Statements from the Three Witnesses: (Primarily Martin Harris) Introduction In this episode, the discussion returns to the essential question of the Book of Mormon witnesses—what they said, when they said it, and how their testimonies developed across their lives. As always, the podcast approaches early Church history through original historical sources, highlighting the lived experience … Read more
Part 1 The Doctrine and Covenants 18 outlines the significant role of apostles within the early Latter-day Saint movement, emphasizing the calling of the Three Witnesses as foundational leaders. Under the presidency of Thomas Marsh, the Quorum of the Twelve faced various challenges, notably during the Missouri crisis, which tested their commitment and responsibilities. Key … Read more
Thomas B. Marsh and Early Leadership Challenges Thomas B. Marsh served as President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A revelation directed to him—now recorded as Doctrine and Covenants 112—acknowledged his prayers and charitable works while also identifying pride and inner conflict that placed … Read more
John C. Bennett and Doctrine and Covenants 74 Doctrine and Covenants 74 and the Question of Infant Baptism Doctrine and Covenants 74 provides a clarification of 1 Corinthians 7:14, a verse long used by Christian theologians to defend the tradition of infant baptism. For more than fourteen centuries, both Catholic and Protestant traditions continued baptizing … Read more
D&C 83 The Practical Realities of Consecration in Early Latter-day Saint Life Doctrine and Covenants 83, received in April 1832, emerged from real questions confronting the early Latter-day Saints as they lived the law of consecration. Since Doctrine and Covenants 42 had already established consecration as a governing economic system, members needed clarity regarding what … Read more
Anti-Mormonism in Colorado and Its Territorial Origins Much of what is now Colorado was originally part of Utah Territory. When non-LDS settlers sought to create Colorado Territory, political leaders used anti-Mormon rhetoric to justify separating the region from Utah. This produced a regional political culture in which anti-Mormon sentiment became normalized and persisted into the … 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
Introduction This episode explores several historical currents surrounding the early Restoration: sacrament practice in the 1830s and 1840s, the complex political relationship between Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon during the 1844 presidential campaign, late accounts of the Hill Cumorah stone box, and the aggressive national opposition that shaped federal policy toward the Latter-day Saints. Rather … 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
David W. Patten and the Battle of Crooked River (October 25, 1838) Event Skirmish occurred during the 1838 Mormon conflict in Missouri. A Missouri force raided Latter-day Saint settlements and captured two men. The Caldwell County militia (a legal Mormon militia) attempted rescue. Apostle David W. Patten helped lead the charge. Patten was shot and … Read more