Informed Saints

Did the Church change its story on the Book of Mormon translation—or are critics missing something important?   In this episode of Informed Saints, Jasmin Rappleye sits down with Neal Rappleye and Stephen Smoot to unpack recent online controversy over the Church’s new “Translation of the Book of Mormon” article and statements that the text came by “divine revelation.” Drawing on Doctrine and Covenants passages, early witness accounts, and Joseph Smith’s own statements, they explore how early Latter-day Saints understood the relationship between translation, revelation, seer stones, and the Urim and Thummim, and why calling the Book of Mormon both a translation and a revelation is not new language at all.    In this episode: Why a viral ex-Mormon Reddit thread claims the Church “changed translation to revelation” What Joseph Smith meant by translating “by the gift and power of God” How early Saints— including the witnesses—described the Book of Mormon Whether “revelation” implies backing away from historicity What a “revelatory translation” tells us about God’s purposes for the Book of Mormon   Resource Guide: Official Church Resources •Book of Mormon Translation – Topics & Questions (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) Concise Q&A overview of how the Church currently explains the translation, including seer stones, plates, and eyewitnesses. https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/book-of-mormon-translation-joseph-smith-plural-marriage    •Gospel Topics Essay: “Book of Mormon Translation” In-depth official essay with historical context and primary sources about the mechanics of translation and the phrase “by the gift and power of God.” https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/book-of-mormon-translation?lang=eng    •Elder Ulisses Soares – “The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon” (April 2020 General Conference) Apostolic perspective on why the Book of Mormon’s coming forth is best understood as a miracle of revelation and translation together. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/04/23soares?lang=eng    •Gerrit J. Dirkmaat, “The Miraculous Translation of the Book of Mormon,” Liahona, Mar. 2024 Recent Church magazine article summarizing eyewitness accounts and explaining the role of seer stones, interpreters, and the plates. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/03/united-states-and-canada-section/02-the-miraculous-translation-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng      Faithful Scholarship & Deep Dives •Stephen O. Smoot – “Is the Book of Mormon a ‘Translation’ or a ‘Revelation’?” FAIR 2023 Conference Explores how early Latter-day Saints used “translation” and “revelation” as overlapping categories of seership, and what that means for the Book of Mormon today. https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/2023-defending-the-book-of-mormon-conference    •“Firsthand Witness Accounts of the Translation Process,” in The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon (BYU Religious Studies Center) Collects primary statements from Emma Smith, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, Joseph Knight Sr., and others describing how the translation actually looked in practice. https://rsc.byu.edu/sites/default/files/pub_content/pdf/Firsthand_Witness_Accounts_of_the_Translation_Process.pdf    •Stephen D. Ricks – “Translation of the Book of Mormon,” in Pressing Forward with the Book of Mormon (FARMS/Book of Mormon Central) A brief, faithful scholarly summary of what it means that Joseph translated “by the gift and power of God.” https://archive.bookofmormoncentral.org/sites/default/files/pressing_forward_63_-_translation_of_the_book_of_mormon.pdf    If you’re navigating questions about how the Book of Mormon came forth, or have heard that the Church is rewriting its narrative, this conversation offers historical context and a faithful, clear explanation. — Subscribe to Informed Saints for more thoughtful Latter-day Saint discussions, and if you find this episode helpful, please leave a rating and review so others can discover the show.

Can Latter-day Saints and other Christians actually be closer in theology than most people think? In fact are “Mormons” Trinitarians? In this episode we sit down with BYU historian and theologian Grant Underwood, author of Latter-day Saint Theology Among Christian Theologies, to talk about where Latter-day Saint beliefs line up with Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox traditions—and where they really are distinct. We get into God’s nature, the Trinity, embodiment, salvation, and why words like “Christian,” “orthodox,” and even “theology” get used so differently online.    Underwood shows that a lot of the online “Mormons aren’t Christian” arguments come down to definitions, not devotion—and that many Latter-day Saints would benefit from seeing themselves inside the wider Christian conversation, not outside it. This episode is perfect for Latter-day Saints who talk with evangelical friends, for Christians who are curious about LDS beliefs, and for anyone who wants a calmer, better-informed way to talk about God. ⸻ In this episode you’ll hear about: •Why Latter-day Saints should care about “theology,” not just “doctrine” •How Latter-day Saints and other Christians talk past each other using the same words differently •LDS belief in an embodied God and how that compares to creedal Christianity •“Separate-being” or “social” Trinitarianism and why it’s closer than people assume •LDS inclusivism: affirming the Restoration while honoring centuries of sincere Christians •How publishing with Eerdmans opened the door for real dialogue between traditions •Surprising overlaps with Eastern Orthodoxy on deification and theosis •Why better definitions can “bulldoze down” unnecessary walls between believers  ⸻ For viewers coming from other Christian traditions: This episode is not a debate. It’s an attempt to show the actual range of Christian belief across 2,000 years, and to place Latter-day Saints inside that bigger story instead of outside it. If you’ve only seen LDS beliefs described in polemical books or social posts, this conversation will feel very different.  ⸻ Subscribe for more long-form, faithful, informed conversations on Latter-day Saint history, doctrine, and how we fit in the wider Christian world.   #LatterDaySaint #Mormonism #Christianity #InformedSaints #GrantUnderwood #LDSTheology #Restoration #Trinity #Theosis #BYU #FaithAndReason #Interfaith

