Voices of the Restoration 1 • Joseph Smith's Family • Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat • January 13-19 • Come Follow Me
Jan 13, 2025
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Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat, an expert on Joseph Smith's family and co-host of the Standard of Truth podcast, delves into how Joseph's family shaped the Restoration. He reveals the profound influence of Lucy Mack Smith's faith journey and the religious tensions within her family. The podcast discusses the value of accurate historical knowledge, emphasizing the importance of primary sources like the Joseph Smith Papers. Additionally, it explores Joseph's sibling relationships, the impact of grief, and the resilience found in familial support amidst challenges.
The podcast highlights the essential role of Joseph Smith's family in shaping the early church and restoration narrative.
Listeners gain insight into Lucy Mack Smith's transformative spiritual journey, illustrating the personal dimensions of faith and resilience.
The discussion addresses the religious landscape of the Second Great Awakening and its impact on Joseph's spiritual development and revelations.
Deep dives
Introduction to Voices of the Restoration
The episode introduces the new section in the Come Follow Me manual titled Voices of the Restoration, aimed at providing insights into the lives of individuals involved in the early history of the Church. Hosts John and Hank express excitement about the involvement of historian Dr. Garrett Dirkmaat, emphasizing the significance of understanding the personal struggles and contexts of historical figures like the Smith family. Both hosts highlight how gaining a deeper understanding of the lives of these individuals enriches the interpretation of scriptural revelations. This contextual understanding allows listeners to connect more meaningfully with the scriptures and the restoration narrative.
The Personal Context of Joseph Smith's Revelations
Dr. Dirkmaat discusses how Joseph Smith's revelations were not isolated occurrences but rather responses to real-world challenges faced by him and those around him. He emphasizes the importance of the experiences of the individuals close to Joseph, who witnessed the unfolding of revelations and contributed to the context of early church history. The episode illustrates how historical events are intricately linked to the personal lives, struggles, and faith of these individuals, making them relatable to contemporary listeners. The narration brings forth insights that encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives and the role of divine guidance.
Understanding Historical Perspectives
The speakers engage in a discussion about how historical figures lived in their present, without the hindsight that modern perspectives provide. They reflect on the idea that just as today’s society may look absurd to future generations, historical figures made decisions influenced by the knowledge and beliefs of their time. This reflection invites listeners to approach historical study with humility, recognizing the significance of understanding the context in which past events occurred. Both hosts urge listeners to avoid the trap of thinking they are inherently smarter than those in the past, acknowledging the influence of culture and knowledge on decision-making.
Lucy Mack Smith's Conversion Experience
Dr. Dirkmaat recounts an early and transformative experience of Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph's mother, revealing her spiritual struggles and eventual healing. Describing a time when she fell seriously ill, Lucy prayed for her life to be spared, promising to seek the truth regardless of the source. Her recovery, accompanied by a voice of comfort, marked a significant moment of conversion for her, indicating her sincere quest for understanding and genuine faith. This narrative underscores the familial and personal dimensions of the early church, illustrating how Lucy's journey set a foundation for the faith of her children.
Family Dynamics and Religious Beliefs
The episode also highlights the complex relationships within the Smith family, focusing on their collective belief in Joseph's prophetic calling. Each family member had personal experiences and trials that shaped their faith, ultimately leading them to stand by Joseph amid societal pressures and persecution. The dynamics of sibling relationships are brought to light, revealing how strong ties of love, support, and shared experiences shaped their unity in faith. The speakers note that despite challenges, the family's steadfastness in believing Joseph's revelations illustrates the profound impact of familial bonds on religious conviction.
The Broader Context of the Second Great Awakening
Listeners are introduced to the religious landscape of Joseph Smith's time, particularly the Second Great Awakening, which influenced varying beliefs about salvation and free will. The episode explains the contrasts between Calvinism and Arminianism, depicting the theological conflicts that permeated Joseph's early religious upbringing. This discussion provides clarity on the environment that provoked Joseph's spiritual inquiries and the revelations he subsequently received. Understanding this context enriches the narrative of the restoration and underscores the significance of this era in shaping American religious identity.
29:36 Lucy Mack and Joseph Sr’s religious backgrounds
35:13 Lucy’s response to Joseph Jr’s religious experiences
37:36 The Second Great Awakening
42:09 Arminianism
44:43 Smith family witnesses
47:13 Why Palmyra, New York?
48:51 Lucy as biographer and Joseph Smith Papers
53:12 Check your sources
56:07 Miracles and Historians
59:19 Lucy and Joseph’s family
1:03:32 William and Joseph’s relationship
1:05:37 Joseph loses two brothers
1:15:19 Death and hope
1:18:00 Joseph’s vision of the day of Resurrection
1:23:56 Samuel impact
1:26:44 A personal failure?
1:31:02 Joseph’s sisters
1:33:35 Joseph’s entire family believes
1:39:42 We must watch over one another
1:41:22 End - Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat
Thanks to the followHIM team: Steve & Shannon Sorensen: Cofounder, Executive Producer, Sponsor David & Verla Sorensen: Sponsors Dr. Hank Smith: Co-host John Bytheway: Co-host David Perry: Producer Kyle Nelson: Marketing, Sponsor Lisa Spice: Client Relations, Editor, Show Notes Jamie Neilson: Social Media, Graphic Design Will Stoughton: Video Editor Krystal Roberts: Translation Team, English & French Transcripts, Website Ariel Cuadra: Spanish Transcripts Amelia Kabwika : Portuguese Transcripts
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