Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet, with John G. Turner

Jun 18, 2025

In this discussion, John G. Turner, a religious studies professor and author, dives into the multifaceted life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-day Saints. He explores Smith's early struggles in a challenging economy, his fascinating blend of folklore and faith, and the origins of the Book of Mormon. Smith’s charismatic leadership, alongside the formidable role of his wife Emma, paints a picture of a man deeply tied to 19th-century America. Turner also addresses the violent backlash against the Mormons and the evolution of access to their historical records.

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ANECDOTE

Joseph Smith's Multifaceted Life

Joseph Smith was many things beyond founder of Mormonism, including day laborer, treasure hunter, and mayor.
His varied roles reflect the complex and ambitious life he led in 19th century America.

INSIGHT

Western New York's Religious Ferment

Western New York was a religious hotbed during early 19th century spiritual revivalism.
Joseph Smith was typical of the region's religious ferment, influencing his founding of Mormonism.

INSIGHT

Appeal of Modern Divine Revelation

Early Mormon converts were attracted by the idea that God still spoke today.
The Book of Mormon offered renewed revelation and a restored true church, appealing to 1830s spiritual seekers.

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Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, known by those outside the church during his life and today as the Mormons. But Joseph Smith was many things besides: the child of a struggling family gradually moving westward in search of opportunity, a day laborer, visionary, seer; treasure hunter; translator; revelator; prophet; elder, banker, prisoner, wrestler, real estate speculator, polygamist, Lieutenant General, Master Mason, Mayor, and martyr.

“America,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson in 1844, “is the country of the future…[a] country of beginnings, of projects, of vast designs and expectations.” My guest John Turner observes that Joseph Smith might not have been what Emerson had in mind when he spoke of new beginnings and bold projects. But those were part of his life, in addition to vast designs and great expectations. Indeed, it is not too much to say that few nineteenth century Americans have an enduring legacy that can compare to Joseph Smith’s.

Yet John Turner’s new book Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet also describes how this very untypical man was yet absolutely typical of his times. From his religious awakening among the religious revivalism of western New York, to his founding of utopian communities in the midwest, to his dietary concerns, and even to his experience of brutal mob violence that amounted to religious pogroms against his church, Smith’s experiences–and those of his followers–were far from atypical.

John G. Turner is professor of religious studies and history at George Mason University. His previous book was They Knew They Were Pilgrims: Plymouth Colony and the Contest for American Liberty, which we talked about in Episode 157.

For Further Investigation

In Episode 181, Sara Patterson and I discussed the practice of Mormon pilgrimage.
For a conversation about a very different but equally charismatic and controversial 19th century American, see my conversation in Episode 198 with Bob Elder about John C. Calhoun, whom Elder describes as the "American heretic"; a nice pairing with an American prophet.
The Joseph Smith Papers