Did Joseph Smith Speak in Tongues? - John Turner Pt. 12 | Ep. 2053

In this episode, we continue our in-depth series with historian John G. Turner, author of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Continuing with chapter five of his book which takes place in 1829 in Palmyra, New York, we take a deep dive into the claims of the Three and Eight Witnesses to the golden plates. Did they actually see physical plates—or was it a visionary experience?We explore the early translation period, the role of the Whitmer family, the revelations guiding Joseph Smith, and the complicated testimonies of Martin Harris, Oliver Cowdery, and David Whitmer. Were the golden plates material objects, or were they seen with "spiritual eyes"? We also discuss later accounts, contradictions, and the ongoing debate among scholars and believers.Highlights:-The experiences of the Three and Eight Witnesses-Spiritual vs. physical claims of the plates-Testimonies, contradictions, and controversies-What happened to the plates—and the witnesses—afterwardSubscribe for more episodes exploring Joseph Smith’s life, early Mormonism, and the origins of the Book of Mormon.Please purchase the book here.To support this series please donate here. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________⁠Show Notes⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

20 Juni 1h 55min

Shocking new breaking news!!!! Did you know that LDS Church prophet John Taylor started Mormon Fundamentalism?The LDS Church History Library just released hi-res scans of the original version of a September 27, 1886, revelation to church president John Taylor that commanded Mormons to “do the works of Abraham.” As the LDS Church was gradually winding down polygamy after 1890, a growing movement believed that polygamy was essential and could not be discarded. The revelation quietly circulated through copies, giving their position some teeth. Then, in the early 1920s, a man named Lorin Woolley began telling the other half of the story: at the time of the revelation, John Taylor had ordained him and other men with the authority to perform plural marriages and ensure “the principle” never died. What is this revelation, what does it say, and how was it used and even denied by church leaders?We are joined today by Bryan Buchanan of Benchmark Books and co-host of Sunstone History Podcast to talk about the new revelation.00:00:00 Introduction00:02:20 What John’s understand has been up to this point00:06:34 What happened? New documents released00:12:15 The church is attempting to be more transparent than in the past00:14:02 Quick review of polygamy history00:22:11 Reading the first document - Letter to John Taylor00:34:20 John Taylor passes away in 1837 - in hiding00:40:12 They want to become a state, but do not want to give up polygamy00:46:45 The response from Deseret News00:53:26 The second manifesto00:55:00 Leaders are dishonest in the Smoot hearings01:15:16 The Smoot hearings are a watershed moment01:23:50 First documented case of the 1886 revelation being circulated01:45:00 Badger receives a typed copy of these revelations01:53:30 Why are patriarchs or stake presidents performing plural marriages?01:58:00 Salt Lake Tribune is publishing huge lists of people who are new polygamists 02:05:20 John Taylor to John Woolley document02:16:12 What are Lorin Woolley’s motives?02:23:08 Around the 20s, the first full revelation is published02:39:29 J Reuben Clark - 1923 document03:04:18 John Taylor visited by Jesus saying polygamy is an eternal principle 03:14:03 “Truth” magazine published in 1935, and various other books03:17:20 J Reuben Clark Statement from June of 193303:44:05 “Latter-day Revelation” book made available (like a condensed D&C) 04:15:00 Why Bryan finds this to be such a fascinating time in Mormon history04:17:55 Come to Sunstone!___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

16 Juni 4h 20min

Join John, Britt Hartley, and Kolby Reddish today as we host a live call-in show around the topic: "What caused you to lose your Mormon faith?" We would love to hear from you.Show Notes⁠⁠YouTube⁠00:00:00 Introduction to the Q&A00:05:20 Where does the idea of a “shelf” come from?00:14:40 Kolby’s shelf-breaking moment00:25:25 Polls Results00:38:35 Britt’s shelf breaking moment00:51:53 Sloan Smart - The Happiness Letter01:15:00 Samuel01:21:55 Chris - The Second Annointing01:49:55 Jennie from Life Take Two01:56:00 Kurt02:02:40 Annie Edwards - Mormonism is not a place for women02:10:40 Mark Stoddard02:16:15 Melissa02:20:08 Mike & Kerry Fuller02:22:50 Mark and Stephanie02:31:24 Samantha02:33:30 Gene Judson02:37:30 Closing commentsMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

