Informed Saints – Details, episodes & analysis

Was Joseph Smith lying, forgetting, or faithfully remembering his First Vision? Critics often highlight differences between the various accounts, but few have explored the role of human memory in shaping those narratives.

In this debut episode of Informed Saints, hosts Jasmin Rappleye, Neal Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot dive into groundbreaking research that brings together history, neuroscience, and faith. Drawing on scholarship from Stephen C. Harper and a recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, the discussion unpacks how memory actually works — and what that means for understanding Joseph Smith’s earliest visions.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why differences in the First Vision accounts aren’t necessarily signs of dishonesty

• How neuroscience explains the way memories consolidate and evolve over time

• The concept of “flashbulb memories” and why Joseph’s accounts fit the pattern

• Insights from both believing and non-believing scholars on historical reliability

This thoughtful conversation shows how modern scholarship and faith can work together to strengthen testimonies and provide context for complex questions.

Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode as well as other valuable resources on this topic!

•Stephen C. Harper – First Vision: Memory and Mormon Origins (Oxford University Press, 2019)

A balanced and deeply researched book that applies memory science to the First Vision. Harper is both a believing Latter-day Saint historian and an academic scholar, making this one of the best starting points.

•Richard Lyman Bushman – Joseph Smith: Rough Stone Rolling (Knopf, 2005)

The definitive biography of Joseph Smith by one of the most respected Latter-day Saint historians. Discusses the First Vision in its historical context.

•Alexander L. Baugh, Steven C. Harper, Brent M. Rogers, and Benjamin Pykles, Editors – Joseph Smith and His First Vision: Context, Place, and Meaning

https://rsc.byu.edu/book/joseph-smith-his-first-vision

•John W. Welch – Opening the Heavens: Accounts of Divine Manifestations

Collects and analyzes all primary accounts of the First Vision (and other revelations) in a single volume. Great for studying source texts directly.

•Steven C. Harper – Joseph Smith’s First Vision: A Guide to the Historical Accounts (Deseret Book, 2012)

A shorter, more accessible overview that compares the accounts and explains their significance.

•Céline Duffau, Carter Charles, Religious Experience and Memory Retrieval: A Memory Studies Reading of Joseph Smith’s “First Vision” Accounts – Journal of the American Academy of Religion (2025).

https://academic.oup.com/jaar/article-abstract/93/1/129/8159945?redirectedFrom=fulltext

Online Resources

• (00:00:00) - Was Joseph Smith Lying or Forgetting the First Vision?
• (00:00:41) - The Biggest Stirrer in My Faith Crisis Was...
• (00:04:38) - Mormon history of the First Vision
• (00:06:26) - Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts
• (00:11:22) - How Memory Connects with Joseph Smith's First Vision
• (00:18:39) - Joseph Smith on Religious Revival in Palmyra
• (00:22:24) - Joseph Smith Recalls Falling Off His Bike
• (00:26:21) - Celine Dafoe and the Journal of the American Academy of
• (00:29:13) - Joseph Smith's Flashbulb Memory
• (00:35:18) - Joseph Smith in the First Vision
• (00:38:19) - A British Literary Scholar Says Joseph Smith's First Vision 'Is Better

Welcome to Informed Saints, a roundtable podcast dedicated to strengthening testimonies of Jesus Christ through thoughtful study and open conversation.

Hosted by Jasmin Rappleye, Stephen Smoot, and Neal Rappleye, each episode explores trending topics, difficult questions, and the latest research related to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Whether you’re diving into Church history, exploring Book of Mormon scholarship, or simply looking for meaningful insights in your gospel study, Informed Saints offers engaging discussions that are accessible, lighthearted, and testimony-building.

What to expect:

• Honest conversations on challenging or trending issues

• Insights from scholars and experts in their fields

• Reactions to online discussions, tweets, and TikToks

• Tools and perspectives to deepen your study of the restored Gospel

Join us weekly on YouTube, social media, or wherever you get your podcasts — and become an informed saint.

