Welcome back for Part 22 of our Joseph Smith the Podcast series with Dr. John G. Turner as we continue to cover his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.”
In this episode, we explore one of the most controversial and lesser-known chapters in early Latter-day Saint history –the rise of the Danites, a secretive paramilitary organization formed during the turbulent Missouri period of 1838.
We trace tensions between Mormons and non-Mormons escalated into organized violence, how Joseph Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and other church leaders responded, and what this meant for the future of the Latter-day Saint movement. Along the way, we discuss excommunications, failed settlements, political conflicts, and the enduring question: Did Joseph Smith authorize the Danites’ violent actions?
This is the first half of Chapter 19 of the book, covering the years 1838-1839 in Missouri –where “Zion” collided with the American frontier.
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.
00:06:35 The Mormons settled in Caldwell county, little Zion00:10:50 Joseph doesn’t want a repeat of what happened in Kirtland, Ohio00:15:15 Many of the Brethren no longer have confidence in Joseph Smith00:26:20 The true crime was disloyalty00:30:07 Is it possible that Oliver falsely accused Joseph with Fanny Alger?00:36:54 Adam-ondi-Ahman and the Garden of Eden00:40:18 Did Joseph Smith think the Book of Mormon geography expanded down to MesoAmerica?00:47:46 Rapidly growing Mormon settlements and non-Mormons object to it00:50:30 The Danites in Mormon history01:03:22 People fighting in the temple and everything was falling apart01:07:37 Joseph Smith authorizes violence against non-Mormon Missourians01:08:36 Who were the Danites and did Joseph Smith authorize it?01:21:49 Salty speech from Sidney Rigdon01:29:44 Danite sign of distress01:31:19 Closing remarks - lead up to Missouri mob violence01:36:09 If the Saints had always acted peacefully, could they have been left alone to thrive in Missouri?
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