Church History Matters 176 - D&C 135 CFM - The Tragedy of Joseph & Hyrum Smiths Martyrdom - E48 November 24-30
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Nov 18, 2025 Dive into the gripping account of Joseph and Hyrum Smith's martyrdom. Discover the controversies surrounding D&C 135 and its role as a declaration of their deaths. Explore the political tensions leading to their tragic fate, including the legal nuances of the Nauvoo Expositor's destruction. Hear vivid eyewitness accounts from John Taylor and Willard Richards detailing the chaos of the attack. Unpack the implications of their sacrifice and the unique legacy they left behind as dual witnesses in Latter-day Saint history.
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Section 135 Is An Announcement
- Section 135 is not a revelation but an announcement declaring Joseph and Hiram Smith's martyrdom added to the 1844 Doctrine and Covenants.
- It served as a capstone on Joseph Smith's life and ministry and was printed hurriedly into that edition.
Section 135 Likely A Composite Text
- Authorship of Section 135 was long attributed to John Taylor but evidence is weak for sole authorship.
- Scott Woodward suggests it was likely a composite written soon after the martyrdom with contributions from Taylor, Willard Richards, and others.
Internal Tensions Fueled The Crisis
- Internal tensions in Nauvoo—especially the secret introduction of plural marriage and doctrinal disputes—heightened dissent against Joseph Smith.
- Dissidents like William Law helped spark the Nauvoo Expositor, which inflamed conflict leading toward Carthage.
