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Scripture Central

Voices of the Restoration: Emma Smith's Family | March 17-23 | Come Follow Church History

Mar 11, 2025
Mark Staker, a church historian and expert in early Church history, joins Lynne Wilson to delve into the fascinating life of Emma Smith. They discuss Emma's family's rich lineage, including connections to Mayflower passengers and their migration to America. The impact of the 1807 Methodist revival on her upbringing is explored, alongside her family's dynamics during the Second Great Awakening. Insights into Emma's early influences reveal her resilience as she navigated complex familial relationships and the challenges of early church life.
36:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Emma Smith's family history reflects significant religious transformations, showcasing their journey from early Methodist influences to connections with the emerging church.
  • The complex family dynamics surrounding Emma, particularly with her father's initial resistance to Joseph Smith, highlight the personal struggles linked to changing belief systems.

Deep dives

The Historical Background of the Hale and Lewis Families

Emma's family history reveals significant connections to early American settlers, with the Hale family arriving in the United Colonies in the early 17th century and the Lewis family being passengers on the Mayflower. Isaac Hale and Elizabeth Lewis lived in Vermont before moving to Pennsylvania, where they raised a family in a very rural and challenging environment. Their religious background was influenced by the early Methodist movement, which found a foothold in their community despite some resistance from their family. The Methodist faith eventually became a central aspect of their lives, illustrating the family's transformation alongside the broader religious landscape of early America.

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