Episodes

  • Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate #2

    Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate #2
    Aug 23 2022

    Despite the plethora of public condemnations of polygamy during his lifetime, some believe that Joseph Smith was still teaching in private that polygamy was a commandment from God. Did he ever teach it? Did he ever write about it? Did he ever receive a revelation about it? Since there’s no first-hand material from Joseph Smith in favor of polygamy, we must closely examine the accounts and records of both those who said he did, and those that insisted that he didn’t. This debate seeks to shed light on this important question, covering the key arguments in this age-old debate: Did Joseph Smith teach polygamy?

    Listen to the audio
    Watch the YouTube live debate

    Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate + Q&A

    Did Joseph Smith Ever Teach That Polygamy Was From God?

    This is part 2 of the polygamy debate series. For part 1, where we debate whether or not Joseph Smith practiced polygamy, See “Was Joseph Smith Really a Polygamist? Live Debate #1“.

    What do you think? Was polygamy taught by Joseph Smith? Vote here or let us know in the comments.

    Poll results – Did Joseph Smith Ever Teach Polygamy?

    Live stream debate includes 2 teams:

    1. Affirmative = Mark Tensmeyer & Jacob Vidrine
    2. Negative = Jeremy Hoop & Leo Ebbert

    The post Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate #2 appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 33 mins
  • Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist? Live Debate #1

    Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist? Live Debate #1
    Aug 8 2022

    Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy or didn’t he? If he did, where’s the evidence? How reliable is it? And why are there so many accounts stating that he did, but so few are contemporary? These are the questions that’ll polarize those who study the life of Joseph Smith. What are the strongest arguments for Joseph Smith being a polygamist? What are the best sources that suggest he wasn’t? This debate will answer these questions and more, in a structured, civil conversation about a complex question.

    Listen to the audio
    Watch the YouTube live debate

    Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist? Live Debate + Q&A

    Did Joseph Smith Practice Polygamy?

    This is part 1 of the polygamy debate series. For part 2, where we debate whether or not Joseph Smith taught polygamy, See “Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate #2“.

    Was Joseph Smith a practicing polygamist? Vote here.

    Live stream debate includes 2 teams:

    1. Affirmative = Mark Tensmeyer & Jacob Vidrine
    2. Negative = Jeremy Hoop & Leo Ebbert

                  The post Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist? Live Debate #1 appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  2 hrs and 12 mins
                1. Why Was The Nauvoo Expositor Really Destroyed?