Was Joseph Smith’s use of seer stones evidence of superstition — or of divine power?

In this episode of Informed Saints, hosts Jasmin Rappleye, Neal Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot sit down with Dr. Gerrit Dirkmaat (BYU professor, historian, and author of From Darkness unto Light) to explore the historical sources behind the Book of Mormon translation. Together, they discuss what the witnesses saw, how early Saints understood seer stones and the Urim and Thummim, and why the very strangeness of the translation process actually strengthens, rather than weakens, the case for its divinity.

What you’ll learn:

• Why Joseph’s contemporaries saw seer stones as miraculous, not fraudulent

• How early accounts from Emma Smith, Martin Harris, and others describe the translation

• The difference between folk magic, biblical precedent, and divine seership

• Why the physical reality of the gold plates remains the strongest defense of Joseph’s calling

A faith-affirming conversation that blends history, theology, and testimony.

Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode as well as other valuable resources on this topic!

-Artwork credit to Anthony Sweat who granted permissions for us to share his incredible artwork.

• https://www.anthonysweat.com

Start here (official & concise)

• Gospel Topics — Book of Mormon Translation

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/book-of-mormon-translation

• Church History Topic — Seer Stones

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/seer-stones

• Saints, Vol. 1 (The Standard of Truth)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/saints-v1

Primary sources (witnesses & early attestations)

• Emma Smith’s 1879 “Last Testimony” (PDF)

https://rsc.byu.edu/sites/default/files/pub_content/pdf/testimony%20of%20emma%20smith.pdf

• Joseph Knight Sr. reminiscences (Church History Library catalog)

https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/record/37b7b91c-4148-45d6-8f32-df4acf06fe99

• David Whitmer — An Address to All Believers in Christ

https://archive.org/details/addresstoallbeli00whit

• Early newspaper: Jonathan A. Hadley (Palmyra Freeman, 1829)

https://rsc.byu.edu/coming-forth-book-mormon/joseph-smiths-negotiations-publish-book-mormon

• Wilford Woodruff Papers (Urim & Thummim; Manti consecration)

https://www.wilfordwoodruffpapers.org/day-in-church-history/1841-12-02

Scholarship & synthesis (faithful)

• Turley, Jensen & Ashurst-McGee — “Joseph the Seer” (Ensign, Oct. 2015)

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/10/joseph-the-seer

• (00:00:00) - Book of Mormon Restoration: From Darkness Unto Light
• (00:04:17) - How Was the Book of Mormon Translated?
• (00:10:12) - Questions about the Translation of the Book of Mormon
• (00:16:28) - Seer Stones and Folk Magic in Early Mormonism
• (00:21:47) - On Joseph Smith's Clairvoyance
• (00:26:03) - Seer Stones and the Book of Mormon
• (00:32:21) - Martin Harris on the Book of Mormon
• (00:39:31) - The Origins of the Book of Mormon
• (00:46:48) - Multiple Translation Devices in the Book of Mormon
• (00:53:40) - The Real Story of the Plates
• (01:00:56) - The Physical Reality of the Book of Mormon

Who Is President Dallin H. Oaks? Biographer Rick Turley on the Life of the LDS Church’s New Prophet

In this Informed Saints exclusive, church historian and biographer Richard E. “Rick” Turley Jr. (author of In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks) helps us answer the big question: Who is President Dallin H. Oaks, the 18th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? From a humble Utah childhood marked by loss, to graduating #1 at the University of Chicago Law School, clerking for Chief Justice Earl Warren, leading BYU, serving on the Utah Supreme Court, and decades as an apostle—including time presiding in the Philippines—Turley shares human, surprising, and faith-building stories that reveal what kind of prophet President Oaks may be.