Who Is President Dallin H. Oaks? Biographer Rick Turley on the Life of the LDS Church’s New Prophet In this Informed Saints exclusive, church historian and biographer Richard E. “Rick” Turley Jr. (author of In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks) helps us answer the big question: Who is President Dallin H. Oaks, the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? From a humble Utah childhood marked by loss, to graduating #1 at the University of Chicago Law School, clerking for Chief Justice Earl Warren, leading BYU, serving on the Utah Supreme Court, and decades as an apostle—including time presiding in the Philippines—Turley shares human, surprising, and faith-building stories that reveal what kind of prophet President Oaks may be.   What you’ll learn Early experiences that forged President Oaks’s work ethic and faith (including dramatic near-misses with death) Why he pivoted from big-firm law to scholarship and service—and how that shaped his leadership BYU years: academic rigor, religious freedom advocacy, equal pay for women faculty, and yes… Cosmo the Cougar Why the Utah Supreme Court was his “most enjoyable job” and how that legal mind informs his ministry The call to the Twelve alongside Russell M. Nelson—and why he delayed ordination to finish court opinions Family insights: June Dixon Oaks’s refining influence and Kristin McMain Oaks’s later partnership What “a witness of the name of Jesus Christ” means to President Oaks—and to the global Church today   Guest: Rick Turley—longtime Church historian; co-author on Mountain Meadows Massacre volumes; author on the Mark Hofmann forgeries; forthcoming biography Joseph the Prophet. Watch next: More Informed Saints conversations on modern Prophets, Church history, and faith in action. #DallinHOaks #LDS #InformedSaints #LatterDaySaints #BYU #RickTurley #Prophet

Today we are tackling the age old question of, "Do 'Mormons' celebrate Halloween?"   While the short answer is, yes. There is a lot of fun nuance to this topic and also it gave us an excuse to dress up and have some more fun with one of these episodes! Thanks for sharing and watching!   ===Informed Saints Credits=== Produced by The Ancient America Foundation Producer: Spencer Clark Hosts: Stephen Smoot, Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye   ===Discover=== If any of our thoughts resonated with you, consider learning more about the single most influential book in our lives. https://www.discoverbookofmormon.org/   ===Content Disclaimer=== The views expressed represent ours alone and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.   #mormon #lds #halloween #spooky

