

Early Mormon Missionary Polygamy with Native Americans? - John Turner Pt. 10 | Ep. 2048
Aug 8, 2025
John Turner, a professor and author of "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," dives into controversial topics regarding early Mormon practices. He discusses whether Joseph Smith authorized missionaries to take Native American women as plural wives, shedding light on the complexities of polygamy and intermarriage within the church. Turner also addresses listener queries, revealing the historical tensions surrounding early missionary efforts and the implications of these relationships in the broader narrative of Mormon history.
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Podcast Series And Funding Context
- John Dillon frames the series and fundraising, teasing the polygamy chapters to come with John G. Turner.
- Turner welcomes scrutiny and says critics should wait for the polygamy chapters before judging him.
Why Independence? Cheap Land And Natives
- Turner argues Joseph chose Jackson County for cheap land and proximity to Native peoples for evangelism.
- The site offered both cheap acquisition and a chance to pursue conversions among nearby Native groups.
Temple Ideas Flow From Biblical Restoration
- Turner traces Joseph's temple interest to his Biblical restoration impulse, not to later Nauvoo temple rites.
- Early temples served instruction and community purposes more than the later full ordinance program.