What you’ll learn

• Early experiences that forged President Oaks’s work ethic and faith (including dramatic near-misses with death)

• Why he pivoted from big-firm law to scholarship and service—and how that shaped his leadership

• BYU years: academic rigor, religious freedom advocacy, equal pay for women faculty, and yes… Cosmo the Cougar

• Why the Utah Supreme Court was his “most enjoyable job” and how that legal mind informs his ministry

• The call to the Twelve alongside Russell M. Nelson—and why he delayed ordination to finish court opinions

• Family insights: June Dixon Oaks’s refining influence and Kristin McMain Oaks’s later partnership

• What “a witness of the name of Jesus Christ” means to President Oaks—and to the global Church today

Guest: Rick Turley—longtime Church historian; co-author on Mountain Meadows Massacre volumes; author on the Mark Hofmann forgeries; forthcoming biography Joseph the Prophet.

Watch next: More Informed Saints conversations on modern Prophets, Church history, and faith in action.

#DallinHOaks #LDS #InformedSaints #LatterDaySaints #BYU #RickTurley #Prophet

• (00:00:00) - Informed Saints: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks
• (00:01:00) - Richard E. Turley Jr. on History and the Church
• (00:02:20) - President Dallin H. Oaks's Life Sketch
• (00:08:18) - Dallin Oaks: The Life of Prophecy
• (00:13:14) - Living Proof of Descendants: An Ordinary Life
• (00:17:18) - President Oaks' Early Years in Chicago
• (00:23:17) - How to Balance Work, Life, Family
• (00:26:07) - Dallin H O. Oaks: A Personal Distinction
• (00:30:43) - President Dallin H. Oaks as President of BYU
• (00:34:20) - President Spencer W. Kimball's time as president of BYU
• (00:39:19) - A Personal Memoir by Dallin H. Oaks
• (00:40:32) - President Oaks and His Life
• (00:43:59) - Appointments of Russell M. Oaks
• (00:50:28) - The Life of An Apostle
• (00:53:08) - What Does an Apostle Do On a Day?
• (00:54:40) - A Personal Experience of Area Presidents
• (00:57:11) - June Oakes in The Life of President Oaks
• (01:01:18) - Dallin H. Oaks on His Time in the First Presidency
• (01:03:56) - Dallin H. Oaks on His Life
• (01:06:53) - In the Elevation: A Personal History of Joseph Smith
• (01:13:08) - Informed Saints

Today we are tackling the age old question of, "Do 'Mormons' celebrate Halloween?"

While the short answer is, yes. There is a lot of fun nuance to this topic and also it gave us an excuse to dress up and have some more fun with one of these episodes! Thanks for sharing and watching!

===Informed Saints Credits===

Produced by The Ancient America Foundation

Producer: Spencer Clark

Hosts: Stephen Smoot, Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye

===Discover===

If any of our thoughts resonated with you, consider learning more about the single most influential book in our lives.

https://www.discoverbookofmormon.org/

===Content Disclaimer===

The views expressed represent ours alone and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

#mormon #lds #halloween #spooky

• (00:00:00) - Halloween: What Do Latter Day Saints Celebrate?
• (00:01:41) - What's The Church's Position On Halloween?
• (00:04:55) - What Do Latter Day Saints Do For Halloween?
• (00:07:20) - How Do Latter Day Saints Do Trick Or Treat?
• (00:12:29) - Does Halloween Cross The Line For Latter Day Saints?
• (00:16:49) - "You shouldn't be playing with fire"
• (00:17:26) - The History of Latter Day Saints and Halloween
• (00:22:36) - Mormons Celebrate Halloween

What do the actual documents say about Nauvoo-era plural marriage? In this episode, we walk through the primary sources behind the claims—reading what was written, when, and by whom—so you can see the evidence for yourself without the noise.

In this video you’ll learn:

• What D&C 132 (July 12, 1843) says and how it surfaced

• Why William Clayton’s journal entry matters for dating and context

• How the Whitney letter (Aug 18, 1842) and related instructions fit the timeline

• What the Nauvoo High Council minutes and affidavits contribute

• How the Nauvoo Expositor became part of the public controversy

• How faithful historians weigh converging, independent sources

Why this matters:

Latter-day Saints and honest seekers deserve a source-based understanding—one that’s faithful and rigorous. We focus on documents, context, and methods, not internet rumors.

