Podcasts about Nauvoo

What did Joseph Smith's Nauvoo revelation teach about discerning spirits, the nature of God, and eternal relationships? Historian Brittany Nash Chapman explores Doctrine and Covenants 129-131 and how early Saints lived and understood these profound doctrines.SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC246ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/f7kv2QSZ9HcALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.co2021 Episode Doctrine & Covenants 129-132 Part 1https://youtu.be/gn84EE_B5WUFREE 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 1 - Sister Brittany Chapman Nash02:56 Being offended on other's behalf03:40 Brittany Chapman Nash bio07:44 Come, Follow Me Manual09:22 Reducing the heavenly to the finite12:25 Sister Nash shares about discernment18:20 Joseph's confidence with angelic influences21:16  Information about the next life22:36 Endowment in the Red Brick Store25:35 Heavenly relationships29:48 Friendship: A fundamental principal34:31 Kate Holbrook and Melissa Inoyue37:22 Prize enduring relationships39:06 Gaining intelligence44:16 President Faust46:43 Dangers in this verse48:06 Elder Christofferson's Cosmic Vending Machine50:47 The first anti-Christian writer?54:53 Brigham Young yearned to know this57:23 Clarification regarding kingdoms1:00:21 Spirit is matter1:03:12 End of Part 1 - Sister Brittany Chapman NashThanks 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

October 27-November 2What happened during the nearly two years that elapsed between the reception of Section 123 and Section 124 of the Doctrine and Covenants? As it turns out, plenty. We'll talk about that today.

Revelation Dates: February 1843 – July 1843 Revelation Places: Nauvoo, Illinois Section 129 - Historical Background: One of the saints in England, converted by Heber C. Kimball, was a faithful man named William Clayton. Three years after his baptism, Clayton moved his family from England to Nauvoo and in 1842 became a secretary and scribe to the Prophet Joseph. Over the next two years, William Clayton was present and recorded significant revelations, instructions and sermons given by Joseph, including the following three sections of inspired instruction.  Recap: There are two kinds of beings in heaven: resurrected beings and spirits of the righteous. If God sends you a messenger, ask to shake his hand. If he is a resurrected being, he will do so and you will feel his hand. If he is a righteous spirit, he will not shake your hand but will simply deliver the message. If he is an angel of Satan, he will try to deceive you by attempting to shake your hand but you will feel nothing. Section 130 - Historical Background: Orson Hyde gave a talk at a meeting attended by Joseph Smith. Afterwards, Joseph made some corrections to the talk and answered questions from the group. Several brethren, including Wilford Woodruff, took extensive notes which became  section 130. Recap: Jesus is a distinct, glorious personage. Angels reside with God the Father on a globe like a sea of glass. Those who will reside with God will be given a new name. The timing of the return of Christ is not given. A person will have an advantage in the next life by gaining more intelligence and knowledge in mortality. When we receive blessings, it is because of obedience to that law pertaining to that blessing. The Godhead is described. Section 131 - Historical Background: A small group of people went with Joseph to Ramus, Illinois and a discussion with the Prophet was held. The apostles carefully recorded these notes of gospel gems which became section 131. Recap: In the celestial kingdom there are 3 degrees. To obtain the highest degree, one must enter into the everlasting covenant of marriage, for time and all eternity. To receive your calling and election sure, it will be by revelation and sealed through the priesthood. One cannot be saved in ignorance. Spiritual matter is tangible, but too refined to see it. Section 132 - Historical Background: Joseph Smith learned the doctrine of plural marriage gradually. He first became acquainted with it early in his prophetic career as he translated the gold plates. Under the reign of Lehi's son Jacob, the people began to practice polygamy, justifying their immoral behavior on prophets of old, such as Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David and Soloman. Here, the Lord declared polygamy as a sin unless the Lord had commanded it. As early as 1831, while Joseph was revising the Old Testament, he again came across the accounts of ancient prophets being commanded to practice polygamy. Joseph asked the Lord about it. What he received was such a shock that Joseph didn't dare record it. The most frightening part was the declaration that Joseph himself would be called upon to introduce this doctrine to the whole church. Joseph carried this burden for over a decade, when on July 12, 1843, at the request of his brother Hyrum, Joseph finally dictated the revelation, known today as section 132. Through the years, this revelation had haunted Joseph Smith. Even after dictating the revelation, it wasn't made public until after Joseph's martyrdom 11 months later. It was finally published to the saints in 1852. Recap: “Thus sayeth the Lord”, a new and everlasting covenant of eternal marriage must be accepted to achieve exaltation. This new covenant must be sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, as it must for all covenants entered into through priesthood keys and proper authority. Any covenant not made properly will have no effect after death. Thus the Lord's house is a house of order, not of confusion. When marriage is performed under the laws of men it will end at death, and those people will remain single and becoem angels; whereas celestial marriage performed under the laws of God will remain in effect for time and eternity, and those people will continue to increase and progress to godhood. The plurality of wives is forbidden unless God commands it, as He did in ancient times to Abraham and Sarah, Isaac, Jacob and David. Because God commanded it, there was no condemnation. Joseph Smith is also commanded of God to introduce plural marriage into this, the last dispensation. Emma is commanded to accept this law and consent. The same abides for all who are commanded to enter plural marriage, that the first wife must give consent. Note: Emma did consent to obey the "law of Sarah," but only temporarily. Joseph was sealed to a number of wives, however there is no record of any children resulting from these sealings. Nevertheless, Joseph's example opened the door to the patriarchal order of matrimony under the Lord's strict conditions. Only 5% of the saints were permitted to live the law of plural marriage, yet the entire church suffered the avalanche of new persecution. Following the supreme court of the United States' decision declaring the practice of polygamy illegal, the prophet Wilford Woodruff sought the Lord for direction. In 1890, the Lord released the church from further efforts to extend the number of plural marriages in the future. The sacrifice, persecutions and suffering of the members had been sufficient, just as Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his only son Isaac was sufficient.

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

Choosing Faith Through Failure: God's Timetable for Zion by Autumn Dickson Because of an extermination order, the Saints were driven out of Missouri and into Nauvoo. In Doctrine and Covenants 124, the Lord excuses His people from building the temple in Missouri after they had been driven out. Doctrine and Covenants 124:49 Verily, verily, I […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson appeared first on FAIR.

→ 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.

Establishment of Nauvoo; Baptism for the Dead & the Endowment 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, so […] The post Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 124–128 – Mike Parker appeared first on FAIR.

One of the coolest scripture study skills is to place your name in the scriptures in place of another individual and see how it sounds. Well, there are 60 people mentioned by name in D&C 124 as Nauvoo is being organized.  Did all of them stay faithful to their promised blessings?If you'd like to view the video that goes with podcast, click here!

