Sandra Tanner, a pivotal figure in Mormon historical scholarship, teams up with Chris to dissect the complexities of Mormon history. They spotlight key contributors like Dee Jay Nelson and Mark Hoffman, examining the unsettling truths behind official narratives. The duo tackles controversial topics, including inaccuracies in Joseph Smith's interpretations and the book's evolution. Tanner emphasizes the critical importance of evidence in understanding faith, while highlighting the often-challenging relationship between scholars and the church.
The podcast highlights the complexities of Mormon historical scholarship and the impact of individuals like Wesley Walters on critical dialogue.
Sandra Tanner's candid discussion on her departure from the LDS faith reveals deep theological differences and encourages reflection among educators.
The exploration of trust issues within the Mormon community is illustrated through incidents involving figures like Steve Mayfield and D.J. Nelson.
Deep dives
Steve Mayfield's Deception
Steve Mayfield, known within the Mormon history community, initially appeared to be a friendly figure engaged in photography at various events. However, he operated under a false identity, Stan Fields, to collect sensitive information on individuals involved in the discussion surrounding Mormonism. His meticulous requests for obscure articles and information aroused suspicion among the Tanners, leading to a revelation that he was, in fact, working for the Church. This incident highlighted trust issues within the community as people like Mayfield infiltrated under false pretenses, causing a significant stir when his true identity was uncovered.
D.J. Nelson's Complicated Past
D.J. Nelson entered the picture amid a rigorous examination of the papyri acquired by the Church, claiming to possess insights into the Egyptian translations connected to the Book of Abraham. Initially viewed as a knowledgeable voice, Nelson's credibility was soon called into question when it was discovered that he had misrepresented his academic credentials, including claiming degrees from non-existent institutions. Despite his genuine contributions to understanding the papyri, his deceptive claims led to a severance of ties with the Tanners, underscoring the complexity of dealing with figures who might possess valuable insights while harboring dubious integrity.
Mark Hoffman's Nondescript Persona
Mark Hoffman presented himself as an unremarkable individual, blending into the background while engaging in discussions about Mormon documents. He managed to deceive many within the community by appearing knowledgeable about church history, which allowed him to exploit those conversations for his own forgeries. In hindsight, those who had brief interactions with him realized that they had unwittingly assisted him in crafting plausible narratives for his counterfeit documents. Hoffman's ability to manipulate perceptions illustrates the dangers of naivety and the importance of scrutiny in the historical narrative.
Encounter with Kerry Boren
Kerry Boren, who faced serious legal issues, reached out to the Tanners, suggesting he possessed crucial research on early Mormon history. The Tanners agreed to meet him in prison, where he discussed his findings and speculative ideas regarding documents. Despite his enthusiasm, the Tanners harbored skepticism about his reliability and motivations, aware that many were driven by personal agendas. Their cautious assessment of Boren exemplified the critical need to remain discerning, even when presented with seemingly valuable information.
Legacy of Wes Walters
Wes Walters, an influential figure in Mormon studies, approached the Tanners seeking collaboration after unearthing pivotal historical documents concerning Joseph Smith's early life. His rigorous research challenged many foundational claims of the Church, particularly around early revival events and their consequences. By interacting with various researchers and historians, Walters fostered an environment for critical dialogue and scholarship that scrutinized established narratives in Mormon history. His legacy lives on through the many scholars he mentored and the significant questions he raised, as they continue to investigate the intricacies of Mormon origins.
Sandra Tanner's Impactful Presentation
During a gathering of Mormon institute teachers, Sandra Tanner courageously laid out her reasons for leaving the LDS faith, addressing sensitive issues surrounding the origins of the Church and theological inconsistencies. The teachers engaged with her presentation, asking questions and seeking understanding while grappling with the implications of her assertions. Tanner's frank discussions about the nature of Christian belief highlighted the stark contrasts between foundational Christian tenets and those held by Mormons, leading to thoughtful reflection among attendees. This meeting not only showcased her honest perspective but also contributed to a gradual thawing in relations within a community historically marked by contention.
In this episode, Sandra Tanner and Chris delve into key figures and moments in Mormon historical scholarship. They discuss individuals like Dee Jay Nelson, Mark Hofman, and Wesley Walters, highlighting their contributions to uncovering evidence that challenges official LDS narratives, including the Palmyra revivals and the 1826 trial of Joseph Smith.
The conversation touches on the work of scholars like Dan Vogel, Stan Larson, and D. Michael Quinn, as well as influential writers such as Fawn Brodie. Topics include changes in the Book of Mormon, early Mormon controversies, and the deeper complexities of Mormon history. This episode provides a compelling exploration of the intersection between faith, evidence, and critical analysis.