Podcast appearances and mentions of Joseph Smith

Welcome to part 20 of our epic series on Dr. John G. Turner's landmark biography, “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”Things are really heating up as we enter the mid-1830s in the life of Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter-day Saint movement. This episode dives into one of the most controversial and debated episodes in early Mormon history –Joseph's relationship with Fanny Alger, a young woman employed in the Smith household in Kirtland, Ohio in 1836.Was it adultery? Was it an early form of plural marriage? Or was it something else entirely –a “scrape”?Join us for Part 1 of Chapter 18, where we unpack Turner's detailed treatment of this scandal, explore how it fractured relationships within the early church (especially between Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery), and trace how it shaped the theology of polygamy that would later emerge in Nauvoo.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

Jerald and Sandra Tanner received an apostolic scolding by LeGrand Richards over the First Vision! By the early 1960s, Sandra and Jerald Tanner were deep into critical analysis of Mormon history, having transitioned from struggling Utah Mormons to committed followers of a Christ-focused faith centered on the Bible and the Book of Mormon. This new path led them to join Pauline Hancock's “Basement Church” in Independence, Missouri, formally known as the Church of Christ (Bible & Book of Mormon). https://youtu.be/uuMY1kq_k_M 0:00 Attending Pauline's church 5:28 Pauline's Cancer/Sandra's baptism 17:02 Apostle LeGrand Richards Don't miss our other conversations with Sandra: https://gospeltangents.com/people/sandra-tanner Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved While Jerald had previously traveled to Independence and was baptized, Sandra eventually went by train to meet the group. She was baptized by Pauline in the summer of 1960, making a profession of faith in Christ and affirming her belief in the Book of Mormon. Pauline, described as a lovely woman, was very convinced of her position and served as the preacher for the group, though she never claimed the title of prophet. This period of adherence to the “Whitmerite” view—rejecting revelations past 1830 and scrapping "Aaronic & Melchizedek priesthood ideas"—was short-lived as the Tanners' historical questions mounted. Their quest soon took a dramatic turn, involving a top church leader and a disputed document. Letter to the Brethren In June 1960, just before moving from California to Salt Lake, Sandra sent a formal letter to all the apostles announcing that she was leaving the LDS Church. Her letter detailed several critical issues, including problems with the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants changes, differences in the doctrine of God over time, and the evolving narrative of the First Vision. She noted that earlier references to the First Vision seemed to speak of an "angel" or "messenger", not the Father and the Son, suggesting the latter was a later change. Apostle LeGrand Richards responded to Sandra's letter, attempting to prove her wrong. He claimed that his great-grandfather, Joseph Lee Robinson, wrote in his diary in 1841 that Joseph Smith had told him he saw the Father and the Son. Richards reasoned that such an early reference would undermine Sandra's claim of a shifting narrative. Confrontation over Microfilm & Apostolic Scolding The Tanners arranged a meeting with Apostle Richards at the Church Office Building in Salt Lake City to see the original document. Richards was immediately “miffed” when Sandra brought Jerald, who he perceived as a "doubting Thomas.” Instead of the original diary, Richards presented them with a typed extract containing the crucial two lines about the Father and Son. Jerald immediately pointed out that this was not the whole page and was not the actual diary. When Jerald asked to turn back the microfilm to check the date and context of the excerpt, Richards refused, accusing the Tanners of "questioning everything" he showed them. The confrontation escalated dramatically in the genealogical building, where Richards had taken them to view the film. Richards seized the film from the reader, declaring to the staff: “These people are not to see this. If they come back in, you're not to get this out to show it to them. They're just troublemakers. They do not have authority to see this again.” Jerald and Richards stomped out of the room arguing, while everyone in the room watched the shocking spectacle of someone arguing with an apostle. Unmasking the 1841 Diary Richards' efforts to suppress the film failed. After months of checking, Sandra eventually returned downtown. She filled out a call card using the film number she had previously written down. The girl at the desk noted the card had been pulled from the catalog but retrieved the film anyway,

While in hiding from enemies, a prophet writes two of the most doctrinally explosive letters in scripture. How can we make sense of the work of salvation for the dead, and what does it have to do with the "fullness of times"? D&C 127 and 128 reveal the magnificent scope of God's work, which binds heaven and earth together. Summary: This episode explores D&C 125–128, focusing on lessons in discipleship, divine priorities, and the eternal cause of redemption. D&C 125: Saints in Deed. The Lord gives direction to the Saints in Iowa Territory, asking if they are merely "Saints in name only" or truly "essaying to be my saints." The call is to gather and live up to the Book of Mormon standard by naming their city Zarahemla. D&C 126: An Honorable Release. The Lord gives Brigham Young an honorable release from constant missionary travel, declaring, "your offering is acceptable to me." His new command: "take especial care of your family from this time, henceforth and forever." This sets the eternal priority of family over temporary callings. D&C 127-128: The Great Cause. Joseph Smith's letters, written while he was "deep water is what I am wont to swim in," focus intensely on baptism for the dead. The Power of Binding: We learn the "very bold doctrine" that whatsoever is bound on earth by proper priesthood authority is "bound in heaven". This work is essential, as "their salvation is necessary and essential to our salvation." The Record: The Lord requires a recorder who is an "eye-witness" for every ordinance, ensuring the records are "in order" and worthy to be placed in the temple archives. The Offering: Joseph encourages the Saints to "waste and wear out our lives" in this cause. The ultimate goal is to present in the holy temple a "book containing the records of our dead, which shall be worthy of all acceptation"—an offering in righteousness to the returning King. The Final Charge: Joseph rallies the Saints with an ecstatic vision of the Restoration, crying, "shall we not go on in so great a cause? Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!" This work forms the "welding together of dispensations" that defines the fullness of times. Call-to-Action: What small act can you do this week to "weld" your family together—living and dead? Share your commitment below! If this message inspired you to go "on, on to the victory," please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:20 Saints in Name Only 11:50 An Honorable Release 21:34 Deep Water 38:26 Always On My Mind 50:19 The Infinite Umbrella 1:13:12 A Book of Remembrance 1:27:44 So Great a Cause 1:39:41 One-Liners

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) During the Nauvoo period, Joseph Smith receives substantial revelation pertaining to the ordinances of the temple.(03:45) The historical background of Section 125.(05:58) “Essaying” is a term that means trying. Becoming a Saint is a process.(07:39) Through the help of The post Ep 345 | D&C 125-128, Come Follow Me 2025 (November 3-9) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

