2 | The Pre-History of Mormonism: Joseph’s Buried Treasure
Dec 30, 2024
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Dive into the treasure-digging legacy of Joseph Smith and the Smith family's early adventures in Palmyra. Discover how their quest for riches intertwined with the origins of Mormonism. Unpack the mystical experiences and early revelations that shaped Smith's leadership style and theological influences. Question the historical authenticity of Joseph's foundational vision and explore the discrepancies in his narratives. This fascinating exploration raises critical insights about early Mormon doctrines and the complexities of faith.
Joseph Smith's upbringing amidst spiritual confusion and magical beliefs played a crucial role in shaping his eventual leadership within the restorationist movement.
The podcast highlights the questionable authenticity of Joseph Smith's First Vision account, pointing to discrepancies and a lack of contemporary evidence supporting his claims.
Joseph Smith's history as a treasure digger raises significant concerns about his integrity and authenticity as a prophet within the Mormon faith.
Deep dives
The Mission and Support of Cultish
The ministry aims to equip individuals to use the gospel to counter the influence of cults, stressing the importance of financial support to continue their mission. The hosts share their struggles with a lack of sufficient monthly donations, emphasizing their reliance on a 100% crowdfunded model to provide resources for free. They encourage listeners who have benefited from their content over the years to consider donating through their website. The urgency of this message indicates their commitment to offering valuable insights and support without financial barriers for cult survivors and others seeking truth.
Joseph Smith's Early Life and Context
The discussion highlights Joseph Smith's upbringing, characterized by a blend of spiritual confusion influenced by the Second Great Awakening and a prevailing magical worldview. This environment fostered a desire for grounding in spiritual truth, which led to Smith's emergence as a leader. The episode critiques the lack of originality in his teachings, noting that many concepts were borrowed from existing Christian cults and other sects of the time. The podcast underlines the chaotic religious landscape that ultimately facilitated Smith's rise within the restorationist movement.
The First Vision Account and Its Discrepancies
The hosts dive into the discrepancies surrounding Joseph Smith's First Vision account, which they argue lacks credibility due to multiple versions and a lack of contemporary evidence. They note that Smith only officially recorded the vision in 1832, well after its purported occurrence, raising questions about its authenticity. The discussion points out significant contradictions within the narrative, including conflicting details about the characters and timing involved. The overall sentiment suggests that the skepticism surrounding the First Vision reflects broader issues in evaluating the legitimacy of Smith's claims as a prophet.
Money Digging and Its Implications
Joseph Smith's involvement in money digging is explored as a foundational aspect of his character that raises red flags about his integrity as a prophet. The hosts explain how money digging operated as a scheme exploiting local credulity, leading to Smith’s early entanglements with various individuals seeking treasure. Eyewitness testimonies assert that Smith did not find anything significant and ultimately dodged responsibility, which serves to question his authenticity. This history of deception significantly undermines Smith’s authority as a supposed spiritual leader.
Criticism and Early Opposition to Mormonism
The response to Mormonism's emergence, particularly from figures like Abner Cole, serves as a backdrop for understanding the early opposition Joseph Smith faced. Cole’s critiques and satirical publications highlighted the inconsistencies of Smith’s claims, such as those related to the Book of Mormon. The podcast notes how this skepticism extended to the broader community, creating tension and conflict between Mormons and mainstream society. The hosts argue that the anti-Mormon sentiment often stemmed from a rational assessment of Smith's dubious practices and proficiencies.
This is the second episode of our ten-episode season on a Slow Burn of Mormon History and in this episode, Andrew Soncrant and Ryan McMartin discuss the Smith Family Treasure diggin business.
How entrenched was the Smith family in the treasure-digging business?
Why does this matter?
Tune in to find out!
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