In this episode, we’re joined by historian and mapmaker John Hamer as he responds to Michelle Stone’s recent claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and his extensive research, John offers context and analysis on one of the most debated topics in Latter-day Saint history. Join us for an insightful conversation unpacking the complexities of Joseph Smith’s involvement in early Mormon polygamy.
John Hamer is an American-Canadian historian who has focused primarily on Mormon history and has published a number of books on the topic, including Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism and House of the Lord: The Story of the Kirtland Temple. John Hamer was raised in the Mormon Church, left the religion and joined the Community of Christ Church in 2010 and now serves as a pastor in their Toronto Congregation.
00:00:50 Michelle Stone
00:01:50 John Hamer has been on MSP eleven times at least
00:03:35 Background for John Hamer
00:11:30 Why would the Community of Christ have an interest in this topic?
00:22:07 A Golden Age of Disinformation
00:30:20 Personal Investment in Disinformation
00:31:45 Why do people prefer disinformation?
00:35:35 False Equation as the Basis
00:37:35 Rejection of Expertise
00:43:47 Holding Beliefs in Contradiction to Evidence
00:45:53 Religious Propositions - such as flat earthers
00:51:41 Solomon Spaulding Theory for the Book of Mormon
01:01:35 Historians regardless of affiliation conclude that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy
01:04:40 Testimonies of Every Type of Witness
01:09:17 Why Credit This Conspiracy Theory?
01:15:30 “Lying for the Lord” Joseph didn’t think he was lying
01:24:45 Lying for the Lord about Polygamy timeline
01:32:10 Joseph Smith III and the story of the wedge
01:37:19 Michelle Stone and the broad rejection of expertise
01:42:00 Apologetic Lack of Methodology
01:48:?? Uphold Knowledge Not Truth Claims
01:52:20 Questions for John Hamer on the topic of polygamy
02:07:46 The text of D&C 132, it has the context of the time
02:11:40 Temple Lot Case
02:19:30 John Hamer’s final words for the show
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