Intro

The hosts delve into Joseph Smith's life, centered around a new book by a guest author. They emphasize the role of Benchmark Books in promoting Mormon literature and community engagement through book events.

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Episode notes

Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexities of translation, belief, and the relationships that shaped the early Restoration movement.

We also examine:

- The discovery of the plates

- Martin Harris’ background and motives

- Lucy Harris’ suspicions and possible involvement

- The cultural and religious context of the time

- Theories about the Book of Mormon translation process

- What the loss of the 116 pages reveals about Joseph Smith’s prophetic development

This episode also reflects on broader themes of faith, deception, historical interpretation, and the psychology behind religious movements. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or historian, this deep-dive provides rich insight from a non-Mormon perspective.

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Show Notes

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:40 Mound Builder Myth

00:13:10 Feedback and comments on this new podcast

00:21:55 What matters more than Joseph Smith being a fraud?

00:26:07 What John G. Turner thinks of the Book of Mormon

00:35:45 The background of Martin Harris

00:45:40 Joseph performs a magic trick with a pin

00:50:10 Did Martin Harris try to see and feel the plates?

01:02:53 What was likely in the box if not the plates?