Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith & the “Resignation” Rumor Introduction A listener asked about a story taught by a political philosophy professor claiming that Joseph Smith became frustrated with the institutionalization of the Church, wished to step down as prophet, and wanted Hyrum Smith to replace him so Joseph could “simply be a priest.” This section … Read more
The Question A listener asked about a statement quoted by Marion G. Romney in the October 1949 General Conference. Elder Romney said that Joseph Smith once described: “One of the saddest things he had ever witnessed was the sorrow of members of the Church who came forth to a resurrection below that which they had … Read more
Purpose of the Episode: Missionary Preparation This episode focuses on helping Latter-day Saint missionaries—both future and currently serving—prepare doctrinally, historically, and spiritually. It highlights the need to: Understand core Restoration doctrines deeply. Know something about other Christian traditions. Recognize the emotional highs and lows inherent in missionary service. Doctrinal Foundations Every Missionary Should Know The … Read more
Common Protestant Claims About Latter-day Saints An evangelical pastor asserted: Latter-day Saints reject the Bible The Bible is perfect and unchanged Joseph Smith invented 500 pages of new scripture Early Saints were attacked because of polygamy The episode corrects all of these. The Latter-day Saint View of the Bible Latter-day Saints affirm: The Bible is … Read more
The “Men on the Moon” Question A listener asked whether Joseph Smith ever taught that the moon was inhabited by people dressed “like Quakers.” The episode uses this question to illustrate how to evaluate historical claims about prophets and doctrine. Many critical arguments follow a familiar pattern: Assert: “Joseph Smith said X.” Quote a late … Read more
Revelation 11: Summary of the Prophecy Revelation 11 describes two special witnesses who will appear in Jerusalem in the last days: The city is under hostile control for 42 months (three and a half years). Two prophets prophesy there for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth. They demonstrate power reminiscent of ancient prophets: Calling down fire, … Read more
Jesus’ family has been understood in different ways throughout Christian history. Traditions about Mary’s parents, interpretations of Jesus’ siblings, and non-canonical writings have all shaped how believers understand Jesus’ family beyond the New Testament record. Jesus’ Family and Traditions About Mary’s Mother Some modern reflections highlight the devotion or righteousness of Mary’s mother without referencing … Read more
Are “Mormons” Christian? – Part 1 President Polk’s Motive for the Mormon Battalion It was long assumed that President James K. Polk called for the Mormon Battalion out of military necessity and that the Saints responded patriotically. Traditional narratives describe this as mutually beneficial: the U.S. gained troops for the Mexican-American War, and the Saints … Read more