Unannounced Live
Gospel Tangents recently surprised viewers with an unannounced live stream including a JFS book giveaway. This is a “late night edition” that offers a whirlwind update on my extensive travels, upcoming interviews, and even some “breaking news” from the Temple Lot Church. Despite a busy travel schedule and a significant backlog of videos to edit, I managed to connect, give away a JFS book, and share exciting previews of what’s to come!
Recent Travels and Adventures
I’ve been to several significant sites related to the Latter Day Saint movement:
- Community of Christ Conference in Independence, Missouri: This “super fun trip” included reactions to Stassi Cramm being ordained the new prophet in the Community of Christ. While there, I also visited the Temple Lot Church, meeting a “Kiwi” (New Zealander) who hinted at a possible interview. I also updated my tour with video, experimenting with cell phone cameras, promising many unpublished videos from Independence.
- Mormon History Association: Following Independence, he attended the Mormon History Association, where I toured several LDS churches, including a “really old” one in Ogden and Joseph Soderberg’s church, known for President Hinckley’s testimony story.
- Strangites in Wisconsin: Instead of Houston, I visited the Strangites in Wisconsin, staying with former guest Bill Shepard. He also hung out with David Boice and Gary Weber, who gave me a tour of the Hill of Promise, which the Strangites consider akin to the Hill Cumorah.
◦ The Voree Plates and the Hill of Promise: Gary Weber explained that the Hill of Promise is where James Strang found the Voree record. An angel reportedly told Strang where the record was buried beneath a tree, and respected townsmen witnessed its excavation. The record, encased in stone, crumbled upon exposure to air but was translated by Strang, telling the story of the “people of Raja Ramor”. It described a great war, similar to the Hill Cumorah narrative, and a pictorial representation of priesthood structure mirroring that under Joseph Smith and James Strang.
◦ Prophetic Significance: The Hill of Promise is also sacred because Strang’s revelations state that Daniel from the Bible will appear there someday to teach the saints and announce Christ’s soon approaching second coming.
◦ Beaver Island Plans: David Boice & I visited Burlington (originally called Voree by Strang), where we saw several Strangite sites, including a plaque for a never-built temple. I’m planning a trip to Beaver Island, which was James Strang’s later settlement where he was crowned king and assassinated. Gary Weber noted that there’s “not a lot to see” on Beaver Island, mostly dirt roads, but a ferry or plane can take visitors there.
- Calgary/Cardston, Alberta, Canada: I flew to Calgary for my son’s wedding and visited Cardston, Alberta, home to the first international temple for the LDS church. I received a book on Raymond, Alberta, a town settled by Raymond Knight (son of Newell Knight) and noted for being “practically Utah up in Canada” due to its 80% Mormon population. Cardston is compared to Manti due to its remote location and pioneer feel, with concerns about preserving its murals during an upcoming refurbishment when a new temple in Lethbridge opens.
Beyond church history, I also enjoyed a Brewers-Cardinals baseball game with my friend Walter Reade.
Upcoming Interviews and Content
Viewers have much to look forward to from Gospel Tangents:
- John Turner Interview and Book Giveaway: John Turner’s book, “Joseph Smith The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet,” was released on Amazon. I’ve already conducted an interview with Turner, and part one was released. An autographed copy of this book was given away in a contest.
- Strangite Interviews: Interviews with Gary Weber and potentially other Strangite figures, including a man named Trevor, are in the pipeline.
- Temple Lot Interviews: The host hopes to secure an interview with Stacy Cramm, the new prophet of the Community of Christ, Trevor from the Temple Lot, and Tom from a fundamentalist group.
- Travel Videos: A significant backlog of travel videos, including the Mesa Temple and the Calgary/Cardston temples, are awaiting editing and released..
JFS Book Giveaways and “Breaking News”
During the live stream, I gave away a copy of “Joseph Fielding Smith: a Mormon Theologian“ to Mark Francis from Wendell, Idaho.
In a surprising announcement, “breaking news” from the Temple Lot Church: they are going to quit selling the Book of Commandments. While Randy Sheldon hinted that this might lead to its “de-canonization”. For those unfamiliar, the Book of Commandments was the precursor to the Doctrine and Covenants, originally intended for publication in 1833 before a mob destroyed the printing press. Only a few rare copies were bound, making first editions extremely valuable.
I express gratitude for my “night owl” viewers and their support. Please support me here at Gospel Tangents by signing up at Patreon.
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