Analyzing LDS Church History @HemlockKnots

Hemlock Knots Five major factors should be considered before one commits to believing historical source documents as completely valid or true. While we cannot fully understand what may have influenced the LDS historical statements, documents and memories of 200 years ago, we can (and probably should) reduce the chances of being misinformed as much as possible. This episode looks at the basic factors that can help determine credibility or risk when it comes to LDS source material.

Those 5 factors are:
1) Latency (3:06) – When did the event happen and how long after was it recorded?
2) Proximity (9:54) – Did the person witness the event?
3) Verbatim (11:13) – What level of detail was recollected?
4) Origination (15:37) – Is this an original source?
5) Incentives (19:30) – What biases or reasons to produce a witness might the source have?

Show notes: hemlockknots.com/2
#lds #mormon #ldschurch

updated 5 years ago

Analyzing LDS Church History

Hemlock Knots 2021-07-12 | Five major factors should be considered before one commits to believing historical source documents as completely valid or true. While we cannot fully understand what may have influenced the LDS historical statements, documents and memories of 200 years ago, we can (and probably should) reduce the chances of being misinformed as much as possible. This episode looks at the basic factors that can help determine credibility or risk when it comes to LDS source material.

Those 5 factors are:
1) Latency (3:06) – When did the event happen and how long after was it recorded?
2) Proximity (9:54) – Did the person witness the event?
3) Verbatim (11:13) – What level of detail was recollected?
4) Origination (15:37) – Is this an original source?
5) Incentives (19:30) – What biases or reasons to produce a witness might the source have?

Show notes: hemlockknots.com/2
#lds #mormon #ldschurch

Was Joseph Smith Ever Sealed to Emma?

Hemlock Knots 2024-07-03 | Why wouldn't Joseph Smith's sealing to Emma be a celebrated, documented, discussed, or written about as a major LDS restoration milestone? Why didn't a single record of the town's biggest celebrity couple's sealing exist in a gossipy town of 12,000+ people? Why were cryptic symbols used to hide Joseph Smith's perfectly legal "sealing" to Emma? Why would a well-known and legally married couple need to hide a sealing? Why rewrite a guys name as a woman's in order to claim Hyrum was sealed to him/her? How did a violent man's assault trial turn into a random outpouring of sealing ordinances, even for people who weren't even there? How did people end up being sealed before they were supposedly married, according to sworn affidavits? Who was behind these changes, and why? These questions and more will be discussed on this episode.

Table of contents:
0:59 - The only source listed for Wikipedia’s claim (1)
2:35 - The LDS church’s claims in official publications are never cited (2)
3:56 - The chronological order of Joseph’s sealings to his wives shows Emma Smith as #27 (3)
4:52 - 4 versions of LDS history, an overview of the evolutionary document chain
5:48 - May 28, 1843 Journal - edits & revisions (4)
8:58 - May 28, 1843 Journal - Taylor Shorthand “w-r m-r-r-d” inspection, with footnote #457 analysis (4)
10:28 - Taylor Shorthand explanation (5)
11:01 - May 28, 1843 Draft - edits & revisions (6)
12:08 - May 28, 1843 Manuscript - edits & revisions. Brigham Young & Heber Kimball quote added about them being the only 2 trusted associates of Joseph Smith. (7)
14:23 - May 28, 1843 - All 4 versions of edits compared side-by-side
15:25 - May 29, 1843 Journal (next day’s entry) - edits & revisions (8)
17:46 - May 29, 1843 Journal - Mercy Fielding Thompson disproven, showing that J. (James) Thompson was likely the original person listed prior to edits (8)
19:55 - The only 2 instances of “w-r m-r-r-d” in recorded history (9)
21:02 - May 29, 1843 Draft - edits & revisions (10)
21:26 - May 29, 1843 Manuscript - edits & revisions (11)
21:47 - May 29, 1843 All 4 versions of edits compared side-by-side
22:32 - May 29, 1843 Footnote #457 analysis, showing speculation on part of JSP editorial staff (8)
23:01 - Mercy R. Thompson affidavit inspected and cross-examined (12)
25:56 - Mercy R. Thompson’s JSP Biography footnote #13 analysis, showing speculation on part of JSP editorial staff (13)
27:36 - Brigham Young’s history cross-referenced, inconsistencies discussed (14)
28:23 - Brigham Young’s history claims compared to D&C 132, inconsistencies discussed (14,15)
29:40 - Closing summary, remarks (16)

Sources:
1. Carol Madsen, “My Dear and Beloved Companion: The Letters of Joseph and Emma Smith", Ensign, September 2008.
2. Latter-day Saint History: 1815-1846 Teacher’s Manual
3. Wikipedia, “List of Joseph Smith's wives”
4. “Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 2, 10 March 1843–14 July 1843” [JSP doc #7998] p. 225
5. Wikipedia, “Taylor Shorthand”
6. “History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843]” [JSP doc #8470], p. 37
7. “History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]” [JSP doc #7624], p.1563
8. “Journal, December 1842–June 1844; Book 2, 10 March 1843–14 July 1843” [JSP doc #7998], p.226
9. Google search for [“site:josephsmithpapers.org “w-r m-r-r-d”]
10. “History Draft [1 March–31 December 1843]” [JSP doc #8470, p.37
11. “History, 1838–1856, volume D-1 [1 August 1842–1 July 1843]” [JSP doc #7624], p.1564
12. Joseph F. Smith Collection, Affidavit Book 1:34, LDS Archives; typed copy
13. JSP: “Thompson, Mercy Rachel Fielding” Biography, footnote #13
14. “Manuscript History of Brigham Young” May 28-29, 1843 entries
15. Doctrine & Covenants 132:7 (LDS edition)
16. Matthew 22:25-30 (King James Version)

Hemlock Knots Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/hemlockknots
Hemlock Knots Website: hemlockknots.com

#lds #mormon #ldstemple #history #josephsmith #emmasmith #comefollowme

Brighams Handcarts: Trip from Hell or All is Well?