Sources & Further Reading (Primary + Faithful Scholarship)

Official overviews

• Gospel Topics Essay — Plural Marriage in Kirtland and Nauvoo:

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics-essays/plural-marriage-in-kirtland-and-nauvoo

• Scripture — Doctrine & Covenants 132 (Celestial Marriage):

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/132

Key primary sources (Joseph Smith Papers)

• Revelation, 12 July 1843 (D&C 132) (text & images):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-12-july-1843-dc-132

• William Clayton journal (entry noting the 12 July 1843 revelation):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

(Search: “William Clayton journal July 12 1843”)

• Letter to Newel K. Whitney, 18 Aug. 1842 (Joseph in hiding; private visit re: Sarah Ann Whitney):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/letter-to-newel-k-whitney-18-august-1842

• Revelation, 27 July 1842 (Whitney sealing instructions):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/revelation-27-july-1842

• Nauvoo High Council minutes (Hyrum reading the revelation; contemporary references):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

(Search: “Nauvoo High Council minutes July–Aug 1843”)

• Nauvoo Expositor, 7 June 1844 (includes affidavits; early public controversy):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org/paper-summary/nauvoo-expositor-7-june-1844

• Affidavit of Austin Cowles (context for the High Council reading):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org

(Search: “Affidavit Austin Cowles June 1844”)

Witness & late reminiscence samplers

• Emma Smith—late statements on Nauvoo polygamy (compiled):

https://www.josephsmithpapers.org  (Search: “Emma Smith polygamy statements”)

• David Whitmer, Address to All Believers in Christ (full text scan):

https://archive.org/details/addresstoallbeli00whit

Faithful scholarship (accessible)

• Gerrit J. Dirkmaat & Michael H. MacKay, From Darkness unto Light (RSC):

https://rsc.byu.edu/book/darkness-unto-light

• Dirkmaat & MacKay, Let’s Talk about the Translation of the Book of Mormon (context for seer stones/translation):

https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6012373.html

• (00:00:00) - There's a Very Vocal Group of People Who Think Joseph Smith
• (00:01:43) - What is the Movement Denying Polygyny?
• (00:05:58) - This New Movement on Polygyny in the Latter Day Saints
• (00:09:16) - Joseph Smith's Denials of Plural Marriage
• (00:13:01) - Joseph Smith's Legal Cases in 1844
• (00:18:43) - Joseph Smith's Plural Marriage
• (00:20:12) - The 1835 Statement on Marriage
• (00:23:10) - Primary Sources on Joseph Smith's Polygyny
• (00:29:00) - Critical Historians on the Nauvoo Expositor
• (00:36:22) - Polygamy Denier: A Trojan Horse
• (00:41:05) - The Issues of Joseph Smith's Polygyny

Did the Church “support” the Nazi regime—or were members just trying to survive?

In this episode, Jasmin Rappleye, Neal Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot unpack Nazi secret police files, surveillance reports, banned books, arrests, and a high-level memo stating that Latter-day Saint doctrine is incompatible with National Socialism.

We also add context to the infamous Heber J. Grant photo and highlight the story of Helmut Hübener.

What you’ll learn

• How minorities navigated “three doors”: resistance, collaboration, or neutrality

• What Nazi reports say about Latter-day Saint beliefs and behavior

• Why some local leaders tried to “play nice”—and why the regime still distrusted the Church

• The reality behind viral claims and photos

Here are some of the resources discussed in the episode as well as other valuable resources on this topic!

https://mormonr.org/qnas/aA2rfb/latter_day_saints_and_nazi_germany

https://rsc.byu.edu/book/harms-way

https://rsc.byu.edu/book/under-gun

https://rsc.byu.edu/firm-foundation/succession-german-mission-leadership-during-world-war-ii

https://ensignpeakfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/German-and-Austrian-Latter-day-Saints-in-World-War-II-An-Analysis-of-the-Casualties-and-Losses.pdf

