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S10 E7 Prophet v Profit: Joseph Smith's Money
Manage episode 483442112 series 3619084
Episode 7 of Challenges explores Joseph Smith's financial activities throughout his religious career, from early treasure hunting to complex land dealings in Nauvoo. We explore how his economic endeavors intertwined with spiritual leadership, including the Law of Consecration, the failed Kirtland Safety Society bank, tithing reforms, and property management. Our analysis reveals a complicated figure whose material ambitions and religious claims create challenging questions about authority, faith, and money in early Mormonism.
Sources
- Essay: Rise and Fall of Kirtland Bank_RFM
- Essay: History of JS Finances_BookofMormonisms.com
- Essay: Joseph Smith_Mormon Stories
- Essay: JS and Kirtland Crisis 1837_BYU RSC
- Essay: Financing Faith_BYU RSC
- Essay: A History of JS Financial Malfeasance_Part 1-3
AI Prompt
Explore whether Joseph Smith's financial history points to him as a con man more than as a prophet. Begin with his impoverished childhood and treasure digging past. Examine the gold plates, attempt to sell transcript to Canada, and Book of Mormon. Discuss Sidney Rigdon's influence: move to Kirtland, law of consecration, Kirtland Bank, land deals. Review business practices in Nauvoo, tithing, govt. roles, land deals, and bankruptcy. Was Joseph a scam artist or prophet or both?
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1. Truth | 2. Beginnings | 3. First Vision | 4. Priesthood | 5. The Gold Plates | 6. The BoM | 7. The BoA | 8. Polygamy | 9. Changes | 10. Challenges | ...
150 episodes
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