Hemlock Knots 2022-11-14 | The migration west to Utah is full of all kinds of stories: some faith-promoting, some adventurous, and some disastrous. Who and what were the driving factors behind the handcart company trips of 1856-1860? Who planned them? Who led them? Who took responsibility for them? The Martin & Willie handcart companies suffered far more despair and tragic death (over 200 deaths) than the Donor party's infamous fate (42 deaths) in 1846-1847. Regardless, these handcart journeys are still often described in modern LDS history as heroic, faithful and successful, despite the obvious failures and the propagandized "All is Well" chorus of "Come, Come Ye Saints." In this presentation, the researcher takes a look at the handcart migratory plans and the rescue efforts led by Utah LDS church leaders, and objectively analyzes the stories from this period in Utah's history to better understand what really happened, and why.

What are your thoughts or opinions about the handcart trips west? Let us know in the comments below.

Elijahs Visit in 1836: Fact or Fiction?

Hemlock Knots 2022-11-13 | According to modern LDS church history, heavenly permission to engage in eternal (and even polygamous) marriages came during an April 3, 1836 appearance from the angel Elijah shortly after the Kirtland chapel dedication. Did people immediately speak or write about this big news? Did the people immediately begin to obey the instructions? Was Joseph Smith even aware of this glorious angelic visit, or did he continue throughout his life to prophesy that Elijah would come in the future, completely forgetting that he already came? Who wrote this account in D&C 110? When? Why? How did it get into the modern scriptures? What was this "revelation" used to justify among Brigham Young's Utah saints?

What do you think? Is the D&C 110 story fact or fiction? Vote here: youtube.com/post/UgkxZAlZriLOpEyQhn8okB0w3d5ttydecFeB
...or let us know in the comments.

Brighams Priesthood Ban: How Blacks Were Denied Priesthood in The LDS Church

Hemlock Knots 2022-11-11 | A documentary that shows how the black priesthood ban of the LDS/Mormon church really came about, and who was the author of such a destructive policy. Who was in charge of this policy? What was the justification for denying blacks the priesthood from 1850s until 1978?

Let us know your opinion of this policy in the comments below.

The First LDS Polygamist: Joseph Smith or Brigham Young?

Hemlock Knots 2022-11-08 | Did the LDS/Mormon polygamy teachings start with Joseph Smith or Brigham Young? What did each of them say in regards to polygamy and its origins? Who claimed to be the originator of the "revelation" and who denied it?

Who started this practice? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Original research and video by Rob Fotheringham. At his request, I have posted it here on this channel.

Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy? Live Debate + Q&A

Hemlock Knots 2022-08-29 | Despite the plethora of public condemnations of polygamy during his lifetime, some believe that Joseph Smith was still teaching in private that polygamy was a commandment from God. Did he ever teach it? Did he ever write about it? Did he ever receive a revelation about it? Since there's no first-hand material from Joseph Smith in favor of polygamy, we must closely examine the accounts and records of both those who said he did, and those that insisted that he didn't. This debate seeks to shed light on this important question, covering the key arguments in this age-old debate: Did Joseph Smith ever teach polygamy?

This is part 2 of the polygamy debate series. For part 1 (Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist?), where we debate whether or not he actually practiced polygamy, see youtu.be/xE-pNIF3EWk.

Live stream debate includes 2 teams:
1) Affirmative team = Mark Tensmeyer & Jacob Vidrine
2) Negative team = Jeremy Hoop & Leo Ebbert

What do you think? Vote here: youtube.com/post/UgkxmXIDoDZbzhe5x7MxfQTk-fMtavbUcvLt

Was Joseph Smith Really A Polygamist? Live Debate + Q&A

Hemlock Knots 2022-08-08 | Did Joseph Smith practice polygamy or didn't he? If he did, where's the evidence? How reliable is it? And why are there so many accounts stating that he did, but so few are contemporary? These are the questions that’ll polarize those who study the life and teachings of Joseph Smith. What are the strongest arguments for Joseph Smith being a polygamist? What are the best sources that suggest he wasn't? This debate will answer these questions and more, in a structured, civil conversation about a complex question.

This is part 1 of the polygamy debate series. For part 2 (Did Joseph Smith Teach Polygamy?), where we debate whether or not he taught polygamy, see youtu.be/dm5aUNxzGk0.

Was Joseph Smith a practicing polygamist? Vote here:
youtube.com/post/UgkxDvYzID-9bJZcOTTQcyUY4mwLGRLgP27_

Live stream debate includes 2 teams:
1) Affirmative = Mark Tensmeyer & Jacob Vidrine
2) Negative = Jeremy Hoop & Leo Ebbert

#lds #mormon #polygamy

Why Was The Nauvoo Expositor Really Destroyed?

