The Reed Smoot Hearings w/John Larsen 

I've been saying for years that it's truly perplexing how there is not one, ZERO, podcast on the fascinating Reed Smoot hearings. None. And now it's not only been done...but it was my favorite exmo who did it! Thank you John Larsen!

John Larsen, I take all of your reading recommendations seriously. I bought 7 Mormon pioneer women books you recommended for my winter reading, and I'm a never Mormon! HAHA I've learned so much on this channel; especially appreciate all the historic research. Thanks, Mormon Stories. I watch weekly.

Man, what a history lesson. I've been out of the church for some time now but I'm still blown away by the outright perverion and deception of the "church authorities"! Thank you both for this episode. Amazing!!!

One supporter of Smoot was Senator Boies Penrose of Pennsylvania. Addressing the subject of polygamy, Penrose reportedly glared at one or more of his Senate colleagues who had a reputation for philandering and said, "As for me, I would rather have seated beside me in this chamber a polygamist who doesn't polyg than a monogamist who doesn't monag."

I stumbled across this channel and I’m glad I did. In 9th grade a neighbor gave me the Book of Mormon, which I devoured. But that was because I was a devoted fantasy and science fiction fan. So, my response to him about his “Bible” was not well-received. Over time, he and his nine siblings waged war against my brother and I. That was in the early 1970s and since then anything I could find to read about that religion, I did. These deep dives are absolute gold!

😂😂😂😂 The dramatic reenactment was wonderful!! 😅😂😂😂❤❤❤❤

That reading was HILARIOUS 😂😂😂

I would listen to all 5 days of F Smith’s testimony if you two read it. 😂. So great. Thanks for this content. ❤

I need yall to read out all 5 days that was a hilarious dramatic reading

John Larson is such a funny, smart guest ❤️

Educational and entertaining. Thank you Johns and Maven. Loved it

Loved this podcast. It really put made clear how the Reed Smoot Hearings changed the direction of the church. Moving from viewing mormonism as a kingdom to replace the american government to viewing itself a force within american exceptionalism. However, I fear that mormons are once again moving back in the other direction with all of the hatred of government that has become so strong in republican circles. JCB

You two together are such a delight

Lol John Dehlin reenacting Life of Bryan made me laugh out loud in my car driving to work. And made me want to see that movie 😂

Outstanding presentation. Your works are greatly appreciated. Thank you for all y'all are doing.

Fascinated! Great channel

Thanks John L & D! ❤Mormon Stories

Fascinating!

Thanks!

JD @ 1.45 - "The Mormon story is the Human story" - yes, of course, that's why Mormon Stories is so interesting. Mormon Stories is raw qualitative data - Anthropologists this is a deep, rich mine.

Oh no!😂 another layer is the roll playing. 🎉this is a definite must do every time!😂

John Larsen on Joseph F Smith…“He looked like a yokel.” 😂😂😂 57:55

Good history review. Not much else new here.

The one thing I have with this discussion (which was great) is that it’s very easy for this transcript reading to be taken out of context-the way John read Joseph s smith. Bill Burr has a stand up about this regarding the “me too” movement wherein “No, doesn’t always mean “No.”.

I really valued listening to this whole episode. What I valued most, separate from the content, was the dynamic between the two. Normally Dehlin is doing lots of talking (great thing! I love what he has to say) but here Larsen was doing most of the talking and Dehlin was listening, being impressed, sharing thoughts, and I really enjoyed the change of pace. Also the content was fantastic. Thank you Larsen for your hard work and delivery and thank you Dehlin for being the safe space to land. ❤

I hope to hear nuanced statements from Mormon Stories about Israel Palestine. I respect MS and need to hear from others about this.

Great analysis of Establishment Clause. I agree with your conclusions

If someone claims to be a true prophet from God, he/she shouldn't be afraid of telling the truth. Jesus, Isaiah, and most of the apostles, (and many others in the early church), were persecuted to death because they told the truth. In the end, it shouldn't matter what happens to the body, (imprisonment, torture, death) but only the eternal soul.

who did the Mormon Battalion journals?😅

My mission president in Ohio in the early 80's was a descendent of Reed Smoot.