I'm in Doctrine and Covenants 124—“A House unto My Name.” I recap the Saints' move to Nauvoo, why the Lord urgently needed a temple, and how faithful discipleship (taking counsel, staying humble, keeping the Spirit) helps us endure. I talk about being doers of the word, not hearers only; welcoming strangers like the people of Quincy did; and practical ways to serve—yes, including finding refugee and local needs on JustServe.org. I also touch on Nauvoo ordinances, baptisms for the dead, and making temple work part of daily discipleship. At the end, I invite you to pray about one specific thing you'll do this week—and then go do it.    Follow me on Substack to get this sent directly to your inbox each week.  And if you haven't bought my book about the power of the Book of Mormon, which includes a simple five-step method to getting the most out of your study, you can buy it here.  Yipee! Feasting on the Words of Christ

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.

Nauvoo the Beautiful⁠“A House unto My Name”Doctrine and Covenants 124The Lord wants me to welcome and accept others.Jane Manning Travels to NauvooJesus commands His people to build temples.You're listening to Come Follow Me Kids!A Come Follow Me Podcast for Primary Kids of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.We are an interactive game play podcast for kids. Children will learn shout the scriptures while playing games that go with the Come Follow Me Lessons from the church.This year we are studying the Doctrine and Covenants. If you are looking for a Doctrine and Covenants Podcast for Primary Kids, look no further! Our podcast is called Come Follow Me Kids. Come Follow Me for kids that are primary aged 2-12 in the Church or Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We follow the come follow me manual from the church but are not officially affiliated in any way. Some audio segments come from the friend magazine and other church sources. On this podcast we play interactive games while learning about the gospel and atonement of Jesus Christ.If your children would like to be guests on this podcast or to receive a baptism shout out, please email us at their info at comefollowmekidspodcast@gmail.com 

What if three simple words could change the way you live your faith?

Join us for the classroom of a lifetime as Steven Harper and Kerry Muhlestein teach about the New and Everlasting Covenant while on a beautiful cruise. We will visit beautiful places and learn profound truths. https://restorationtravels.com/nec-cruise/In this episode Spencer McBride and Kerry discuss how the saints thought prayers would be answered, and how it was different, and how it became something more beautiful and amazing than they had hoped for. In the bonus material at TSAR.website Kerry goes through the history of the Relief Society and the Nauvoo temple, and some beautiful experiences in the Nauvoo Temple. 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.

Send us a textWelcome to Grounded, where women and men of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds gather together with me, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner and my guests as we strive to build a bedrock understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and become more like him. Today, join me as we study the history of the Relief Society!Guests in this episode include: Rebekah Westfall, Rebecca Mehr, Emma Walker, Ali Norton, Sydney S. Reynolds, Brooklyn Westfall, Amy Jo Young, and  Elaine S. Dalton!Grounded Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedpodcast_/Grounded Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGroundedPodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dBarbara Morgan Gardner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbarbaramorgangardner/?hl=enBarbara Morgan Gardner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.morgan.37051/Support the show

Send us a textWelcome to Grounded, where women and men of all ages, nationalities, and backgrounds gather together with me, Dr. Barbara Morgan Gardner and my guests as we strive to build a bedrock understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and become more like him. Today, join me as we study the history of the Relief Society!Guests in this episode include: Rebekah Westfall, Rebecca Mehr, Emma Walker, Ali Norton, Sydney S. Reynolds, Brooklyn Westfall, Amy Jo Young, and  Elaine S. Dalton!Grounded Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegroundedpodcast_/Grounded Podcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheGroundedPodcast?mibextid=LQQJ4dBarbara Morgan Gardner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drbarbaramorgangardner/?hl=enBarbara Morgan Gardner Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barbara.morgan.37051/Support the show

Send us a text"Uncle Andrew" is back!  From Come Follow Me:         "As difficult as the last six years had been for the Saints, things started to look up in the spring of 1839: The refugee Saints had found compassion among the citizens of Quincy, Illinois. Guards had allowed the Prophet Joseph Smith and other Church leaders to escape captivity in Missouri. And the Church had just purchased land in Illinois where the Saints could gather again. Yes, it was swampy, mosquito-infested land, but compared to the challenges the Saints had already faced, this probably seemed manageable. So they drained the swamp and drafted a charter for a new city, which they named Nauvoo. It means “beautiful” in Hebrew, though it was more an expression of faith than an accurate description, at least at first. Meanwhile, the Lord was impressing His Prophet with a sense of urgency. He had more truths and ordinances to restore, and He needed a holy temple where the Saints could receive them. In many ways, these same feelings of faith and urgency are important in the Lord's work today.        While Nauvoo did become a beautiful city with a beautiful temple, both were eventually abandoned. But the Lord's truly beautiful work, all along, has been to “crown you with honor, immortality, and eternal life” (Doctrine and Covenants 124:55), and that work never ends."Support the Show!Become a "Patron Saint"! 

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.

Imagine starting over, driven from your home, betrayed by friends, and attempting to build a city and a temple in a malaria-infested swamp. The sheer audacity of the Nauvoo project required a powerful new revelation. D&C 124 provides the blueprint for healing the past, trusting the present, and embracing a grand future. Summary: This episode analyzes D&C 124, a pivotal revelation received in Nauvoo in 1841. Proclaiming Zion (D&C 124:2-11): The Saints are commanded to issue a solemn proclamation to "all the kings of the world" and world leaders, inviting them to "come to the light and glory of Zion". This was an act of courage, recognizing that the set time had come to favor Zion. Heart Health & Integrity (D&C 124:15-20): The Lord praises Hyrum Smith for the "integrity of his heart" and his love for what is right. In stark contrast, John C. Bennett is given multiple "ifs" —his reward depends entirely on his choice to "receive counsel" and continue in love and acceptance. The Nauvoo House (D&C 124:22-24, 60-61): The Saints are commanded to build a "healthful habitation" and a "resting-place for the weary traveler" where he can "contemplate the word of the Lord". The Lord instructs that stockholders must be "a believer in the Book of Mormon, and the revelations". The Temple & Acceptance (D&C 124:27-35): Because the Saints lack a proper house for ordinances, the Lord mercifully accepts baptisms for the dead performed outside a temple "only in the days of your poverty". However, this acceptance has a strict deadline: failure to complete the temple after a "sufficient time" will result in the Church being "rejected as a church". "A for Effort" (D&C 124:49-55): The Lord gives a powerful principle: when we go "with all their might" and are hindered by enemies, the Lord will "accept of their offerings". This principle is applied to the failed attempt to build the temple in Jackson County , offering "consolation" and a command to "prove yourselves unto me" by trying again in Nauvoo. The Cause of the Poor (D&C 124:74-76): Saints are commanded to "plead the cause of the poor and the needy" and to support this cause with their interest , establishing a pattern of generosity that ensures their "seed be found begging bread" no more. Call-to-Action: What "cause of the poor" can you dedicate yourself to this week? Share your commitments in the comments below! If this message helped you find renewed hope and purpose, please like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay "Unshaken" in your faith. Chapter Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 5:06 Hope Springs Eternal 18:37 Heart Health 29:43 The Nauvoo House 42:47 Good Enough for Now 52:44 Temple Ordinances 1:06:01 A for Effort 1:17:19 The Cause of the Poor 1:33:46 One-Liners

To purchase my book, Choosing Glory, visit: https://lilianderson.com/product/choosing-glory/ --also available on Kindle and as an audio book To support this podcast and access extra content, subscribe on Patreon where you can submit specific questions: https://www.patreon.com/choosingglory?fan_landing=true&view_as=public

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.