14 Juni 2h 45min

In Part 4 of our deep-dive podcast series with historian Dr. John G. Turner, we explore one of the most debated questions in Latter-day Saint history: Did Joseph Smith actually use the golden plates to translate the Book of Mormon?This episode covers Chapter Five in John G. Turner’s new book titled Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet. Chapter Five deals with the three and eight witnesses to the golden plates that happened in 1829 in Palmyra, New York, and reveals new perspectives on how the Book of Mormon was produced and what was happening behind the scenes. We also cover the roles of Oliver Cowdery and Martin Harris, Cowdery’s relationship to the Smiths, the use of seer stones and divining rods, and the complex origins of LDS priesthood authority. Topics include:-Joseph’s poverty and early struggles-Martin Harris’ doubts and dedication-Translation methods and spiritual tools-Priesthood revelations and baptisms-Internal conflicts and legacyDon’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you enjoy thoughtful conversations on religious history.Please purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________Show NotesYouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

12 Juni 1h 41min

In this powerful, raw, and emotional conversation, Nathan Hinckley and his daughter Kayli open up about their journey through Mormonism — from deep devotion to painful disillusionment — and how faith, family, and unexpected truths collided at one of the most sacred moments: Kayli’s wedding.From early seminary mornings and dreams of the Celestial Kingdom to patriarchal blessings, church culture clashes, and a heartbreaking faith crisis — this interview pulls no punches. Nathan, a once-devoted bishop and father, shares how his spiritual unraveling sent shockwaves through his family, culminating in a moment that changed everything at his daughter's temple wedding.How do you break the news to your family that you no longer believe — when your whole life has been built around it?How did Kayli handle growing up as a “perfect Mormon girl,” only to find herself questioning it all before adulthood?Topics explored:-Growing up Mormon in Tennessee-Spiritual perfectionism & scrupulosity-Patriarchal expectations vs self-identity-Leaving the Church and breaking generational cycles-Family dynamics around faith, control, and truth___________________YouTubeShow Notes00:00:00 Introduction00:04:41 How the Hinckley’s end up in Tennessee00:22:29 Kayli’s upbringing on “the compound” also called “The Mormon Holler” by non-members00:26:15 Mormon garment mindset and wearing bikinis00:36:10 Kayli learning the word “feminist”00:42:45 Scrupulosity around beauty and appearance or just the rules?01:07:56 Persecution complex, throwing rocks at a tree01:22:00 Getting her patriarchal blessing01:27:49 Dating non-members and finding a husband01:46:45 How was Kayli’s testimony during this time?01:57:03 Still born sister that she wanted to see in heaven02:04:16 Nathan losing his testimony02:13:40 Nathan was asked to take a survey for the Church on the Gospel Topics Essays02:27:30 Nathan struggles with his testimony02:36:17 Kayli goes down the rabbit hole while parents on vacation02:39:59 I was one person before, and in the next moment I was a different person02:50:38 Why didn’t Nathan just hide it or fake it02:55:51 Nathan began writing and posting things publicly 03:01:01 Kayli removed her name from the Church pretty quickly03:05:26 “An Old Friend of Mine” song03:14:30 How did Ethan respond to Kayli’s deep dive into the church?Mormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

9 Juni 3h 59min

Welcome to part three of the Joseph Smith Podcast! Today we are back with Dr. John Turner to cover his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” Today we are covering Chapter Four titled: Lost in Translation which takes place in 1827-1829 in Palmyra, New York.In this episode, we explore one of the most pivotal and mysterious events in early Mormon history — the story of Martin and Lucy Harris and the infamous loss of the 116 pages of the Book of Mormon manuscript. With historian and non-Latter-day Saint scholar John G. Turner, we dive into the complexities of translation, belief, and the relationships that shaped the early Restoration movement.We also examine:-The discovery of the plates-Martin Harris’ background and motives-Lucy Harris’ suspicions and possible involvement-The cultural and religious context of the time-Theories about the Book of Mormon translation process-What the loss of the 116 pages reveals about Joseph Smith’s prophetic developmentThis episode also reflects on broader themes of faith, deception, historical interpretation, and the psychology behind religious movements. Whether you're a believer, skeptic, or historian, this deep-dive provides rich insight from a non-Mormon perspective.Please purchase the book ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠⁠here⁠⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeShow NotesMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord

