section 71 encourages Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to preach the gospel to counteract opposition. Section 72 outlines the duties of a bishop, emphasizing the importance of stewardship and accountability. Section 73 instructs Joseph and Sidney to continue their translation of the Bible. Section 74 clarifies a doctrinal question about the law of circumcision and its relation to children. Finally, Section 75 gives instructions to various elders about their missionary assignments, emphasizing the importance of diligence and faithfulness in their callings. These sections collectively highlight the importance of leadership, missionary work, and doctrinal clarity in the early Church.SPARK 1: CONFOUNDING CREATIVITY================OBJECT LESSON: “Let Them Bring Forth Their Strong Reasons”: Teeter Topple GameSPARK 2: GET BACK TO BISHOPING===================================OBJECT LESSON: “It is Expedient in Me for a Bishop to Be Appointed”: Gratitude TacosSPARK 3: ROOTED FLEXIBILITY=============================OBJECT LESSON: “Chastened for the Murmurings of His Heart”: Licorice TestCHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:05:29 QUICK GLANCE00:09:13 SPARK 1 INSIGHTS00:18:36 SPARK 1 OBJECT LESSON00:24:28 SPARK 1 QUESTIONS00:26:41 SPARK 2 INSIGHTS00:35:29 SPARK 2 OBJECT LESSON00:39:15 SPARK 2 QUESTIONS00:41:58 SPARK 3 INSIGHTS00:50:51 SPARK 3 OBJECT LESSON00:55:39 SPARK 3 QUESTIONS00:58:20 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 textVideo podcast hereWe finish up a series on a brief look of just a few discrepancies between restoration teaching and tradition that came from Joseph Smith after the Book of Mormon  was published.   In almost every instance the church chooses Joseph Smith  over the gospel in the Book of Mormon  preserved for 1000s of years to come forth in these last days.   The question is why?⁨ Restored Gospel - Scripture Search and Study Resources Contact us:restoredgospelpodcast@gmail.comMusic by Michael Barrett

Send us a textHow Should we handle criticism of the Church?        Joseph Smith faced critics all of his life.  He was used to it from the non believers, but it must have been extra difficult when facing criticism from within the church and former members.  This week we discuss the falling away of Ezra Booth and his criticism of the prophet Joseph Smith.  We also talk about Newel K. Whitney, the 2nd bishop of the church called.  He had a few more instructions and direction given to him than did Edward Partridge.  Finally, we talk about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Join us this week as we continue to apply the principles we learn to from our study of come follow me to our personal lives.Support the Show!Become a "Patron Saint"! 

6pm: Guest – Bill D’agostino, Senior research analyst at media research center // Media Research Center Study examines the media’s use of “far right” vs “far left” // Today in History // 1844 - Religious founder Joseph Smith killed by mob // Chinese man, 64, finds toothbrush he swallowed at age 12 stuck in intestine, needs surgery 

3pm: Guest – Bill D’agostino, Senior research analyst at media research center // Media Research Center Study examines the media’s use of “far right” vs “far left” // Today in History // 1844 - Religious founder Joseph Smith killed by mob // Chinese man, 64, finds toothbrush he swallowed at age 12 stuck in intestine, needs surgery 

Joseph Smith's “new translation” of the Bible (D&C sections 71, 73–75, 77, 86, 91, 113) by Mike Parker (Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don't conform exactly to the Come, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 71, 73–75, 77, 86, 91, 113 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

Joseph Smith's arrest for treason in having the Nauvoo Expositor destroyed led to his death. He didn't use habeas corpus to get out of this jam, and it cost him his life. Dr John Turner shares his reactions to Joseph's life. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/pcN0sdqR0ws Don't miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. Recklessness, Revelation, and the Power of Habeas Corpus Joseph Smith, a towering figure in American religious history, saw his life come to a dramatic and tragic end in June 1844. As discussed in this conversation with John Turner, author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," the events leading up to his death reveal a complex interplay of political tension, legal maneuverings, and personal choices. A Provocative Path to Disaster The final six months of Joseph Smith's life were marked by increasingly provocative and reckless actions. He engaged in unnecessary fights, denouncing and antagonizing men from the stand during meetings, almost as if "inviting opposition.” His rhetoric and one-on-one conversations with dissenters were "incautious.” While he was under an “incredible amount of stress" due to fears of enemies and potential execution, this stress often led him to respond in unconstructive ways. A key event was the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor newspaper in May 1844. This act made him vulnerable to his enemies. While some historians like Michael Quinn have suggested the Council of Fifty minutes and negotiations with foreign nations were a bigger concern than polygamy charges in the Expositor, Joseph and his allies used "salty language" for various objections to the paper, including theological innovations, accumulation of political power, and polygamy. It wasn't a single issue, and despite opponents like William Law finding it difficult to break with Joseph, his incendiary behavior prevented reconciliation. Fateful Return to Nauvoo When Governor Thomas Ford of Illinois sent a posse to arrest Joseph Smith in June 1844, Joseph initially fled across the Mississippi River, contemplating leaving Nauvoo and reuniting with his wife, Emma, elsewhere. He had a history of evading arrest. However, he ultimately chose to return to Nauvoo and go to Carthage to face charges related to the Nauvoo Expositor's destruction. Later sources sometimes blame individuals, like Emma, for convincing him to return, not wanting him to abandon her and the family. However, a contemporary letter from Vilate Kimble states that Joseph "sought the will of the Lord and God told him to return.” This indicates Joseph believed his decision to return was a revelation. The Power and Peril of Habeas Corpus Joseph Smith's experience with legal challenges, particularly his use of habeas corpus, is a significant aspect of his later life. Habeas corpus is a legal mechanism that gives an arrested individual an opportunity for a hearing on the legality of their arrest at the earliest stage of the process. Early, Legitimate Use:Joseph used habeas corpuseffectively to avoid arrest on Missouri charges. For example, when attempts were made to extradite him to Missouri starting around 1841 or 1842, he requested and was granted a writ of habeas corpus from a state judge. Stephen Douglas reportedly heard one such case and freed Joseph, ruling the arrest warrant invalid. This demonstrates how the power was "supposed to work.” Nauvoo's Enhanced Powers:In 1842, the Nauvoo City Council began passing statutes that significantly enhanced its ability to issue writs of habeas corpus, aiming to protect Joseph Smith and other residents from arrest on anycharge – whether internal Nauvoo law, state law, or more serious offenses. Nauvoo's own municipal court, over which Joseph, as mayor, could preside,

