Holy Places From Our Past — Harmony, Pennsylvania Setting: Harmony, Pennsylvania in 1828–1829 Harmony is one of the most important locations in the Restoration. Critical events occurred here: Translation of a major portion of the Book of Mormon Revelation of key early Doctrine and Covenants sections Restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist … Read more
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
The Setting of the Revelation to the Three Witnesses Doctrine and Covenants 17 arises during the final phase of the Book of Mormon translation in 1829, a moment when Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris longed to fulfill the ancient prophecy recorded in Ether 5. Joseph Smith used the interpreters—later called the Urim and … Read more
Doctrine & Covenants 93: Historical and Theological Significance Doctrine and Covenants 93 is considered one of Joseph Smith’s most theologically expansive revelations. Received in 1833, it introduced doctrines not found in traditional Christianity, including: Jesus Christ did not receive a fulness of glory at first but advanced “grace to grace.” Human beings existed as intelligences … Read more
Introduction In the early years of the Restoration, doctrines and practices unfolded line upon line, including the wording used in sacred ordinances. This episode follows the historical journey of the baptismal prayer from the Book of Mormon text used in 1829 to the standardized wording adopted in the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants. Alongside this development … Read more
The story of Oliver Cowdery’s attempt to translate opens a window into a rare and intimate moment in the early Restoration. It unfolds while Joseph Smith is working through multiple ancient records, while Church organization is still taking shape, and while God is teaching His servants how revelation actually operates. Oliver, eager to take part … Read more