Origins of the Council of Fifty

Welcome to Part 39 of our Joseph Smith Podcast series with Dr. John Turner!

In Chapter 30 titled “The Kingdom (which covers the year 1844), we explore what may be the true beginning of the end for Joseph Smith –politically, socially, and religiously. 

This episode dives into Joseph Smith’s unexpected run for President of the United States, including the development of his platform, his views on slavery, and how he attempted to position himself within the broader national debate. We examine the role of figures like William Phelps in shaping the platform, as well as the tensions between abolitionism, racial attitudes, and expansionist ideas in the 1840s.

We then turn to one of the most controversial developments of this period: the Council of Fifty –a secretive body tied to the concept of the “Kingdom of God” on earth. What did it mean for Joseph Smith to be anointed as a king? How did this council blur the line between church and state? 

At the same time, opposition is rising. Polygamy is becoming public, creating internal fractures and external outrage. We discuss the growing resistance within Nauvoo, including Emma Smith’s return to the Relief Society and her public pushback against plural marriage. 

Finally, we examine the King Follett Discourse, one of Joseph SMith’s most theologically expansive sermons –introducing ideas about the nature of God and humanity that would shape Latter-day theology moving forward. 

All of this unfolds amid increasing tension, dissent, and conflict that will soon erupt in dramatic ways. 

If you’d like to help keep this project going, please consider donating to support this series here. Your support makes long-form, in-depth historical discussion like this possible!

Purchase John Turner’s book here.

Let us know your thoughts on a Brigham Young series (comprising ten episodes) covering John Turner’s book Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet.

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Show Notes

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