In this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan and Ryan take a look at some of the more wild and questionable doctrines and claims of Joseph Smith and Mormonism. Episode 339: In this episode, we will discuss: • Do Mormons Believe Jesus & Satan are brothers? • The Questionable Background of Jospeh Smith • The Controversy of The Book of Abraham • Do Mormons Teach God had sex with The Virgin Mary?• Do Mormons Get Their Own Planets? • And More 00:00 Introduction to Mormonism and Catholic Perspectives 02:30 Exploring Mormon Theology and Christology 05:03 The Concept of God in Mormonism 07:38 The Nature of Jesus and Satan in Mormon Belief 10:37 Mormon Views on Race and Equality 13:13 Joseph Smith and the Origins of Mormonism 15:01 Mormonism's Claims on Native Americans 18:04 Conclusion and Reflections on Mormon Doctrine 22:51 The Intersection of Science, Faith, and Reason 24:34 The Historical Context of Moroni and the Golden Plates 27:23 Joseph Smith: The Treasure Seeker and His Claims 30:46 Theological Implications of Joseph Smith's Teachings 39:35 Critique of Mormonism: A Comparative Analysis 43:54 The Mystery of the Golden Plates and Their Significance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Controversies in Joseph Smith's Polygamy: New Evidences and New Observations Indicate Fawn Brodie Should Have Done More Research” by Brian C. Hales at the 2010 FAIR Conference Why did Joseph Smith practice plural marriage? There are three different places we could go for answers. We can go to the naturalists—like Fawn Brodie—and the cynics, which are […] The post Classic FAIR – Why Did Joseph Smith Practice Polygamy? – Brian Hales, 2010 appeared first on FAIR.

Sandra Tanner is back with us on LDS Discussions to conclude our conversation on three new church essays recently published by the LDS Church. In this episode, we'll finish our coverage of the essay on polygamy and move on to the final essay, which addresses the character of Joseph Smith.Topics include:-Joseph's failed prophecies-Joseph's treatment of Emma-Joseph's 21 criminal casesJoin us as we unpack these final issues and reflect on what they reveal about Joseph Smith and early church history.___________________YouTubeShow NotesAt 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

An Unchanging God, Individualized Grace by Autumn Dickson In August of 1840, Joseph Smith delivered a sermon that introduced the concept of baptisms for the dead. People rejoiced and began being baptized for their kindred dead shortly thereafter. The Mississippi River was often the choice of setting for these sacred ordinances. In January of 1841, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson as she dives deep into the inspiring story behind the creation of the Relief Society, the women's organization established by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in March of 1840. In this episode, Lynne explores how a small group of faithful women in Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of Joseph Smith, came together with a divine purpose—to serve, uplift, and strengthen one another in both temporal and spiritual ways. Through her thoughtful commentary and historical insights, Lynne reveals how the Relief Society became one of the oldest and largest women's organizations in the world, dedicated to faith, compassion, and unity. Discover the remarkable beginnings of this sacred sisterhood and how its founding principles continue to bless lives today.

Sandra Tanner discusses one of the most intriguing episodes in Mormon history: her early inquiry into the missing 1832 First Vision account. (She didn't know it was missing at the time. The account was allegedly ripped out of the Joseph Smith journal by Church Historian Joseph Fielding Smith. This pursuit led Sandra directly into correspondence with Joseph Fielding Smith, then Church Historian, concerning what she believed was the original, definitive record of Joseph Smith's earliest spiritual experience. https://youtu.be/1pDKtA4RfmE Don't miss our other conversations with Sandra: https://gospeltangents.com/people/sandra-tanner Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved 0:00 Tanner's Secret Polygamy 4:57 Sandra's Teen LDS Experiences 19:06 Sandra's Role in Missing First Vision Account? The Path to Critical Inquiry Sandra Tanner's journey into questioning Mormon orthodoxy was significantly shaped by her mother, who was already deep into researching early Mormonism in the late 1950s. Sandra's mother insisted on finding chapter and verse for religious claims, refusing to simply take the word of "the brethren" or rely solely on church manuals, often disrupting Sunday school classes with her inquisitive mind. Sandra's first met Jerald Tanner in the 1950s. He introduced her to David Whitmer's thinking and the ideas of Pauline Hancock's group, the Church of Christ-Bible & Book of Mormon). This set the stage for intense study. A major focal point of this research was the nature of God and how the changing views of God affected the narrative of the First Vision. Sandra noted that the Book of Mormon, in its earliest form, presented a view of God that did not align with the current Mormon understanding of a separate Father and Son. Conflicting First Vision Narratives As Sandra, Jerald, and her mother poured over available documents, they focused on inconsistencies surrounding the First Vision: Fawn Brodie's Observation: The first edition of No Man Knows My History had raised the issue that the earliest references to an experience before the 1823 angel Moroni visitation often seemed to refer only to an angel or messenger, not the Father and Son. The Historical Record Change: Sandra's aunt acquired a copy of Andrew Jensen's Historical Record (from the 1880s), which contained an account where Joseph went into the woods to pray and a "messenger, an angel" appeared to him. However, her aunt's copy was a later reprint (circa 1890 or 1891) that changed the text to say "the Christ appears to him," raising questions about when the shift occurred and why the Father was excluded in that version. Sandra and her associates reasoned that if the First Vision story was constantly evolving, they needed to see the genesis of the account. The Letter & Missing 1832 First Vision Account In the early 1960s (circa 1961), Sandra, Jerald, and her mother formulated a letter outlining these historical questions to be sent to then-Church Historian, Joseph Fielding Smith. Sandra simply assumed that an initial written account must exist and requested a photocopy of the "original Joseph Smith handwritten account of the First Vision". Little did Sandra know that some people, like her friend Lamar Peterson, did know about a "strange account" (the 1832 version) that had been shown to him by Levi Edgar Young, who was sworn to secrecy by Joseph Fielding Smith. Sandra's request, though based on assumption, might have caused immediate alarm in the Church Historian's Office. Sandra speculates that Joseph Fielding Smith had previously cut the 1832 account out of the ledger book because he realized it was problematic. When Smith received Sandra's letter, he may have assumed she possessed insider knowledge. To get ahead of any arguments about hiding evidence, Smith subsequently taped the pages back into the ledger book. "I think he cut it out back in the time of Levi Edgar Young. I mean,