                  Why Was The Nauvoo Expositor Really Destroyed?
                  Jun 22 2022
                  Some insist that slanderous remarks were the cause of the Nauvoo Expositor’s destruction, but what do the contemporary historical records say? Many references to city council discussions contain evidence of a counterfeiting ring involving prominent members of the church. This presentation answers the question of why was the Nauvoo Expositor destroyed? Why would news of a surprise visit from Governor Ford cause cause prominent church leaders to scramble to “adjust” their accounting books? Why would a founding member of the Nauvoo Expositor burn the building down? Could there be something else that justified the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor besides slander against Joseph Smith? Could the continuation of those same illegal activities after Joseph Smith’s death be the catalyst for Brigham Young’s premature, panicked flight from Illinois in the dead of winter as a fugitive dodging federal indictments? Listen to the audio Watch the YouTube video Video discussion on “Why Was The Nauvoo Expositor Really Destroyed?” with Jessica Long. Why Was The Nauvoo Expositor Destroyed? Why would Joseph Smith destroy this particular press, when dozens of newspapers had been printing slanderous pieces for decades? Joseph Smith and the city council members never before tried to destroy a slanderous press, so what was different about the Nauvoo Expositor? (0:43) Counterfeiting Currency or Making “Bogus” in Nauvoo William Law started his own church May 1844, the month before publishing the Nauvoo Expositor. (1:57)William & Wilson Law purchasing dies for making “bogus” (counterfeit) money (2:20, #1) Joseph H. Jackson’s involvement in counterfeiting “trying to make bogus, which was his principle business” (3:41, #2) Joseph H. Jackson faked his conversion to the church to expose Joseph Smith. He threatened to take Hyrum’s teenage daughter as wife by deadly force, and entertaining a job as a hired mercenary to kill Joseph Smith for William Law (4:21, #2,3) What types of currency did they counterfeit? (6:44, #4,5) Mormon Leaders Involved in Counterfeiting Money The stated concern with the Nauvoo Expositor: It would bring the mob as it had before (#2). When & why were mobs attacking previously? (7:12)Joseph Smith issues a caution against counterfeit “Kirtland Safety Society” notes. (8:07, #6) Counterfeiting was one of the reasons for disciplinary action in the 1838 excommunication of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, W.W. Phelps, Luke & Lyman Johnson. (8:15) John Taylor “Adjusts” Accounting Books For Governor Ford’s Visit John Taylor writes about a meeting with Illinois Governor Ford, with William & Wilson Law, Foster, Chauncey Higbee, Mr. Marr, a lawyer from Nauvoo, a mob leader from Warsaw and Joseph H. Jackson and associates present. (9:20, #7) John Taylor immediately scrambles to gather up the printing dies and “adjusts” the accounting books with Elias Smith & Joseph Cain when he believes Governor Ford to be on his way. (11:23, #7,8) Joseph Smith’s Involvement In Counterfeiting Bogus Money There was a precedent for counterfeiting money among the saints in Kirtland, Missouri & Nauvoo. Joseph Smith initiates a city ordinance on March 1843 criminalizing counterfeiting up to 14 years in prison with a $5,000 fine. (15:17, #9,6) W.W. Phelps is named as “one of Joe Smith’s bosom friends… guilty of passing counterfeit money.” (17:08, #10,11)Joseph H. Jackson (a professional counterfeiter) states that Joseph Smith didn’t participate in counterfeiting and didn’t know about it. (23:01, #1) People Involved in Nauvoo Counterfeiting Crimes Mormon counterfeited currencies included Missouri & New York bank notes, forged Kirtland Safety Society notes, Mexican silver coins and 1828 half dollars. (18:22, #11) Kirtland Safety Society fraud & theft were prominent in Nauvoo, Missouri and Kirtland (#6). Oliver Cowdery & Frederik G. Williams accused a man named Davis of having a career in counterfeiting. Oliver Cowdery could have been involved in counterfeiting. (19:39, #13,14) Who were the main people on record for counterfeiting accusations? (20:16) What tactics did the participants use to cover up their crimes? (22:03) Brigham Young’s Federal Indictments for Counterfeiting Money Brigham Young & 4 members of the Quorum of Twelve indicted for federal counterfeiting crimes after Joseph Smith’s death (#15,16), and forced to flee Nauvoo 4 months earlier than planned (#17), with leaders telling the people they are leaving “cheerfully.” (24:10)Joseph Smith was accused by enemies of being involved, but is on record making public statement against it. (28:32) Sources About Mormon Counterfeiting in Nauvoo “Revised Minutes, 17 June 1844” (JSP 18305 p.1) Jun 17, 1844 “Revised Minutes, as reported in Nauvoo Neighbor” (JSP 17931 p.2) “A Narrative of the Adventures & Experience of Joseph H. Jackson in Nauvoo” p.1 April 24, 1844 Warsaw Signal no. 10, Whole 128Jun 10,...
                  Show More Show Less
                  30 mins
                2. Baptisms for the Dead?

