We’re continuing our conversation with Dr. Brian Hales on Book of Mormon authorship.  What are some naturalistic explanations are there to explain how Joseph Smith could have written the Book of Mormon? Brian will tackle a few more theories, such as automatic writing, as well as Bill Davis recent book, “Visions in a Seer Stone.”  […] The post Automatic Writing/Bill Davis’s Visions of Seer Stone appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Gospel Tangents Podcast

Automatic Writing/Bill Davis’s Visions of Seer Stone

Ever since the Book of Mormon was first published, critics have tried to figure out its authorship.  Did Joseph Smith plagiarize the book from other sources, such as Solomon Spaulding or other collaborators?  Dr. Brian Hales tells more about these collaborator theories for Book of Mormon authorship. Brian:  I’ve isolated eight different theories that people […] The post Looking at Spalding & Collaborator Theories (Part 2 of 6) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Looking at Spalding & Collaborator Theories (Part 2 of 6)

I’m excited to have Dr. Brian Hales back on the show. It was 8 years ago that Brian Hales published his 3-volume set on Joseph Smith’s Polygamy. How has that held up? How does Brian address critics of his work? Brian: You know, there’s always critics. But, recently, my friend Larry Foster, and others have […] The post Reviewing Polygamy Criticisms (Part 1 of 6 Brian Hales) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Reviewing Polygamy Criticisms (Part 1 of 6 Brian Hales)

Micronesia, Guam, Truk. You may have heard of these islands, but what do you really know about them? Devan Jensen is writing an LDS History about these islands and will give us a sneak peek into his upcoming book.  We’re getting an early preview. Devan:  It turned out there was a topic. They were coming […] The post LDS Church in Pacific (Part 3 of 3 Devan Jensen) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

LDS Church in Pacific (Part 3 of 3 Devan Jensen)

It’s incredibly easy to get into arguments on social media on topics like masks, vaccines, immigration, guns, politics.  How do we talk to those with whom we disagree? Devan Jensen had some ideas, on how we can use more charity in difficult conversations. GT:  Of course, we have almost 100 years of fighting with them. […] The post Improving Conversation on Divisive Topics (Part 2 of 3 Devan Jensen) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Improving Conversation on Divisive Topics (Part 2 of 3 Devan Jensen)

Devan Jensen is the president of the LDS Publishing & Media Association.  What is it exactly, and who is it for?  Devan will introduce us to the group, and even give it 2 discount codes to attend meetings in October. Devan:  I’m Devan Jensen and I work in Church publishing. I’m an editor and a […] The post LDS Publishing & Media Assoc (Part 1 of 3 Devan Jensen) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

LDS Publishing & Media Assoc (Part 1 of 3 Devan Jensen)

W.W. Phelps was editor of the Times & Seasons in 1844 when Joseph Smith was killed. He not only gave the funeral sermon for Joseph & Hyrum but played a critical role in resolving the Succession Crisis. He embraced polygamy, got excommunicated for it for 2 days, and then helped start up the Deseret News […] The post *Phelps From Nauvoo to SLC (Part 8 of 8) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

*Phelps From Nauvoo to SLC (Part 8 of 8)

W.W. Phelps assisted with the translation of the Book of Abraham.  Amongst believing scholars, there is a bit of a civil war over the Book of Abraham, and Phelps plays a role in that dispute.  Dr. Bruce Van Orden will discuss why believing scholars disagree. GT:  I know we talked a little bit about the […] The post Phelps Role in Book of Abraham Civil War (Part 7 of 8) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Phelps Role in Book of Abraham Civil War (Part 7 of 8)

W.W. Phelps was one of the best writers in Mormonism.  It should come as no surprise that he assisted Joseph Smith in the First Vision account.  Dr. Bruce Van Orden gives more details. Bruce:  Officially, Joseph Smith became the editor [of the TImes & Season] for eight months in 1842. But the problem is Joseph […] The post Phelps Role at Times & Seasons (Part 6 of 8 ) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Phelps Role at Times & Seasons (Part 6 of 8 )

The Danites were a Mormon vigilante group who tried to fight back against Missouri mobocracy.  Were they good guys or bad guys?  W.W. Phelps & Thomas Marsh both testified about Danite actions in the Mormon-Missouri War in 1838.  Both men were lumped in with the apostates and were excommunicated.  Dr. Bruce Van Orden is the […] The post Danites in Missouri (Part 5 of 8 ) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Danites in Missouri (Part 5 of 8 )

The years 1836-1838 were some of the most tumultuous in Church history.  Events included the Kirtland Banking Crisis, the Fanny Alger affair, excommunication of high church leaders including Oliver Cowder, Thomas Marsh, and the Whitmer brothers.  There were lots of changing alliances and not only a civil war among the Mormons of Missouri, but Mormons […] The post Mormon-Missouri War of 1838 (Part 4 of 8 ) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Mormon-Missouri War of 1838 (Part 4 of 8 )

Following the Kirtland Banking Crisis, many were disillusioned with Joseph Smith’s leadership.  Thomas Marsh was among those who helped Joseph clear out the disaffected, and he set his sights on a disgruntled W.W. Phelps.  Dr. Bruce Van Orden, biographer of W.W. Phelps and author of We’ll Sing and We’ll Shout, will tell us more about […] The post Cleaning House in Kirtland: Phelps vs Marsh (Part 3 of 8 ) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Cleaning House in Kirtland: Phelps vs Marsh (Part 3 of 8 )

W.W. Phelps was deeply involved in editing a political newspaper prior to joining the Church and was no stranger to partisan political fights.  When he and the saints arrived in Missouri, trouble followed quickly.  Was Phelps to blame for the poor reception in Missouri?  Dr. Bruce Van Orden, biographer of Phelps and author of We’ll […] The post Were Phelps Missouri Troubles Self-inflicted? (Part 2 of 8 ) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Were Phelps Missouri Troubles Self-inflicted? (Part 2 of 8 )

W.W. Phelps is one of the best known leaders in early Mormon history that wasn’t an apostle.  Dr. Bruce Van Orden is the author of We’ll Sing and We’ll Shout, a biography of WW Phelps.  I knew that Phelps was a newspaper editor prior to joining the Church, but I was surprised to learn that […] The post Jailed Before Joined (Part 1 of 8) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

Jailed Before Joined (Part 1 of 8)

I hope you have enjoyed our conversation with Steven Pynakker, evangelical host of Mormon Book Reviews.  In our next conversation, Steve will tell us some of the future plans for his channel, including an episode about Mormon Doctrine in Battlestar Gallactica! Steve:  Season two, because I’m not at home. During the summer, I spend my […] The post *Mormon Doctrine in Battlestar Gallactica? (Part 8 of 8) appeared first on Gospel Tangents.

*Mormon Doctrine in Battlestar Gallactica? (Part 8 of 8)

Exploring Mormon History, Science, & Theology

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Gospel Tangents Podcast

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