Stephen Jones is the host of the Scripture Central original podcast Let's Get Real. Stephen joined me for a fun episode to compare our lists of the top 5 BYU speeches of all-time. I've always loved watching BYU Speeches, we are lucky to have them and I'm grateful that BYU make them available for all of us. So...will it be a classic Elder Holland speech, the iconic Brad Wilcox speech, maybe a wildcard? Let's find out! Find all of the BYU Speeches here: www.speeches.byu.edu 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: March 1841 – September, 1842 Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois Section 125 - Historical Background: As the saints from around the world gathered to Nauvoo, many of them settled on the west side of the Mississippi River (Iowa) where the land was more affordable. Two stakes were organized there. With the increasing emphasis on the gathering place in Nauvoo, the question was raised whether the saints in the Iowa Territory should relocate to Nauvoo. Joseph inquired of the Lord. Recap: The saints are to settle in the areas according to where Joseph Smith will be inspired to designate, including those areas west of the Mississippi. Section 126 - Historical Background: Brigham Young was baptized a member of the church in 1832 and has been one of the chief supports of Joseph. For 9 years he served many missions including the eastern states, Canada and England. Joseph predicted in 1832, “A time will come when Brother Brigham will preside over this Church.” Upon Brigham's return from his successful mission to England in 1841, he reported, “Through the mercy of God we have gained many friends, established churches in almost every noted town and city in Great Britain, baptized between seven and eight thousand souls, printed 5,000 Books of Mormon, 3,000 hymn books, 2,500 volumes of the Millennial Star, and 50,000 tracts.” Joesph received this revelation for Brigham in his own home.   Recap: Brigham's offering is accepted by the Lord and he is told to stay in Nauvoo with his family, to “send” rather than “take” the Lord's word to the world. Section 127 - Historical Background: After Joseph's escape from Missouri into Illinois, Missouri Governor Boggs petitioned the Illinois Governor to arrest Joseph and extradite him back to Missouri for trial. To Joseph's surprise, and alarm, the Illinois Governor granted this request of extradition. Joseph's only protection was to stay out of sight until the sheriff, sent from Missouri, became discouraged and returned home. This section is an epistle to the saints by Joseph Smith while in hiding, explaining why he would be out of sight for a while.  Recap: Joseph has left Nauvoo temporarily for the safety of the saints and himself. These “perils” Joseph is called to pass through are a small thing to him. Like Paul, Joseph glories in tribulation. The saints should be glad, even in persecution, for God will prevail. Meanwhile, when baptized for the dead, keep good records to show the legitimacy of the ordinances, for what is bound on earth is also bound in heaven. He promises more information will be sent by him shortly. Section 128 - Historical Background: Five days following section 127, Joseph sends this new epistle to the saints, expounding further instructions on the ordinance to baptize their dead. These baptisms were occurring in the Mississippi River until the baptismal font within the unfinished temple could be completed and dedicated. Joseph was anxious to share all the sacred ordinances to be performed inside the temple, but began with baptisms for the dead. Only 6 others, all of whom were apostles, had received their temple endowment earlier in May, in the upper room of the improvised temple of Joseph's store. This was necessary because the temple was only about half completed.  Recap: Joseph reiterates the importance of a recorder to provide a witness and a very precise record of each ordinance. Whatever is recorded on earth is recorded in heaven, and likewise whatever is not recorded on earth is not recognized in heaven. The baptismal font in the temple is in similitude of the grave, being immersed in the water and then coming forth, as in the resurrection. All priesthood keys of past dispensations have been restored. Take courage and be glad, rejoice for the redemption of both the living and the dead.

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 124 & VOICES OF THE RESTORATION: THE RELIEF SOCIETY]“A House unto My Name”October 27 – November 2, 2025WEEK 44 SUMMARYDoctrine and Covenants 124 is a revelation given to Joseph Smith in January 1841, instructing the Saints to build a temple and a boarding house called the Nauvoo House in Nauvoo, Illinois. The revelation outlines the importance of these structures for the gathering of the Saints and the performance of sacred ordinances. It also provides guidance on church leadership, appointing specific individuals to various roles, and emphasizes the need for unity and faithfulness among the members. The revelation highlights the blessings that come from obedience and the importance of establishing a strong community centered on gospel principles.SPARK 1: A WORLDWIDE CHURCHSPARK 2: NO LESS SERVICEABLESPARK 3: A CHRISTMAS MORNING GODOBJECT LESSON 1: “Build a House unto My Name”: Nauvoo Temple Symbol StudyOBJECT LESSON 2: “Integrity of His Heart”: Tissue Table Dice GameCHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:02:33 QUICK GLANCE00:06:59 INSIGHTS 100:26:23 QUESTIONS 100:19:31 INSIGHTS 200:28:36 QUESTIONS 200:32:14 INSIGHTS 300:42:22 QUESTIONS 300:45:16 OBJECT LESSON 100:50:06 OBJECT LESSON 200:56:31 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 19 of our deep-dive into Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by Dr. John G. Turner, we explore the fascinating events surrounding the Kirtland Temple dedication (that took place in 1836) in Kirtland, Ohio.This episode focuses on Chapter 17, examining key developments in early Latter-day Saint ritual practice –including solemn assemblies, washings and anointings, the washing of feet, and even ritual cleansings (in cinnamon whiskey!). We also discuss internal church conflicts, prophetic authority, spiritual manifestations, and the powerful endowment promises given to early Church leaders.We also explore Joseph Smith's institutional genius, visions and heavenly visitations, Hebrew studies and the Adamic language, early temple worship and spiritual ecstacy, and controversies and personal reflections from John Turner's biography.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

Lee Krahenbuhl returns to Mormonism Live for a fascinating deep dive into some of the strangest and most unusual aspects of Mormon history. Discover the surprising connections between Brigham Young, matchmaking traditions, spirit messages from Joseph Smith, and the most famous magician of the 19th century.

Lee Krahenbuhl returns to Mormonism Live for a fascinating deep dive into some of the strangest and most unusual aspects of Mormon history. Discover the surprising connections between Brigham Young, matchmaking traditions, spirit messages from Joseph Smith, and the most famous magician of the 19th century.

Lee Krahenbuhl returns to Mormonism Live for a fascinating deep dive into some of the strangest and most unusual aspects of Mormon history. Discover the surprising connections between Brigham Young, matchmaking traditions, spirit messages from Joseph Smith, and the most famous magician of the 19th century.

