Delving into the aftermath of Joseph and Hyrum Smith's deaths in 1844, the podcast explores the eight possible paths of succession, the confusion among Church members, and the emergence of various leaders claiming succession. From a look at the succession crisis post-Joseph Smith era to analyzing the testimony of James Whitehead on a significant ceremony in 1843, the episode sheds light on the complexities and challenges of leadership succession in restoration movements.
The complexity of Joseph Smith's succession led to eight possible paths, influencing various branches of the Restoration movement today.
Secret appointments from Joseph Smith to successors shaped distinct Restoration branch movements.
The preferred plan for succession through the Assistant President position was hindered by disqualifications and theological considerations.
Deep dives
Succession Paths After Joseph and Hiram Smith's Death
After the tragic murders of Joseph and Hiram Smith in 1844, a succession crisis emerged regarding who should succeed Joseph as the president of the church. Joseph had not clearly designated a successor, leading to confusion with eight possible succession paths outlined either by Joseph or viewed as plausible. These paths shed light on the complexity of succession in 1844 and influenced the existence of various branches of the Restoration movement today.
Secret Succession Appointments
Several individuals, including James Strang, Lyman White, and Alpheus Cutler, claimed to have received secret appointments from Joseph Smith to succeed him. Although contradictory, these claims align with the historical precedent of such appointments, influencing the formation of distinct Restoration branch movements.
Succession through Assistant President Position
The Assistant President position, held by Oliver Cowdery and later Hiram Smith, was seen by many as the preferred plan for succession by Joseph Smith. However, disqualifications and theological considerations led this plan to not be the ongoing succession method in the Church.
Presiding Patriarch as a Successor
The role of the Presiding Patriarch, occupied by Hiram Smith post his father's passing, was considered a potential succession path. However, challenges arose with unfit family members, such as William Smith, using the patriarchal line for personal gain, leading to the eventual discontinuation of this succession route.
The Council of 50 and its Political Nature
The Council of 50, set up in the last four months of Joseph Smith's life, had revealed minutes that showcased its political agenda. The council was not fond of the United States government and had plans to leave Nauvoo, heading west to establish their own government. They presided over Joseph Smith's presidential campaign and emphasized freedom of religion and a pluralistic model.
Succession Paths After Joseph Smith's Death
Following Joseph Smith's death, various succession paths were considered, including succession by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and by a descendant of Joseph Smith. While some paths, such as succession by a descendant, were not practical, others like the Quorum of the Twelve presented viable options supported by scripture. The succession by a descendant, while sentimental, lacked the practicality and adherence to organizational structures needed for church leadership.
The immediate aftermath of the tragic murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith in 1844 was marked by shock and grief within the Church, and in the weeks that followed an ecclesiastical crisis arose concerning who should be Joseph Smith’s successor as president of the Church. As it turns out, Joseph Smith had never publicly and unambiguously designated a clear successor to the presidency of the Church. The confusion arose not because Joseph had never addressed the issue directly but because he had made several statements at various times which seemed to open up multiple succession options—eight, to be exact.
In this episode of Church History Matters, we’ll walk through the eight possible succession paths that were either explicitly laid out by Joseph Smith, or were viewed as entirely plausible based on certain interpretations of statements Joseph made or actions he took. In addition to being historical interesting, these eight plausible paths help us understand why succession in the presidency wasn’t immediately cut and dry in the minds of many Church members in 1844 and the basis on which several other branches of the Restoration exist today outside of the one initially led by Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
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