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/history/topics/helmuth-hubener?lang=eng

https://rsc.byu.edu/regional-studies-latter-day-saint-church-history-europe/deliverer-oppressor

https://sunstone.org/wp-content/uploads/sbi/issues/024.pdf

https://www.jstor.org/stable/23286361

https://archive.org/details/whentruthwastrea0000unse

If this helped clarify a tough topic, like, comment, and subscribe for more faith-and-scholarship conversations.

#LDS #InformedSaints #History #NaziGermany #HelmutHubener

• (00:00:00) - Were Latter Day Saints Nazis?
• (00:01:46) - Mormon Nazis New Book Uncovers LDS Support for the Third
• (00:03:04) - Mormons in Germany under the Nazis
• (00:05:15) - Jehovah's Witnesses: The 3 Doors
• (00:10:48) - The Nazis Had a dossier on the Mormons in Nazi Germany
• (00:16:04) - What else Were the Nazis Doing? They Were Banning Mormon Literature
• (00:19:37) - The Problem of Pro-State Propaganda
• (00:24:12) - Latter Day Saints and the Nazi Party
• (00:26:02) - What Do the Nazis Think of The Mormons?
• (00:30:49) - Mormons in Germany: Were They Pro-Nazi?
• (00:35:25) - Heber J. Grant in front of the Nazi Flag
• (00:37:32) - David Conley on Moroni and the Swastika
• (00:41:21) - Was Latter Day Saint Church Ball a Tool of the Nazi regime?
• (00:46:24) - Latter Day Saints in Nazi Germany

*THIS AUDIO IS FROM A FULL YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM, THERE ARE MISTAKES PRESENT. ALSO VISUAL ELEMENTS WHICH ARE BEST SEEN ON YOUTUBE*

https://youtube.com/live/2IpxhFWwLAQ?feature=share

Recap, review, and analysis of General Conference and more! With Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye, and Stephen Smoot!

#lds #podcast #informedsaints #generalconference #mormon 

• (00:00:02) - General Conference 2017
• (00:00:44) - General Conference 2018: The tone of the Conference
• (00:05:30) - Sustaining the Prophet's Counselors
• (00:10:24) - None of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles seem to be seeking
• (00:12:36) - Oh No... No New Temples
• (00:12:52) - President Nelson Announces No New Temples This Conference
• (00:17:36) - Tim Strong on Temple Announcements
• (00:19:09) - The Family Proclamation: Should it Be Canoted?
• (00:22:30) - The First Presidency's Family Proclamation
• (00:26:40) - The Family Proclamation Explained
• (00:32:39) - The First Presidency and the Family Proclamation
• (00:34:05) - General Conference 2017: The Family Proclamation
• (00:37:48) - General Conference 2017
• (00:40:22) - President Oaks testifying the Doctrine of the Family
• (00:43:07) - General Conference 2017: Defending My Own Testimony
• (00:47:43) - Elder Holland's Talk on Experiences
• (00:54:43) - Tribute to President Nelson at Conference
• (00:56:59) - General Conference 2022: Primary Music Talk
• (00:59:54) - Mormon Church in Sydney Gutted by Fire
• (01:00:32) - Nearly 900,000 Converts Join the Church in 6 Months
• (01:04:17) - The challenge of producing curriculum for new members
• (01:06:54) - A Year in the Life
• (01:08:05) - Comments on Jonah at Virtual Fair Conference 2019

*THIS AUDIO IS FROM A FULL YOUTUBE LIVESTREAM, THERE ARE MISTAKES PRESENT. ALSO VISUAL ELEMENTS WHICH ARE BEST SEEN ON YOUTUBE*

https://youtube.com/live/2IpxhFWwLAQ?feature=share

Today has been heavy folks. Join us as we talk about the passing of President Russell M. Nelson and the horrific tragedy that took place in a ward in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