Thanks for another great episode! I'm a Never-Mo, and I don't have any Mormon heritage... As far as I know. However, I've always been intrigued by the Reed Smoot hearings because my maiden name is Smoots. It's such an unusual name that it makes me wonder if we share common ancestry way back. My Smoots ancestor, also an Abraham, brought his family to America from Bavaria in the 17th or 18th century. They were German Mennonites fleeing persecution. My family doesn't seem to have any ties to Utah or Mormonism. However, my dad has mentioned that he knew of some Mormon "Smoot" when he was growing up in Arizona. It makes me wonder... Any "Smoot" out there who want to research this possible connection with me? Maybe I just want LDS folks to show up in my family tree since I've enjoyed learning about Mormon history so much!

Larsen have taught me so much at about mormanism and bhudists which is what I ascribe to. Just 4 basic truths. I love and respect all religions. But, most don't like mine because there is no power or control to be gained from it...

No one ever talks about Upton Sinclair anymore. Did they take The Jungle off the high school bookshelves? He was the subject of my high school senior thesis (about a million years ago). It's a very interesting time in our history. Thanks for all the homework you guys do for us. It matters, and I'm so appreciative.

This was fascinating. I had never heard of any of this history. Thank you for all your, hard work in reading, and putting this all together. Very impressive.

Love John Larsen! So impressive, so smart, all around good guy. Thanks so much for sharing his intellect with us! ❤❤❤

Oscars go to the Johns for bringing to life the hearing script! That was such fun to hear the president squirm when asked if he was a "prophet."😂

I think a big part of the reality of the Utah polygamist issue was that the Utah territory was a “territory” and as such under the exclusive control and jurisdiction of the federal government at that time.

Reconstruction.

john, looking kinda steve bannon but sounding better than ever.

Catching a live for the first time! So excited! Thanks for all you do! Helps us all to better understand the Morman faith.

No playing cards sold on Sunday.

Thanks for this look at all this!!! Watching from Oregon!!

These are literally the highlight of my month. I have rewatched each one several times while waiting for the next.

It's always a good episode with John Larsen. Thanks guys.

“John Larsen kitchen” always has some good straight forward cooking.

John’s role play was hilarious. Convincing much! Loved it!

Wow, great podcast. Man, contrast this story with the abinadai story in the book of mormon. You'd think that the prophet of the "one and only true church on the earth" would be more like abinadai and stand strong and firm in sharing the "truth" no matter the consequences. And hey, maybe there would've been another Alma who goes on to grow the church. Its funny, but just thinking about it makes me kinda sad that the church isn't true, and that this sort of thing doesn't happen.

Can’t wait to catch a live for the first time. Thank you for all you do on this platform!

When the current events cool off a bit (tim ballard, 8 passengers, McConkie's grand son)... it would be great to see a spin off podcast limited series (maybe Larsen and Carah, maybe Carah, Sam and Tanner) that goes deep on these events. Maybe a 4-6 parter. 🙃 ... also looking forward to the devil episode in the hopper.

You omitted the most influential force that Protestants had going for them was that they were predominantly Masonic. Especially the Southern States were predominately Masonic, but also Northern States, were Masonic. Yet, while the Masonic politicians fought the twin barbarian practice of polygamy and slavery, Freemasons did polygamy too. And only Freemasons had slaves. :.