There is Love in the Lack that God Gives by Autumn Dickson In my last message, I shared some of the words of Joseph Smith when he spoke to the Lord. Those words have been canonized as part of Section 121. For this message, I want to share something similar from the same time period […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Debunking Mormonism, Heist Fantasies, and $680 Coffee Cups: Deep Dive Discussions  In this lively episode of the Divinely Uninspired podcast, the hosts delve into a diverse array of topics from discussing the authenticity of Mormonism and Joseph Smith's claims to debating the necessity of award shows for Christian music. They also indulge in whimsical heist fantasies, talk about bizarrely expensive coffee, and highlight bizarre TikTok trends that have led to pediatric burns. With side conversations including childhood birthday parties, the legacy of AOL's dial-up internet, and celebrity controversies featuring LeBron James, this episode offers a mix of humor, cultural critique, and thoughtful discourse. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome  00:13 Billy Blanks' Christian Album 00:56 Uniforms and Wardrobe Talk 01:43 Jesus' Attire and Historical Clothing 03:27 Chuck E. Cheese and Birthday Parties 05:23 Nostalgia and Childhood Memories 12:01 Smoking and Vaping Trends 19:02 Heists and Robberies 26:09 Heist Movie Plot Discussion 26:40 Value of Luxurious Items 27:08 Cardi B's Album Release Controversy 27:47 Heist Motivations and Logistics 31:42 Expensive Coffee and Consumerism 35:29 Dangerous TikTok Trends 39:45 Mormonism and Its Origins 54:56 Christian Music Awards Debate 57:50 LeBron James and Celebrity Authenticity 59:07 Conclusion and Farewell

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Joseph Smith and his companions escape from Missouri custody in April 1839.(08:34) The Saints beautify Nauvoo. An overview of this section.(11:03) Joseph has not fallen from grace. The Lord emphasizes Joseph's prophetic role even though he has weakness. What The post Ep 344 | D&C 124, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 27-November 2) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Before Stassi Cramm became the first woman to lead the Community of Christ, Pauline Hancock led the Church of Christ. Sandra Tanner was baptized in about 1960 into Pauline Hancock's Church of Christ. We'll discuss Pauline's church, Sandra's conversion and de-conversion, and more in this amazing conversation. Check it out! https://youtu.be/3V-7stAyZ9w Don't miss our other conversations with Sandra: https://gospeltangents.com/people/sandra-tanner Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved 0:00 Updating Sandra Tanner 5:15 (In)Famous Sandra 9:39 Is Sandra Tanner Anti-Mormon? 12:05 Pauline Hancock's Origins 24:48 How Jerald Joined Pauline 32:43 Book of Mormon Has Trinitarian Roots 34:22 Jerald Visits Pauline Pioneers of Criticism: Sandra Tanner, Pauline Hancock, & Quest for the Original Church of Christ Sandra Tanner is well-known today as a staunch critic and historian of Mormonism, chronicled recently in the biography Lighthouse: Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Despised and Beloved Mormon Critics of Mormonism. While Sandra is now enjoying life in a condominium in Sandy, Utah, having retired from the stresses of her old neighborhood in Salt Lake City, her journey as a critic began in the late 1950s alongside her husband, Jerald Tanner56. This period of questioning led the newlywed Tanners to explore various splinter groups, resulting in Sandra becoming a temporary convert to a unique movement led by one of the earliest known female leaders in the Restoration: Pauline Hancock's Church of Christ. Critic, Not Anti-Mormon Before diving into her early faith experience, Sandra is careful to distinguish her identity. She notes that she is comfortable being labeled a "Mormon critic," but strongly rejects the term "anti-Mormon.” This is because the "anti-Mormon" label often implies an animosity toward the people, which she does not feel. She condemns any violence against Mormon people. She sees herself as a critic of Mormonism—its doctrines and history—not its followers. Jerald Tanner's Search for the "Start" The Tanners' joint investigation into Mormonism began around 1959. Jerald's personal crisis was spurred around age 18 when his bishop suggested he go on a mission. Jerald began reading critical works, notably Fawn Brodie's book (written in 1945), which was the standard critical source at the time. His investigation led him to seek out local splinter groups, first visiting the Reorganized Church in Salt Lake City. There, he met a barber named James Wardle, who operated a shop that housed one of the largest collections of historic books on early Mormonism. Wardle provided Jerald with a key text that shaped his direction: David Whitmer's pamphlet, An Address to All Believers in Christ (1887). Whitmer's position was that the Book of Mormon was the main thing and that Joseph Smith "got a big head, invented all this other stuff.” This idea became Jerald's litmus test: if there was any truth to Mormonism, it had to be at the start, centered on the Book of Mormon. Jerald even took a trip to Independence, Missouri, to verify Whitmer's claims that the revelations had been changed, specifically noting discrepancies between the current version of the Doctrine and Covenants and the early Book of Commandments. Pauline Hancock and the "Luke-ite" Church of Christ James Wardle also informed Jerald about Pauline Hancock's small Church of Christ group, noting that they aligned more closely with David Whitmer's views than other splinter groups. Pauline Hancock was raised in the Reorganized (RLDS) Church, where her father had served as a pastor in Salt Lake City. She became disillusioned with both the RLDS and the Temple Lot Church. She, her husband, and others who went through similar struggles were deeply impacted by Whitmer's pamphlet. This group, sometimes referred to as "the Luke-ites" because they first met in the home of a Mr. Luke, established their own theological foundation:

Imagine being unjustly imprisoned for months, watching your family and people suffer, and asking the piercing question: "O God, where art thou?" The revelations given to Joseph Smith in the darkest dungeon of his life are some of the most beautiful and powerful in all scripture. Summary: In this profound episode, we explore the transcendent revelations of Doctrine and Covenants 121, 122, and 123, written from the confines of Liberty Jail. D&C 121: The Power of Righteousness. We delve into Joseph's heartfelt plea, "How long shall thy hand be stayed?" The Lord answers with a staggering lesson: authority and power are inseparably connected with the principles of righteousness. We analyze the fatal trap of "unrighteous dominion"—covering our sins, gratifying pride, and exercising compulsion—which instantly causes the heavens to withdraw. Crucially, we learn the six principles of Godly Influence: persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, and kindness. This section is a master class in Christlike leadership. D&C 122: Eternal Perspective in Suffering. The Lord reassures Joseph: "My son, peace be unto thy soul." He validates every trial Joseph has faced, from false accusations to the "jaws of hell," and promises that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good." This section confirms that the "Son of Man hath descended below them all," granting Him perfect knowledge to comfort us in our extremities. D&C 123: The Duty to Record. Finally, we discuss the duty to collect a "catalog of catastrophes" detailing the Saints' sufferings and abuses. This was not for vengeance, but to "leave the whole nation without excuse" and to help those who are "kept from the truth because they know not where to find it." The lesson culminates with the principle of total effort: "cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God." Call-to-Action: What principle from D&C 121 is helping you the most right now? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If this discussion brought peace to your soul, please like this video, subscribe to the channel, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 4:55 Divine Hiddenness 15:47 Hitting Rock Bottom 29:19 Damning the River & Praying for Rain 40:48 Unrighteous Dominion 54:25 Godly Influence 1:12:36 A Catalog of Catastrophes 1:26:08 Work and then Wait 1:35:19 One-Liners

The “Mormon War” of 1838; Joseph Smith's letter from Liberty Jail 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, Follow Me reading schedule, […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 121–123 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

What can Liberty Jail teach you about finding light in dark places?

