Cultish 1 | The Pre-History of Mormonism: The Smith Family and the First Vision
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Dec 30, 2024 Ryan McMartin, an expert on Mormonism, dives into the cultural and historical backdrop of early 19th Century America that set the stage for Joseph Smith's revelations. The discussion unpacks the chaotic spiritual landscape post-Great Awakenings and how it fostered new religious movements like Mormonism. McMartin highlights the tensions between revival enthusiasm and Enlightenment skepticism, the significance of the First Vision, and the impact of family beliefs on Smith’s spiritual journey. It's a captivating look at how societal unrest shaped a faith still evolving today.
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Mormon Redemptive History
- Mormons believe redemptive history is cyclical, with God revealing truth, followed by apostasy and restoration.
- Joseph Smith is crucial as the prophet of the restoration, restoring God's true knowledge and gospel.
Book of Mormon's Context
- The Book of Mormon's narrative about warring Native American factions wasn't unique for its time.
- The racist idea of two types of Native Americans, one more advanced, was common then.
Native American Theories
- Governor of New York publicly stated some Native Americans seemed too primitive to have created advanced artifacts.
- Ethan Smith's book theorized Native Americans descended from Hebrews during the Babylonian exile.
