Episode 4 of Beginnings explores Joseph Smith's early life as a "money digger" or treasure seeker before his religious claims and founding of Mormonism.
Sources
- ESSAY: LDS.ORG: Treasure Seeking
- ESSAY: LDS.ORG: Joseph Smith's 1826 Trial
- ESSAY: Mormon Stories: _Joseph Smith, Magic and Treasure Digging
- VIDEO: Mormon Stories: Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging | Ep. 1575 | LDS Discussions Ep. 01
- VIDEO: Mormon Stories_John Hammer: Folk Magic and Mormon Origins
- ESSAY: FAIR LDS: Joseph Smith Folk Magic and the Occult
- VIDEO: Mormon Stories_Dan Vogel: Joseph Smith and Treasure Digging
- ESSAY: FAIR LDS: Joseph Smith Money Digging
AI Prompt
Discuss what problems, if any, Joseph Smith's money digging and magical view pose to his later claims to be a prophet. Discuss the actions, beliefs, and potential motives of Joseph Smith himself, his family, and the beople around him. Discuss the influence this magical view had on the restoration of the gospel, the Book of Mormon, and Mormon faith. Both defend and question the validity of Joseph Smith's prophetic cl
At Study Faith With AI, Brother Buzz harnesses the power of AI to explore Latter-day Saint history, beliefs, and culture with balance and clarity. Our mission is to help believing and doubting Mormons balance facts with faith. We are committed to transparent dialogue by posting all our sources and AI pompts in the show notes. Listen along, then follow the sources to dive deep! AI powered by Google LM Notebook
Become a Subscriber: https://listen.studyfaithwithai.com/2427982/supporters/new
Study Faith With AI Website: http://www.studyfaithwithai.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGwUGplqKJ9A-O14z3oerAOObokZ9rySK
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/study-faith-with-ai/id1781777808
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5lSaucsB0yEbZsgMBKu6fC
Text the show via the link at the top of the description
Email us:
© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.
