Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"But the fact that the Book of Mormon was not a good book might be the reason why the church became such a priority." — Marcus Parks
"Joseph Smith was, as Confucius says, the reed that bends in the wind." — Ben Kissel
"Well, this also did, though, was put Joseph into a firmly authoritarian position." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode traces the formative years of Mormonism, beginning with the publication of the Book of Mormon and the subsequent establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joseph Smith's early efforts were marked by a strategic approach to building his religious enterprise, including leveraging the book's poor reception to bolster his personal authority through divine claims. The narrative highlights Smith's keen understanding of public sentiment, likening his adaptability to a reed bending in the wind. Early challenges included widespread criticism of the Book of Mormon and public skepticism, yet these obstacles also served to solidify the faith of his followers. The episode details early instances of conflict, such as mob actions against Smith, and explores how such persecution, rather than dismantling the movement, paradoxically strengthened its adherents' commitment. Furthermore, the discussion touches upon the incorporation of existing beliefs and pseudo-scientific ideas into Mormon theology, contributing to its appeal to a diverse range of individuals.
The narrative further explores Smith's early revelations, particularly concerning the establishment of Zion and the proselytizing efforts towards Native Americans, which were framed within a belief system that later included racial theories. The episode also touches upon the domestic motivations behind some of the church's early rules, such as dietary restrictions, which were influenced by personal preferences, like those of Emma Smith. The episode illustrates Smith's evolving leadership style, shifting from a more charismatic approach to a more authoritarian one as the church grew and faced increasing external pressures. The complexities of Mormon beliefs are introduced, including early theological concepts that would later develop into core tenets, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of the religion's doctrine. The discussion highlights how early followers were drawn in by a combination of spiritual conviction and a sense of belonging, even as the church navigated internal dissent and external threats.
The episode concludes by previewing future discussions on polygamy and the eventual death of Joseph Smith. It underscores how Smith's ability to adapt, his charismatic persona, and the strategic incorporation of existing societal and religious trends were critical to Mormonism's survival and growth in its nascent stages. The podcast emphasizes the cyclical nature of religious movements, where challenges often lead to reinforcement of belief and structure. The discussion also touches on the economic aspects of the early church, including demands for property and tithes, and how these were framed within divine revelation. The episode sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Mormonism's influence and its continued impact.