I’m Telling God About This
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Expect lively discussions, heartfelt confessions, and maybe even a few heated debates. We'll laugh, learn, and challenge each other as we explore the intersection of faith and the world around us.
I’m Telling God About This
What Mormon's Believe Part 2
In Part 2 of our quest for what Mormons believe, we focus in on the Man Joseph Smith. Who was he? Was he a prophet? The shocking truth will surprise you.
Key Scholarly Sources Confirming Treasure Digging and Family Beliefs
Dan Vogel
o Book: Joseph Smith: The Making of a Prophet (2004)
o Contribution: A biography that documents Joseph Smith's early life, treasure digging, use of a seer stone, and family involvement—especially Joseph Sr.'s belief in folk magic and seership. https://a.co/d/bqFwpeI
D. Michael Quinn
o Book: Quinn, D. Michael. Early Mormonism and the Magic World View. Revised ed. Salt Lake City: Signature Books, 1998. https://a.co/d/41kNVqw
o Contribution: Shows how Joseph Smith was immersed in folk magic, treasure digging, and esoteric practices common in the Burned-Over District.
o Notes: Quinn links these practices to Joseph’s family (especially his father) and shows the Smiths believed in divining rods, second sight, and treasure-guarding spirits.
Willard Chase Affidavit (1833)
o Primary Source included in E.D. Howe’s Mormonism Unvailed
o Contribution: Describes Joseph Smith finding a seer stone in Chase’s well in 1822 and using it for treasure digging. Chase confirms that the Smith family was involved in these activities. https://user.xmission.com/~research/about/docum2a.pdf
1831 Testimony of Peter Ingersoll
o Contained in: E.D. Howe’s Mormonism Unvailed
o Contribution: As a neighbor of the Smiths, Ingersoll claimed Joseph Sr. used a divining rod and said that Joseph Jr. had a “peep stone” that could find treasure.
1826 Chenango County Court Record (“Glasslooking” Trial)
o Transcript Rediscovered by Wesley P. Walters (1971); confirmed by Michael Marquardt
o Contribution: Confirms Joseph Smith was tried for being a “disorderly person” engaged in scrying/treasure seeking.
Joseph Smith’s Trial: https://www.utlm.org/onlinebooks/pdf/josephsmiths1826trial_digital.pdf
o Key Testimonies: Josiah Stowell and others testify that Joseph used a stone in a hat to find treasure.
Lucy Mack Smith
o Book: Biographical Sketches of Joseph Smith the Prophet (1853)
https://archive.dev-bookofmormoncentral.org/content/biographical-sketches-joseph-smith-prophet-and-his-progenitors-many-generations
o Contribution: Joseph’s mother writes positively about the family’s use of dreams and visions, and she indirectly references folk practices.
Pomeroy Tucker
o Book: Origin, Rise, and Progress of Mormon
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DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this podcast do not reflect the official policy or position of the US ARMY, Department of Defense, or the US Government.