This is a re-release of our interview from 2017 with Dr. Mark Staker. We’re going to talk about Kirtland history. While I knew there was an early convert named Black Pete who likely held the
In a previous conversation with historian Dan Vogel, he indicated visions of Jesus were common among Methodists in Joseph Smith’s day and questioned why a Methodist minister would object to Joseph’s account of a vision.
Lucy Mack Smith had dreams that were very similar to some mentioned in the Book of Mormon. Joseph Smith Sr., on the other hand, was much more rational with regards to religion. What else can
What was Joseph Smith Jr’s religious upbringing like? It turns out his parents were quite different. Joseph Sr, might be describes as spiritual but not religious, while Lucy was more of a visionary. We’ll learn
Dating in the late 1700s wasn’t quite the same as today. In our next conversation with Dr. Mark Staker, author of “Joseph & Lucy Smith’s Tunbridge Farm,” we’ll learn more about how Joseph Senior met
Joseph Smith was born in Vermont before his family fell on hard times financially and move to New York. What is known about the Smith’s Vermont farm? I’m excited to introduce Dr Mark Staker who
Here’s our final episode on the Kirtland Banking Scandal. (Here is Part 1.) I always blamed Joseph’s financial troubles on lack of business sense, but it seems like there were other people conspiring against him.
In my studies of the Kirtland Banking Scandal, I’ve blamed the bank’s collapse on simple ignorance. Joseph Smith was a prophet, but didn’t know how to make a profit. However, in talking with Dr. Mark
The year 1837 was one of the most turbulent periods in all of Mormon history. It was the year the Kirtland Bank collapsed. Many, including apostles, lost faith in Joseph Smith and his ability to