                  Baptisms for the Dead?
                  Jun 6 2022
                  Where did this concept of “baptisms for the dead” originate? Who started it? When and where did the first baptisms for the dead happen? When did they officially add this doctrine to the teachings and the scriptures? Is the idea with baptisms for the dead compatible with other scriptural teachings on the atonement? We’ll explore these questions and more in this interview. Listen to the audio Watch the YouTube video Video discussion on “Baptisms for the Dead” in the LDS (Mormon) church. How Baptisms of the Dead Originated in LDS Church History Earliest teachings associated with the later doctrine of baptisms for the dead. (January 21, 1836, Journal, 1835–1836 p.127 – Joseph Smith’s vision of the Celestial Kingdom, which later became D&C 137 in 1981) – 0:36In response to the question “If the Mormon doctrine of true what has become of all those who have died since the days of the apostles?” Joseph Smith is believed to have said “All those who have not had an opportunity of hearing the gospel, and being administered to by an inspired man in the flesh, must have it hereafter, before they can be finally judged” (July 1838, Elder’s Journal, JSP #8533 p. 43) – 1:45All “baptisms for the dead” references came from late church era (Nauvoo) 1840+ and is not included in the prior scriptures (Book of Mormon, 1833 Book of Commandments, 1835 D&C, Bible) – 2:07 Is Baptizing for the Dead In The Scriptures? The requirement for “entering in at the gate” (baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost) is the baptism required for salvation, not baptism of water. Baptism is useless unless there’s the baptism of the Holy Ghost and a remission of sin (Discourse, 9 July 1843, as Reported by Willard Richards July 9, 1843 JSP #1114 p. 304) – 2:40Scriptures that challenge the notion of baptism for the dead – 5:07Misinterpreting the only reference to baptizing for the dead in the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:29) – 6:53Did baptisms for the dead come from Joseph Smith, and were they practicing it in Nauvoo? – 7:49Who are “the dead“? (Colossians 2:12-14, Romans 6:2-4) – 9:26Why would God punish the dead for the deeds of the living? (D&C 124:32) – 10:52 Summary of the Doctrine of Baptizing the Dead Summary of how apostasies happen (people believe false teachings) – 12:57Is Jesus Christ God the Father? (Alma 11:38-39, Ether 4:7, Mosiah 15:1-5, 1 Nephi 11:18,21,32,40 [1830 edition], Helaman 8:23) – 14:39Summary & closing remarks – 15:29 The post Baptisms for the Dead? appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  17 mins
                3. New & Everlasting Covenant… of Marriage?

                  New & Everlasting Covenant… of Marriage?
                  May 30 2022
                  Explore the documentation behind the claim that marriage for eternity is a requirement for the celestial kingdom. What is the new and everlasting covenant? How has the new and everlasting covenant evolved in LDS church history, and was marriage part of that covenant initially? How did the saints break the covenant 12 years before it was revealed? At what point did eternal marriage become the focal point of the everlasting covenant and who was responsible for this “new” covenant? Listen to the audio Watch the YouTube video YouTube video about the New & Everlasting Covenant of Marriage Background of the New & Everlasting Covenant of Marriage LDS official narrative – May 16, 1843 Joseph Smith taught that entering into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage is required for exaltation (source 1, 0:22) D&C 131’s origins (1:56)D&C 131 in our scriptures: added in 1876 under the direction of Brigham Young, with “meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage” added into the text. (3:30)Where did the requirement of eternal marriage as a pathway to celestial glory come from? (5:22)William Clayton‘s journal entry for May 16, 1843 (source 2, 6:02) 7:30 Who gave these instructions in Ramus? Analysis of the alternative handwriting style that credits Joseph as the speaker. (source 2) 10:48 Benjamin F. Johnson‘s (possibly Joseph Smith’s) summary of the everlasting covenant (source 2) 12:25 Thomas Bullock‘s church history “draft” showing additions, corrections & marginal notes for Brigham Young to later inspect this segment on marriage. (source 3) 14:26 Comparison of all 3 original source documents: Clayton Journal (2), Thomas Bullock’s church history draft (3) and final manuscript (source 4) 15:33 Changing the everlasting covenant, timeline of its evolution and scriptural analysis (sources 5,6,7,8,9) Sources: “Lesson 24: Doctrinal Developments in Nauvoo” Latter-day Saint History 1815-1846 Teacher’s Manual“Instruction, 16 May 1843, as Reported by William Clayton” [JSP #1068 p. 13-14]“History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843]“ [JSP #8470 p.31] – Handwriting of Thomas Bullock (not Willard Richards, as accidentally mentioned at 13:16 and 14:11)“History, 1838–1856, volume D-1” [JSP #7624 p.1551] – Handwriting of Thomas Bullock 2 Nephi 31:17 (Book of Mormon) – estimated 559-545 BC Doctrine & Covenants 22:1-4 – April 1830 Doctrine & Covenants 45:9 – March 1831 Doctrine & Covenants 49:9 – May 1831 Doctrine & Covenants 131:1-2 – April 1876 The post New & Everlasting Covenant… of Marriage? appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  23 mins
                4. Is the Aaronic Priesthood Authentic?