Hemlock Knots 2022-06-22 | Some insist that the Nauvoo Expositor was destroyed because of its slanderous remarks about Joseph Smith, but what do the contemporary historical records actually say? If the workings of the press were said to "bring the mob," why would a mob be outraged, given they were also against Joseph Smith and in favor of the slander being printed? Why would news of a surprise visit from Governor Ford cause prominent church leaders to scramble to adjust their accounting books? Why would a founding member of the Nauvoo Expositor burn the building down? Could there be something else that justified the destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor besides slander against Joseph Smith? Could the continuation of those same illegal activities after Joseph Smith's death be the catalyst for Brigham Young being forced to prematurely flee the state of Illinois in the dead of winter as a fugitive dodging federal indictments?

0:43 Why would Joseph Smith destroy this particular press, when dozens of newspapers had been printing slanderous pieces for decades?
1:57 William Law starts his own church May 1844, the month before publishing the Nauvoo Expositor
2:20 William & Wilson Law purchasing dies for making "bogus" (counterfeit) money (1)
3:41 Joseph H. Jackson's involvement in counterfeiting "trying to make bogus, which was his principle business" (2)
4:21 Joseph H. Jackson's character explored: Faking conversion to the church to expose Joseph Smith, threatening to take Hyrum's teenage daughter as wife by deadly force, and entertaining a job as a hired mercenary to kill Joseph Smith for William Law (2,3)
6:44 What was being counterfeited? (4,5)
7:12 The stated concern with the Nauvoo Expositor: It would bring the mob as it had before (2). When & why were mobs attacking previously?
8:07 Joseph Smith issues a caution against counterfeit "Kirtland Safety Society" notes (6)
8:15 1838 Excommunications of Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, John Whitmer, W.W. Phelps, Luke & Lyman Johnson: counterfeiting was named as one of the reasons for disciplinary action
9:20 John Taylor's account of the meeting with Governor Ford of IL, with William & Wilson Law, Foster, Chauncey Higbee, Mr. Mar, a lawyer from Nauvoo, a mob leader from Warsaw and Joseph H. Jackson and associates were present (7)
11:23 John Taylor immediately scrambles to gather up the printing dies and "adjusts" the accounting books with Elias Smith & Joseph Cain when he believes Governor Ford to be on his way (7,8)
15:17 Precedent for counterfeiting money among the saints in Kirtland, Missouri & Nauvoo; Joseph initiates a city ordinance March 1843 criminalizing counterfeiting up to 14 years in prison and $5,000 fine (9,6)
17:08 W.W. Phelps is named as "one of Joe Smith's bosom friends" that was "guilty of passing counterfeit money" (10,11)
18:22 What was counterfeited, exactly? Missouri & New York bank notes, forged Kirtland Safety Society notes, Mexican silver coins, 1828 half dollars (11)
19:39 Problems with the Kirtland Safety Society & theft (6), Oliver Cowdery & Frederik G. Williams' accusations of a man named Davis being involved in counterfeiting, and Oliver Cowdery's possible involvement (13, 14)
20:16 Who were the main people on record for being involved in counterfeiting?
22:03 What tactics were used to cover up their crimes?
23:01 Joseph H. Jackson states that Joseph Smith was not involved in counterfeiting and didn't know about it (1)
24:10 Brigham Young & 4 members of the Quorum of 12 indicted for federal counterfeiting crimes after Joseph Smith's death (15,16), and forced to flee Nauvoo 4 months earlier than planned (17), with leaders telling the people they are leaving "cheerfully"
28:32 Joseph Smith was accused by enemies of being involved, but is on record making public statement against it (similar to polygamy)

Sources:
1. "Revised Minutes, 17 June 1844" (JSP 18305 p.1)
2. Jun 17, 1844 "Revised Minutes, as reported in Nauvoo Neighbor" (JSP 17931 p.2)
3. "A Narrative of the Adventures & Experience of Joseph H. Jackson in Nauvoo" p.1
4. Warsaw Signal no. 10, Whole 128 (April 24, 1844)
5. Jun 10, 1844 "History, 1838-1856, volume F-1" (JSP 9111 p.76)
6. Joseph Smith "Notice, June 6, 1844" (JSP 1384 p.3)
7. John Taylor's account in "History of the Church" p.75-79
8. Jun 14, 1844 "Letter to Gov. Thomas Ford by John P. McEwen" (JSP 1396, p.1)
9. Joseph Smith "Ordinance, March 4, 1843, as published in the Wasp" (JSP 18434 p.1)
10. Jun 5, 1844 "The Warsaw Signal" no.17, whole 134
11. Apr 24, 1844 "The Warsaw Signal" no.11, whole 128
12. Jun 26, 1844 "History, volume F-1" (JSP 9111, p.229)
13. Jan 1837 "Minute Book 2" (JSP 7235 p.125)
14. Nov 1838 "Minutes & Testimonies" (JSP 4732, p.20)
15. Dec 18, 1845 "Reports of the U.S. District Attorneys, 1845-1850" (copy at CHL)
16. Records of the Solicitor of Treasury (group 206), and Records of the United States Senate (group 46)
17. "Administrative Records, Volume 1, Part 4" (JSP website)

#lds #mormon #comefollowme2022

Baptisms for the Dead?

Hemlock Knots 2022-06-06 | Where did this concept of "baptisms for the dead" originate? Who started it? When and where were the first baptisms for the dead practiced? When was this doctrine officially added to the teachings of the scriptures? Is the idea with baptisms for the dead compatible with other scriptural teachings on the atonement? How did Joseph Smith's unbaptized brother Alvin get to the Celestial Kingdom 4 years before baptisms for the dead were ever performed? These questions and more will be explored in this interview.

