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?
01:21:04 Is Emma a co-conspirator with Joseph Smith or does she truly believe?
01:37:16 The Anthon transcript
01:41:00 John Turner’s best explanation
01:50:20 What does he make of the Urim and Thummim spectacles?
02:04:43 Theory of what Joseph Smith likely was doing?
02:13:24 Did Joseph Smith have co-authors that helped him?
02:16:33 The Lost 116 Pages
02:29:44 What about Joseph Smith’s response to the lost 116 pages?
02:43:21 The Mosiah Priority in the Book of Mormon
02:48:55 Closing comments
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