How do we rebuild when life takes an unexpected turn? Dr. Liz Darger connects the Saints' Nauvoo “rebuilding years” in Doctrine and Covenants 124 to modern lessons in humility, faith, and using everyday platforms to create holy spaces and share the gospel naturally. SHOW NOTES/TRANSCRIPTS English: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC244EN French: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC244FR German: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC244DE Portuguese: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC244PT Spanish: https://tinyurl.com/podcastDC244ESYOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/q8qgF43WlVYALL EPISODES/SHOW NOTESfollowHIM website: https://www.followHIM.co2021 Episode Doctrine & Covenants 124 Part 1https://youtu.be/AbtSHIX9ULsFREE 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 1 - Dr. Liz Darger02:03 Episode Teaser02:44 Liz Darger's bio05:28 Working with the NCAA08:14 Pattern of following through with “nudges”10:50 Come, Follow Me Manual14:29 The need for a temple16:33 Rebuilding seasons20:09 Falling is part of the process24:48 Humility and courage27:22 Take the box off the shelf30:06 Six proclamations by the Church36:50 Farmer sends proclamations to kings40:10 Soccer lessons and the Sabbath47:53 Mission call missionary work50:24 Student athletes55:39 God develops gifts and talents58:50 Nauvoo House1:05:28 Value of hospitality1:09:23 Ordinances & NCAA Women's basketball1:14:46 End of Part 1 - Dr. Liz DargerThanks 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

→ 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.

Join host Lynne Hilton Wilson and special guest Susan Easton Black, one of the foremost experts on Nauvoo, Illinois, for a captivating episode exploring the creation of one of the most remarkable cities in early Latter-day Saint history. In this groundbreaking podcast, they uncover new insights and fascinating details about how the Saints transformed a swampy stretch of Mississippi River shoreline into the thriving “City Beautiful.” Together, Lynne and Susan dive into Nauvoo's spiritual, social, and architectural legacy—from the vision behind its city planning and the building of the majestic Nauvoo Temple to the stories of the faith-filled people who made it all possible. Viewers will discover how Nauvoo became a center of innovation, faith, and community—and why its legacy still inspires members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today.

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.

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...

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

Latter-day Saint temples and their rituals have been an oft discussed and frequently misunderstood element of Mormon practice. But how can scholars hope to understand Mormon temples when their rituals are exclusive to members, and their liturgies kept secret?Historian and scientist Jonathan Stapley discusses these questions on today's episode of Scholars & Saints. Drawing on his brand-new book, Holiness to the Lord: Latter-day Saint Temple Worship, Stapley, drawing on newly released and digitized sources, argues that the temple is the place where Latter-day Saints are able to order their bodies, their communities, and their universe. By examining the history of the temple, specific liturgies, and the impact of race and gender prohibitions, Stapley shows how the temple has evolved over time to curate Latter-day Saint cosmologies.To learn more about Jonathan Stapley and his work, visit his website.

Revelation Dates: March 27, 1836 – April 3, 1836 Revelation Places: Kirtland, Ohio Section 109 - Historical Background: In December 1832, the Lord commanded the saints of Kirtland to build a temple. At that time, there were only about 100 members living in Kirtland, who lacked money, lands or knowledge to accomplish the task. Yet, at the completion and dedication of the temple in March, 1836, there were over 1,500 members, eager to receive their promised “power from on high.” Joseph had never seen a temple but through revelation he was shown the “pattern” from which to build. Through great sacrifice, from the laying of the initial cornerstone in July, 1833 to the dedicatory prayer on March 27, 1836, the temple was now complete. From January through March of 1836, the church experienced what some call a season of Pentecost. There were many open visions of angels, heavenly messengers, spiritual manifestations and even the appearance of the Savior himself. Under direct revelation, Joseph received this dedicatory prayer and read it to the one-thousand members crowded into the pews of the temple. Recap: The Lord is asked to accept the house, which they were commanded to build, as a house of the Lord. A request is made to the Lord for His appearance to the saints in their solemn assembly. This house is to be a house of prayer, fasting, faith and glory. He asks the Lord to deliver the saints from their enemies, that they may go in power to gather the righteous before the calamity of the wicked. Turn away thy wrath from the repentant. May the Jews, Lamanites and all Israel be redeemed. Joseph prays for the leaders of the church and the saints be crowned with power and reap eternal joy. Section 110 - Historical Background: On Easter Sunday, April 3, 1836, one week following the temple dedication, 800 saints gathered in the temple to worship. Although the ordinance of endowment had not yet been revealed (that would be in 1842 in Nauvoo), the ordinances of washing and anointing and the washing of feet had been revealed. As the members worshipped and listened to sermons by church leaders, they  participated in the sacrament as administered by the twelve apostles. Then curtains were drawn, or dropped, separating the Prophet and Oliver Cowdery (ordained as Assistant President) from the congregation. Here, they both knelt in prayer and the heavens were opened. Joseph and Oliver received the following glorious revelation.   Recap: The Lord appears at the temple pulpit before Joseph and Oliver, accepting the Kirtland temple as His house. Moses then appears to them and commits the keys of the gathering of Israel; Then Elias (a messenger) appears and commits the keys of the covenant of Abraham; And lastly, Elijah appears and commits the sealing keys, which without these keys, the whole earth would be smitten with a curse. Now, the great and dreadful day of the Lord is near, even at the doors.