What do the actual documents say about Nauvoo-era plural marriage? In this episode, we walk through the primary sources behind the claims—reading what was written, when, and by whom—so you can see the evidence for yourself without the noise.   In this video you’ll learn: • What D&C 132 (July 12, 1843) says and how it surfaced • Why William Clayton’s journal entry matters for dating and context • How the Whitney letter (Aug 18, 1842) and related instructions fit the timeline • What the Nauvoo High Council minutes and affidavits contribute • How the Nauvoo Expositor became part of the public controversy • How faithful historians weigh converging, independent sources   Why this matters: Latter-day Saints and honest seekers deserve a source-based understanding—one that’s faithful and rigorous. We focus on documents, context, and methods, not internet rumors.   Sources & Further Reading (Primary + Faithful Scholarship)   Official overviews • Gospel Topics Essay — Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo • Scripture — Doctrine & Covenants 132 (Celestial Marriage): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132   Key primary sources (Joseph Smith Papers) • Revelation, 12 July 1843 (D&C 132) (text & images): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-12-july-1843-dc-132 • William Clayton journal (entry noting the 12 July 1843 revelation): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org (Search: “William Clayton journal July 12 1843”) • Letter to Newel K. Whitney, 18 Aug. 1842 (Joseph in hiding; private visit re: Sarah Ann Whitney): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-newel-k-whitney-18-august-1842 • Revelation, 27 July 1842 (Whitney sealing instructions): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-27-july-1842 • Nauvoo High Council minutes (Hyrum reading the revelation; contemporary references): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org (Search: “Nauvoo High Council minutes July–Aug 1843”) • Nauvoo Expositor, 7 June 1844 (includes affidavits; early public controversy): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-expositor-7-june-1844 • Affidavit of Austin Cowles (context for the High Council reading): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org (Search: “Affidavit Austin Cowles June 1844”)   Witness & late reminiscence samplers • Emma Smith—late statements on Nauvoo polygamy (compiled): https://www.josephsmithpapers.org  (Search: “Emma Smith polygamy statements”) • David Whitmer, Address to All Believers in Christ (full text scan): https://archive.org/details/addresstoallbeli00whit   Faithful scholarship (accessible) • Gerrit J. Dirkmaat & Michael H. MacKay, From Darkness unto Light (RSC): https://rsc.byu.edu/book/darkness-unto-light • Dirkmaat & MacKay, Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon (context for seer stones/translation): https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6012373.html • Michael H. MacKay & Nicholas J. Frederick, Joseph Smith’s Seer Stones (RSC): https://rsc.byu.edu/book/joseph-smiths-seer-stones • Brian C. Hales—document archive on Joseph Smith’s polygamy: https://MormonPolygamyDocuments.org • Hales, “Joseph Smith: Monogamist or Polygamist?” (Interpreter): https://interpreterfoundation.org/?s=Joseph+Smith+Monogamist+or+Polygamist   Context quick-reads • Turley, Jensen & Ashurst-McGee, “Joseph the Seer” (Ensign, Oct 2015): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/10/joseph-the-seer • Saints, Vol. 1 — early Restoration narrative (free online): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1   If this helped, like, comment, and subscribe to support more faith-building, source-driven conversations.   #InformedSaints #JosephSmith #PluralMarriage #Nauvoo #LDSHistory #PrimarySources

Neal Rappleye, a Book of Mormon researcher, and Stephen Smoot, an expert on Latter-day Saints history in Nazi Germany, dive into the complex relationship between the Church and the Nazi regime. They explore survival strategies of members—resistance, collaboration, or neutrality—amidst Nazi scrutiny. Smoot reveals shocking findings from Gestapo dossiers, highlighting arrests and mistrust of the Church. They dissect infamous photos and discuss the tragic story of Helmut Hübener, a young resistance fighter. It's a deep look at doctrine, survival, and moral dilemmas during a dark time.

*THIS AUDIO IS FROM A FULL YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM, THERE ARE MISTAKES PRESENT. ALSO VISUAL ELEMENTS WHICH ARE BEST SEEN ON YOUTUBE*   https://youtube.com/live/2IpxhFWwLAQ?feature=share   Recap, review, and analysis of General Conference and more! With Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot! #lds #podcast #informedsaints #generalconference #mormon 

*THIS AUDIO IS FROM A FULL YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM, THERE ARE MISTAKES PRESENT. ALSO VISUAL ELEMENTS WHICH ARE BEST SEEN ON YOUTUBE*   https://youtube.com/live/2IpxhFWwLAQ?feature=share   Today has been heavy folks. Join us as we talk about the passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the horrific tragedy that took place in a ward in Grand Blanc, Michigan.   #mormon #lds #news

