SELLEST OSAST
Content Warning: This episode discusses polygamy, coercion, and religious control within a historical context.
Joseph Smith is known as the founder of Mormonism, a prophet to millions and a figure surrounded by faith, devotion, and controversy. But the story of how the religion began is far more complex than many realize.
In this episode, we step into early 1800s America to trace Smith’s rise from obscurity to religious authority. We unpack the origins of his revelations, the creation of the Book of Mormon, and the structure of the movement he built. Along the way, we examine the role of secrecy, power, and polygamy within the early church, including the relationships that have sparked ongoing debate and criticism.
This is not a story told to sensationalize. It is an exploration of belief, influence, and the ways people can shape and be shaped by faith. With historical context and careful attention to the human impact, we look at the man behind the movement and the foundation that continues to influence millions today.
SOURCES & Further Reading:
Corey Miller. What Do Mormons Really Believe? PBS NewsHour (Correction: actually published by Phoenix Seminary). April 27, 2022.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo. Gospel Topics Essays. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doctrine and Covenants, Section 132. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132
Richard Lyman Bushman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Fawn M. Brodie. No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith. Vintage Books, 1971.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Becoming Like God. Gospel Topics Essays. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/becoming-like-god
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Word of Wisdom. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/word-of-wisdom
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book of Mormon Translation. Gospel Topics Essays. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/book-of-mormon-translation
Terryl L. Givens. The Book of Mormon: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2009.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book of Mormon Translation. Gospel Topics Essays. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/book-of-mormon-translation
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Book of Mormon. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith History 1. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/pgp/js-h/1
Richard Lyman Bushman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Terryl L. Givens. The Book of Mormon: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2009.
J. Gordon Melton. Encyclopedia of American Religions. Gale, 2010.
Fawn M. Brodie. No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith. Vintage Books, 1971.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brigham Young. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/brigham-young
Leonard J. Arrington. Brigham Young: American Moses. University of Illinois Press, 1985.
John G. Turner. Brigham Young: Pioneer Prophet. Harvard University Press, 2012.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel. https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/pioneer-overland-travel
Utah War. Utah War, 1857–1858. https://history.utah.gov/utah-war
Richard Lyman Bushman. Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling. Alfred A. Knopf, 2005.
Grenfell, Alyssa. Joseph Smith’s Polygamy Cult. YouTube, 2025. https://youtu.be/4BJqFHEyW4s
Remembering the Wives of Joseph Smith. Wives of Joseph Smith, n.d. https://www.wivesofjosephsmith.org/PDFBooklet/PDFBooklet.pdf
