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Bringhurst’s Approach to Controversy

Table of Contents: Bringhurst’s Approach to Controversy

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We’re continuing our discussions with Dr. Newell Bringhurst.  We’ve talked about the controversial topics of blacks and the priesthood, as well as Fawn Brodie, and we’re going to continue to talk about controversial topics with Dr. Bringhurst.  What is Bringhurst’s Approach to Controversy?  We’ll ask him in this episode?

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GT:  Apparently you enjoy controversy.  You’ve talked about blacks and the priesthood and then you talk about polygamy.  What are your latest polygamy books that you’ve put together?

Newell:  I’ve been involved with Craig Foster, a co-author, co-editor.  The two of us together did a series of volumes.  They are anthologies, collections of essays by various contributors as kind of a trilogy.  Volume 1 is the Persistence of Polygamy:  Joseph Smith and the Origins or Mormon Polygamy.  That was initially published in 2009 and we focus on the controversial aspects of Joseph Smith and his involvement and practice of polygamy.[1]

How does Newell deal with controversial topics?  Mentions his books have many perspectives from many different authors.  For example,

Newell:  Don Bradley did an essay on Fanny Alger, arguing that Joseph’s marriage to Fanny was actually a marriage and not an affair, not a “nasty, filthy affair” as Oliver Cowdery said.  I tend to take issue with him.  I allowed him to make his case and he gave a good argument for his position.  I felt like it should be out there for people to consider.  I’ve always considered myself to be fair-minded when I look at controversial issues.  I want to make sure that people are aware of all sides of an issue.

What does he like most about the study of Mormon history?

Newell:  I think that’s one of the healthy things about the field of Mormon studies.  You can disagree and not be disagreeable and still remain friends and enjoy camaraderie with people you disagree with.  I think that’s one of the great things about the whole field of Mormon studies.

Check out our conversation…..

Bringhurst’s Approach to Controversy? - Bringhurst’s Approach to Controversy - Mormon History Podcast
Dr Newell Bringhurst talk about how he deals with controversy

[1] Volume 2 was published in 2013: The Persistence of Polygamy: From Joseph Smith’s Martyrdom to the First Manifesto, 1844-1890.  See http://amzn.to/2oEfFIj .  Volume 3 was published in 2015:  The Persistence of Polygamy, Vol. 3: Fundamentalist Mormon Polygamy from 1890 to the Present.  See http://amzn.to/2FP20pq

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More Podcasts with these Guests:

  • Newest Harold B Lee Biography (2022 Interview Newell Bringhurst)
  • Discussing Modern-Day Polygamists (2 of 2 Newell Bringhurst/Craig Foster)
  • Mormon Polygamy & Quest for the Presidency (Newell Bringhurst/Craig Foster 1 of 2)
  • *Remembering Armand Mauss (Part 7 of 7)
  • Race, Priesthood, & Randy Bott (Part 6 of 7)

Get more information on the people and things discussed in this episode:

  • Guest: Newell Bringhurst
  • Theology: Polygamy
  • LDS Leaders
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History
  • Tags: best Mormon history podcast, iTunes, Persistence of Polygamy

Tell me when the next episode drops!

PrevPrevious EpisodeBringhurst on Bushman-Brodie
Next ExpisodeMore about Polygamy: Bennett, Bushman, & ComptonNext
  • Date: March 4, 2018
  • Guest: Newell Bringhurst
  • Theology: Polygamy
  • LDS Leaders
  • Historical Mentions Mormon History
  • Tags: best Mormon history podcast, iTunes, Persistence of Polygamy
  • Posted By: RickB

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Rick Bennett is the friendly, independent historian at the heart of Gospel Tangents LDS Podcast: The Best Source for Mormon History, Science, and Theology. When he isn't interviewing Mormon scholars, prophets, and others, he is teaching math and statistics at Utah Valley University. He also freelances as a research biostatistician in the fields of Dermatology and Traumatic Brian Injuries, as well as in the network television/cable T.V. industries as a sports statistician. Rick holds a Master of Statistics Degree from the University of Utah.

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