Today marks 168 years since the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Following last year's JWHA conference in St George, Utah, I drove by the 4 monuments to the tragedy. Here is an in-depth account of the Mountain Meadows Massacre, an "unspeakable tragedy" that occurred on September 11, 1857. This episode is a somber reflection on this event, along with a condemnation of political and gun violence. https://youtu.be/5MQbBi2zhwI Don't miss our other Tangent Trips! https://gospeltangents.com/mormon_history/gt-trips/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Context and Causes of Mountain Meadows Massacre: In 1857, Utah was considered in rebellion by President James Buchanan, who sent the U.S. Army to put down the "Mormon rebellion". Mormons, having previously been expelled from Kirtland, Missouri, and Nauvoo, were on edge, determined not to be driven out again. Brigham Young, then a former governor, had directed Mormons not to sell supplies to immigrants because they were preparing for war. He also warned the federal government about the dangers on the immigration road if Mormons were attacked and had told Native Americans that it was "okay to steal from any immigrants". The victims were the Fancher- Baker party, a group of about 100-120 men, women, and children from Arkansas, traveling to California with many cattle. They were denied supplies in Utah and were in the "wrong place at the wrong time". Mountain Meadows Massacre Events: The conflict began around September 7th when Mormons, who had enlisted Native Americans, attempted to raid the immigrants' cattle. An initial scuffle resulted in a Mormon shooting and killing one immigrant. The Baker-Fancher party circled their wagons, forming a defensive fortification. To cover up the initial murder and prevent witnesses, local Mormon leaders decided to kill everyone. The party was under siege for several days, running low on ammunition and food, and being shot at when they tried to get water from a spring. John D. Lee, a Mormon, pretended to be a negotiator and came under a white flag of truce. He persuaded the immigrants to surrender their guns, promising safe passage. The men were separated from the women, children, and sick. A signal, possibly "halt" followed by "do your duty," was given. Mormon men shot the Fancher men next to them. The women and children were also killed, as they didn't want any witnesses. Approximately 96 to 120 men, women, and children were killed. Seventeen small children survived because they were deemed too young to "tell tales". Aftermath and Memorials: The Mountain Meadows Massacre is considered the "worst chapter in LDS history". John D. Lee was the only person convicted (and executed) for his role in the massacre. He was tried in Beaver, Utah, in two trials (1875 and 1876), with the second resulting in his conviction by an all-Mormon jury. He was executed by firing squad at the massacre site on March 23, 1877, almost 20 years after the event. The LDS Church later purchased the land and worked with the federal government to establish it as a National Historic Landmark. The site includes several memorials:     ◦ The Overlook Monument: The monument features a wall with the names of many victims. It also has lookout points to identify the Men and Boys' Memorial, Women & Children's Memorial, and the immigration campsite.     ◦ The Gravesite Memorial: Patterned after an 1859 cairn built by U.S. Army soldiers. It contains stones from the original cairn and crypts where the bones of 29 victims were reinterred in 1999, wrapped in shrouds and placed in oak ossuaries on a thin layer of Arkansas soil. A child's skull, removed by the U.S. Army in 1879, was reinterred by relatives in 2017. The memorial was dedicated on September 11, 1999, with a statement of regret from Henry B. Eyring on September 11, 2007.     ◦ Memorial for Men and Older Boys: A smaller monument about two-thirds of a mile from...

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

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

The Community of Christ has sold the Kirtland Temple and several Nauvoo properties to the LDS Church for a jaw-dropping $200 million. But RLDS finances are still shaky! That money is only expected to keep the church afloat for about five years. Historian John Hamer joins us to explain why he thinks the deal could have been much better, why he's disappointed there are still no openly gay apostles, and to share his brutally honest thoughts on Steven Veazey's leadership. Stick around—this conversation pulls no punches. John is the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism. https://youtu.be/F3sTvJCWD3c Don't miss our other episodes with John Hamer! https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-hamer/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Deep Dive into the Kirtland Temple Sale & Path Forward The recent sale of the Kirtland Temple sent shockwaves through the Latter Day Saint movement, and for the Community of Christ (formerly RLDS). It highlighted significant and ongoing financial challenges. John Hamer, a Community of Christ historian and Seventy, has offered candid insights into the church's financial state, the controversial temple sale, and his hopes for the future. Kirtland Temple Sale: A "Pittance" and a Crisis of Legitimacy The sale of the Kirtland Temple to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) for less than $200 million was a deeply troubling event for many in the Community of Christ. John Hamer describes the price as a "pittance," emphasizing that the property's value, particularly in terms of "legitimacy" for the LDS Church, is "priceless" and far exceeds the sale amount. He provocatively suggests that the LDS Church, with its "hundreds of billions of dollars," would not sell the temple for even $200 billion. A major point of contention was the lack of transparency and consultation surrounding the sale. The decision was made "in secret," without any input from the World Conference, the church's "giant legislature". This went against historical precedent, as a previous General Conference had determined that a revelation would be necessary to sell the Kirtland Temple, which had originally been built by revelation. Hamer views the sale as a missed opportunity, stating that it was sold for "a third of what was necessary" for the church to achieve a "sustainable endowment for operations" (which he estimates would have required $600 million.) He suggested that a wealthy family foundation within the Community of Christ could have acquired the assets for the same price, held them as an investment, and then sold them to the LDS Church for a significantly higher amount later, but this option was not considered. Broader RLDS Financial Woes and Leadership Accountability The Kirtland Temple sale is just one symptom of deeper financial struggles within the Community of Christ: Declining Tithing to Headquarters: Over the 20-year tenure of former prophet-president Steve Veazey, "tithing to headquarters... has gone down so precipitously," with only around 6,000 members in the United States and Canada contributing to the world church. Hamer attributes this partly to members feeling their input is ignored when resolutions from the World Conference are ruled "out of order" by the executive leadership. High Operating Costs: The Community of Christ headquarters apparatus costs approximately $2.5 million annually to operate, while its current income is less than $10 million. Unsustainable Endowment: The endowment established to perpetually fund the Independence Temple was, in Hamer's opinion, "invested not like a responsible investor would do" and became "not worth anything" during Veazey's leadership. Unfunded pension obligations also contributed to the financial crisis. Short-Term Fix: The $200 million from the Kirtland Temple sale is projected to sustain headquarters only until "up through 2030," after which "anything goes".

Why are so many Latter-day Saints embracing Christian nationalism—an ideology that once rejected them outright? In this episode, Pat Kahnke sits down with historian Dr. Benjamin Park to unpack the surprising—and troubling—history of how Mormonism became entangled with Christian nationalism and right-wing politics in America. From the Kingdom of Nauvoo to the Cold War era, from Glenn Beck's obsession with The 5000 Year Leap to Trump-era culture wars, we explore how a once-persecuted religious minority became a core part of the religious right. We also discuss dissenters, myths about the Constitution, and why LDS support for Donald Trump is rising, even as the church leadership stays (mostly) silent.

Allison Schreiber is entering her seventh year as an early morning seminary teacher in New Braunfels, Texas—an experience she describes as one of the most joyful and spiritually rich callings of her life. Fluent in German and Russian, Allison served in the Russia Moscow Mission before earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Brigham Young University, along with certification in International Color Consulting. Her dedication to sacred spaces led her to intern with the Temple Construction department, contributing to the designing of temples in Houston, Boston, and Nauvoo. A born leader and meticulous planner, Allison has worn many hats across decades of youth and community service, serving extensively in the Young Women organization. She's chaired committees, organized record-breaking Boy Scouts of America district events, and served on BSA Woodbadge staff for three consecutive years after completing the prestigious leadership training herself. Whether designing a youth conference or directing a camporee, Allison brings creativity, discipline, and a touch of grace to every detail. In her seminary classroom, Allison blends her vast experience with a personal mission: to make early morning Seminary not just bearable but transformational. Through intentional leadership moments and peer-supported learning, she cultivates a classroom culture where students feel empowered to plan, lead, and strengthen one another in faith. Links

July 28-August 3Once in Nauvoo on a Sunday morning we attended Church with all the missionaries serving there. It was a beautiful sight to see! They were full of joy, enthusiasm, radiance, happiness and just plain excitement for being there. We talked to a number of the senior couples for a few minutes. “Oh, this is our seventh mission,” one sister said. “We love this work so much.” Another said, “Our only regret is we only get to serve here for two years. We so wish it could be longer!” Could these missionaries in Nauvoo be a testimony to the fulfillment of promises given by the Lord in Section 84 of the Doctrine and Covenants? We'll talk about that in this episode.