Don't even know what's real anymore! Fake news, AI, dictionary. Juneteenth is no good for blacks, blacks! Paul, Muhammad, Joseph Smith, and the "Word of God"?The Hake Report, Friday, June 27, 2025 ADTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Stream* (0:05:54) Crishaun, guest, N-word drama* (0:13:25) Hey, guys!* (0:15:58) LUCAS, CA: I dreamed he was dead! felt alone!* (0:21:49) Super / Coffee / Rumble Rants yesterday* (0:29:00) ALEX, CA: Using AI?* (0:35:59) ALEX: Social Media* (0:38:02) Dictionary is fake news. Don't know what to believe* (0:39:46) News…* (0:53:15) Juneteenth vs Trump* (1:00:12) DAVID, Ocala, FL: Think they're special; Karmelo Anthony* (1:04:47) DAVID: Angel or demon? Paul's warning… CJ* (1:11:07) Shoutout to chat… The Fallen State Lilly Gaddis* (1:16:49) ANTHONY, SoCal: Muhammad…* (1:23:06) ANTHONY: The Bible, the "Word of God"? "Divinity of Jesus"* (1:34:30) ANTHONY: Attack on Church in Syria… Assad? Another coming?* (1:38:57) ANTHONY: Praying for others* (1:40:16) WILLIAM, CA: Hot! Black politicians. Trump winning, Supreme Court* (1:45:17) Supers / Rumble Rants…* (1:48:20) ROB, NorCal: FE vids. Working model.* (1:51:13) JERMAINE, Canada: Punchie TV on fire* (1:53:25) ClosingBLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/6/27/the-hake-report-fri-6-27-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/6/27/jlp-fri-6-27-25–Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO: YT - Rumble* - Pilled - FB - X - BitChute (Live) - Odysee*PODCAST: Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT https://buymeacoffee.com/thehakereportSHOP - Printify (new!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - PunchieThe views expressed on this show do not represent BOND, Jesse Lee Peterson, the Network, this Host, or this platform. No endorsement or opposition implied!The show is for general information and entertainment, and everything should be taken with a grain of salt! Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:-Why does it contain errors from the 1769 King James Bible?-What about the italicized words from the KJV showing up in the text?-Why doesn't the Book of Mormon match Joseph Smith's own translation of the Bible?-What does DNA evidence say about the Book of Mormon narrative?-And how do apologists handle the serious anachronisms in the text?Along the way, we explore FAIR Mormon's increasingly irrelevant defenses, the hidden Gospel Topics Essays, and shifting church narratives.This is an essential deep-dive for anyone curious about Mormonism's truth claims, historical issues, and the apologetics surrounding them.Join the conversation and subscribe for future episodes in this CES Letter series.

An in-depth study of D&C 71-75, revelations given during a time when the Church was facing anti-Mormonism in Ohio, requiring Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon to pause their work on the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible to confront the falsehoods being spread by apostate Ezra Booth. Also, insights into mixed-faith marriages, dealing with rejection, and the origins of membership records and temple recommends. 0:00 Introduction and Overview 3:55 Confronting Anti-Mormonism 17:17 Temple Recommends 32:50 Patiently Practical 45:22 Mixed-Faith Marriages 1:02:58 Interpreting Scripture 1:10:27 Second Chances 1:18:07 Dealing with Rejection 1:29:46 One-Liners

The Book of Revelation is known as Apocalyptic literature and has fascinated scholars for centuries, each giving his or her own interpretation. It wasn't until the Restoration, though, that we received the keys to understand its message. With the help of Joseph Smith's questions and the Lord's answers, we learn that the Book of Revelation discloses vital information about the last days. It is filled with God's direction for Jesus' Second Coming and the end of the earth. The keys to understand it were given in the day it was needed. It is a book for our day. Join Dr. Lynn Hilton Wilson as she unfolds the keys of the Book of Revelation that help decipher its teachings and prophetic direction.