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 121-123. We'll talk about the very challenging experiences that Joseph Smith had in the Liberty Jail, and how, like him, we might also wonder where the Lord is and if He is going to help us as promised. We'll review the Lord's answers to Joseph's pleas and talk about how we can gain comfort from those promises, even in the midst of our trials. We'll also talk about the importance of increasing self-confidence and confidence before God, and how that can help us endure difficulties well.  There are free worksheets available for the invitations made in the weekly podcasts. To get these worksheets, please sign up for my email newsletter. Not only will you get access to the free worksheets, but access to many more free strategies to help manage your mental health. Please sign up at the following link: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠NEWSLETTER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more information regarding Dr. Morgan, please visit his website here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠WEBSITE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠President Nelson 2025 April Conference: ⁠⁠CONFIDENCE⁠Download copy of episode transcript: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TRANSCRIPT

Over time, Joseph Smith saw the purpose and function of the temple quite differently. It expanded with each revelation. By the 20th Century, it had changed yet again.. Join us for this fascinating journey.

Join us for an amazing experience as we cruise with Steven Harper to discuss the New and Everlasting Covenant. Steve and Kerry will each lecture, and will lecture together, to teach everyone about the covenant. Sign up at RestorationTravels.com. In this episode Kerry and Dr. Andrew Skinner discuss the background behind the Prophet going to Liberty Jail, and the experiences that drew forth the revelation. They then discuss some of the amazing doctrines that flow from the letter Joseph wrote there. They talk about trials, They explore God's care for us during trials and how God helps us grow. They talk about the sections being a manual of discipleship and leadership.We are grateful for our executive producers, J. Parke, D. Watson, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Our Mothers Knew It with Maria EckersleyA Creative Study of Come, Follow MeD&C [D&C 121-123 & VOICES OF THE RESTORATION: LIBERTY JAIL]“O God, Where Art Thou?”October 20 – October 26, 2025WEEK 43 SUMMARY=================Doctrine and Covenants sections 121 to 123 are revelations given to Joseph Smith during his imprisonment in Liberty Jail. In Section 121, Joseph Smith pours out his heart to the Lord, expressing his suffering and pleading for relief, and the Lord responds with comfort, promising that the trials will be for his good and that the righteous will be exalted. Section 122 reassures Joseph that all his experiences, even the most difficult ones, will give him experience and be for his benefit. Section 123 encourages the Saints to document the injustices they have suffered, emphasizing the importance of standing up for truth and righteousness. These sections highlight themes of patience, faith, and the eternal perspective of trials.SPARK 1: THE GOD WHO WAITS================SPARK 2: ITEMIZED UNFAIRNESS===================================SPARK 3: A LIFE WELL LIVED=============================OBJECT LESSON 1: “But for A Small Moment”: Liberty Jail Luminaries=============================OBJECT LESSON 2: “Stand Still … to See the Salvation of God”: Water Bead Experiment=============================CHAPTERS=========00:00:14 INTRO00:04:08 QUICK GLANCE00:09:14 INSIGHTS 100:25:27 QUESTIONS 100:28:40 INSIGHTS 200:39:35 QUESTIONS 200:42:20 INSIGHTS 300:48:34 QUESTIONS 300:51:03 OBJECT LESSON 100:54:55 OBJECT LESSON 201:00:31 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.

Revelation Date: January 19, 1841 Revelation Place: Nauvoo, Illinois Section 124 - Historical Background: It had been 2 years since receiving the prior revelation and much had happened during that time: - Joseph had finally been freed from Liberty jail by a sympathetic sheriff (who was then killed by the angry mob for allowing Joseph to escape). - Joseph fled to Illinois and the saints purchased thousands of acres of unimproved land in Commerce, Illinois for settlements. It was a swampy and mosquito infested wilderness. Many saints suffered from malaria as they drained the swamps and worked the land. - Two notable deaths had occurred – Bishop Edward Partridge (resulting from persecution injuries) and Joseph Smith, Sr. - Joseph had gone to Washington DC to seek redress from President Martin Van Buren, who refused to help them. In his own words, Van Buran's refusal was made for his own personal, political gain. - The Governor of Illinois signed charters allowing the Saint's new city to be established, self-governed and allowed an independent military body formed from within to protect itself. Hence the city Commerce is renamed Nauvoo, a Hebrew word meaning a place of rest and beauty, and a militia, called the “Nauvoo Legion,” is organized.  Joseph felt a great sense of urgency in completing the Lord's and fulfilling his calling. Joseph receives this revelation as a result of his pleadings, which is the longest revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants.  Recap: Joseph is to make a proclamation of the Gospel to all the rulers of nations; the saints are commanded to build a new temple to the Lord; they are also commanded to build a house to welcome outside guests and investigators; Hyrum is called to replace his father as Patriarch of the church; general and local officers are called directly by the Lord, yet they all must be sustained by the church membership in a church conference before they are allowed to take their office.

This is a throwback episode from 2018. Sandra & Jerald Tanner were the first to identify a Hofmann forgery. They were the first to claim the Salamander Letter was a forgery but they didn't know it was a Hofmann forgery. Even though they didn't suspect Mark Hofmann was the forger, they were eventually proved correct. Sandra tells how her husband Jerald came to that conclusion, his later illness & death from dementia, and whether she thinks some books in the Bible could be classified as forgeries. Plus at the end of the video, I'll give a preview of my next interview with Sandra! Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/SK_6orYOYro Don't miss our other conversations with Sandra: https://gospeltangents.com/people/sandra-tanner Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved "Man Bites Dog" Story: How Anti-Mormon Critics Jerald & Sandra Tanner Were the First to Expose Mark Hofmann Forgery Sandra Tanner is a long-time critic and historian of Mormonism. She details her interactions with the notorious document forger and murderer, Mark Hofmann. The interviews reveal a profound paradox—what Sandra Tanner called the "man bite dog story"—where the very critics who might have benefited from anti-LDS documents were the ones who first proved them to be frauds. Here is a breakdown of the shocking discoveries, clever manipulations, and institutional controversies surrounding Hofmann, as shared by Sandra Tanner: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shrewd Forger's Credibility Gambit Mark Hofmann first approached Sandra Tanner and her husband, Jerald, in 1978 or 1979 after having read their book, Mormonism Shadow or Reality. At this time, Hofmann was an average-looking young man who did not stand out, which actually aided him in his forgery business. Hofmann's initial goal was to establish credibility for his future fakes. He visited the Tanners and handed Sandra a photocopy of a one-sheet document—a fraudulent Second Anointing Ceremony. This ritual is considered higher than celestial marriage and promises eternal life (short of murder) to select individuals. Hofmann spun a detailed, manipulative story, claiming he found the document (purporting to be from the 1912 Salt Lake Temple period) while cleaning out his deceased grandfather's attic. He insisted he couldn't share his name because his family was prominent, thus giving the document an air of mystery and protected provenance. Sandra Tanner realized that Hofmann was attempting to raise the document's value by having her pass it around, creating a "trail of interest". However, because the document lacked provenance, Sandra did not publish it, though she did give copies out to people who asked, cautioning them that she could not vouch for it. This established Hofmann's pattern: planting evidence or information about documents, often having others "find" them (like Jeff Simmonds finding the Anthon transcript pasted in a Bible) to lend them credibility. Jerald Tanner's Analysis: Salamander Letter Is Too "Pat" When the Salamander Letter (a document critical of Joseph Smith, linking him to magic and the coming forth of the Book of Mormon in a magic setting) was rumored and surfaced, Jerald Tanner was skeptical. Jerald insisted on seeing the whole typescript of the letter to properly evaluate it. Jerald's forensic methodology was based on a prior experience: years earlier, he had successfully argued that a document attributed to Oliver Cowdery was a forgery because it contained phrases lifted directly from Cowdery's known letters, demonstrating a contrived writing style. Applying this content analysis to the Salamander Letter, Jerald became convinced it was a fraud. He noted that the wording contained phrases lifted from earlier critical texts, specifically Ed Howe's Mormonism Unveiled and the Joseph Knight letters. Jerald argued that the similarities in phrasing were "too much" and "too pat".

