In this episode, we dive into Chapter Eight of Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet by John G. Turner. The chapter is titled “Enoch” which focuses on the fall of 1830 through the move to Kirtland, Ohio in 1831. We explore major challenges to Joseph Smith’s authority, including Hiram Page’s seer stone revelations and Oliver Cowdery’s pushback on church governance. Why did Joseph stop using a seer stone? What does it mean when revelations clash? We also discuss: -The origins of the concept of Zion -Apocalyptic expectations, blood moons, and the Second Coming -The influence of the Book of Enoch and Joseph’s expanding biblical vision -Missionary work among Native Americans and the designation of Jackson County as the New Jerusalem -Sidney Rigdon’s introduction and influence, including debates about his possible prior contact with Joseph Smith -The emotional and financial sacrifices demanded of early followers—and what Joseph himself was giving up (or not) With theological innovation, power struggles, failed prophecies, and spiritual fervor, this chapter reveals the complexity of Joseph Smith's evolving leadership. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that considers both historical context and human motivations. 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/joseph-smith-prepares-church-for-second-coming-of-jesus/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:07:17 Challenges to Joseph Smith’s authority 00:12:46 Why did Joseph Smith STOP using a seer stone? 00:22:27 What is Joseph doing here with this revelation? 00:31:16 The importance of the name of the Church 00:34:58 Where does the idea of Zion come from? 00:40:33 The signs of the times that show Jesus is about to come again 00:44:54 Other religious leaders during this time: William Miller and Charles Finney 00:54:40 Background on the book of Enoch 00:59:16 Parallels in the Book of Enoch 01:04:52 Apologetic arguments made about the Book of Mormon - it’s too sophisticated a book 01:15:32 Indian Removal Act in Missouri/Kansas 01:25:52 Alexander Campbell’s role in Christianity 01:29:23 Sidney Rigdon 01:34:52 Was Rigdon influential in Mormon doctrine and theology? 01:48:08 Joseph Smith senior is back in New York, in debtors prison 01:57:10 The sacrifice to emotionally manipulate people 02:13:24 Is Kirtland a failed prophecy? 02:15:59 Conclusion ___________________ 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