This category explains how historians evaluate sources, evidence, and methodology when studying early Latter-day Saint history.
The Latter-day Saint Exodus and Fear of Federal Intervention (1846) As the Latter-day Saints moved west in early 1846, they did so believing federal intervention was imminent. Members had repeatedly been warned that an army was coming to stop their migration. Many viewed the United States government as hostile because it had failed to protect … Read more
Early Historical Sources and the Study of Church Origins Season 5, Episode 9 turns again to the earliest historical sources of the Restoration and immerses the reader in the world of Joseph Smith, the apostles who followed him, and the doctrinal tensions that emerged as the Church grew. The podcast uses original journals and records—especially … Read more
Under the Banner of Heaven The FX/Hulu series Under the Banner of Heaven is based on Jon Krakauer’s book, whose subtitle, A Story of Violent Faith, signals the central argument that religious belief—specifically Latter-day Saint belief—contains elements that can lead to violent extremism. The Lafferty Murders (1984) Krakauer’s narrative centers on the 1984 murders of … Read more
Infographic Overview Infographic explaining how historians evaluate early Latter-day Saint sources. The infographic features multiple sections organized into clear categories, including Joseph Smith’s First Vision, Mary Whitmer’s angelic visitation, the 1833 School of the Prophets vision, and the criteria historians use to assess reliability. The design uses beige tones, structured text blocks, and bullet points … Read more
Quorum of the Twelve The Historical Background of Doctrine and Covenants 76 Brigham Young frequently emphasized that the revelation known as “The Vision” (D&C 76), received in 1832, was among the greatest ever given through Joseph Smith. Its significance lay not merely in the introduction of multiple degrees of heavenly glory but in its transformation … Read more
Historical Narrative Extract – (BYA Football & a Misidentified Joseph Smith Letter) A Chaotic Christmas Football Match, 1897 In the closing years of the 19th century, American football was still forming its identity—rough, unregulated, and far removed from the structured collegiate sport known today. Brigham Young Academy, the educational precursor to Brigham Young University, fielded … Read more
March Email Madness A Season Immersed in the Doctrine and Covenants As the podcast continues its deep dive into the Doctrine and Covenants, the hosts explain that most recent episodes have centered on early revelations received by Joseph Smith. These revelations—given in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and beyond—form the backbone of Latter-day Saint scriptural history. … Read more
Historical Study and the Use of Primary Latter-day Saint Sources This episode begins by exploring what it means to study early Latter-day Saint history responsibly. The hosts emphasize that understanding Joseph Smith and the Restoration requires direct, careful engagement with original historical documents. These include journals written at the time events occurred, dictated manuscripts, letters, … Read more
The Case of Almon Babbitt A Rising Leader with a Troubled Pattern Almon Babbitt entered early Latter-day Saint history as a capable missionary and influential convert from the New York–Ohio period. His preaching brought many into the Church, particularly throughout Canada, and he marched with Zion’s Camp in 1834. Joseph Smith later called him as … Read more
Joseph Smith Raising the Dead– Nauvoo Malaria Outbreak & Miraculous Healings, 1839) The Nauvoo Sickness Crisis of 1839 When the Saints arrived at the swampy lowlands of Commerce, Illinois—soon to be renamed Nauvoo—they were met not with stability but disease. The stagnant Mississippi backwaters bred thick clouds of mosquitoes, and by July 1839, malaria and … Read more