This category explains how historians evaluate sources, evidence, and methodology when studying early Latter-day Saint history.
The examination of unreliable sources reveals significant misconceptions surrounding the practice of animal sacrifice, necessitating a critical evaluation of the cultural and ethical implications associated with this ritual. Origin of the Accusations Against the Smith Family Rumors that Joseph Smith or his family engaged in ritual or “satanic” practices trace back mainly to hostile 19th-century … Read more
Counterfeiting Scholarship – Part 1 Introduction These episodes analyze how historical claims about Joseph Smith and early Latter-day Saint history are often misused, misinterpreted, or built on weak methodology. They explain how legitimate historical scholarship works and contrast it with common problems found in anti-LDS arguments, especially those presented in a modern book alleging that … Read more
Early Criticism of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon – Part 1 Religious Climate in the Early 19th Century During the early 1800s in the United States, particularly in western New York, the religious environment was characterized by revivalism, competition among denominations, and widespread interest in personal conversion. This period is often associated with … Read more
Introduction A Latter-day Saint woman wrote to Garrett Dirkmaat asking about a video and an article claiming that Joseph Smith both received his visions and translated the Book of Mormon through the use of psychedelic drugs, including toads, “magical herbs,” and psychedelic mushrooms. She asked whether there was any evidence supporting this theory. Dirkmaat explains … Read more
Missouri Period and Early Persecution of the Latter-day Saints (1831–1839) Missouri became a central gathering place for early Latter-day Saints beginning in 1831, with major settlement in Jackson County by 1832–1833. Rising tensions between longtime settlers and Church members escalated rapidly. By 1833, organized mob violence erupted, resulting in the destruction of homes, physical assaults, … Read more