July 26, 2019

Episode 165 – Stone Rolling Through Fluid Morality

On this episode, we discuss how fluid Joseph Smith’s morality and theology really was. We begin with his evolving perspective on slavery from pro-slavery to abolitionist when it was politically advantageous. Then we discuss how Mormonism was strictly monogamous to closeted polygamous when possible. Then Jo goes from socialist when he was poor to capitalist when he was filthy rich. A few court cases reveal Jo’s abuse of power and fluid sense of morality. We discuss Finch & Rollosson grocer and the ultimate result of John Finch’s affiliation with the Mormons.

Links:

Five Times Mormons Changed Their Position on Slavery
https://gregkofford.com/blogs/news/five-times-mormons-changed-their-position-on-slavery

Mosiah 2
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/mosiah/2?lang=eng

Alma 50
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/50?lang=eng

Alma 27
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/27.27?lang=eng

Alma 48
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/alma/48.11?lang=eng&clang=eng#p10

Messenger & Advocate on Abolitionism
https://contentdm.lib.byu.edu/digital/collection/NCMP1820-1846/id/7243

JS Presidential Campaign Pamphlet
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/transcript/general-smiths-views-of-the-powers-and-policy-of-the-government-of-the-united-states-7-february-1844?print=true

D&C 101 Monogamy Revelation
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/doctrine-and-covenants-1835/259#historical-intro

What Does the Book of Mormon Say About Polygamy
https://knowhy.bookofmormoncentral.org/knowhy/what-does-the-book-of-mormon-say-about-polygamy

D&C 132
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132?lang=eng

United Firm
https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/topic/united-firm