Welcome back to Part 18 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series, where we continue our in-depth exploration of Dr. John Turner's groundbreaking biography, Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.In this episode, we dive into parts of Chapter 16 and 17 –two of the most dramatic and revealing sections yet. We cover the explosive sibling feud between Joseph Smith and his brother William, explore the first child abuse scandal in 1835, and trace Joseph's evolving leadership and spiritual promises as the Restoration movement matures.From the aftermath of Zion's Camp and early church discipline to visions of divine power and the early roots of temple ritual, these chapters reveal a prophet under pressure –and a family and faith community in turmoil. This is an episode you won't want to miss!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

Part 4 The Mormon Church claim that over the centuries, the Bible has suffered the loss of many plain and precious parts.  They believe that the most reliable way to measure the accuracy of the biblical text is not by comparing the many translations available today, but by comparing the Bible with the Book of Mormon.  The Book of Mormon is the measuring stick for truth, and according to Joseph Smith, it is the most correct of any book on earth.  That is a very bold claim!   As we continue to examine the Book of Mormon, consideration shall be given to its historical reliability.  What artefacts (if any) have archaeologists unearthed to support the historicity of the Book of Mormon?  How does one explain the historical errors contained within it?  How did whole portions of the 1769 King James Bible make their way into the Book of Mormon if the gold plates from which the book claimed to be translated predate the King James Bible by more than a millennium?  These questions and more are answered in this fourth teaching on Mormonism.   Download teaching notes (pdf) https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/bethesdashalom/4_The_Book_of_Mormon_Pt_2.pdf

Shrouded in rumor and myth, the name of Adam-ondi-Ahman (mentioned in Doctrine and Covenants 116) has sparked questions for two centuries. In this episode, Professor Alex Baugh clarifies what we know—and what we don't—about this location that holds great significance in both antiquity and early Restoration history, as well as in future prophecy. Adam-ondi-Ahman is revealed to be in Daviess County, Missouri, and is the location where Adam and Eve lived after being cast out of Eden. Joseph Smith was recorded to have said that is also “the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.” Publications: “The History and Doctrine of the Adam-ondi-Ahman Revelation (Doctrine & Covenants 116),” in Foundations of the Restoration: Fulfillment of the Covenant Purposes, Religious Studies Center (2016) The Voice of the Lord: Exploring the Doctrine and Covenants, Religious Studies Center (2024) Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning, Religious Studies Center (2021) Latter-day Saints in Washington, DC: History, People, and Places, Religious Studies Center (2021) Conversations with Mormon Historians, Religious Studies Center (2015) Banner of the Gospel: Wilford Woodruff, Religious Studies Center (2010) Days Never to be Forgotten: Oliver Cowdery, Religious Studies Center (2009)   Click here to learn more about Alex Baugh

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Historical background.(02:17) Joseph Smith demonstrated majesty in chains while in custody in Richmond.(05:35) Ten eternal truths we can apply to our lives from the Liberty Jail experience.(07:38) #1: God is aware of your trials, you are not alone. (11:11) The post Ep 343 | D&C 121-123, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 20-26) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.

Jason and Nate Dive into D&C 115 – 120. First Jason revisits some of the significance of Joseph Smith's visit …

A presentation titled Pregnant Possibilities was given by Mark Tensmeyer, Joseph Stanford, Amanda Hendrix-Komoto, John Kidd, & myself (Rick Bennett.) This was similar to a presentation at Sunstone & John Whitmer Historical Association in August, September, & October 2025. We tackled the question on how many children Joseph Smith should have had with his plural wives. (It is a lot less than you think!) Mark gave a history, Joseph outlined the science behind calculating pregnancy, Rick did the calculations on expected number of children & probability Joseph Smith had no children from his plural wives. John ran 1,000,000 simulations of the scenario to randomize women's cycles and coitus, and Amanda discussed birth control & abortion in the 19th century. It's a fascinating presentation that we hope to publish soon. Check out our presentation from August & October. (You may want to view on Youtube to see the slides used in the presentations.) https://youtu.be/gL0P5F5FZcc Don't miss our other conversations about Joseph Smith's polygamy: https://gospeltangents.com/lds_theology/polygamy/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Pregnant Possibilities The polygamous unions of Joseph Smith in Nauvoo present historians with a persistent and colorful mystery: the apparent lack of known children fathered by Smith with any of his wives other than Emma. Clearly, Joseph Smith was fertile, having fathered nine children with Emma. This question regarding the lack of progeny was the central focus of the 2025 Sunstone Symposium session, "Pregnant Possibilities: Sexuality and Early Mormon Polygamy," which involved a multidisciplinary approach combining historical research, statistical modeling, and reproductive science. The presentation drew on the expertise of historian Mark Tensmeyer, JD (focusing on historical claims and Joseph Smith's movements), Dr. Amanda Hendrix-Komoto (discussing abortion and birth control history), Dr. Joseph Stanford (an MD specializing in fertility and the mechanics of pregnancy), Rick Bennett (a biostatistician who hosted the session and developed the mathematical models), and Dr John Kidd (who ran 1,000,000 simulations.) Does Marriage Equal Sex? The puzzle of the missing children was vividly encapsulated by Joseph Smith III, who found it "incomprehensible" that his "father should have had such a crew of lusty young women as wives, and not one of them had a baby by him. Not one, not a single baby". The presentation emphasized that while there are no identified or verified children from these plural unions, historians cannot definitively state that there were no children. Factors such as high infant mortality, stillbirth, or children who grew up under different names could account for unknown progeny. Mark Tensmeyer examined the foundational question: Does the fact that Joseph Smith married these women mean that he was sexually active with them?. While there is direct testimony of consummation for some wives (such as Emily Partridge and Melissa Lott), for the majority, evidence is absent or scarce. Arguments supporting consummation included the 19th-century societal norm where a marriage was often not considered complete if unconsummated. Conversely, arguments suggesting limited or no consummation centered on: Smith's lack of cohabitation with many plural wives. Other motives for marriage, such as dynastic connections or integrating plural marriage into the community. The fact that Smith and his immediate circle were not actively trying to conceive children with plural wives, contrasting with Brigham Young's later efforts to "raise up seed to Joseph". The gradual rollout of polygamy, which was necessarily shrouded in secrecy and denial, particularly due to Emma Smith's disapproval and limited knowledge of the full extent of the practice. To address the historical ambiguity, the researchers focused on 33 "consensus wives"—those agreed upon by prominent histor...