In this episode, we dive deep into the attacks on the CES Letter and its author, Jeremy Runnells, unpacking why apologetic responses—no matter how weak—are often accepted by believing members. This is the first in a multi-part series analyzing the LDS Discussions CES Letter project.We tackle critical questions about the Book of Mormon, including:Why does it contain errors from the 1769 King James Bible?What about the italicized words from the KJV showing up in the text?Why doesn't the Book of Mormon match Joseph Smith's own translation of the Bible?What does DNA evidence say about the Book of Mormon narrative?And how do apologists handle the serious anachronisms in the text?Along the way, we explore FAIR Mormon's increasingly irrelevant defenses, the hidden Gospel Topics Essays, and shifting church narratives.This is an essential deep-dive for anyone curious about Mormonism's truth claims, historical issues, and the apologetics surrounding them.Join the conversation and subscribe for future episodes in this CES Letter 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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

Kevin Kelly is a leading thinker of the digital age. The founding editor of Wired Magazine, he helped produce the Whole Earth Catalog, and an early internet pillar called the WELL. He is a journalist, an artist, and a longtime member of the Burning Man community.He is a radical optimist.The future is a construct of the collective imagination. We see utopian stories as too pie-in-the-sky. We have a morbid curiosity for dystopian stories. What's in between? Iterative improvement. Protopia.Delve into this conversation on cultural narratives, the transformative potential of AI, and the context shift into lifelong-learning."It's not that our problems are smaller than we thought, it's just that our capacities to solve them are greater than we thought."wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Kelly_(editor)kk.org LIVE.BURNINGMAN.ORG

Dr. Rosalynde Welch continues to examine Doctrine and Covenants 71-75 and the concepts of consecration, the sanctifying power of education and family, and the role of hospitality in building Zion.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC227ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC227FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC227DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC227PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC227ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/9VtyRW5iEbsFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookWEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletterSOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 - Part 2 -  Dr. Rosalynde Welch02:45 Less warm and fuzzy parts of consecration07:31 Accountability to God not the Bishop10:07 Slowing the flow12:06 Pure in heart16:19 Many are called, but few answer18:17 Returning to translation and married to a non-believer23:43 Ordinances as teachers27:43 Becoming childish or childlike32:00 Mixed faith marriages37:03 Licenses to preach40:37 Work hard (with a good attitude)45:58 Working with the Lord changes us48:16 Pray while walking and working51:10 Missions and families56:12 Hospitality in the Old Testament58:47 A scholars thoughts on Joseph Smith's scholarship1:03:05 Testimony of Book of Mormon and Jesus Christ1:09:39 End of Part 2 - Dr. Rosalynde WelchThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorIride Gonzalez: Social Media, Graphic Design"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

There's a new biography of Joseph Smith, and author John Turner's approach is new in the world of books about Mormonism's charismatic founder.

We're diving into Nauvoo polygamy & Joseph Smith's many wives. How often did he have sexual relations with his wives? Was it less frequent than many think? John Turner attempts to answer. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/1S-ZRA7kFcQ Don't miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Insights into Joseph Smith's Controversial Practice The Nauvoo period (1839-1844) in the history of the Latter-day Saints is a fascinating and often controversial chapter, particularly concerning the practice of plural marriage, or polygamy, by Joseph Smith. Historian John Turner, author of the acclaimed biography "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of American Prophet," sheds light on this complex topic. Nauvoo: A New Beginning and an Acceleration of Vision Following Joseph Smith's escape from jail in Missouri, the Latter-day Saints established a new community in Nauvoo, Illinois. The choice of Nauvoo was largely due to an individual named Isaac Galland, a land speculator who had extensive land holdings on both sides of the Mississippi River in Nauvoo and Iowa. Galland was in contact with church leaders even while Joseph was imprisoned, making the possibility of purchasing these lands an early consideration. Upon arriving in Quincy, Illinois, Joseph Smith quickly pursued these land purchases, and Saints began to gather rapidly on both sides of the Mississippi. Despite facing opposition and being advised by opponents to spread out, Joseph Smith characteristically doubled or tripled down on his vision rather than backing down from setbacks. This resolve led to the quick establishment of Nauvoo, a community that by 1844 rivaled Chicago as the largest city in Illinois. Far from an interruption, Nauvoo represented an "acceleration of Joseph's vision" in the years after 1839. The Astonishing Pace of Plural Marriages It is in this rapidly growing and centralizing community that Joseph Smith's plural marriage practice truly took off. John Turner noted that the pace of Joseph's marriages was "astonishing," with him reportedly taking a dozen wives in 1842 alone. While "monogamy affirmers" or "polygamy skeptics" contend that these events did not occur, most scholars, including John Turner and Larry Foster, agree that the evidence for Joseph Smith's practice of polygamy is "overwhelming". The Evidence: What Do We Know? While it is difficult to precisely date exact timelines or get directly inside Joseph Smith's mind to understand his intentions, there is substantial evidence regarding his polygamous activities. Joseph Smith took pains to keep his plural marriages quiet. However, information comes from: Contemporary Accounts:The William Clayton Journalis described as a "fantastic and extensive contemporary account" that is considered reliable, aligning with other early 1840s sources. Journals kept by Willard Richards and Brigham Young also provide corroborating information. Affidavits and Testimony:Numerous affidavits about Joseph's plural marriages exist, including very late sources like the Temple Lot testimonyfrom a number of his wives and other individuals. Even though the church had a particular purpose in affirming Joseph's polygamy in this legal conflict, testimonies from women like Emily Dow Partridge were "not flattering for Joseph Smith," making it unlikely the church fabricated them. According to Turner, it's an "open and shut case" that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy. Theological Motivations: Getting "All That You Can" Joseph Smith himself did not explicitly articulate a singular reason for the exact number of women he married. However, contextually, and based on what other early Latter-day Saints said about plural marriage during these years, it appears that Joseph connected "the size of an individual's family on earth ...