Shortcuts:
0:36 Earliest teachings associated with the later doctrine of baptisms for the dead (January 21, 1836 - Joseph Smith's vision of the Celestial Kingdom, which later became D&C 127 in 1981)
1:45 In response to the question "If the Mormon doctrine of true what has become of all those who have died since the days of the apostles?" Joseph Smith is believed to have said "All those who have not had an opportunity of hearing the gospel, and being administered to by an inspired man in the flesh, must have it hereafter, before they can be finally judged" (July 1838, Elder's Journal, JSP no. 8533 p. 43)
2:07 All "baptisms for the dead" references came from late church era (Nauvoo) 1840+ and is not included in the prior scriptures (Book of Mormon, 1833 Book of Commandments, 1835 D&C, Bible)
2:40 The requirement for "entering in at the gate" (baptism of fire & the Holy Ghost) is the baptism required for salvation, not baptism of water. Baptism is useless unless there's the baptism of the Holy Ghost and a remission of sin (Joseph Smith July 9, 1843 JSP no. 1114 p. 304)
5:07 Scriptures that challenge the notion of baptism for the dead
6:53 Misinterpreting the only reference to baptizing for the dead in the scriptures (1 Corinthians 15, verse 29)
7:49 Did baptisms for the dead come from Joseph Smith, and were they practicing it in Nauvoo?
9:26 Who are "the dead"? (Colossians 2 verses 12-14, Romans 6 verses 2-4)
10:52 Why would God punish the dead for the deeds of the living? (D&C 124 verses 32)
12:57 Summary of how apostasies happen (people believe false teachings)
14:39 Is Jesus Christ God the Father? (Alma 11 verses 38-39, Ether 4 verse 7, Mosiah 15 verses 1-5, 1 Nephi 11 verses 18,21,32,40 [1830 edition], Helaman 8 verse 23)
15:29 Summary & closing remarks

Interview w/ Michael Barrett (Restored Gospel Podcast). For the full interview, go here: restoredgospelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/353171/10586845-175-interview-with-mark-curtis-from-hemlock-knots

#baptismforthedead #lds #mormons #churchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #comefollowme

New & Everlasting Covenant... of Marriage?

Hemlock Knots 2022-05-30 | Explore the documentation behind the claim that marriage for eternity is a requirement for the celestial kingdom. What is the new and everlasting covenant? How has the new and everlasting covenant evolved in LDS church history, and was marriage part of that covenant initially? How did the saints break the covenant 12 years before it was revealed? At what point did eternal marriage become the focal point of the everlasting covenant and who was responsible for this "new" covenant?

0:22 LDS official narrative - May 16, 1843 Joseph Smith taught that entering into the new and everlasting covenant of marriage is required for exaltation (source 1)
1:56 D&C 131's origins
3:30 D&C 131 in our scriptures: added in 1876 under the direction of Brigham Young, with "meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage" added into the text.
5:22 Where did the requirement of eternal marriage as a pathway to celestial glory come from?
6:02 William Clayton's journal entry for May 16, 1843 (source 2)
7:30 Who gave these instructions in Ramus? Analysis of the alternative handwriting style that credits Joseph as the speaker. (source 2)
10:48 Benjamin F. Johnson's (possibly Joseph Smith's) summary of the everlasting covenant (source 2)
12:25 Thomas Bullock's church history "draft" showing additions, corrections & marginal notes for Brigham Young to later inspect this segment on marriage (source 3)
14:26 Comparison of all 3 original source documents: Clayton Journal (source 2), Thomas Bullock's church history draft (source 3) and final manuscript (source 4)
15:33 Changing the everlasting covenant, timeline of its evolution and scriptural analysis (sources 5,6,7,8,9)

Sources:
1. "Lesson 24: Doctrinal Developments in Nauvoo" Latter-day Saint History 1815-1846 Teacher's Manual (churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/latter-day-saint-history-1815-1846-teacher-material/lesson-24?lang=eng)
2. "Instruction, 16 May 1843, as Reported by William Clayton" [JSP 1068 p. 13-14] (josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/instruction-16-may-1843-as-reported-by-william-clayton/1)
3. "History Draft" [JSP 8470 p.31] (josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-draft-1-march-31-december-1843/44) - Handwriting of Thomas Bullock (not Willard Richards, as accidentally mentioned at 13:16 and 14:11)
4. "History, 1838–1856, volume D-1" [JSP 7624 p.1551] (josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/history-1838-1856-volume-d-1-1-august-1842-1-july-1843/194) - Handwriting of Thomas Bullock
5. 2 Nephi 31;17 (Book of Mormon) - estimated 559-545 BC
6. Doctrine & Covenants 22;1-4 - April 1830
7. Doctrine & Covenants 45;9 - March 1831
8. Doctrine & Covenants 49;9 - May 1831
9. Doctrine & Covenants 131;1-2 - April 1876

#lds #mormon #ldstemple

Is the Aaronic Priesthood Authentic?

Hemlock Knots 2022-05-13 | In this interview with Michael Barrett (Restored Gospel Podcast), we discuss some theories, ideas, facts and hypotheses surrounding the Aaronic priesthood. Where did the Aaronic priesthood come from? What does the documentary hypothesis suggest about the legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood claims? Why don't the earliest versions of the Moses story contain the parts about Aaron and his lineage having special rights? Who wrote the biblical parts of the story of Aaron, and when? Does the Book of Mormon support the concept of the priesthood of Aaron?

