In today’s episode, we dive into Chapter 21 titled “Keys” from Dr. John Turner’s new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” This chapter cover the pivotal years of 1839-1840, as the Saints leave behind the trauma of Missouri and begin building a new gathering place in Commerce (soon to be Nauvoo), Illinois. We pick up the story right after Joseph Smith escapes Liberty Jail, exploring how he reclaims leadership, rebuilds momentum, and introduces new theological ideas that will shape Latter-day Saint doctrine for generations. Dr. Turner –writing as a never-Mormon historian –gives us a clear-eyed look Joseph’s rapid return to power, the purchase of Nauvoo lands, the arrival of the mummies and papyri, early missionary ambitions in Europe, evolving doctrines about angels and theosis, and Joseph’s bold claims about “keys” –including what Turner calls “the keys of the universe.” We also get into the politics: Joseph’s 1840 trip to Washington, his audience with President Martin Van Buren, and the Saints’ ongoing fight for redress. And yes –we discuss everything from healings during the malaria outbreak to phrenology, patriarchal blessings, lineage theories, dynastic sealings, and even the perennial question: Was Joseph Smith actually good-looking? 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. Show notes can be found on the Mormon Stories blog here: https://www.mormonstories.org/joseph-smith-and-the-keys-of-the-universe/ Timecodes: 00:00:00 Introduction 00:06:33 Joseph Smith didn’t miss a beat, he plunged right back into the task of building Zion 00:09:44 Why is Joseph able to get back on his feet so quickly? (Debt and legal fees) How did 00:20:06 Joseph Smith decides that he wants to make the push for a mission to Europe 00:28:36 Revelation on distinguishing between angels and devils 00:35:16 These teachings about angels, is this the beginning of his Theosis evolution? 00:37:49 Israelite blood and Gentile blood (and not Spiritual) racial superiority? 00:44:39 The emergence of the idea of a First and Second Comforter 00:50:31 The keys that Joseph Smith restores (including the keys of the universe) 01:04:50 Was Joseph Smith actually able to heal people? (malaria) 01:11:57 Joseph Smith renames Commerce to Nauvoo 01:13:33 Mr. Smith goes to Washington 01:22:20 Joseph visited a phrenologist (bump reading on the head) and was skeptical 01:28:30 The Saints never obtain redress from Missouri 01:36:47 Joseph Smith passed up an opportunity to wield his electoral power over the Saints 01:39:19 Final thoughts on this chapter ___________________ 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