Children's Come Follow Me PodcastA Podcast for Children who go to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints This week we study:Worth … the Riches of the Whole Earth”June 23–29: “Worth … the Riches of the Whole Earth”Doctrine and Covenants 67–70The Lord gave the revelations in the doctrine and covenants to Joseph Smith to help set up the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. The Doctrine and Covenants is different from the Book of Mormon and bible, because it is not a translation of ancient documents; the Lord gave the revelations in D&C to His chosen prophets in our modern days in order to restore His kingdom. We learn all sorts of important things in the doctrine and covenants, like this week we learn kids should be baptized at the age of 8, we should center our homes around Jesus Christ, and that true and faithful friends help us follow Jesus Christ. If you want to hear the voice of the Lord, read the doctrine and covenants! You're listening to Come Follow Me Kids! A Come Follow Me Podcast. We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. This is a Doctrine and Covenants Podcast for Kids! 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, please email us at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com They can share their testimony about the restoration of the gospel, or share an experience they had with prayer, the Holy Ghost, or Missionary Work. Make sure they include their name and where they are from in the audio recording. And don't worry about your recording being perfect, we can edit out mistakes. Any sound file should work. If your children would like a baptism shout out, email us their name, and where they are from and we will add them to an upcoming episode. Use the same email listed above.

The origins of polygamy are murky. Was there an 1831 revelation on the topic? What was the nature of the Fanny Alger relationship? We'll also discuss Zion's Camp, and Joseph Smith's dog, Old Major, who caused some issues with the troops. How did Liberty Jail affect Joseph Smith & the Church? John Turner tackles these questions. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/v9171F-vXok Don't miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Peering into Joseph Smith's Story We recently had the privilege of delving into the life of Joseph Smith with John Turner, author of the compelling biography, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. The conversation unpacked some of the most intriguing and lesser-known episodes from Smith's early life, providing valuable context and challenging common narratives. Nuances of the Fanny Alger Controversy One of the topics we explored was the Fanny Alger controversy. While historical sources on this episode are often late or secondhand, making it difficult to write about with confidence, John Turner found persuasive arguments that date Fanny Alger's relationship with Joseph Smith to shortly before she left Kirtland in August or September of 1836. Interestingly, there's been discussion about whether this was an "adoptive sealing." However, John said it's considered unlikely to have been an adoptive sealing because Joseph Smith had not yet fully articulated or developed his understanding of sealing at that time. Oliver Cowdery, a key figure in the early church, certainly didn't view it as such, remaining "very angry about it in early 1838.” Instead, it is most likely to have been "some sort of intimate relationship" that was disturbing to both Oliver Cowdery and Emma Smith. He said It is also considered unlikely to have been a plural marriage. It's worth noting that while sexual impropriety allegations were common against new religious movements, the Fanny Alger controversy, though a "live issue within the church for several years," did not particularly resonate with the church's external critics at the time in the context of plural marriage or polygamy. In fact, the Church's 1835 Declaration on Marriage emphasized monogamy as the standard. Zion's Camp and the Tale of "Old Major" Moving to 1834, we discussed Zion's Camp, Joseph Smith's march to Missouri. While often seen as a significant event for its larger purposes, it also had its lighter — and more human — moments. One such detail involves "Old Major," Joseph Smith's dog. During the challenging and conflict-ridden trip, Old Major didn't get along with another church member, Sylvester Smith (no relation to Joseph). The dog's barking at night and potential attempts to bite Sylvester led to Sylvester speaking "rude things about Joseph Smith's dog" and even wanting to shoot it. In a moment highlighting the "juvenile" but understandable "temper flared" nature of the trip, Joseph Smith reportedly threatened to shoot Sylvester Smith in response. This anecdote underscores that the participants of Zion's Camp were "not all of one heart in mind.” Sylvester Smith later published a confession for opposing Joseph rudely, even managing to say the note was made "under duress.” From a broader perspective, while the spiritual purpose of Zion's Camp — the redemption of Zion — ultimately failed, it was ironically a "very positive thing for many of those who were participants.” Despite Zion not being redeemed and the march stopping short of engaging enemies or reclaiming property, the majority of marchers found their faith strengthened. This was partly because, by accepting the call, they were "further entering into Joseph's story," experiencing "divine promises and chastening and failures" alongside him.