Shortcuts:
0:45 Aaronic priesthood in the scriptures
2:29 The Holy Order & the High Priesthood
3:03 Overview of the Documentary Hypothesis & additions from "The Priestly (P) Source"
8:25 Early LDS historical references & influences to the Aaronic priesthood
9:30 "Priestly (P)" source compared to the earlier "Yahwist (J)" and "Elohist (E)" sources
10:44 King David's involvement in early Aaronic priesthood roots
12:48 Were Moses & Aaron even brothers?
14:38 Plain & precious things, Book of Mormon
19:27 Book of Mormon, law of Moses, Lehi's sacrifice as a non-Levite/Aaronite
23:38 Hebrews 5-9 and what it says about the priesthood of Aaron
25:34 Priesthood "offices"
29:49 New doctrine added to the 1835 Doctrine & Covenants (#27 edit, #107 edit)
31:01 D&C 13 added in 1876
31:27 Sons of Levi need purging. Why?
31:58 Book of Commandments says nothing about Aaronic priesthood, details not added until 1835 edition (RLDS #26, LDS #27)
34:00 Earliest mentions of the Peter, James and John Melchizedek priesthood story
34:55 Church conference June 1831 at Isaac Morley's farm. Several people (Joseph Smith, John Corrill, Parley P. Pratt) state that this was the first time in this dispensation that the Melchizedek priesthood was conferred.
36:23 Should the Book of Mormon or mortal leaders be considered authoritative?
40:00 The Book of Mormon's role in confounding false doctrine in the latter days
45:50 What do "keys" have to do with anything?
49:55 The Aaronic priesthood continues "in His wrath" (a curse, not a blessing)
51:00 The Holy Order/Melchizedek priesthood: How is it given? Who gives it?
52:05 Who can legally have the Aaronic priesthood?
53:10 Oliver Cowdery's experience with John the Baptist?
53:51 Did Sidney Rigdon influence Oliver Cowdery & Joseph Smith's understanding of the priesthood?
55:12 Book of Mormon vs. LDS theology: Which do we follow today?
55:39 What I think happened in LDS history / what do we do about it?

For the full interview, go here: restoredgospelpodcast.buzzsprout.com/353171/10586845-175-interview-with-mark-curtis-from-hemlock-knots

#lds #priesthood #mormon

Was Polygamy Taught in the Scriptures?

Hemlock Knots 2022-02-02 | Part 4 of an interview between Ryan Hinckley (host of the "Mormon Theories" podcast) and Mark Curtis (Hemlock Knots), exploring the scriptural accounts of polygamy and monogamy as taught by a divine source. Do the scriptures justify the claim that God commanded polygamy? When in history did he ever do that? We explore in depth the questionable interpretation found in Jacob 2:30, on whether or not there's validity to the claim that God would command polygamy to "raise up seed."

What do you think about this? Did God ever command anyone to practice polygamy? Who? When? Where?

Recommended reading: bookofmormonism.com/2022/01/31/jacob-230-raising-up-seed-and-the-polygamy-question

Hear the full interview and subscribe to Mormon Theories podcast: - Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5DPEF64OMVN83YiDP6GK9I iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-theories/id1595689717 - Google: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy83MjgwYTY0OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiwq7u5weH1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

#lds #bookofmormon #polygamy

Who Wrote D&C 132?

Hemlock Knots 2022-02-02 | Part 3 of an interview between Ryan Hinckley (host of the "Mormon Theories" podcast) and Mark Curtis (Hemlock Knots), exploring the origins of the alleged July 12, 1843 revelation known today as D&C 132. Was it from Joseph Smith? Who wrote it? Where was it kept and why wasn't it shared with the saints for 9 years? What doctrines did it change? Does it match the writing style, tone, syntax and communication style of Joseph Smith or the voice used in former revelations?

What do you think about D&C 132? Is it what it claims to be? Let us know in the comments.

0:20 - JSP's entry of July 12, 1843
1:10 - Basic timeline walk-through beginning - Joseph Kingsbury's handwriting
1:19 - William Law's recollection of D&C 132 being originally shorter, but generally similar in content
2:30 - When did the saints learn about the D&C 132 revelation?
4:28 - What doctrines did D&C 132 change or redefine? Everlasting covenant, marriage, how to gain exaltation, sins being allowed
5:14 - D&C 132's threatening tone in contrast to other revelations
5:46 - Enid Debarthe's handwriting study of D&C 132 explored
6:52 - JSP document for July 12, 1843 journal entry analyzed (large gap in the entry)
9:22 - Story of Emma Smith burning the D&C 132 revelation
10:16 - D&C 132's history - what does it mean to you?
11:05 - Joseph Kingsbury's 45-minute error-free copy of D&C 132
11:59 - Who is Joseph Kingsbury (the scribe taking credit for the D&C 132 copy)?
12:25 - How does D&C 132 compare to the rest of the scriptures?

Hear the full interview and subscribe to Mormon Theories podcast: - Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5DPEF64OMVN83YiDP6GK9I iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-theories/id1595689717 - Google: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy83MjgwYTY0OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiwq7u5weH1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

#lds #josephsmith #doctrineandcovenants

Fanny Alger: Fact or Fiction?

