Joseph Smith

Seer Stones in the Bible – What Does the Bible Say
Joseph Smith

Seer Stones in the Bible – What Does the Bible Say?

From biblical prophets to Joseph Smith, seer stones have served as tools for receiving divine guidance and revelation.

Ancient seer stone believed to have been used for divine revelation
Joseph Smith

What Are Peep Stones?

Seer stones, sometimes called peep stones, played a vital role in Joseph Smith's early spiritual experiences and the translation of the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith and the origins of polygamy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Joseph Smith

Why Did Joseph Smith Start Polygamy?

Joseph Smith introduced plural marriage as a religious principle, but struggled deeply with the practice and the cultural challenges it would create.

The Evolution of Joseph Smith's Translation of the Book of Mormon book cover design
Joseph Smith

The Evolution of Joseph Smith's Translation of the Book of Mormon

Joseph Smith's translation of the Book of Mormon has been viewed through various theological and scholarly lenses, evolving from early eyewitness accounts to modern interpretations.

Statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail, depicting the brothers before their deaths
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith's Polygamy: Faith and Historical Inquiry

Dr. Brian Hales argues that understanding Joseph Smith's polygamy requires balancing historical scholarship with faith in the Book of Mormon and the restoration of the gospel.

Joseph and Hyrum Smith statue at Carthage Jail, commemorating the foundational figures of Mormonism
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith and Polygamy: Practice and Spiritual Significance

Joseph Smith's practice of plural marriage was rooted in religious conviction, not sexual opportunism—a controversial doctrine that Joseph himself struggled deeply to accept.

Statue of Joseph and Hyrum Smith at Carthage Jail, depicting the historical context of Joseph Smith's leadership and the challenges he faced
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith's Plural Marriages: Unpacking History, Faith, and Agency

Historical evidence reveals a complex picture of Joseph Smith's plural marriages that prioritized consent and spiritual conviction over coercion or manipulation.

Joseph Smith and Emma Smith, depicting the complexity of their relationship during the polygamy period of early Mormon history
Joseph Smith

Emma Smith and Joseph Polygamy: Faith and Legacy

Emma Smith's relationship with plural marriage was complex and deeply personal, testing her faith and her marriage to Joseph Smith.

Portrait of Joseph Smith by Jerry Harston
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith Polygamy: His Marriages and Doctrine

Understanding Joseph Smith's involvement in plural marriage requires careful examination of the controversial doctrine and its impact on early Mormonism.

Joseph Smith translating with Oliver Cowdery as scribe, representing the revelation of plural marriage doctrine
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith Polygamy: Time-Eternity Marriages

The practice of plural marriage in early Mormonism remains misunderstood, shaped by religious conviction, social conflict, and government intervention.

Joseph Smith, founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith and Plural Marriage: A Key Factor in His Martyrdom

While multiple factors led to Joseph Smith's martyrdom, plural marriage played a central role in the conspiracy that brought him down.

Emma Smith holding scriptures, contemplating Joseph Smith's plural marriages in 1843
Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith and Emma Smith: Navigating Plural Marriage in 1843

Examining the theological, spiritual, and cultural context that shaped Joseph Smith's decision to embrace plural marriage in early Mormonism.