Send us a textA few years ago I wrote a book entitled Forgotten Saints: A Pioneer Story of Those Who Lived and Died without a Trace. In this episode I share an excerpt from Chapter 10 of that book. It's a story about how I imagined two young people falling in love in Nauvoo. That love story led to the birth of Valerian Russell, the sole survivor of his family who completed the trek across the plains to the Salt Lake Valley. Both his parents died and were buried on the plains, as were both of his siblings. It's a love story during a time of extreme trial. Hope you like it. __________________________Do you have questions or comments?Please contact me: rtosguthorpe@gmail.comWant more info about my books and talks?Go to my website: https://www.russelltosguthorpe.com/Want to order a book? Just go to Amazon and type in Russell T. Osguthorpe Want to access my YouTube channel:https://youtube.com/@russellt.osguthorpe497Want know more about the music on this podcast? We are blessed to have M. Diego Gonzalez as a regular contributor of songs he has arranged, performed, and recorded especially for this podcast. My wife and I became acquainted with Diego when he was serving a as missionary in the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. We were so impressed with his talent, we asked if he would compose and perform songs for Filled With His Love. He thankfully agreed. Hope you enjoy his work!Want to boost your mood and make someone's day?Go to the App store on your iPhone, and download the app—Boonto.Want a good introduction to my book? Morgan Jones Pearson interviewed me on the All-In Podcast, and it was one of the top 10 episodes of 2022. Here's the link:https://www.ldsliving.com/2022-in-review-top-10-all-in-podcast-episod...

In this episode of Hey Everybody, It's Fr. Edward, I take you along on my recent pilgrimage to the Blessed Stanley Rother Shrine in Oklahoma City. I share how I first came to know his story, my regret in missing his martyrdom site while studying in Guatemala, and what this modern-day priest-martyr teaches us. Along the way, I recount an unsettling moment when I followed a car boldly advertising satanism—and reflect on the emptiness such a path offers. I also tell of a fascinating encounter with a Mormon missionary at the grave of Joseph Smith in Nauvoo, Illinois, and offer a quick look at the little-known Marian apparition of Mount Zvir in Slovakia. Finally, I wrap things up with a fun reflection on how the story of Superman mirrors the mission of Christ. You won't want to miss this spiritual road trip of reflections, encounters, and unexpected grace.

Come along on this journey to Beaver Island, where James Strang was crowned King! We'll learn more about this early Mormon prophet. You don't want to miss this! https://youtu.be/MPrutzK6ljQ Don't miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission. I'm taking you on a journey to Beaver Island, Michigan, a place central to the intriguing story of James Strang and his followers. James Strang: From Convert to Contender The tale begins with James Strang, a relatively recent convert to Mormonism, having joined the church just a few months before Joseph Smith sent him on a mission to Wisconsin. After Joseph Smith was killed on June 27, 1844, James Strang made two significant claims to succeed Smith: Angelic Ordination: Strang claimed that the angel Moroni appeared to him and ordained him to be the next prophet1. Letter of Appointment: He also presented a letter, purportedly from Joseph Smith, dated June 18, with a postmark from Nauvoo, Illinois, on June 19. The authenticity of this "letter of appointment" has been a major point of contention. Brigham Young immediately deemed it a forgery. A peculiar postmark (due to a piece of lint in the Nauvoo stamp) was used at the Nauvoo post office. Young followers claimed this was evidence of a forgery. However, when it was shown to be on other letters, Strang used as proof of authenticity. Michael Quinn, a historian, believed the letter was a fraud or forgery. Quinn noted that the signature was written in block letters and Joseph Smith's signature did not match his usual signature, although he acknowledged Joseph often used scribes. Quinn speculated that Strang might have taken a genuine letter from Nauvoo and written on it himself, with the postmark appearing to be genuine. The letter itself was vague, not explicitly naming Strang as the new church president, but rather seeming to put him in charge of the church in Wisconsin, a role Strang might have "inflated". Despite the controversy, Strang attracted some notable converts, including Joseph Smith's brother, William Smith, as well as John Page, Martin Harris, and William Marks, with several members of the Smith family initially encouraging him. Kingdom on Beaver Island Strang eventually received a revelation to move his community from Wisconsin to Beaver Island, Michigan before 1850. On Beaver Island, James Strang, much like Joseph Smith with the Council of 50, was ordained a king. This ambition, where Mormons attempted to take over the government, often led to conflict with surrounding communities. Tragedy and Scattering The Strangite community on Beaver Island ultimately faced a tragic end. In 1856, James Strang was assassinated on the dock by former Strangites. These individuals are referred to as "pseudos" or "pseudo-Mormons" by Strangites, distinguishing them from the LDS term "apostates". Strang was shot. Though not killed immediately, he succumbed to his wounds about three weeks later. Following his assassination, the US Navy, which was patrolling Lake Michigan for pirates, scattered all the people on Beaver Island. They were dropped off in various ports, often penniless and without food or money, a "terrible tragedy" that led to the scattering of Strangites. Today, while the largest congregation is believed to be in Burlington, Wisconsin (which James Strang called Voree), smaller groups exist in New Mexico, Colorado, and potentially West Virginia. Planning Your Visit to Beaver Island For those intrigued by this unique historical site, Beaver Island is accessible by ferry or plane. Travel from Grand Rapids: My journey started at Gerald R. Ford Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan. From there, it's about a three-hour drive to Charlevoix, Michigan, the departure point for the ferry or small plane.