Hemlock Knots 2022-02-02 | Part 2 of an interview between Ryan Hinckley (host of the "Mormon Theories" podcast) and Mark Curtis (Hemlock Knots), exploring the story of Fanny Alger. We discuss the quantity & quality of the 19 sources behind the story, and how they align with today's common narrative. We also address Oliver Cowdery's alleged accusations of Joseph Smith committing adultery with Fanny Alger, and how that comports with the actual records.

What do you think of the Fanny Alger story? What questions do you have? Let us know in the comments and we'll try to help.

0:40 - Fanny Alger's 19 "sources" - qualitative & quantitative research behind her story
2:27 - The earliest 2nd hand accounts
4:07 - What do the experts say about the credibility of the Fanny Alger story?
7:45 - Fanny Alger's brother (a Utah LDS member) knew nothing about any of it?
8:29 - Oliver Cowdery's alleged accusation of Joseph Smith's relationship with Fanny Alger
13:48 - Closing remarks about Fanny Alger story

⚠️ Correction: I mentioned that Fanny Alger was 14 when the incident supposedly happened, mistaking her age for Helen Mar Kimball’s. Fanny was 18-19 years old at the time of the allegations.

Fanny Alger timeline of events: hemlockknots.com/fanny

Hear the full interview and subscribe to Mormon Theories podcast:
- Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5DPEF64OMVN83YiDP6GK9I
iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-theories/id1595689717
- Google: podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy83MjgwYTY0OC9wb2RjYXN0L3Jzcw?sa=X&ved=0CAMQ4aUDahcKEwiwq7u5weH1AhUAAAAAHQAAAAAQAQ&hl=en

#fannyalger #polygamy #lds

Who Killed Joseph Smith? - Live Q&A w/ Directors (Part 2)

Hemlock Knots 2022-01-26 | Part 2 of the interview series with Justin Griffin & Steve Sorensen (directors of the documentary "Who Killed Joseph Smith?") where we take questions from a live audience, discuss the particulars of the theories in the movie. We'll also discuss personal lives of the directors, their beliefs about certain things, critiques to the movie's theories and research, and more. Leave all of your questions in the comments section below, like the best questions and we'll try to cover as many as possible.

Watch part 1 of the series here: youtu.be/f-g0cjF9NSg
Full documentary: whokilledjosephsmith.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/whokilledjosephsmith
Hemlock Knots Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/hemlockknots

#whokilledjosephsmith #lighttheworld

Hemlock Knots Live Stream

Hemlock Knots 2022-01-24 | ...

Changing LDS Church History

Hemlock Knots 2022-01-18 | Have their been changes to the LDS church history, as well as Joseph Smith's personal history? Who was involved? When did it happen? How did it happen? Are modern LDS church leaders and general membership aware of these changes? If so, are they willing to admit that changes have been made, or will they insist that there were no changes ever made? These quotes and documents outline the answer to these questions and more, as we kick off this series investigating the nature of these LDS church history changes.

1:00 - Overview of the 2 major historical rewrites (History of the Church & Saints)
1:42 - Brigham Young "commenced revising the history of Joseph Smith" Apr 1, 1845
5:12 - "The date when Brigham Young began revising the history"
5:47 - Charles Wandell: "after Joseph's death his memoir was 'doctored' to suit the new order of things, and this too by the direct order of Brigham Young to Doctor Richards"
8:11 - Wilford Woodruff's journal July 11, 1856 quoting Brigham Young stating "it is not essential to be inserted into the history and it had better be omitted"
12:37 - J. Reuben Clark "the printed Documentary History is not one that we can invariably rely upon... if facts got int he way [of the church's thesis] it was too bad, and they were omitted"
15:03 - Wilford Woodruff Aug 6, 1856 journal describing Brigham Young asking why a 13+ year old story was not included in the history
17:12 - Brigham Young's Oct 1866 story added retroactively into 1840s church history
20:37 - Willard Richards' "Happiness Letter" added retroactively (1855) into church history as one of Joseph Smith's journal entry, erroneously added a week after it appeared in a newspaper

For show notes, discussion and video presentation, visit hemlockknots.com/8

#mormon #lds #comefollowme2022

Who Killed Joseph Smith? Interview w/ Justin Griffin & Steve Sorensen (Part 1)

Hemlock Knots 2021-12-27 | 👇click "Show More" to skip to specific questions
Part 1 - Exclusive interview with Justin Griffin (Director & Producer) and Steve Sorensen (Film Maker) to discuss their full-featured documentary film "Who Killed Joseph Smith?" We'll discuss the project, multiple theories, research, science, forensics, ballistics, chronologies, legal proceedings, historical accounts, changes in church histories, insights from leading experts and more in an attempt to better understand one of the most significant murders in American history: The assassination of Joseph & Hyrum Smith on June 27, 1844 at Carthage Jail. The finished documentary is scheduled for a January 13, 2022 release, available at whokilledjosephsmith.com.

