In this intriguing interview with John Dehlin and Radio Free Mormon, we delve into the contentious topic of Joseph Smith's polygamy. We start by questioning the need to discuss Smith's polygamy and encounter neo-fundamentalist Mormons asserting it was a scheme. The 1980s saw the Community of Christ church retracting their stance on Smith's polygamy. A caller on Mormonism LIVE claims Smith wasn't a polygamist, raising the pivotal question: Was he truly one? Historians unanimously agree he was.
Examining contemporary evidence, including the Nauvoo Expositor, we see a mosaic of affidavits and records debunking theories of D&C 132 being a forgery. The interview tackles apologetic tactics in the face of such evidence, uncovering the truth behind Joseph Smith's complex history. Tune in to unravel the mysteries surrounding Joseph Smith's polygamy and witness the uncovering of undeniable truths.
Episode Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/podcast/joseph-smith-polygamy-rfm/
Chapters
00:00:00 Why are we asking the question about Joseph Smith’s polygamy?
00:06:33 Was Joseph Smith ACTUALLY a polygamist?
00:08:26 Historians who agree that JS was a polygamist
00:08:50 Who benefits by each narrative?
00:12:20 Looking at contemporary evidence to Joseph Smith
00:21:00 Overview of the Nauvoo Expositor
00:23:00 Joseph's public denials
00:26:50 D&C Section 101 shows rumors already abound
00:28:00 Fanny Alger allegation plus revelation for taking native women as "concubines"
00:29:20 Debate over the earliest "revelation" on polygamy
00:35:36 Theories that Brigham Young forged the revelation
00:38:40 Three affidavits in the Nauvoo Expositor
00:46:07 Nauvoo Expositor Affiants
00:52:05 August 12, 1843 Hyrum reads the entire revelation on polygamy
00:57:26 Comparing the Affidavits to D&C 132
00:57:40 William Law Affidavit - polygamy as LAW
01:11:19 Jane Law Affidavit - treatment of Emma & women
01:23:27 Austin Cowles Affidavit - "Sealed up to Eternal Life"
01:40:20 Joseph violated much of the rules of D&C 132
01:42:53 D&C 132 color-coded with the three affidavits & overview
01:48:20 How apologists handle new evidence or even conclusive evidence
01:49:22 Silly apologetic work-arounds
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