In this conversation, we talk about what it means for a revelation to become scripture--a topic theologians call “canonization.” Steve shares a view of canonization that is less a single historical event and more a social process driven by countless individuals--men and women, adults and children--who return again and again to the text as a place to hear the voice of Christ. We talk about the Restoration's unique view of revelation and scripture: for Latter-day Saints, it's not the earliest divine word that is privileged, but the most current--and how this changes things for historians and believers. We talk about the future of the Doctrine and Covenants in our rapidly globalizing church, where the historical context of Joseph Smith's revelations becomes ever more remote. And Professor Harper shares some thoughts on section 132, perhaps the most difficult of sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, and how frustration can be a gateway to revelation.

October Spooky Salem Special, a deep dive into Mormon Witchcraft and Joseph Smith's ties to the Salem Witch Trials.

An account of Joseph Smith’s trials and the effects of the hardship on his family, his friends, his life, and his character. Click here to see the speech page.Support the show: https://ldsp-pay.ldschurch.org/donations/byu/byu-speeches.htmlSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a textIn Utah, 4 local members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints join me to discuss what it's like to be a Church member in their area, and to reflect on the October 2025 General Conference of the Church.The participants were Brett, Sky, Lynzi, and Isaac.  Some highlights from this episode include reflections on President Oaks's remarks at the close of Conference, why I hate McGriddles, and what everyone's favourite talk was.What were your takeaways from General Conference? Let us know in the comments.--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 Date: March, 1839 Revelation Place: Liberty Jail, Missouri Section 121 - Historical Background: By March 20, 1839, Joseph Smith had reached the lowest depths of utter despair. The physical dimensions of the restored church had been shattered. The saints had been forced to abandon their homes and property in the depths of winter, fleeing over the entire width of Missouri to escape the murdering mobs and Governor Bogg's unsparing militia. Joseph's father would eventually die from this suffering, and all this while Joseph lay helpless in prison. The hopes for the new Jerusalem and the mighty Zion were demolished. In this cold, miserable dungeon, Joseph saw no possibility of a fair trial or any way to escape. He and his companions were barely surviving with scraps and slops from the warden's kitchen, some of which was poisoned and other offerings were described by the guards as “Mormon beef” suggesting a fallen saint's human flesh. In the midst of all this, Joseph's broken heart cried out to God in anguish.   Recap: Joseph pleads, “O God, where art thou?” and is answered lovingly and powerfully, “Peace be unto thy soul.…Fear not… for God shall be with you.” All these enemies of God and of His anointed, are cursed and will “not escape the damnation of hell.” The faithful will receive the Spirit of God, receiving all knowledge, blessings and exaltation. Many are called, but few are chosen because their hearts are set on the things of the world and they exercise unrighteous dominion. The chosen will consistently exercise faith, love, charity and virtue. Section 122 - Historical Background: This revelation is a continuation of section 121, given in the Liberty jail, Missouri. Recap: Joseph, the Lord's beloved prophet, receives comfort and encouragement. The faithful saints will continue to honor and support him. These tribulations will be for Joseph's experience for good, and the Lord will stand by him. The Lord has descended below all these things. The days of Joseph are divinely set and cannot be altered by men. Therefore, fear not what men can do, for God shall be with him forever and ever. Section 123 - Historical Background: This section is a continuation of sections 121 and 122, given in the Liberty jail, Missouri. Recap: It is the duty of the saints to keep record of all their losses in life, property and sufferings, including the names of all the offenders. Gather up by committee all the libelous publications. This is done so all the enemies are exposed and left without excuse. Furthermore, it is the duty of the saints, with great earnestness, to bring to light the darkness of evil and expose the wicked. Do not consider this insignificant, for by small things, great things will come to pass. And then stand still and see the salvation of God revealed.

Mistakes Were Part of the Plan by Autumn Dickson The church is running into some issues. They have incurred heavy debts, and leaders are growing increasingly worried. There was a member, Brother Burgess, who spoke of a widow who had left behind a lot of money hiding in her cellar. Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Welcome back to Part 17 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series covering Dr. John Turner's new biography on Joseph Smith titled: Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.In this episode, we begin part one of our deep dive into the Book of Abraham –a controversial and fascinating text within Latter-day Saint history. We'll trace its origins in 1835 Kirtland, explore Joseph Smith's acquisition of Egyptian papyri and mummies, and discuss the Egyptomania of the time that fueled public curiosity.With guest scholar Dr. John Turner, we set the stage for how the Book of Abraham fits into the broader story of Mormonism, how Joseph Smith interpreted the papyri, and why questions of translation, sincerity, and inspiration still matter today. This is just the beginning of our discussion –the Nauvoo period will follow in later chapters!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

The Power of Conversion: Healing Through Christ by Autumn Dickson Thomas B. Marsh was frustrated with Joseph Smith for calling two of the apostles on missions without consulting him. He received a revelation that helped him repent and gave him spiritual counsel. Within the counsel he receives, there are two phrases that are found next […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

