Introduction: The Question of Speaking in Tongues in Early Latter-day Saint History This episode responds to a listener’s inquiry about the practice of speaking in tongues in the early Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The listener encountered another podcast that claimed early Saints—including Joseph Smith and Brigham Young—spoke in tongues in a manner … Read more
Introduction This episode addresses a listener’s question regarding the burial location of Seymour Brunson and provides historical background explaining why Seymour Brunson is significant in Latter-day Saint history—particularly connected to the first public teaching of baptism for the dead by Joseph Smith. Who Was Seymour Brunson? A respected Latter-day Saint in Nauvoo Member of the … Read more
Introduction On June 27, 1844, Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were murdered at Carthage Jail by an armed mob. One hundred eighty years later, the episode reflects upon the historical testimonies preserved by those who were present with the Prophet in his final days. Among the most valuable preserved documents are the accounts collected … Read more
The Centrality of Joseph Smith in the Restoration In Latter-day Saint belief, Joseph Smith is foundational to every doctrine that distinguishes the Restoration from traditional Christianity. Teachings about the nature of God, premortal life, exaltation, eternal families, redemption of the dead, and continuing revelation all depend on his prophetic calling. If Joseph truly received divine … Read more
Building Temples Introduction: Questions About Temples, Documents, and Early Christianity This episode addresses several interconnected doctrinal and historical issues raised by listeners, ranging from the purpose and use of the Joseph Smith Papers and the Brigham Young Papers, to broader questions about the presence of temple worship in early Christianity, the meaning of New Testament … Read more
Introduction: Hell as a Central Theological Question This episode examines the Latter-day Saint doctrine of hell and how it differs sharply from traditional Christian theology. For centuries, Christian thinkers—especially within Catholic and Protestant traditions—taught that every soul is created out of nothing at birth, that each soul has an immortal spirit, and that salvation depends … 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