Church History Matters

069 Carthage Controversies

Jun 25, 2024

Delve into the Carthage controversy with debates on Governor Thomas Ford's role, Joseph Smith's actions, and the authenticity of historical accounts. Explore controversial topics like Joseph's self-defense, John Taylor's pocket watch incident, Masonic distress signs, death mask accuracy, and the fate of Joseph's persecutors. Uncover intriguing details and speculations while reflecting on the intricacies of this historical event.

01:10:04

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Governor Thomas Ford's involvement in Carthage deaths raises suspicions on his complicity in the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.

Joseph Smith's self-defense actions against the Carthage mob question his martyrdom status within his religion.

Exploring Carthage controversies highlights the intricacies of historical interpretations and individual actions' impact on significant events.

Deep dives

Controversy One: Governor Thomas Ford's Role in the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hiram Smith

Governor Thomas Ford's involvement in the deaths of Joseph and Hiram Smith is questioned due to various actions that raised suspicions. His promise of protection led them to Carthage but failed to ensure their safety, eventually leaving them to the Carthage greys. Despite promising to take them to Nauvoo, he disbanded the militia, leaving them with sworn enemies. While there are circumstantial reasons that implicate his dubious role, there is also a possibility he was naive to the situation's severity.

Importance of John Taylor as a Witness

01:22

Intro

2min

Synthesizing Historical Narratives with a Touch of Authenticity

2min

Recap of Joseph Smith's Opposition in Nauvoo

2min

Controversies Surrounding Carthage Jail and Governor Ford

28min

Controversy Surrounding Joseph Smith's Actions in Carthage Jail

15min

Controversy Over John Taylor's Pocket Watch

5min

Masonic distress sign, 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief' song history, and controversies over death masks accuracy

14min

Exploring the Fate of Joseph Smith's Persecutors

2min

Consider the following Carthage controversy questions: Was Governor Thomas Ford complicit in the murders of Joseph and Hyrum Smith? When Joseph fired back at the Carthage attackers, did he kill anyone? Also, does the fact that Joseph fired back at the mob somehow take away his status as a martyr for his religion? Did Joseph and his friends in Carthage Jail drink wine together? Also, were they not wearing their temple garments in jail? Were Joseph Smith’s last words a Masonic Cry for help? Are the death masks of Joseph and Hyrum Smith an accurate representation of them? Is John Taylor’s account of how his pocket watch was damaged during the attack accurate? Who actually wrote Doctrine & Covenants 135?

In this episode of Church History Matters we are tackling these and other “Carthage Controversies.”

For show notes and transcript for this and other episodes go to https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/church-history-matters-podcast/

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Church History Matters

069 Carthage Controversies

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Controversy One: Governor Thomas Ford's Role in the Martyrdom of Joseph and Hiram Smith

Controversy Two: Joseph Smith Firing Back at the Mob in Carthage Jail

Insights on the Controversies and Repercussions

The Size of the Pistol and Joseph's Actions

The Death Masks of Joseph and Hiram Smith

Importance of John Taylor as a Witness

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