Podcast
Hemlock Knots
Cracking the LDS restoration's toughest subjects through rational, balanced analysis of source material. We analyze and compare historical records as we untangle the issues, events, teachings, traditions and doctrines of the LDS restoration. In the end, we just want to know what happened.
The sound effects are priceless. 😄 I really appreciate the work being done here, and honestly, I wish my family could meet you guys in person and share knowledge with one another. My mom in law has been gathering history and spiritual testimonies for decades, and we all have been studying these things for a while. She has written and compiled books and books of information over many topics. I always believed JS was innocent of accusations, but I asked God for the truth, knowing that I had to accept the possibility that he was dishonest. God led me to Richard and Pamela Price’s books, information my mom in law has gathered, and then now the Hemlock Knots show and website. It’s very clear to me now which end is up, but I still want to learn more information in case I can help someone else one day. Looking forward to hearing more from you guys. I’ve been praying for truth seekers like you for a while now. God is definitely moving and people will be set free with the truths being revealed.
Hi Cyndi,
Thanks for the kind words. We’re open to meeting anyone and everyone from the community. Feel free to contact us and we can discuss the possibilities. We’re mostly in the Utah Wasatch front area.
I am fascinated with the discussion of the legitimacy of the doctrine of baptisms for the dead. I think you raise some important questions. I, likewise, question the practice of baptizing eight-year-olds with the notion that they are making a binding, lifelong covenant to the church. Eight-year-olds are incapable of making such a covenant. They are still little children. Heck, they can’t vote, drive a car, get married, drink alcohol, etc., and yet they can “choose” to be baptized? It doesn’t make sense. Do you have information on this subject?
Dear friends,
Thank you for your hard work. My views on this complex history have evolved over time. My journey began with purchasing a copy of Signature Books’ Joseph Smith journals while starting my mission. I thought the journals would shed light on Joseph Smith’s teachings, but I was disappointed to find nothing about his polygamous marriages or teachings on plural marriage, though a few references, like the Sarah Whitney letter, were later added on the JS Papers project.
I later discovered that Joseph had condemned spiritual promiscuity, as referenced in the Book of Revelation, long before Nauvoo. He frequently held courts for leaders guilty of polygamy. However, when I came across the Clayton diaries, I was shocked to learn that Joseph told Clayton he had a “right to all the sex he can get,” despite the Book of Mormon teaching against destroying families through polygamy. Clayton’s behavior towards his family was tyrannical, preying on their vulnerability, as the Book of Mormon warns. Thankfully, even pro-church scholars now reject the authenticity of the Clayton diaries.
My research has since focused on the Twelve, particularly Brigham Young, who is often absent from key events in Nauvoo despite clearly playing a leading role. The Saints History series details a clash between Brigham and Hyrum, which was new to me, but also mentioned in the Clayton diaries. I suspect Brigham may have plotted to use Joseph’s name to promote polygamy. When John C. Bennett was on trial, Joseph asked him if he had ever been taught polygamy by Joseph himself, and Bennett said no, but Joseph didn’t press him to name names. Joseph likely sought secrecy as an investigation into polygamy, involving the Relief Society, was ongoing. The Relief Society was created to protect women’s morality against usurpers and opportunists.
I think Brigham may have worked with Bennett, even after Bennett’s excommunication, to push the narrative that polygamy originated with Joseph Smith. Bennett had introduced polygamy to the Strangites, and perhaps Brigham saw them as a threat to his version of history. Polygamy was subversive to the existing church structure, and Joseph Smith saw it as a secret priesthood competing with the church’s priesthood. While Joseph didn’t need a secret priesthood, Brigham did.
Best regards.