A two-part interview of Sandra Tanner, critiquing LDS apologetic essays
Part 1 — Translation and Polygamy
What is the difference between “translation” and “revelation” in Joseph Smith’s works, since they often resemble each other? Was polygamy ‘forced’ on Joseph Smith and then by him upon his wives? How can the church call the Nauvoo Expositor a credible historical source, when Smith originally deemed it a lying newspaper worthy of destruction?
(9/17/2025 – YouTube — Mormon Stories, Ep. 2063 / LDS Discussions, Ep. 65)
Further reading:
- “Upon This Rock”: Joseph Smith’s Seer Stone
- “Too Mean to Mention” — The Book of Mormon Witnesses
- Early Mormon Polygamy (Looking at D&C Section 132) (video)
- Destruction of the Expositor, in The Changing World of Mormonism
Part 2 — Joseph Smith’s Character
Considering Joseph Smith’s poor treatment of his wife, Emma, the many debts that he did not repay, and his excessive use of political power, one wonders how he could be seen to be representing a Christ-like character.
(10/29/2025 – YouTube — Mormon Stories, Ep. 2077 / LDS Discussions, Ep. 66)
Further reading:
- Early Mormon Polygamy (Looking at D&C Section 132) (video)
- “Legacy: A Distorted View of Mormon History”
- Joseph Smith, in The Changing World of Mormonism
- A Sample of Joseph Smith’s False Prophecies