Was Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones evidence of superstition — or of divine power?   In this episode of Informed Saints, hosts Jasmin Rappleye, Neal Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot sit down with Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (BYU professor, historian, and author of From Darkness unto Light) to explore the historical sources behind the Book of Mormon translation. Together, they discuss what the witnesses saw, how early Saints understood seer stones and the Urim and Thummim, and why the very strangeness of the translation process actually strengthens, rather than weakens, the case for its divinity.   What you’ll learn: Why Joseph’s contemporaries saw seer stones as miraculous, not fraudulent How early accounts from Emma Smith, Martin Harris, and others describe the translation The difference between folk magic, biblical precedent, and divine seership Why the physical reality of the gold plates remains the strongest defense of Joseph’s calling   A faith-affirming conversation that blends history, theology, and testimony.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode as well as other valuable resources on this topic!   -Artwork credit to Anthony Sweat who granted permissions for us to share his incredible artwork. https://www.anthonysweat.com   Start here (official & concise) Gospel Topics — Book of Mormon Translation https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/book-of-mormon-translation Church History Topic — Seer Stones https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/seer-stones Saints, Vol. 1 (The Standard of Truth) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1   Primary sources (witnesses & early attestations) Emma Smith’s 1879 “Last Testimony” (PDF) https://rsc.byu.edu/sites/default/files/pub_content/pdf/testimony%20of%20emma%20smith.pdf Joseph Knight Sr. reminiscences (Church History Library catalog) https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/37b7b91c-4148-45d6-8f32-df4acf06fe99 David Whitmer — An Address to All Believers in Christ https://archive.org/details/addresstoallbeli00whit Early newspaper: Jonathan A. Hadley (Palmyra Freeman, 1829) https://rsc.byu.edu/coming-forth-book-mormon/joseph-smiths-negotiations-publish-book-mormon Wilford Woodruff Papers (Urim & Thummim; Manti consecration) https://www.wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/day-in-church-history/1841-12-02   Scholarship & synthesis (faithful) Turley, Jensen & Ashurst-McGee — “Joseph the Seer” (Ensign, Oct. 2015) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/10/joseph-the-seer BYU Studies — Opening the Heavens (Translation Documents) https://byustudies.byu.edu/online-book/opening-the-heavens/5   Printing & publication context Printing and Publishing the Book of Mormon (Church History Topic) https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/printing-and-publishing-the-book-of-mormon From Gutenberg to Grandin (RSC) https://rsc.byu.edu/prelude-restoration/gutenberg-grandin   Recommended books (trusted Latter-day Saint scholarship) MacKay & Dirkmaat — From Darkness unto Light (RSC) https://rsc.byu.edu/book/darkness-unto-light Dirkmaat & MacKay — Let’s Talk About the Translation of the Book of Mormon (Deseret Book) https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6012373.html - MacKay & Frederick — Joseph Smith’s Seer Stones (RSC) https://rsc.byu.edu/book/joseph-smiths-seer-stones Bushman — Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (Publisher page) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/22031/joseph-smith-by-richard-lyman-bushman/   Scriptural anchors Joseph Smith—History 1 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1 Mosiah 8 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/8 Alma 37 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/37 Doctrine & Covenants 3 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/3 Doctrine & Covenants 8 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/8 Doctrine & Covenants 17 https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/17

Was Joseph Smith lying, forgetting, or faithfully remembering his First Vision? Critics often highlight differences between the various accounts, but few have explored the role of human memory in shaping those narratives.   In this debut episode of Informed Saints, hosts Jasmin Rappleye, Neal Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot dive into groundbreaking research that brings together history, neuroscience, and faith. Drawing on scholarship from Stephen C. Harper and a recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, the discussion unpacks how memory actually works — and what that means for understanding Joseph Smith’s earliest visions.   What you’ll learn in this episode: Why differences in the First Vision accounts aren’t necessarily signs of dishonesty How neuroscience explains the way memories consolidate and evolve over time The concept of “flashbulb memories” and why Joseph’s accounts fit the pattern Insights from both believing and non-believing scholars on historical reliability   This thoughtful conversation shows how modern scholarship and faith can work together to strengthen testimonies and provide context for complex questions.   Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode as well as other valuable resources on this topic!   •Stephen C. Harper – First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins (Oxford University Press, 2019) A balanced and deeply researched book that applies memory science to the First Vision. Harper is both a believing Latter-day Saint historian and an academic scholar, making this one of the best starting points. •Richard Lyman Bushman – Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (Knopf, 2005) The definitive biography of Joseph Smith by one of the most respected Latter-day Saint historians. Discusses the First Vision in its historical context. •Alexander L. Baugh, Steven C. Harper, Brent M. Rogers, and Benjamin Pykles, Editors – Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning https://rsc.byu.edu/book/joseph-smith-his-first-vision •John W. Welch – Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations Collects and analyzes all primary accounts of the First Vision (and other revelations) in a single volume. Great for studying source texts directly. •Steven C. Harper – Joseph Smith’s First Vision: A Guide to the Historical Accounts (Deseret Book, 2012) A shorter, more accessible overview that compares the accounts and explains their significance. •Céline Duffau, Carter Charles, Religious Experience and Memory Retrieval: A Memory Studies Reading of Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” Accounts – Journal of the American Academy of Religion (2025). https://academic.oup.com/jaar/article-abstract/93/1/129/8159945?redirectedFrom=fulltext   Online Resources •Gospel Topics Essay: “First Vision Accounts” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org) Official essay that transparently presents all known accounts and explains their context. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/first-vision-accounts •Joseph Smith Papers Project Provides the primary sources — Joseph’s own handwritten accounts, plus later versions and contemporary references. https://www.josephsmithpapers.org • Don Bradley- The Original Context of the First Vision Narrative: 1820s or 1830s https://www.fairlatterdaysaints.org/conference/august-2013/the-original-context-of-the-first-vision-narrative-1820s-or-1830s    Listen now to explore the surprising science behind Joseph Smith’s First Vision.