How could a young, relatively uneducated farm boy from upstate New York in the late 1820s have written something like The Book of Mormon? Was it inspired by God or is it merely the product of Joseph Smith's vivid imagination and storytelling? This week and next on the Profile we will be featuring our conversation with Sandra Tanner from this past April, recorded on General Conference Weekend in Utah. Watchman staff apologist Daniel Ray had the privilege of talking to Sandra about Smith, The Book of Mormon, and several other challenges facing the LDS Church today. Sandra Tanner and her late husband Jerald were raised in the LDS faith, both with a strong Mormon family history. Jerald was the great-great-grandson of John Tanner, well known for his sizeable financial contributions to Joseph Smith and the LDS church in 1835 when the church was deeply in debt. Sandra Tanner is a great-great-granddaughter of Brigham Young, the second president of the Mormon Church.As teenagers, before they met, Jerald and Sandra were challenged by different people and events to examine the origins of Mormonism. Soon after their introduction, they jointly began researching Mormonism and became engaged. Both accepted Christ during these early years of study and have left the Mormon church. Sandra remains today a Christian. The Tanners are authors of over forty books on the subject of Mormonism. They are well known for their extensive research into Mormon history and doctrine. Utah Lighthouse™ Ministry provides these books and research, as well as photocopies and reprints of original Mormon documents to the public. https://www.utlm.org/navaboutus.htmFree PDF Copy of Mormonism - Shadow or Reality? Audio Links used in this broadcast:Brad Wilcox - https://youtu.be/wKfhkj0fHNk?si=vpbozHEmZbd4U3yyEzra Benson - https://youtu.be/TN1Ez7MjvBU?si=2ku-Wi2DAprnYX73Russel Nelson - https://youtu.be/DG181zFA5YM?si=EmrSaXvm9nwrjqTARelated Links:  Watchman Fellowship Profile on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: www.watchman.org/Mormonism  Apologetics Profile podcast What Is the Gospel? with Mormon apologist Scott Gordon and Christian apologist James Walker (YouTube):  www.watchman.org/GordonWalker  Apologetics Profile podcast list of all episodes about Latter-day Saints https://www.watchman.org/files/ldspod.htm  Additional Resources:FREE: We are also offering a subscription to our 4-page bimonthly Profiles here: www.watchman.org/FreePROFILE NOTEBOOK: Order the complete collection of Watchman Fellowship Profiles (around 700 pages -- from Astrology to Zen Buddhism) in either printed or PDF formats here: www.watchman.org/NotebookSUPPORT: Help us create more content like this. Make a tax-deductible donation here: www.watchman.org/GiveApologetics Profile is a ministry of Watchman Fellowship For more information, visit www.watchman.org © 2025 Watchman Fellowship, Inc.

What does John Turner believe about the Golden Plates? Were they made of tin as Dan Vogel asserts? What about the First Vision controversy? Does John think Joseph was a pious fraud? Did Joseph take advantage of Martin Harris? John answers these and other question. Check out our conversation... Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission What Did Joseph Smith Really Have in that Box? Historian John Turner, author of Joseph Smith, The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, delves into the enduring mystery surrounding Joseph Smith's golden plates and the origins of the Book of Mormon. His insights offer a nuanced perspective, moving beyond simple pronouncements to a historian's critical examination. The Golden Plates: A Historian's Best Judgment When it comes to the golden plates, Turner makes a clear distinction between visionary experiences and material objects. While he acknowledges that understanding Joseph Smith's visions is difficult as a historian, dealing with a physical claim like the golden plates is different. Turner's "best judgment" as a historian is that Joseph Smith did not have actual golden plates. However, he strongly believes Joseph did engage in a "certain amount of subterfuge". Joseph clearly possessed some sort of physical object which he would place in a box, heft around, and at times cover with a linen cloth. Others, including Emma Smith, witnessed an object that seemed like "thin sheets of metal under a linen cloth," suggesting some form of metallic object. For Turner, the simplest explanation for a young man claiming to have a valuable object he can't show to anyone else is that he doesn't have it. This conclusion is also reinforced by his reading of the Book of Mormon as a 19th-century text, rather than an ancient record. If it's a 19th-century text, golden plates aren't necessary, making it "more likely" that the text "flows out of Joseph's literary imagination". Turner emphasizes that this critical examination is not meant to be disrespectful to faithful Latter-day Saints, but rather a serious approach to studying the tradition. The Search for Alternatives: Not Enough Evidence The question of what Joseph might have had in the box has led to various theories: Dan Vogelhas suggested the object might have been made of tin. Sonia Hazard, another scholar, theorizes that Joseph could have encountered printing plates, which served as an inspiration for the project and could have been the object in the box. However, Turner states that there is not enough evidence to support any of these alternative theories. While these are "suggestive possibilities," he concludes, "we can't know. So, I think we have to leave it as a bit of a mystery". He also clarifies that for him, the "absence of evidence for any alternative explanation is [not] evidence for the faithful account". Audacity Over Deception: The Book of Mormon Project Despite his view on the golden plates, Turner doesn't primarily see Joseph Smith as a "fraud," "deceiver," or "impostor". While he acknowledges an "element of deception that gets it off the ground," his main takeaway from the Book of Mormon project is its utter improbability and audacity. Turner describes it as a "hairbrained scheme" that Joseph "pulls off". He points out that it was "utterly unlikely" for a 21-year-old Joseph Smith, without formal education, to embark on such a project and publish a 600-page book. This remarkable literary success, while not a bestseller at the time, certainly had "serious legs". Turner sees this as "an act of audacity" rather than primarily an "act of deception," crediting Joseph Smith with this incredible literary production. Assessing Joseph's Sincerity The question of Joseph Smith's sincerity is complex. Turner generally tries to avoid weighing in on Joseph's sincerity at any given moment,