                  Is the Aaronic Priesthood Authentic?
                  May 15 2022

                  In this interview with Michael Barrett (Restored Gospel Podcast), we first discuss some theories, ideas, facts and hypotheses surrounding the origins of the Aaronic priesthood. Where did this priesthood come from? What does the documentary hypothesis suggest about the legitimacy of the priesthood claims? If Why don’t the earliest versions of the Moses story contain the parts about Aaron and his lineage having special rights? Who wrote the biblical parts of the story of Aaron, and when? Does the Book of Mormon support the concept of the priesthood of Aaron?

                  Listen to the audio
                  Watch the YouTube video
                  Interview with Michael Barrett (“Restored Gospel Podcast” Podcast) about the Origins of the Aaronic Priesthood

                  For the full interview, go here.

                  Who Wrote the Aaronic Priesthood Portions in the Bible?

                  0:45 Is the Aaronic priesthood in the scriptures?
                  2:29 The Holy Order & the High Priesthood
                  3:03 Summary of the Documentary Hypothesis & late additions from “The Priestly (P) Source“
                  8:25 Early LDS historical references & influences to the Aaronic priesthood
                  9:30 “Priestly (P)” source compared to the earlier “Yahwist (J)“ and “Elohist (E)“ sources
                  10:44 King David and early Jerusalem priesthood roots
                  12:48 Were Moses & Aaron really brothers?
                  14:38 What are the “plain & precious things” in the Book of Mormon?
                  19:27 Why did Lehi offer sacrifice as a non-Levite/Aaronite?
                  23:38 Hebrews 5-9 and what it says about the priesthood of Aaron

                  “Priesthood of Aaron” Among Latter-day Saints

                  25:34 Priesthood “offices” discussed
                  29:49 New doctrine added to the 1835 Doctrine & Covenants (27 edit, 107 edit)
                  31:01 D&C 13 added in 1876
                  31:27 Sons of Levi need purging. Why?
                  31:58 Book of Commandments says nothing about Aaronic priesthood, details not added until 1835 edition (RLDS #26, LDS #27)
                  34:00 Earliest mentions of the Peter, James and John Melchizedek priesthood story
                  34:55 Church conference June 1831 at Isaac Morley’s farm. Several people (Joseph Smith, John Corrill, Parley P. Pratt) state that this was the first time in this dispensation that the Melchizedek priesthood was conferred.

                  Book of Mormon’s Role in Figuring Stuff Out

                  36:23 Should the Book of Mormon or mortal leaders be considered authoritative?
                  40:00 The Book of Mormon’s role in confounding false doctrine in the latter days
                  45:50 What do “keys” have to do with anything?
                  49:55 The Aaronic priesthood continues “in His wrath” (a curse, not a blessing)
                  51:00 The Holy Order/Melchizedek priesthood: How is it given? Who gives it?
                  52:05 Who can legally have the Aaronic priesthood?
                  53:10 Oliver Cowdery’s experience with John the Baptist?
                  53:51 Did Sidney Rigdon influence Oliver Cowdery & Joseph Smith’s understanding of the priesthood?
                  55:12 Book of Mormon vs. LDS theology: Which do we follow today?
                  55:39 What I think happened in LDS history / what do we do about it?

