In this second episode exploring the new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet” by John G. Turner, we dive into chapters two and three. Chapter Two titled “Light” covers the years 1817-1825. We discuss such topics as Joseph Smith's evolving accounts of the First Vision, early controversies, treasure digging escapades, and his transformation into a religious leader. We discuss historical inconsistencies, cultural influences, and Turner's critical conclusions about Smith's experiences and motivations. Topics include: -The First Vision's late emergence and conflicting versions -Treasure digging and supernatural claims -The influence of revivalist culture -Early church documents and evolving theology -Turner's secular interpretation of Joseph Smith’s story Please purchase the book here: https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300255164/joseph-smith/ To support this series please donate here: https://donorbox.org/josephsmith. One half of all donations will go to Dr. Turner for as long as he is participating in the series. You can find the Joseph Smith podcast feed on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/show/3vxj75pNK3IkaApMy3fiOM?si=d4012f8a37004a0a Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/treasure-digging-and-the-first-vision-joseph-smith-podcast/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction to this part two of the series 00:06:25 1830 Articles and Covenants was the first time Joseph Smith spoke of the First Vision 00:08:55 The idea of a “burned over” district 00:12:00 Problems with the timing of the First Vision/Revival 00:16:50 Does the age change and revivals set off alarms? 00:20:00 What do we make of the story emerging so late? 00:25:00 How to process the canonical account of the First Vision 00:33:10 How the church address the different accounts 00:38:50 Question about the different details in the different versions 00:43:14 Concluding thought on the First Vision 00:48:00 Is there evidence that would counter the First Vision? 00:51:40 Treasure digging 01:03:40 The treasure digging skills of Joseph Smith 01:12:35 The Smith’s are about to lose their farm 01:19:40 Joseph Smith’s ability was to convince people he had power when he didn’t 01:23:35 Is this witchcraft or dark arts territory? 01:29:20 Joseph Smith using the same treasure digging tool to translate the BoM 01:44:40 The Mound Builder Myth 02:02:55 Conclusions that John G. Turner made of these chapters 02:07:20 John G. Turner concludes that Joseph Smith did NOT have golden plates 02:15:15 A secular way to explain what happened ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology 2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis 3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions 🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today One-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/join Our Platforms: 🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us: 📧 MormonStories@gmail.com 📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117