Joseph Smith and his counselors were deep in debt, so they went searching for buried treasure in Salem, Massachusetts, leading to one of the most remarkable sections of the Doctrine and Covenants! Did God really approve of their "follies," and what did they find that was "more treasures than one"? SUMMARY: Join us as we explore D&C 111–114, covering a pivotal and often misunderstood moment in early Church history and the profound doctrinal answers God gave in response to conflict and confusion. D&C 111 | The Salem Trip: We analyze the search for wealth to settle Church debt, the warning against "get-rich-quick" schemes , and the Lord's promise to Joseph Smith: "I have much treasure in this city for you" , shifting the focus from temporal silver to the spiritual treasure of souls and ancestry. D&C 112 | The Quorum of the Twelve: The Lord speaks directly to Thomas B. Marsh, President of the Twelve, to address "some few things in thine heart". The revelation is a powerful call to humility, urging him to "Be not partial" and let his "love abound unto all men". This section also outlines the authority given to the Twelve to "unlock the door of the kingdom" in the Dispensation of the Fulness of Times. D&C 113 | Q&A on Isaiah: Joseph Smith seeks clarity on Isaiah 11. The Lord reveals that the "Stem of Jesse" is Christ , and the "Rod" that comes from it is a servant in the hands of Christ—identified as Joseph Smith. We also discuss what it means for Zion to "put on thy strength" (priesthood authority) and loose the "bands of her neck". D&C 114 | Taking the Opportunity: In a stark warning against apostasy , the Lord calls David W. Patten to "settle up all his business" for a mission. The revelation teaches a critical principle: if leaders deny the Lord, others "shall be planted in their stead and receive their bishopric". CALL-TO-ACTION: Which of these four sections spoke most powerfully to you? Was it the call to patience with debt, the need for humility in leadership, the promised keys for the gathering, or the warning to take the "lifetime of an opportunity"? Let us know in the comments below! If you're studying the Doctrine and Covenants, hit the like button and subscribe for more deep dives into the scriptures. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 6:36 Get Rich Quick 18:14 Playing Favorites 31:03 Opening the Door 44:51 The Last Dispensation 55:28 Jesus Christ & Joseph Smith 1:12:12 Getting In on the Action 1:18:08 The Lifetime of an Opportunity 1:28:41 One-Liners

Use Beehive Broadcast for all your marketing and social media needs. Email us at TheScripturesAreReal@gmail.com to learn about how they can help you.In this episode Kerry talks about how a revelation to Joseph Smith changes the way we understand a crucial Isaiah prophecy. In the next part of the episode Kerry and Stephen Smoot look at the facsimiles and start going through Joseph Smith's explanations and compare it to an Egyptological point of view. They show an amazing amount of congruity. We are grateful for our executive producers, J. Parke, D. Watson, M. Cannon, M. Rosema, B. Fisher, J. Beardall, D. Anderson, and H. Umphlett, and for all our generous and loyal donors. We are also very grateful for all our Patreon members. We are so thankful for Beehive Broadcast for producing the podcast and for Rich Nicholls, who composed and plays the music for the podcast.

Welcome back to part 16 of our Joseph Smith Podcast with Dr. John G. Turner! In this episode, we cover chapter fifteen of John Turner's new book titled “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet” which covers 1834-1835 in Kirtland, Ohio and parts of Missouri. We discuss the rise of patriarchal blessings, the creation of new church offices –like the Twelve and the Seventy. We also discuss the challenges posed by critics like E. D. Howe and his problematic book published in 1834. These years were formative for Joseph Smith and the Latter-day Saint movement. We explore such topics as:-The publication of E. D. Howe's Mormonism Unveiled-The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (and the Lectures on Faith)-The creation of the Quorum of the Twelve and the Seventy-The beginning of the Law of Adoption-How Joseph Smith used blessings and promises to help people follow himDid this first anti-Mormon publication get under Joseph Smith's skin? What power did early church members believe they were receiving through blessings and ordinances? How did Joseph Smith transform crises into opportunities to strengthen his movement? Join us as we seek to answer each of these questions!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

Dr. Susan Easton Black continues to explore Doctrine and Covenants 111-114, weaving together stories of the pride and humility of Thomas B. Marsh, doctrinal clarification on Isaiah, the life and choices of David W. Patten, and a powerful testimony of Joseph Smith's prophetic calling.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC241EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC241FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC241DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC241PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC241ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/jNQbb-qz9nQALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTES followHIM website: https://www.followHIM.coFREE PDF DOWNLOADS OF followHIM QUOTE BOOKSNew Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastNTBookOld Testament: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastOTBookBook of Mormon: https://tinyurl.com/PodcastBMBook  WEEKLY NEWSLETTER https://tinyurl.com/followHIMnewsletter  SOCIAL MEDIA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/followHIMpodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followhimpodcastTIMECODE:00:00 Part 2 - Dr. Susan Easton Black02:36 Having a soft heart04:45 Thomas B Marsh leaving and returns07:38 Forgiving Thomas10:20 Questions about Isaiah13:12 Answer for Elias Higby17:24 First question about the stem of Jesse21:11 Who asked the first three questions?24:04 Why are we here?28:34 Why should Zion get out of the dust?31:54 Trouble with the Kirtland Safety Society35:50 David Patten's nickname38:05 Martyrdom of David Patten42:06 Why memorize D&C 114?44:37 People remember David Patten47:34 People are an example or a warning48:29 Dr. Black shares her testimony of Jesus and His prophet Joseph 50:49 Impressions of the Prophet Joseph Smith55:08  End of Part 2 - Dr. Susan Easton BlackThanks 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 DirectorSydney Smith: Social Media, Graphic Design "Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise" by Marshall McDonaldhttps://www.marshallmcdonaldmusic.com

How do we reconcile our expectations with God's unfolding plan? In this episode, Professor Derek Sainsbury explores the remarkable life of Nancy Naomi Tracy–a woman whose unwavering faith and bold defense of religious liberty and temple service helped shape the early Latter-day Saint experience. Through persecution, political exile, and personal loss, Nancy remained devoted to the gospel. Professor Sainsbury draws from her writings and activism to reveal how she navigated the tension between personal hopes and divine direction, offering a compelling lens into the cost of conviction and the legacy of spiritual resilience.  Publications: “‘We Have Not Been Allowed to Worship as We Please': Nancy Naomi Tracy and the Denial of Latter-day Saint Religious Liberty,” in Religious Liberty and Latter-day Saints: Historical and Global Perspectives (Religious Studies Center, 2023) Joseph Smith as a Visionary: Heavenly Manifestations in the Latter Days (Religious Studies Center, 2025) "Befriending the Constitutional Law of the Land" in Doctrine and Coveants Insights: Capstone of Doctrinal Understanding (Religious Studies Center, 2025) Storming the Nation: The Unknown Contributions of Joseph Smith's Political Missionaries (Religious Studies Center, 2020) “‘For the General Good of Mankind': Why Joseph Smith's Presidential Campaign Matters,” Religious Educator, 21.3 (2020)  Click here to learn more about Derek Sainsbury

→ Watch on YouTube → Detailed Show Notes → Timestamps: (00:00) Accepting the representations of William Burgess, Joseph Smith and others church leaders visit Salem, Massachusetts in hopes of alleviating the church's debt.(04:32) God can be both loved and feared. Examples of how He sees our efforts and quickly forgives The post Ep 341 | D&C 111-114, Come Follow Me 2025 (October 6-12) appeared first on LDS Scripture Teachings.