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. Timecodes: 00:00:00 Beginning 00:00:50 On Michelle Stone 00:03:35 Background 00:11:30 Why does Community of Christ care about Joseph's polygamy? 00:22:07 Golden Age of Disinformation 00:30:20 Personal Investment in Disinformation 00:31:45 Why people prefer disinformation 00:35:35 False Equation as Basis 00:37:35 Rejection of Expertise 00:43:47 Holding Beliefs in Contradiction to Evidence 00:45:53 Religious Propositions, Flat Earthers 00:51:41 Solomon Spaulding Theory for the Book of Mormon 01:01:35 Historians conclude Joseph Smith practiced polygamy 01:04:40 Testimonies of Every Type of Witness 01:09:17 Why Credit This Conspiracy Theory? 01:15:30 Lying for the Lord - Joseph didn’t think he was lying 01:24:45 Lying for the Lord about Polygamy timeline 01:32:10 Joseph Smith III and the story of the wedge 01:37:19 Michelle Stone and the broad rejection of expertise 01:42:00 Apologetic Lack of Methodology 01:48:00 Uphold Knowledge Not Truth Claims 01:52:20 Questions for John Hamer on the topic of polygamy 02:07:46 The text of D&C 132, it has the context of the time 02:11:40 Temple Lot Case 02:19:30 Final words ___________________ Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/mormon-historian-responds-to-denials-of-joseph-smiths-polygamy/ 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 Want to create live streams like this? Check out StreamYard: https://streamyard.com/pal/d/4530951114981376 🤝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 #MormonStories #Mormon #lds