5 Juni 2h 53min

Lindsay and Todd McCormick, a couple from Knoxville, Tennessee, share their powerful and emotional journey navigating faith, doubt, and community pressure within the LDS Church. From their musical Mormon upbringing and successful business ventures to being threatened twice with excommunication, this interview dives deep into the cost of questioning and choosing authenticity over conformity.They open up about their faith crisis, the controversial City Creek Mall, navigating parenthood in the church, and ultimately, their heartbreaking experience with betrayal from close friends and leaders. Through all of it, their love for each other and desire for truth remained steadfast.Topics include:-Faith deconstruction and polygamy-Church discipline and double standards-Excommunication threats and “apostasy”-Cultural expectations, identity, and healing-Choosing honesty over fear in Mormonism-Watch their raw and courageous story unfold.Contact Information:Lindsay on FacebookLindsay on InstagramTodd on FacebookTodd on InstagramPhotobarnLindsay's Photo Business00:00:56 Introductions00:03:14 Lindsay’s Mormon story00:10:23 Gender expectations growing up00:14:48 Lindsay started a photography business00:17:15 Todd’s Mormon story00:21:40 They met on her birthday and married in the Nauvoo Temple00:24:06 When did their faith journey begin and their doubts?00:25:47 How did the threats for excommunication start?00:35:11 Todd didn’t feel inspired, he felt stagnant00:36:30 They started their Photo Barn business and became successful overnight00:41:55 Story of them in the temple and Lindsay thinking critically00:43:33 Story of them in Sunday School and the prophets not leading them astray00:50:21 The next catalyst happened on a ward temple trip00:55:00 They chose to start over in all of their beliefs, taking subjects one by one, etc. 01:10:04 They realized the Doctrine and Covenants was a mess01:16:22 The Word of Wisdom is confusing01:29:20 They gave talks in Sacrament Meeting and were corrected publicly01:31:08 “There is a case being built against the McCormicks”01:33:55 Facing excommunication or baptizing their eight year old01:37:13 Not being authentic can really hurt your physical and mental health01:57:36 It’s a testament to how much they love the church that they attended for years02:01:08 The person in the bishopric that worked for them that they let go02:07:45 They got a message that the Stake President wanted to meet with them02:12:05 They presented seven letters in a folder, less letters than before02:17:58 Her friend repeated that Lindsay joked about wine02:21:09 What happens when you get excommunicated 02:32:30 One critical part of the story - telling the leaders that they needed a warning02:38:32 They were shocked when they found out that they were NOT getting excommunicated02:41:49 How has the membership played out after this moment? 02:49:18 Nathan apologized for how he treated her when she left the church02:59:14 I didn’t leave the church AT you, it’s just our path___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:⁠⁠One-time or recurring donation through Donorbox⁠⁠⁠⁠Support us on Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠PayPal⁠⁠⁠⁠Venmo⁠⁠Our Platforms:⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠Social Media:⁠⁠Insta: @mormstories⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: @mormonstoriespodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Join the Discord⁠⁠Contact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

2 Juni 3h 3min

In this second episode exploring the new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet” by John G. Turner, we dive into chapters two and three. Chapter Two titled “Light” covers the years 1817-1825. We discuss such topics as Joseph Smith's evolving accounts of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural influences, and Turner's critical conclusions about Smith's experiences and motivations.Topics include:-The First Vision's late emergence and conflicting versions-Treasure digging and supernatural claims-The influence of revivalist culture-Early church documents and evolving theology-Turner's secular interpretation of Joseph Smith’s storyPlease purchase the book ⁠here⁠.To support this series please donate ⁠here⁠. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series.___________________YouTubeMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsSocial Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the DiscordContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117

30 Maj 2h 29min