Join Tommy May and guest Mike Barnett on the Conference Talk Podcast as they dive into Elder David A. Bednar's inspiring address from the most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this episode, Mike, a convert of 47 years, shares his personal journey and insights as they discuss the restoration of the gospel through Joseph Smith, the significance of the First Vision, the Book of Mormon, and the priesthood. From the historical foundations of the Church to its modern-day relevance, they explore how these truths guide us in preparing for the Second Coming. Tune in for a blend of personal stories, doctrinal reflections, and practical wisdom to make every weekend a "conference weekend"! Visit conferencetalk.org for show notes and more.

In this episode, we continue our in-depth series with historian John G. Turner, author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Covering chapter five of his book, we take a deep dive into the claims of the Three and Eight Witnesses to the golden plates. Did they actually see physical plates—or was it a visionary experience?We explore the early translation period, the role of the Whitmer family, the revelations guiding Joseph Smith, and the complicated testimonies of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. Were the golden plates material objects, or were they seen with "spiritual eyes"? We also discuss later accounts, contradictions, and the ongoing debate among scholars and believers.Highlights:The experiences of the Three and Eight WitnessesSpiritual vs. physical claims of the platesTestimonies, contradictions, and controversiesWhat happened to the plates—and the witnesses—afterwardSubscribe for more episodes exploring Joseph Smith's life, early Mormonism, and the origins of the Book of Mormon.⁠Show Notes⁠⁠YouTube00:00:00 Introduction00:07:34 Why are the Whitmer's getting involved? 00:14:28 Joseph Smith covering the plates in a barrel of beans00:20:13 The Whitmer Family00:25:51 The Melchizedek priesthood00:31:31 The experience with the three witnesses00:39:12 Did Gold plates exist?00:42:49 Spiritual eyes vs physical eyes00:45:38 Did the witnesses see physical plates? 01:03:17 The eight witnesses01:10:15 Possible explanation for the witnesses to the golden plates01:25:26 What became of the Eight Witnesses?01:28:22 What became of the golden plates? 01:31:43 How the Book of Mormon gets printed01:49:13 What is coming up next___________________Mormon 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 PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

One of the most prolific visions in Church history unfolds to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon in 1832. Lasting an amazing 90 minutes, the pair see God the Father, Christ, Satan and the three degrees of heavenly glory. The revelation meant so much to the prophet that he reworked it as a beautiful poem and included it in a letter to W.W. Phelps, with whom he shared correspondence. To others though, this revelation signified the end of their relationship with the prophet. But why? Join Dr. Lynn Hilton Wilson as she tackles some of the tough questions surrounding one of the most significant revelations of the Restoration. Were there any witnesses to this amazing vision or was it explained to members of the Church at a later date? Was the content of the vision accepted by members of the Church or did it create controversy? How similar were the revelations that Joseph received to the teachings of other Christian leaders of the time?

Did Joseph Smith believe in the biblical doctrine of inerrancy? And just want does that mean, “inerrancy,” anyway? Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson talk about this issue in this week's broadcasts.

Did Joseph Smith believe in the biblical doctrine of inerrancy? And just want does that mean, “inerrancy,” anyway? Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson talk about this issue in this week's broadcasts.