Welcome to an exploration of one of the most distinctive branches of Mormonism: the Strangite Church. We will discuss Strangite women's role in priesthood. While many are familiar with the larger Latter-day Saint movements, the Strangites offer a fascinating glimpse into different interpretations and practices rooted in early Restorationism. Based primarily in Burlington, Wisconsin, the Strangite Church has a rich history, unique theological perspectives, and surprising elements that set it apart. https://youtu.be/61quRH-_glI Resilient Community/Promised Refuge According to the revelations of James J. Strang, Voree was prophesied to be a refuge for the people, where "the Gentiles would treat you with kindness". Remarkably, the Strangites in Voree have never experienced the persecution that other Mormon settlements faced in places like Palmyra, Kirtland, Independence, or Nauvoo. This consistent respect and kind treatment from the wider community is seen by Strangites as a powerful sign that James A. Strang's revelations were true. Furthermore, families living there have prospered, owning homes and achieving financial stability, which they believe is a testament to the blessings promised for obedience to God. The congregation has seen periods of challenge and renewal. A spiritual movement led others to move to Voree, and gradually the church began to build up again. While the primary congregation is in Burlington, members also reside in various states, including Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Florida, Michigan, and Minnesota, often attending services via Zoom. Women in the Aaronic Priesthood Perhaps one of the most surprising and progressive aspects of the Strangite Church is its stance on women and the priesthood. Unlike many other Restorationist faiths, the Strangite Church ordains women to the Aaronic priesthood, specifically to the office of teacher. They believe that Emma Smith herself was the first teacher. These women teachers play an active and vital role in church services. They are permitted to lead meetings, often doing so in pairs, each taking half of the Sabbath service. While women hold the office of teacher, they are not ordained as deaconesses; deacons are exclusively boys. Priesthood ordination in the Strangite Church is not tied to age or seen as a "rite of passage.” Instead, individuals are called when a priesthood member receives inspiration that a particular person is ready and begins to excel. The Strangite priesthood structure includes: Melchizedek Priesthood: Elders and High Priests. Aaronic Priesthood: Priests, Teachers (including women), and Deacons. There are no Seventies currently, and they believe a prophet is needed to structure other offices. The leadership of the church has continued through a series of appointments. Lorenzo Hickey ordained Wingfield Watson as the head of the church and a high priest, who then served until his passing around 1920. Following Watson, subsequent presiding high priests have been appointed by their predecessors. Currently, David Flanders serves as the presiding high priest, a role of duty and responsibility to manage affairs, but not one that grants him higher authority than other high priests. Saturday Worship and the Nature of Christ A distinct practice of the Strangite Church is their worship on Saturday, the Sabbath day. This is based on their belief that God sanctified the seventh day during creation. They contend that the Catholic Church changed the Sabbath to Sunday to honor the sun god and appease pagans, aiming to unite Christians and pagans into a single universal church. Their theological views also extend to the nature of Christ. The Strangite Church believes that Jesus was 100% mortal, and that Joseph was his biological father. This belief is critical to their understanding of Christ's lineage, as Joseph was of the tribe of Judah, which connects Jesus directly to the covenant line of Abraham and King David through the ma...

It's always fun to talk to someone from the Strangite Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, this branch of the Latter-day Saint movement offers a distinctive perspective on the succession of Joseph Smith and the ongoing divine restoration. https://youtu.be/RUL8rF0hb4U Strangite Genesis in Voree The current headquarters of the Strangite Church is Burlington, Wisconsin. Interestingly, the area holds historical significance with multiple names. It was originally called Foxville. While today it's known as Burlington, a specific area on the west side of town where the Mormon settlement was located was called Voree by the early Strangites, a name associated with the significant "Voree record". James J. Strang led his followers to this location, believing God had instructed them to move from Nauvoo. James Strang was dispatched to the Burlington area by Joseph Smith, having been baptized and made an elder by Smith himself. Strang wrote back to Joseph Smith, suggesting Voree would be a "wonderful place for a gathering" due to its rich resources like fish, fresh water, great farmland, and good soil near the Great Lakes. Initially, Joseph Smith was hesitant, but after discussion with Hyrum Smith and a subsequent spiritual revelation, he concluded that Voree was indeed a good place for the Saints. James J. Strang: Joseph Smith's Chosen Successor? The Strangite Church believes that James J. Strang was divinely appointed as Joseph Smith's successor. This belief is rooted in two pivotal events: The Letter of Appointment: Joseph Smith penned a letter to James A. Strang, officially appointing him as his successor. This original letter is now preserved at Yale University in the Beineke Library, with copies available for members. The Angelic Ordination: On the very day Joseph Smith was assassinated, June 27, 1844, angels appeared to James J. Strang and ordained him a prophet. These were believed to be the same angels who ordained Joseph Smith – Peter, James, and John. Strang was aware of Joseph's death through this angelic visitation even before news arrived from Nauvoo. Furthermore, it's believed that Jesus also anointed Strang as the King of Israel for the gentile dispensation, an ordination attributed to his lineage from the royal line of King David. Sacred Texts and Prophetic Interpretations The Strangite Church embraces a unique canon of scripture beyond what is common in other Latter-day Saint traditions: The Voree Plates: These ancient plates were revealed to James Strang through a vision from the angel Moroni, known as the Hill of Promise. Strang gathered leading citizens to witness their excavation from beneath a tree, about four feet down, where roots had grown around them. The plates, housed in an earthen case, crumbled upon exposure to air due to their age. Witnesses, including a newspaper reporter from Kenosha, confirmed the ancient nature of the record and that the site had been undisturbed. Strang translated them using the Urim and Thummim given to him by the angel Moroni, much like Joseph Smith used the Urim and Thummim to translate the Book of Mormon. The Voree Plates provide a brief history of a people who were "no more" and, most notably, contained a pictorial drawing depicting the true structure of the priesthood, including the prophet lawgiver, two viceroys, twelve apostles, high priests, and seventies. These plates were translated around 1844. The Book of the Law: This significant text is believed to be the "stick of Judah" spoken of in Ezekiel 37. According to Strangite belief, Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon (the stick of Ephraim), but was instructed not to touch the sealed record, which was the Book of the Law, meant for a future prophet. James J. Strang, being of the tribe of Judah with Jewish ancestry, translated the Book of the Law after receiving the plates of Laban from the angel Moroni.

Send us a textOn June 29, 1844, the Saints in Nauvoo gathered to mourn Joseph and Hyrum Smith. As their real graves remained hidden for safety, W.W. Phelps stood before two empty coffins and delivered a funeral sermon unlike any other. In this episode of Angels and Seerstones, we dive into that powerful oration—and the mysteries it holds.Joined by historians Mark Ashurst-McGee and Bruce Van Orden, we explore Phelps's striking claims: that Joseph Smith was a premortal archangel, possibly the Holy Ghost, the final martyr of the age, and even a future destroying angel bringing divine judgment.What did early Saints believe about Joseph's eternal role? Why did Phelps reconstruct the sermon 11 years later? And how do ideas like Gazelem, the Prince of Light, reflect the esoteric teachings of Nauvoo?We also reflect on how modern Latter-day Saints have interpreted—or quietly sidelined—these bold theologies. Join us as we untangle one of the most fascinating funeral sermons in LDS history.

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,

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 ...