#mormon #lds #news

• (00:00:01) - President Russell M. Nelson's Passing
• (00:00:42) - President Nelson Dead: What Happened Next?
• (00:03:52) - A Brief History of President Nelson
• (00:10:11) - President Russell Nelson's Life
• (00:15:47) - Examples of Conference Talks that I liked
• (00:24:08) - What Changed in the Church Under President Nelson's Lifetime
• (00:27:49) - President Nelson's Changes to the Church
• (00:33:49) - President Nelson's Change Campaign
• (00:35:14) - A message on President Gaylord's legacy
• (00:40:15) - President Nelson's Attention to the Hebrew
• (00:42:40) - President Nelson's Death and the Church Shooting in Michigan
• (00:50:31) - The Call to Be Peacemakers
• (00:53:56) - The Church Issues Statement Regarding Shooting at Church Chapel
• (00:58:13) - doctrine covenants, section 98
• (01:02:49) - President Trump tweets out support for Latter Day Saints following church shooting

Did Joseph Smith copy the Book of Mormon from View of the Hebrews by Ethan Smith? In this episode, we examine one of the most common critical claims about the Book of Mormon’s origins and ask whether the evidence really holds up.

We break down what View of the Hebrews actually is, why critics compare it to the Book of Mormon, where the plagiarism theory came from, and whether the supposed parallels are truly compelling. We also look at issues like Oliver Cowdery, Ethan Smith, B.H. Roberts, Fawn Brodie, the CES Letter claims, and whether there is any real evidence of direct borrowing.

If you’ve heard the claim that Joseph Smith copied from View of the Hebrews, this episode gives historical context, textual analysis, and a clear response to one of the most repeated arguments against the Book of Mormon. 

===Informed Saints Credits===

Produced by The Ancient America Foundation

Producer: Spencer Clark

Hosts: Stephen Smoot, Neal Rappleye, Jasmin Rappleye

Show Notes and Further Sources:

https://mormonr.org/qnas/vFzgdj/the_book_of_mormon_and_view_of_the_hebrews

https://archive.org/details/adissertationon01smitgoog/page/n6/mode/1up

https://bhroberts.org/records/0rGxg3-bStRSd/s_w_l_scott_reports_on_debate_where_view_of_the_hebrews_was_claimed_to_be_a_source_of_plagiarism_for_the_book_of_mormon

https://bhroberts.org/records/8Lyyfk-vrdPjg/fawn_brodie_argues_that_voth_was_a_source_of_inspiration_for_joseph_smith

https://mormonr.org/qnas/sk58P/b_h_roberts_testimony

https://bhroberts.org/records/8Lyyfk-b4jsdk/richard_s_van_wagoner_speculates_that_oliver_cowdery_provided_js_with_voth_and_may_have_helped_print_the_book

https://bhroberts.org/records/jpNwrg-R4Fwqg/john_l_brooke_postulates_a_connection_between_ethan_smith_and_oliver_cowdery

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol39/iss1/7/

https://scripturecentral.org/archive/books/book/view-hebrews-1825-2nd-edition

https://scripturecentral.org/archive/presentations/report/finding-answers-bh-robertss-questions-and-unparallel

https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/Dialogue_V20N01_68.pdf

https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1068&context=msr

• (00:00:00) - Placed in the Book of Mormon: View of the Hebrews
• (00:04:23) - View of the Hebrews in the Book of Mormon
• (00:09:56) - The Platooning Theory in the Book of Mormon
• (00:14:58) - B.H. Roberts and the Book of Mormon
• (00:19:21) - Ethan and Ether: Parallel Mania
• (00:23:06) - Plural Legends in the Book of Mormon
• (00:27:48) - Ethan Smith and Oliver Cowdery
• (00:33:03) - Oliver Cowdery: The Missing Link in the Book of
• (00:37:55) - View of the Hebrews: The Book of Mormon Conspiracy