Fawn Brodie, Richard Bushman, and Dan Vogel have the 3 most popular biographies on Joseph Smith prior to John Turner's latest. Which is best? John will answer that and we'll discuss the First Vision anachronisms. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/BOTVrDQJGbc Don't miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Landscape of Joseph Smith Biographies John Turner is author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Dr. Turner's book enters a field rich with extensive scholarship. He notes that the main biographies over the years include Fawn Brodie's "No Man Knows My History," Richard Bushman's "Rough Stone Rolling," and works by Dan Vogel,[1] Richard Van Wagoner,[2] and Martha Bradley.[3] Fawn Brodie's "No Man Knows My History": Published in 1945, Brodie's work is recognized for her "fantastic writing"and remarkable achievement given her limited access to sources available today. While now "out of date,"it was incredibly popular, with Richard Bushman himself acknowledging its enduring "perch" as a favorite among readers, perhaps due to Brodie's skills as an English major and great writer. She was technically Mormon but very critical of Joseph Smith. Richard Bushman's "Rough Stone Rolling": Dr. Turner expresses "enormous admiration"for Richard Bushman as a person and scholar. Bushman's biography "expertly contextualizes Joseph's life in the culture of the early 19th century United States"and benefits from tremendous access to sources, though notably, it predates the availability of the Joseph Smith Papers. Over the last two decades, "Rough Stone Rolling" has become the "go-to biography for any scholar or seriously interested party in Joseph Smith.” Bushman's work was seen as a more "faithful perspective" in contrast to Brodie's critical stance. Dan Vogel's Contributions: Dr. Turner highlights Dan Vogel as a "really diligent researcher"whose "Early Mormon Documents collection"[4] was an "essential resource for historians"before the Joseph Smith Papers. Vogel's works, including "Joseph Smith, The Making of a Prophet" and "Charisma Under Pressure," mark him as "one of the more significant historians of Mormonism" in this generation. While his books may not have achieved the wide readership of Brodie's or Bushman's, their scholarly value is undeniable. Dr. Turner clarifies that he didn't write his biography because existing ones were "inadequate" or "stink.” Instead, he aimed to write a "different one" that might be "better or does justice to different parts of Joseph's personality.” His approach involved immersing himself in the sources, particularly the Joseph Smith Papers volumes and website, and reading the latest scholarship, rather than directly positioning his work against others. He trusted there would be "room for my perspective from my position.” Unpacking Joseph Smith's Early Life When discussing Joseph Smith's early life, Dr. Turner notes a significant challenge: "we know very little" about the period before 1829. Scarcity of Sources: Most of what is known comes from a small number of sources, or at least only a few that detail events. Lucy Mack Smith's Biography: While a "great source,"Lucy Mack Smith's dictated biography from 1844 (decades after many events) is often the "only source we have to go on,"which presents a "little troublesome" limitation. Joseph Smith's Own Accounts: Joseph himself did not discuss his childhood in any great depth in his histories, only occasionally alluding to it in sermons. Conflicting Recollections: Early accounts of Joseph from Palmyra were often "filed up and divergent," coming from individuals who "were not too impressed with Joseph Smith and his family.” No Prefigured Greatness: Dr. Turner emphasizes that "there was nothing that pr...

 Orrin Porter Rockwell, bodyguard to Joseph Smith and feared legend of the American West. He is ‘Mormon' (LDS) folk hero; is a historical legend, and was said to be invincible—as long as he never cut his hair. But in 1855, he picked up a pair of scissors. Why? This episode reveals a stunning moment of tenderness from a man known more for bullets than kindness. A story of faith, myth, and one sacred gesture you won't forget.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction00:56 – A Man Called Rockwell02:40 – The Prophecy & the Hair04:03 – The Widow & the Wig05:38 – Fallout & Faith06:49 – Legend & Legacy07:58 – An OunceReferences:LDS Church History: Rockwell Prophecy & LoyaltyDetails Joseph Smith's prophecy and Rockwell's unwavering loyalty.Source: The Church Historian's blog.URL: https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=engFact vs. Folklore – Rockwell's Reputation & Haircut for AgnesExplores verified and legendary accounts, including the wig story and behavior after cutting his hair.Source: LDS Living article featuring input from Church History Library.URL: https://www.ldsliving.com/the-most-famous-porter-rockwell-stories-fact-or-fiction-church-history-library-explains/s/94474General Biography of Porter Rockwell (Wikipedia)Overview of his early life, Danite association, lawman role, and mythic status.URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porter_RockwellRockwell's Hair Donation to Agnes Coolbrith SmithReferences common questions about the life of Rockwell. Item 2 of the article addresses the hair donation.Https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/blog/ask-us-top-five-reference-questions-about-orrin-porter-rockwell?lang=engDanites Context and OriginsHistorical context and analysis of the Danite organization and its role in early LDS history.URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DaniteRockwell's Legendary Status (Badass of the Week)Stylized but surprisingly well-sourced summary of Rockwell's lawman years and rugged survival.URL: https://www.badassoftheweek.com/rockwellCredits: Several images and video were sourced from iStock and Getty, additional sources include Wikimedia, Picryl, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Music: from the YouTube Audio Library – Frog Kiss the Peat by Dan Lebowitz, Dance of the Mammoths by The Whole Other, Cats Searching for the Truth by Nat Keefe & Hot Buttered Rum 10 second pre-roll promo for An Ounce Podcast on YouTube

How do Olympic dreams, pioneer faith, and gospel perseverance all tie into one extraordinary legacy? Olympic gold medalist Peter Vidmar shares powerful lessons of faith, perseverance, and the early history of the restored gospel–including the remarkable story of his ancestor, Solomon Chamberlain, who had a vision of the Three Degrees of Glory before the First Vision.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTSEnglish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC226ENFrench: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC226FRGerman: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC226DEPortuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC226PTSpanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC226ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/qrTRsyAvNxwFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookWEEKLY NEWSLETTERhttps://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletterSOCIAL MEDIAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE00:00 - Part 1 - Brother Peter Vidmar00:49 Peter Vidmar's bio07:59 Handstands with missionaries10:39 Come, Follow Me Manual12:28 1 degree to Joseph Smith and the  3 Degrees of Glory17:58 Missionaries serving through hardships20:38 “Doubt not, fear not”23:14 No one can survive being put under a microscope25:03 Joy in others' success29:58 Elder Holland the parable of the laborers in the vineyard33:55 Dwelling on the past37:24 Applicable bits of counsel40:40 Avoid distractions43:32 The gift of a generous coach50:01 Chocolate on a soccer uniform54:58 Parental patience and sacrifices1:00:28 Family motto: We don't quit1:04:22  End of Part I - Brother Peter VidmarThanks to the followHIM team:Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, SponsorDavid & Verla Sorensen: SponsorsDr. Hank Smith: Co-hostJohn Bytheway: Co-hostDavid Perry: ProducerKyle Nelson: Marketing, SponsorLisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show NotesWill Stoughton: Video EditorKrystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, WebsiteAriel Cuadra: Spanish TranscriptsAmelia Kabwika: Portuguese TranscriptsHeather Barlow: Communications DirectorIride Gonzalez: Social Media, Graphic Design"Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