0:14 - Introductions - Justin Griffin (producer & director) & Steve Sorensen (film maker)
0:35 - What's this film all about and why did you guys get involved?
2:29 - What did you know before you began the project, and how does it compare to what you know now?
3:49 - Why the LDS church has abandoned the details of the 2 eye-witness accounts (Willard Richards & John Taylor)
5:04 - When were Willard Richards' & John Taylor's 2 eye-witness accounts written?
5:40 - What about John Taylor's D&C 135 account?
⭐ Analysis of 2 eyewitness accounts ⭐
6:03 - Diagram of the Carthage Jail's dimensions
6:57 - Who was in jail? Why?
7:53 - Where were the 4 guys in the room & what were they doing when it all happened?
8:12 - How many men were against the door? Taylor v Richards conflicting accounts
9:30 - The Dan Jones account - avoiding the doorway, against the wall
10:20 - Analysis of the 2 shots into the door
11:28 - What would you do if you were standing against a door that just got shot through?
11:58 - What happened after the shots were fired through the door?
12:23 - 5% downward angle analysis of 2nd door shot (reportedly hitting Hyrum's face)
14:19 - Hyrum's shot in the back theory
14:49 - Joseph Smith's 6 shots explained - 2 different stories
17:25 - John Taylor's window escape attempt explained
⭐ John Taylor's Pocket Watch ⭐
18:55 - Ballistic analysis of the shooting of John Taylor's pocket watch
22:54 - The "slit" in John Taylor's pocket
24:56 - The LDS church's changing of the John Taylor pocket watch story
⭐ Critics vs. Researchers ⭐
27:15 - What are the major Carthage researchers trying to accomplish?
28:10 - What are you trying to prove with your theory?
28:39 - Sacred cows
29:49 - The difference between critics & researchers
31:35 - Addressing the "mob did it" common belief

Watch part 2 of the series here: youtu.be/ZEyXihepN4o
Full documentary: whokilledjosephsmith.com
Facebook page: facebook.com/whokilledjosephsmith
Hemlock Knots Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/hemlockknots

#whokilledjosephsmith #josephsmith #comefollowme2022

Interview w/ Ryan Fisher, Nephite Explorer

Hemlock Knots 2021-11-22 | Explore Ryan Fisher's life experiences, discoveries, beliefs, interests and his understanding of what happened among the Nephites of the Book of Mormon and the early latter-day churches alike.

Resources mentioned in the presentation:

- "The Missing Piece" (full presentation) - youtube.com/watch?v=TXXkwKNdOtQ

- Nauvoo Temple - docs.google.com/document/d/1cwBcit0AvIsdL9Ut31T7BEtyZSxjiJ2z-yirf4Dyv6I/edit?usp=sharing

- Nauvoo temple timeline of events - docs.google.com/file/d/1gIeNwTywsEF8M19FmqsIjZzvfJYFtrVx/edit?usp=docslist_api&filetype=msword

Rob Fotheringham Interview

Hemlock Knots 2021-10-25 | Rob Fotheringham is an independent researcher, YouTube channel operator & former LDS church employee of 9 years on the LDS gospel library, welfare projects, perpetual education fund and more. Rob is best known for his series of videos that outline LDS subjects of interest, including:

- First LDS Polygamist: Joseph or Brigham? (youtu.be/F5heXE5xS5w)

- Rejecting the Fullness (youtu.be/cZMxMjHPF7Q)

- The Prophetic Book of Mormon (youtu.be/MRbabXmHeJY)

- Joseph Smith Never Mentioned a Visit from Elijah in the Kirtland Temple (youtu.be/VGuaHkvsJzM)

- Jesus vs. The Perpetual Education Fund (youtu.be/VvlkvGVhzh0)

- To the Rescue (youtu.be/PsQsxoND-3I)

- The Words of Joseph Smith?
(youtu.be/WKq8mNn0L6c)

- Brigham's Priesthood Ban: (youtu.be/uBSCHF-RkiE)

Subscribe to Rob's YouTube channel for more videos: youtube.com/channel/UCds7RV8cvnsTHpqXJvT3Uhw

Show notes & audio podcast: https//hemlockknots.com/5

#lds #mormon #thechurchofjesuschristoflatterdaysaints #robfotheringhham

Interview w/ Whitney Horning, Author of Joseph Smith Revealed: A Faithful Telling

Hemlock Knots 2021-09-27 | 👇click "Show More" to skip to specific questions
Whitney Horning's book "Joseph Smith Revealed: A Faithful Telling" explores Joseph Smith's energetic denunciation of polygamy amid the growing "new order of things" in Nauvoo.