John, John, John, this is excellent. Thank you

What a fantastic talk! I could listen to this guy all night. 👍

I have the 1968 book ‘Sermons & Writings of President Joseph F. Smith’ and on page 35 it says "NEW REVELATION, So far as I know there is not an ordinance of the Church now enjoyed or practiced that was not revealed to the Church by the Prophet Joseph Smith. *I know of no new doctrine that has been revealed* . Principles that were revealed to the Prophet Joseph have grown and developed more fully and clearly to the understanding; *but we have received nothing new that I know of* . Yet, if we should receive something new, through the proper channels of the Church, we should be as ready and willing to receive it as we were, or would be, to receive the same at the hands of the Prophet Joseph himself. - Oct. C. R., 1900, p. 47.” I don't think he was lying about that part. Since in the church new doctrine would come by way of Revelation, sounds like he admitted in the year 1900 no new revelation had been received, even by him since the day of Joseph Smith. In the book he seems to believe that new revelation in the future is possible. I think we all want one modern day prophecy and one amazing real revelation! Just one. We've been waiting so long! They don't prophesy and they don't even heal the people dying of illnesses. Some people need a Jesus, Prophet, Priesthood Authority healing right now, but that's not going to happen either. John Dehlin - Great job on your old man voice. That was so funny! John Larsen - Another amazing podcast! Thank you both.

Amazing history. I cannot my believe my ex is so convinced of the church propaganda....

This is my first time listening to John Larsen. I'm only a few minutes into listening but wow. The fact that John Larsen can lecture so well is really a testament to his knowledge base and skill. It reminds me of the many university lecturers i attended. One slight recommendation: the use of a slideshow might prove beneficial to help the audience follow along with what's being said.

Wait is Carah coming back? Cause I’d watch her anywhere lol

Love y'all

Better to visit a farm than to buy it.

Go BEAVERS!🧡🖤

Fascinating subject.

I'm learning so much. I know I'm late on the scene. But, I'm pretty sure there never wouldn't been a second date with my ex had I've known any of this. My religion is only four basic truths. None of this crazy stuff.

John larson yeh!!!❤

I always learn something when I listen to John Larsen. Great show today.

I think it was a case of not wanting to cast pearls before swine

John Larsen is always good! ❤

Excellent episode. We graduate-level autodidacts wish to thank guys like you for your presentations. We can handle the intensity!!

I love the time line leading up to polygamy, it helps so much! Thank you John Larson!

This is gonna be a good one. Love John Larsen

I misread when I went to google the subject. Thankfully, when I googled "Reed Smut", all I got was fly fishing sites.😂🙏

I laughed my guts out when Dr. Dehlin did the JF Smith impression haha

Only 2000 more to 200K. We can do this!!!

john’s voice 😂😂😂😂

Joseph F. Smith was quite the weasel during the hearing.

Hackers took down John Larsen's content? Kinda like the illegal Nauvoo Expositor assault by J Smith? Some things never change for Mormonism!

Appreciate John Larson big picture contextual view of Mormon history which includes positive and negative.

Fascinating! Thank you both!

Fantastic episode all 🎉

I love the admission of no discernment, no revelations, not being a seer. No so-called prophet knows everything otherwise they would be making discoveries, protecting people more, and leading change. These prophets are behind the curve because they are OLD.

Are ya scared?

It sounds like Smith is not convinced that he is a prophet and knows he’s a fraud, he is just sustained as such

Podcast: A year of nepotism - that ends up being 30 years long.😉

I think I do believe so. HAHAHA!

reed smoot, a child of polygamy? just another guy caught up in “salvation” of his life. isn’t religion really about fear of death?

‘Epstein morality’ is a great description!

Everybody lies, even the god of the Bible if he exists. (Compare, the "lying prophets" in the Bible.) There is more than one way to lie. We can lie by omission, which is what Joseph F. Smith did if he truly believed he was a prophet. If I believed I were a prophet, I would admit it if I were being truthful, not answer, "some say that I am a prophet." (Compare Jesus's evasive answer to Pontius Pilate when he asked Jesus if he was the King of the Jews.) Evasive answers are a form of dishonesty when we are deliberatively evasive, as it appears Joseph F. Smith was.

Trying to logically examine a cult? Hahahaha

Noooo. I must be deforested to ask Cara back! Learn the lesson and move on from her. Warning.

John D. clearly demonstrating the talent that came up through Mormon roadshow culture. A true loss. 😁