Exploring Historical Narratives Through Art

In this episode of LDS Discussions, we explore how BYU Professor Anthony Sweat’s artwork reflects the troubling aspects of church history found in the CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells. Despite being excommunicated for questioning the church, Runnells’ CES Letter, published in 2013, exposes discrepancies in the official narrative. Meanwhile, Sweat’s art, starting in 2014, delves into controversial topics like Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the use of a seer stone, and polygamy. We compare Sweat's paintings to the CES Letter's criticisms, highlighting how the church’s history is often presented inaccurately. Join us as we discuss these bold portrayals and the ongoing tension between church teachings and historical truth.

Show Notes

YouTube

00:00:00 Intro

00:06:55 This is episode 60 of LDS Discussions

00:10:50 Introduction to Anthony Sweat

00:15:20 Historical overview with these controversial topics being covered

00:22:30 Earlier artwork depicting images of the restoration

00:34:30 The CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells was published in 2013

00:35:50 How members were taught the translation happened versus how it actually happened

00:41:33 First painting - “The First Visions” by Anthony Sweat

00:54:46 Quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

00:57:22 “Gazelem, A Stone” by Anthony Sweat, Joseph obtaining his brown seer stone

01:06:13 The Harmony Treasure Searcher by Anthony Sweat01:15:25 Joseph Smith’s white stone and brown stone

01:18:46 Clip of Anthony Sweat sharing concerns from a BYU student

01:22:07 CES Letter and Anthony Sweat saying correct artwork wouldn’t communicate what the Church wants to communicate

01:26:45 “Oliver Cowdery and the Gift of the Rod” by Anthony Sweat

01:33:44 “The Ordination of Q. Walker Lewis” by Anthony Sweat

01:39:09 “An Angel with a Drawn Sword” by Anthony Sweat

01:48:06 “Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor” by Anthony Sweat

01:52:25 “Purgatory: Joseph, Emma, and the Revelation on Plural Marriage” by Anthony Sweat

01:59:44 Clip of Anthony Sweat talking about painting controversial aspects of church history

02:02:35 The church is still trying NOT to show the rock in a hat during translation

02:07:25 Clip of Anthony Sweat and the translation process (the church telling an artist to change his painting)

02:13:13 Other depictions from Anthony Sweat

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