                  What do you think about the Aaronic Priesthood? Was it really divinely sourced from Aaron in the days of Moses? Was it a 4th-5th century BCE addition to the Pentateuch that the early church leaders misunderstood?

                  The post Is the Aaronic Priesthood Authentic? appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  1 hr
                5. Was Polygamy Taught in the Scriptures?

                  Was Polygamy Taught in the Scriptures?
                  Feb 2 2022

                  Part 4 of an interview with Ryan Hinckley (host of the “Mormon Theories” podcast) exploring the scriptural accounts of polygamy and monogamy as taught by a divine source. Do the scriptures justify the claim that God commanded polygamy? When in history did he ever do that? We explore in depth the questionable interpretation found in Jacob 2:30, on whether or not there’s validity to the claim that God would command polygamy to “raise up seed.”

                  Listen to the audio
                  Watch the YouTube video
                  Part 3 of an interview with Ryan Hinckley (“Mormon Theories” Podcast) about Who wrote the D&C 132 revelation

                  Recommended Reading: Jacob 2:30 – “Raising Up Seed” and The Polygamy Question

                  What do you think about polygamy? Did God or prophets ever command anyone in the scriptures to participate in it? Let us know in the comments.

                  Hear the full interview and subscribe to Mormon Theories podcast on Spotify, iTunes or Google.

                  The post Was Polygamy Taught in the Scriptures? appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  27 mins
                6. Who Wrote D&C 132?

                  Who Wrote D&C 132?
                  Feb 2 2022

                  Part 3 of an interview with Ryan Hinckley (host of the “Mormon Theories” podcast), exploring the origins of the alleged July 12, 1843 revelation known today as D&C 132. Was it from Joseph Smith? Who wrote it? Where was it kept and why wasn’t it shared with the saints for 9 years? What doctrines did it change? Does it match the writing style, tone, syntax and communication style of Joseph Smith or the voice used in former revelations?

                  Listen to the audio
                  Watch the YouTube video
                  Part 3 of an interview with Ryan Hinckley (“Mormon Theories” Podcast) about Who wrote the D&C 132 revelation

                  0:20 – JSP’s entry of July 12, 1843
                  1:10 – Basic timeline walk-through beginning – Joseph Kingsbury’s handwriting
                  1:19 – William Law’s recollection of D&C 132 being originally shorter, but generally similar in content
                  2:30 – When did the saints learn about the D&C 132 revelation?
                  4:28 – What doctrines did D&C 132 change or redefine? Everlasting covenant, marriage, how to gain exaltation, sins being allowed
                  5:14 – D&C 132’s threatening tone in contrast to other revelations
                  5:46 – Enid Debarthe’s handwriting study of D&C 132 explored
                  6:52 – JSP document for July 12, 1843 journal entry analyzed (large gap in the entry)
                  9:22 – Story of Emma Smith burning the D&C 132 revelation
                  10:16 – D&C 132’s history – what does it mean to you?
                  11:05 – Joseph Kingsbury’s 45-minute error-free copy of D&C 132
                  11:59 – Who is Joseph Kingsbury (the scribe taking credit for the D&C 132 copy)?
                  12:25 – How does D&C 132 compare to the rest of the scriptures?

                  Hear the full interview and subscribe to Mormon Theories podcast on Spotify, iTunes or Google.

                  Additional resources on the subject:

                  • Analysis of Section 132

                  What do you think about D&C 132? Is it what it claims to be? Let us know in the comments.

                  The post Who Wrote D&C 132? appeared first on Hemlock Knots.
                  Show More Show Less
                  15 mins