When you discover ancient artifacts and petroglyphs near Nauvoo Illinois that support the Book of Mormon, do you keep it to yourself or share it?Episode 4 of our 5-part miniseries “Faith to Stay” unearths several ancient artifacts & petroglyphs—a vivid chapter in Latter-Day Lights host & founder Scott Brandley's new book on standing firm through spiritual storms.This week, the Brandley family—Scott, and his uncles, John & Myron—retrace their 2019 trip to Illinois by showcasing their historical collections of axe heads, arrowheads, and more. From a Hopewell artifact auction to incredible discoveries found at hidden hilltop forts, listen in on how this family road-trip unearthed physical and spiritual discoveries that strengthened their testimonies.Between best friend banter and “aha” moments, they reveal how these physical signs of The Book of Mormon can anchor belief in solid ground, showing that faith can be as tangible as the relics themselves.*** Please SHARE John & Myron's stories and help us spread hope and light to others. ***To WATCH this episode, visit: https://youtu.be/ql2Uxg5aAOU-----To READ Scott's book “Faith to Stay,” visit: https://www.faithtostay.com/-----Keep updated with us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latter.day.lights/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/latterdaylightsAlso, if you have a faith-promoting or inspiring story, or know someone who does, please let us know by going to https://www.latterdaylights.com and reaching out to us.

What do Land Deeds in Nauvoo have to do with D&C 132? It turns out there is a controversy where an argument is made for and against 132 being legit vs forgery. Mary Ann Clements weighs in on the controversy. Check out our conversation with Mary Ann about her chapter in Secret Covenants... Sign up to our free newsletter!  https://gospeltangents.com/newsletter https://youtu.be/s2zWvjVzQbA Don't miss our other conversations with Mary Ann: https://gospeltangents.com/people/mary-ann-clements/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission How Nauvoo Land Deeds Shed Light on Mormon Polygamy Debates At the heart of some of current polygamy discussions lies the authenticity of historical documents, particularly the William Clayton Journal. Recent research delving into Nauvoo land deeds offers fascinating insights, not only into Joseph Smith's financial dealings but also into the controversy surrounding early polygamy. Mary Ann Clemens, one of the authors in "Secret Covenants: New Insights into Mormon Polygamy," highlights how land deeds have become a focal point for both proving and disproving claims about Joseph Smith's early practice of polygamy. The William Clayton Journal: Forgery or Validation? One of the central debates in skeptical circles concerns whether the William Clayton Journal is a forgery. Mary Ann Clemens disagrees with this argument. Her reasoning, and the focus of her recent research, involves the detailed examination of Nauvoo land deeds, specifically those made on July 12, 1843, to Emma Smith. Don Bradley's Argument for Validation: According to Don Bradley, the July 12, 1843 deeds to Emma Smith serve as an element that confirms or validates the William Clayton diaries. This date is significant because it's the day the polygamy revelation (Section 132) was written. The traditional narrative suggests that Hyrum Smith attempted to convince Emma of polygamy that day, but Emma vehemently denied it. As a result of this conversation, a decision was made to deed Emma all the unencumbered lots in Nauvoo. William Clayton's journal, a couple of days later, corroborates this, mentioning the drawing up of the deed and giving Emma the lots. The deeds were initially recorded in the Nauvoo Register book in 1843 by William Clayton himself, which some skeptics distrust due to his involvement. However, in July 1844, just after Joseph Smith's death, these deeds were also recorded in the Hancock County deed records, providing an independent record that, from Bradley's perspective, confirms the story in Clayton's journal. The Skeptic's Counter-Argument: Michelle Stone's Research Despite the evidence, some see these same deeds as disproving William Clayton's journal. Michelle Stone's research unearthed a fascinating detail: A July 12, 1843 draft deed to Hyrum Smith: Stone discovered a deed, dated July 12, 1843, that was fully written out but never signed or completed. This draft was intended for Joseph Smith's brother, Hyrum, and listed many of the same properties that were later deeded to Emma. Stone argues that because there's no explanation for why Hyrum was receiving these properties, it couldn't have been related to polygamy. She questions why the Joseph Smith Papers project labeled this a "draft." Why "Draft"? And the True Story Behind the Deeds Mary Ann Clemens provides clarification, agreeing with the "draft" designation for several reasons: The draft deed to Hyrum had Hyrum's name scratched out and Emma's name written in on the back.. It was never signed or recorded anywhere. Another draft deed to Emma, also dated July 12, was found. This one listed an extra lot not on county records and didn't finish the boilerplate language. These drafts are critical. While people like Michelle Stone argue they represent distinct transactions or prove deception,

We'll discuss the revelations from 1834-1838 including the uncanonized Zelph Revelation. In 1834, Joseph Smith changed the name of the church from Church of Christ to Church of the Latter Day Saints. Check out our conversation... https://youtu.be/ogCyg94XghM Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission Uncanonized Zelph Revelation One particularly intriguing inclusion in Hocking's book, treated as a revelation although not canonized by the LDS Church today, is the account of Zelph. This account originates from Joseph Smith's history and details an experience while roving over the plains of the Nephites during Zion's Camp. Joseph Smith described discovering a skeleton. Through a vision or revelation, he understood that the person was "a white Lamanite, a large thick set man, and a man of God" named Zelph. Zelph was identified as "a warrior and a chieftain under the great prophet Onandagus who named from the eastern sea." The eastern sea is likened to Lake Ontario. The account describes Zelph's injuries, including a broken side caused by a stone from a sling and death from an arrow found among his ribs during a battle. Hocking notes that B.H. Roberts, in a book written before his involvement with History of the Church, also discussed Zion's Camp passing mysterious earth mounds, which Roberts suggested were related to the Nephites, Lamanites, or people of Jared. Hocking sees Joseph Smith's account of finding Zelph as a way of demonstrating a physical witness of the Book of Mormon peoples. Joseph Smith, having provided the spiritual testimony through the translated book, was now offering a physical witness for those on the journey. Those who went on Zion's Camp reportedly stayed faithful, potentially due to this physical witness. While the story of Zelph might seem "fantastical" to some, and perhaps for this reason it hasn't been canonized by the modern LDS church, Hocking includes it because Joseph Smith presented it as a revelation where the heavens were opened and the Almighty gave him understanding. Later Revelations and Profound Connections Moving into the later period (1838-1843), which includes the Nauvoo temple era, Hocking's book covers 20 revelations. He also includes statements from Joseph Smith that he treats "as if they're revelations because they're statements." One powerful example is found in what is now Section 128 of the Doctrine and Covenants. While in hiding, Joseph Smith wrote a letter to the church about baptisms for the dead. Within this letter, he includes what Hocking calls a "poetical utterance," similar to passages in Nephi or Lehi. Joseph Smith speaks of glad tidings from Cumorah and Moroni, the voices of Peter, James, and John on the banks of the Mississippi, the voice of the Heavenly Father, and significantly, the voices of Michael the archangel, Gabriel, Raphael, and "diverse angels from Michael or Adam down to the present time." These angels are described as declaring their dispensations, rights, honors, keys, majesty, glory, and priesthood power. Hocking found this section particularly striking after studying the Book of Enoch, which features conversations with Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. He posits that Joseph Smith is a "new Enoch," drawing parallels between their lives. Furthermore, Hocking discovered profound correlations between Joseph Smith's translation work and other ancient texts. He highlights the Joseph Smith Translation of Genesis 18, where three men who visit Abraham are identified as "angels which were holy men and they were sent after the order of God," in contrast to the King James Version which simply calls them "three men". Comparing this to the Book of Jasher (published 10 years after Joseph Smith's revelation), Hocking found a passage stating, "and the Lord appeared unto him at the plain and sent three of his ministering angels." Delving deeper,

