early Mormon history

Bad Sources and Animal Sacrifice

by
Debunking Joseph Smith Animal Sacrifice Accusations

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

Joseph Smith’s Visions and Historical Evidence

by
Joseph Smith ChatGPT-Image-Nov-21-2025-01_00_17-PM.png

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