098 BONUS *The Smith Family* - Come Follow Me - E3b - Jan 13-19
Jan 13, 2025
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In this enlightening discussion, Kyle Walker, a Smith family expert and Brigham Young University-Idaho administrator, unpacks the intricate dynamics of Joseph Smith's family. He delves into the often-overlooked contributions of women in the family and their resilience in the face of differing beliefs. The podcast highlights the family's influence on early Latter-day Saint history, including the pivotal roles of Samuel and Don Carlos as well as the Smith sisters' dedication to protecting sacred artifacts. The conversation shows how family unity shaped the Restoration movement.
The podcast emphasizes the significant and often overlooked contributions of Smith family members, highlighting their roles in early Church history.
Alvin Smith's character and financial support profoundly affected Joseph Smith's life and contributed to the theological inquiries surrounding the afterlife.
The strong religious convictions and unity of the Smith family were foundational in establishing the early Church amidst numerous challenges.
Deep dives
Introduction of the Smith Family Episode
The podcast focuses on the Smith family, specifically exploring the contributions and significance of each member within the context of early Church history. The hosts are joined by Kyle Walker, who is an expert on the Smith family and has published works regarding their influence. The episode presents the idea that the revised Come Follow Me curriculum for 2025 allows for deeper engagement with Church history, particularly through the Voices of the Restoration segment. The discussion highlights the importance of recognizing the often-overlooked contributions of lesser-known family members in the narrative of Joseph Smith's life and mission.
The Impact of Alvin Smith
Alvin Smith, the eldest son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith, plays a pivotal role in shaping the family dynamics and support system for Joseph Smith Jr. Before his untimely death at a young age, Alvin was instrumental in aiding the family financially, helping to pay for their farm and building their home. His death profoundly affected the family, with Joseph making significant theological inquiries related to the afterlife and baptism for the dead, which were influenced by Alvin's passing. The podcast discusses how Alvin’s strong character and support created a lasting legacy that resonated throughout the Smith family and early Church teachings.
The Role of Hiram and Samuel Smith
Hiram Smith is portrayed as the loyal protector of Joseph Smith, providing critical emotional and physical support throughout their lives. Following Alvin’s death, Hiram takes on a leadership role, assisting Joseph during difficult times, including during the challenging recovery from his leg surgery. Samuel Smith, the first missionary of the Church, contributes to spreading the faith despite facing challenges and discouragement in his early missions. Both Hiram and Samuel’s commitment to Joseph and the Church is emphasized as vital components of the Smith family’s support network during the early days of the restoration.
The Contributions of Smith Sisters
The Smith sisters, particularly Catherine, Sophronia, and Lucy, are often overlooked in Church history, but they played significant roles in supporting Joseph Smith and the early Church. Catherine, especially, is noted for her personal experiences with the gold plates and her intense spiritual connection to the early restoration efforts. The sisters' dedication to their brother included actively protecting the plates and raising their families amidst the hardships that came with their unique status. The podcast highlights how the sisters not only contributed to the family but also represented the broader experience of women in the early Church, whose stories remain crucial for understanding the full Smith family narrative.
The Legacy of the Smith Family
The discussion concludes by emphasizing the strong religious convictions held by various Smith family members throughout their lives, despite numerous challenges and trials. Each sibling remained steadfast in their belief in Joseph Smith and the restoration, with particular mention of William Smith's efforts to defend his brother's legacy. The podcast reinforces the idea that the Smith family's collective faith and unity were foundational to the establishment of the early Church. This familial support not only contributed to the momentum of the restoration but also established a precedent for faith transitions in the face of adversity, illustrating the profound impact of family in religious contexts.
Welcome to Church History Matters Come Follow Me Edition where we are systematically diving into every section of the Doctrine and Covenants throughout the year 2025! In this episode Scott and Casey interview Smith family expert Kyle Walker to do a deep dive into Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack's family as part of the Voices of the Restoration Bonus material for the Come Follow Me content for January 13-19.
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