On this episode of Mormonish Podcast, Rebecca and Landon are joined by Unoriginal Jim to discuss the important story of The Hill Cumorah and the complete lack of any kind of evidence at that location.Mormonism came forth in an environment where the origin andidentity of indigenous populations was highly questioned. Therewere several books published between the 16th century and the1830s that promoted the idea that Native Americans were eitherseafaring Jews or members of the lost 12 tribes. At the sametime many of the same publications promoted theMoundbuilders myth.The Book of Mormon did not attempt to provide scientific orarchaeological evidence. Joseph Smith presented the Book ofMormon as the proof of Native American history and blendedboth theories.The Hill Cumorah narrative draws from these contemporarytheories and presents them as a historical fact.It is central to the text and to Smith's entire message and theidentity of the church. And it is a falsifiable claim.***How to DONATE to Mormonish Podcast: If you would like to help financially support our podcast, you can DONATE to support Mormonish Podcast here: Mormonish Podcast is a 501(c) (3) https://donorbox.org/mormonish-podcast ****WE HAVE MERCH! **** If you'd like to purchase Mormonish Merch, you can visit our Merch store here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/mormonishmerch We appreciate our Mormonish viewers and listeners so much! Don't forget to LIKE and SUBSCRIBE to Mormonish Podcast! Contact Mormonish Podcast: mormonishpodcast@gmail.com #mormonish #lds #mormon #exmormon #postmormon #religion #news, #ldschurch #comeuntochrist #churchofjesuschrist #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #byu #byui #josephsmith #comefollowme #polygamy #bookofmormon #becauseofhim #hearhim #ldstempleFAIR USE DISCLAIMER All Media in this video (including the thumbnail) is used for the purpose of review and critique. The images in the thumbnail are used as the primary means of visually identifying the subject matter of the video.

Did Joseph Smith believe in the biblical doctrine of inerrancy? And just want does that mean, “inerrancy,” anyway? Bill McKeever and Eric Johnson talk about this issue in this week's broadcasts.

Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known by those outside the church during his life and today as the Mormons. But Joseph Smith was many things besides: the child of a struggling family gradually moving westward in search of opportunity, a day laborer, visionary, seer; treasure hunter; translator; revelator; prophet; elder, banker, prisoner, wrestler, real estate speculator, polygamist, Lieutenant General, Master Mason, Mayor, and martyr.“America,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1844, “is the country of the future…[a] country of beginnings, of projects, of vast designs and expectations.” My guest John Turner observes that Joseph Smith might not have been what Emerson had in mind when he spoke of new beginnings and bold projects. But those were part of his life, in addition to vast designs and great expectations. Indeed, it is not too much to say that few nineteenth century Americans have an enduring legacy that can compare to Joseph Smith's.Yet John Turner's new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet also describes how this very untypical man was yet absolutely typical of his times. From his religious awakening among the religious revivalism of western New York, to his founding of utopian communities in the midwest, to his dietary concerns, and even to his experience of brutal mob violence that amounted to religious pogroms against his church, Smith's experiences–and those of his followers–were far from atypical. John G. Turner is professor of religious studies and history at George Mason University. His previous book was They Knew They Were Pilgrims: Plymouth Colony and the Contest for American Liberty, which we talked about in Episode 157.For Further Investigation In Episode 181, Sara Patterson and I discussed the practice of Mormon pilgrimage.For a conversation about a very different but equally charismatic and controversial 19th century American, see my conversation in Episode 198 with Bob Elder about John C. Calhoun, whom Elder describes as the "American heretic"; a nice pairing with an American prophet.The Joseph Smith Papers

In Part 4 of our deep-dive podcast series with historian Dr. John G. Turner, we explore one of the most debated questions in Latter-day Saint history: Did Joseph Smith actually use the golden plates to translate the Book of Mormon?We also cover the roles of Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, Cowdery's relationship to the Smiths, the use of seer stones and divining rods, and the complex origins of LDS priesthood authority. This episode covers chapter five in John G. Turner's new book titled Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, revealing new perspectives on how the Book of Mormon was produced and what was happening behind the scenes.Topics include:Joseph's poverty and early strugglesMartin Harris' doubts and dedicationTranslation methods and spiritual toolsPriesthood revelations and baptismsInternal conflicts and legacyDon't forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful conversations on religious history.___________________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