Joseph Smith Polygamy Denialism w/ John Hamer | Ep. 2003

 Mar 20 2025 In this episode, we’re joined by historian and mapmaker John Hamer as he responds to Michelle Stone’s recent claims that Joseph Smith did not practice polygamy. Drawing from historical records, primary sources, and his extensive research, John offers context and analysis on one of the most debated topics in Latter-day Saint history. Join us for an insightful conversation unpacking the complexities of Joseph Smith’s involvement in early Mormon polygamy.John Hamer is an American-Canadian historian who has focused primarily on Mormon history and has published a number of books on the topic, including Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism and House of the Lord: The Story of the Kirtland Temple. John Hamer was raised in the Mormon Church, left the religion and joined the Community of Christ Church in 2010 and now serves as a pastor in their Toronto Congregation.Show NotesYouTube00:00:50 Michelle Stone00:01:50 John Hamer has been on MSP eleven times at least00:03:35 Background for John Hamer00:11:30 Why would the Community of Christ have an interest in this topic? 00:22:07 A Golden Age of Disinformation 00:30:20 Personal Investment in Disinformation00:31:45 Why do people prefer disinformation? 00:35:35 False Equation as the Basis00:37:35 Rejection of Expertise00:43:47 Holding Beliefs in Contradiction to Evidence00:45:53 Religious Propositions - such as flat earthers00:51:41 Solomon Spaulding Theory for the Book of Mormon01:01:35 Historians regardless of affiliation conclude that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy01:04:40 Testimonies of Every Type of Witness01:09:17 Why Credit This Conspiracy Theory?01:15:30 “Lying for the Lord” Joseph didn’t think he was lying01:24:45 Lying for the Lord about Polygamy timeline01:32:10 Joseph Smith III and the story of the wedge01:37:19 Michelle Stone and the broad rejection of expertise01:42:00 Apologetic Lack of Methodology 01:48:?? Uphold Knowledge Not Truth Claims01:52:20 Questions for John Hamer on the topic of polygamy02:07:46 The text of D&C 132, it has the context of the time02:11:40 Temple Lot Case02:19:30 John Hamer’s final words for the showMormon Stories Thanks Our Generous Donors!Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor today:One-time or recurring donation through DonorboxSupport us on PatreonPayPalVenmoOur Platforms:YouTubePatreonSpotifyApple PodcastsContact us:MormonStories@gmail.comPO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117Social Media:Insta: @mormstoriesTikTok: @mormonstoriespodcastJoin the Discord
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