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Episode 8 of Apostates explores the dramatic rise and fall of Oliver Cowdery, one of the most foundational figures in early Latter-day Saint history. From serving as principal scribe for the Book of Mormon and receiving priesthood authority alongside Joseph Smith, Oliver became second-in-command of the Church. We examine how financial pressures from the Kirtland banking crisis, legal conflicts, and accusations of insinuating adultery led to his 1838 excommunication. We also discuss the role of the Danites in forcing his departure from Missouri and his eventual return and rebaptism in 1848, when he reaffirmed his core testimony.

Sources

• Essay: Oliver Cowdery as Second Witness, BYU RSC
• Lecture_The Life of Oliver Cowdery_Sunstone
• Essay_Why was Oliver Cowdery Excommed?_Dialogue
• Records_ExCommunication of Oliver Cowdery_JS Papers
• Video_Oliver Cowdery left and returned_ComeBackPodcast

AI Prompt

Explore Oliver Cowdery's fall from grace and excommunication. Only focus on him. Discuss his faithful path: his early conviction of Joseph's divine role as seer, his role as scribe, his baptism by John the Baptist, and receiving the Aaronic and Melchezedek Priestoods, his writing the Articles and Covenants of the Church, Second Elder calling, his receiving priesthood keys in Kirtland temple. How'd he go from angels, miracles, and founder to apostate? What specific charges were brought against him? Go through the charges one by one in detail - specifically slandering Joesph's character for adultry / Fanny Alger, and the infringement of his civil rights. Discuss the Danite threat of violence in a signed letter backed by First

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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 | ...