Emma, the Relief Society, and Voice of Innocence

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.

___________________

Show Notes

YouTube

At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.  

Our overall mission is to: 

1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology

2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis

3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions

🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today

One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m 

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories 

Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories 

Join this channel to get access to perks:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join

Our Platforms:

🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 

🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories 

✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 

🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 

🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 

📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 

🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF 

Contact us:

📧 MormonStories@gmail.com

📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117