History was made Sunday night in Independence, Missouri. The Community of Christ gathered for the election and ordination of the 1st female prophet president in Community of Christ. It was a a momentous occasion. The focus of the event was Stassi Cramm, who was anticipated to take on this significant leadership role, following Steven Veazey's retirement. She will be the 1st female prophet-president of Community of Christ, and just the 2nd female leader of a Restoration Church since Pauline Hancock. https://youtu.be/PFtd6ysXpNs Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission I was surprised that they formally dissolved the First Presidency, before the nomination process moved forward. (That seemed like an LDS thing to do to counter Sidney Rigdon's claim to the presidency.) Following that procedure, the conference was turned over to the president of the Council of Twelve, Mareva Arnaud Tchong (a French-speaking Tahitian woman) who led the conference through the succession process. In one of the Saturday sessions, Stassi Cramm formally accepted her nomination. Leading up to the vote, which was scheduled for 2:00 PM Central time, discussions were held in quorum caucus meetings. While it was acknowledged that there might be some opposition or abstentions, there was strong anticipation of support for Stassi Cramm, with reports of full support from the evangelists quorum and no opposition reported in the high priests quorum, though some abstentions occurred. It was speculated that the vote could be a slam dunk, indicating overwhelming support. I would estimate that 95+% of the delegates voted in favor of Stassi's ordination. There were a few who voted in opposition. 1st Female Prophet-President The anticipation culminated in the official proceedings. On June 1st, 2025, Stassi Cramm was officially sustained during the 2 pm session, and ordained prophet president of the Community of Christ during a 7 pm session. This moment was described as an “amazing service” that was “spirit-filled.” This ordination marks a truly historic milestone for the Community of Christ, as Stassi Cramm becomes the first female prophet president for the church. It should be noted that Stassi is not the first female to lead a restoration group. Pauline Hancock is noted as the first female leader in the restoration movement. Stassi Cramm holds this specific title for the Community of Christ. Following the ordination, a rousing anthem was sung by the congregation, “A Spirit of God Like a Fire is Burning,” with special emphasis of “We'll sing, and we'll SHOUT with the armies of heaven.” It was quite a moment. The theme of the week was is “to have hope,” and Stassi Cramm's leadership is seen as potentially sparking that hope further, encouraging members not to give up on the church or its doctrines. Stassi comes in at a tough financial time in the church, which sold off the Kirtland Temple and significant Nauvoo properties. She will have a tough time righting the financial ship as tithe payers age and younger members haven't been stepping up to support the church. The conference will continue through the rest of the week as delegates vote 6 new apostles (to replace retiring or apostles moving onto other callings) and several resolutions dealing with copyrighted works, the Holy Land, stewardship of church properties, reviewing bylaws, climate emergency, confiscation of monies in AIP accounts, sale of church properties, bicentennial D&C/Book of Mormon, and reducing gun violence. Delegates will vote to amend, affirm or oppose these resolutions this coming week. At any rate, the week started off with a celebration of Stassi Cramm's ordination as new prophet president. What are your thoughts on the news? Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission

Cynthia Collier grew up in Salt Lake City in a family that enjoyed the performing arts. She studied philosophy, English, and music at Brigham Young University, and has taught music and theater in schools. Over the past 25 years she... The post Cynthia Collier – Nauvoo Visiting Performers – 938 appeared first on The Cultural Hall Podcast.

Peggy Fletcher Stack highlights her biggest interviews, significant moments, and enduring themes of her three decades covering religion. Peggy's career at the Salt Lake Tribune has intersected with pivotal historical events and figures. She covered sensitive issues like Catholic abuse and the aftermath of 9/11, immediately being assigned to interview Utah Muslims. She shared a moving story of a young Muslim boy named Osama who faced bullying after 9/11 but later reclaimed his name and faith. https://youtu.be/shlJFq8BV2s Biggest Interviews Covering the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City brought another highlight: interviewing Archbishop Desmond Tutu about forgiveness, an encounter she described as a truly memorable moment despite the initial challenge of getting her story into print. She also had the unique opportunity to spend four days covering the Dalai Lama's visit, with press access to every event. Reporting on leadership transitions within the LDS Church also marked her career. She wrote President Ezra Taft Benson's obituary but never interviewed him as he wasn't publicly visible in his last years. She covered President Howard Hunter's trip to Nauvoo, noting his warmth and the public's desire for physical connection after Benson's absence. The advent of President Gordon B. Hinckley brought a shift; at his first press conference, he stood the entire time and took questions, a departure from past practice. Peggy recalled her own encounter, where President Hinckley showed familiarity with her and her family before she proceeded to ask numerous questions. Notably, she covered President Hinckley's historic 1998 trip to sub-Saharan Africa, the first time an LDS prophet had visited the region. Traveling separately from his group, she managed to secure an interview with him in Zimbabwe, where he famously commented on fighting adulation. This Africa trip stands out as a definitive highlight of her career. Reflecting on her coverage, Peggy connected her most frequent topics to Apostle Boyd K. Packer's 1993 speech identifying feminists, gays, and intellectuals as enemies of the church. She realized these areas – which she terms "pressure points" or "conflicts" – have been the focus of her reporting because journalists cover "planes that crash," not "planes that land on time." This includes covering the September Six excommunications (intellectuals)10, the ongoing evolution of women's issues and gender dynamics (feminism), and the persistently "hot" topic of LGBTQ issues. What about the Women? Peggy also recounted another one of her biggest interviews involving a memorable interaction with President Russell M. Nelson in 2018, where she asked about increasing diversity in church leadership. His initial, somewhat awkward, response focused on knowing her family. He finally answered about international leaders, but he didn't address female leadership, leading her to press him to address the specific question about women: She asked loudly, "What about the women?" She viewed this moment, captured on live TV, as a strange intersection of the personal and professional that ironically benefited her standing with critics from different perspectives. What are your thoughts about Peggy's coverage of the LDS Church specifically? Do you think she is biased one way or the other? Do you listen to Mormon land and/or subscribe to the Salt Lake Tribune? What are some of the biggest interviews we didn't mention? Don't miss our other conversations with Peggy: https://gospeltangents.com/people/peggy-fletcher-stack/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved  

On a wall in the Manti Utah Temple hangs part of the legacy of the woman in Church history we are talking about today. Diantha Morley Billings was living in Kirtland, Ohio, when Joseph Smith and the Saints arrived. She was also the first woman baptized in the Kirtland area. Diantha then started her exciting journey to Zion, which led her to Missouri, Nauvoo, and eventually across the plains to Utah. Her story is one of faith and one worth studying this year. Listen to full weekly episodes of Sunday on Monday with Bookshelf+ | Start your free trial at deseretbook.com/sundayonmonday