1:00 - Whitney's personal life, childhood, religious background, education, career, family & marriage, the evolution of her beliefs and how she came about to write the book (52 minutes)
----- Q&A -----
53:48 - Start of questions & answers from the audience
54:34 - Are you able to pinpoint one particular source for the origin of LDS polygamy?
58:28 - How do you respond to the church essays? Many members don't even know about them but they are in direct opposition to what you are saying.
1:00:37 - In your book you talk about James Whitehead testifying that there was a revelation about sealings that was potentially changed into a revelation about polygamy (Sect. 132). If Joseph did receive a revelation about sealings a year before he died why wasn't it ever made public or published or voted on by the church?
1:05:13 - What are the true origins of D&C 132?
1:08:43 - Do you recognize a connection between ignorance of what was actually published and people's opposition to what they say you published? Are they informed when they oppose you?
1:09:26 - What is the evidence that the original D&C 101 was commissioned by Joseph to Oliver writing it, instead of Oliver writing it himself?
1:11:02 - If Joseph & Hyrum were innocent (and Brigham & the Twelve were guilty), then how do you reconcile the fact that so many who were very much against Brigham EITHER still turned to polygamy themselves (such as William Smith, James Strang, and Lyman Wight) OR simply accused Joseph of originating the practice (like former 1st Presidency members Sidney Rigdon and William Law)?
1:14:01 - What have you learned about Levi Hancock? Was he the one trying to marry Fanny Alger?
1:17:02 - Has your book had any impact on those who left the church and stopped believing in God all together because they thought Joseph was a polygamist?
1:18:34 - Joseph Smith III asked his mother directly if there was anything about his father and spiritual wives that she could recall. She gave a very clear no saying that Joseph had no other wives, spiritual or otherwise, ”in any sense”. That would seem to me to contradict your narrative. How do you account for that?
1:20:51 - Could you discover the Joseph Smith quotes exonerating him 20 years ago? What has changed?
1:22:21 - Did Emma actually push ER Snow down the stairs causing Snow to miscarry?
1:26:28 - what's the best way you have found to share this message?
1:28:23 - Did Emma keep a journal? If so, do we have it, or was it destroyed?
1:29:12 - Were you able to find information from Joseph smith about Temples, and temple covenants? What other information if any do you know of that the church teaches that didn’t come from Joseph smith?
1:32:41 - Have you been able to access any of the original journals of Joseph Smith in the Church's historical building that Emma had requested Brigham return to her?"
1:33:19 - Are there any accounts or documents from the Cochranites about their practices and ordinances? Like the D&C except for Cochranites?
1:34:51 - Did you find much connecting BY to the Cochranites?
1:36:43 - How do you explain Abraham and Jacobs actions in having multiple wives?
1:41:03 - Allegedly Brigham and others who were serving missions in England where they claim to have had revelations about "spiritual wivery" did you research the England connection?
1:41:59 - Why do you think the church doesn’t come clean on the true history of the church and origins of polygamy?
1:45:40 - Knowing what you do about Brigham, has that affected your feelings towards the modern day church?
1:49:05 - How did the “scholars” come up with the names of Joseph’s wives? What is their source material?
1:51:46 - Was there really a "secret chamber" who plotted against Joseph?
1:54:55 - Closing remarks from Whitney Horning and advice to the audience

For more episodes, study guides & sources: hemlockknots.com/4

#josephsmith #lds #polygamy

Origins of LDS Polygamy? Samuel Smith & Orson Hydes Missionary Journals Among the Cochranites

Hemlock Knots 2021-07-21 | What are the real origins of LDS polygamy? Where did it start? Who was involved? Where did these teachings of spiritual wives and plural wives come from? One of the earliest contemporary first hand records we have are the priceless journals of Samuel Smith and Orson Hyde, two early Mormon missionaries who detailed extensively their findings among the Cochranite people of 1832 New England. Did the Cochranites influence early LDS polygamy? Why does the LDS church own these journals, yet speak nothing of them and their connections to early origins of polygamy.

If you liked the show, subscribe, like and share with your friends. Join the conversation and see the show notes at hemlockknots.com/3.

2:05 - General overview of Jacob Cochran & the Cochranite people's beliefs, including the oaths, covenants (including a penalty oath), rituals, spiritual life systems, communal property, maps of their village locations, estimated populations, etc.
7:43 - Polygamy sanctioned & justified by mention of polygamists in the Bible, similar to LDS foundational beliefs
8:58 - What was the established law of marriage in 1832 while Samuel & Orson were out preaching?
10:35 - The only earlier claim prior to 1832 mission to New England was W.W. Phelps's letter to Brigham Young in 1861 (30 year memory, never written down), stating that "some" missionaries were to marry lamanite women "in the same manner that Abraham took Hagar and Katurah."
12:48 - Inaccuracies and false ideas exposed from W. W. Phelps's letter to Brigham Young.
13:48 - Introduction to the mission of Samuel Smith & Orson Hyde
14:25 - Journal sources and citations explained
15:07 - Reading of the journals of Samuel Smith & Orson Pratt (June 29, 1832 - November 9, 1832)
30:50 - Were the LDS missionaries sleeping in Cochranite homes?
33:29 - The gathering efforts to convince Cochranites to relocate into Zion
34:54 - 3 LDS Church conferences held in Saco, ME. When were they? Who attended? How many from these Cochranite areas became members of the church?
36:05 - August Adams Cobb (Brigham Young's 2nd plural wife) explained
37:26 - Brigham Young's premarital association with Augusta Adams Cobb explored. Brigham Young traveled often to New England, sometimes traveling alone with no mission companion, contrary to the law set forth regarding missionaries traveling "two by two."
39:14 - Summary & greater context to the origins of polygamy in the LDS churches, closing remarks

Subscribe to podcast:
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Join the community to comment, discuss, share, etc:
- Facebook group (public): facebook.com/groups/hemlockknots

#polygamy #lds #comefollowme2022

Intro to the Hemlock Knots Show

Hemlock Knots 2021-07-12 | An introduction to the Hemlock Knots show. We cover the origins, purpose and agenda of the website and the show, including which topics we’ll cover. We talk about the name of the show, the website, the community resources and the problems we're trying to solve.

0:29 - What’s the show about?
1:11 - Peter Brown introduction
2:07 - Dustin Grady introduction
3:12 - Mark Curtis introduction
4:14 - Show formats explained (podcast, YouTube channel, Facebook page, Facebook group, website with articles and comments)
5:00 - Dustin's reasons for doing the show
5:44 - Peter's reasons for doing the show
7:45 - Mark's reasons for doing the show
8:34 - Explanation of the "Hemlock Knots" project name. What does it mean?
11:00 - Upcoming topics and setting expectations

Show notes: hemlockknots.com/1
#ldschurch #hemlockknots