Answering the "CES Letter": Polygamy & the Book of Mormon Translation (Hannah Stoddard, Radio)

Latter-day Radio: Interview with Hannah Stoddard of the Joseph Smith Foundation

Key Concepts: Joseph Smith Foundation, primary source documents, historical research, faith crisis, CES Letter, polygamy, polyandry, Book of Mormon translation, Urim and Thummim, seer stone, occult, historical context, Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner, Helen Mar Kimball.

1. Introduction to the Joseph Smith Foundation

• Main Topic: The Joseph Smith Foundation's mission and focus.
• Key Points:
  • Founded by Hannah Stoddard's father, who has been studying Joseph Smith and the scriptures since he was 11.
  • Produced six high-budget LDS documentaries.
  • Mission: To provide historical research and primary source documents to help people understand the real Joseph Smith and address historical questions.
  • The Foundation stands by the traditional standpoint and is not ashamed or embarrassed of church history.
  • Encourages people to do their own research and not rely solely on internet information.
  • The Joseph Smith papers are available online.

2. Addressing the CES Letter

• Main Topic: The Joseph Smith Foundation's project to answer the questions raised in the "Letter to a CES Director" by Jeremy Runnells.
• Key Points:
  • Jeremy Runnells wrote a letter to a CES director documenting historical issues that troubled him (polygamy, Book of Mormon, Book of Abraham).
  • The letter went viral, reaching an estimated 12,000 members in the first few years.
  • Hannah Stoddard believes Jeremy Runnells asked legitimate questions that need to be addressed.
  • The Joseph Smith Foundation, through its website LDSAnswers.org, aims to provide answers to these questions.
• Example: Seminars answering the CES letter at the Book of Mormon Evidence Conference were packed, demonstrating a deep interest in these issues.

3. Documentaries and Specific Issues

• Main Topic: The Joseph Smith Foundation's documentaries and articles addressing specific historical issues.
• Key Points:
  • Documentary: Statesmen and Symbols: Prelude to the Restoration - explores Joseph Smith's involvement with Freemasonry and whether he plagiarized temple rituals. The documentary argues that the evidence suggests he did not.
  • Article on LDSAnswers.org: Addresses the issue of polyandry (Joseph Smith marrying women already married to other men).
  • Addresses the question raised in the CES letter about Joseph Smith's polygamy, including claims of threats and promises related to marriage.
• Example: The story of Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner is used to illustrate the strength and agency of women involved in polygamy.

4. Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner's Story

• Main Topic: The story of Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner and her involvement with Joseph Smith.
• Key Points:
  • Mary Elizabeth Rollins was interested in the Book of Mormon from a young age (age 11).
  • She saved the Book of Commandments from a mob.
  • She was already married when Joseph Smith told her that the Lord had commanded him to marry her.
  • She initially resisted, seeking her own witness before agreeing to the sealing.
  • Hannah Stoddard emphasizes that Mary Elizabeth Rollins was a strong and courageous woman, not a downtrodden victim.
• Argument: Some modern historians dismiss spiritual experiences and visions as folklore, while the traditional narrative emphasizes personal revelation.

5. Underage Marriages: The Case of Helen Mar Kimball

• Main Topic: Addressing the controversial issue of Joseph Smith's underage plural marriages, specifically focusing on Helen Mar Kimball.
• Key Points:
  • Helen Mar Kimball was 14 years old when she was sealed to Joseph Smith.
  • The sealing was initiated by Heber C. Kimball, Helen's father, to unite their families.
  • Hannah Stoddard emphasizes the importance of historical context, noting that in ancient Hebrew culture, Mary, the mother of Jesus, was likely 12-14 years old when she had the Son of God.
  • The Book of Jasher records that Rebecca was 10 years old when she was betrothed to Isaac.
  • An entire article on Helen R. Kimball's story is available on LDSAnswers.org.

6. Book of Mormon Translation: Urim and Thummim vs. Seer Stone

• Main Topic: Examining the different accounts of how Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, specifically the use of the Urim and Thummim versus a seer stone.
• Key Points:
  • Jeremy Runnells' CES letter raises the question of why the church has not been transparent about the use of a seer stone in the translation process.
  • Hannah Stoddard argues that this is not a "new narrative" and has been discussed for decades.
  • Joseph Fielding Smith, a former church historian and president, researched the issue and concluded that there is no authentic statement in church history stating that a seer stone was used in the translation. He believed the information was hearsay.
  • Beech Roberts, a contemporary of Joseph Fielding Smith, believed the Book of Mormon was translated using a seer stone in a hat.
• Argument: It's important to examine the sources and evidence to determine how the Book of Mormon was translated.

7. Examining the Witnesses: How Was the Book of Mormon Translated?

• Main Topic: Examining the accounts of key figures to determine how the Book of Mormon was translated.
• Key Points:
  • Jesus Christ never referred to a seer stone in connection with the Book of Mormon translation, always referring to the Urim and Thummim.
  • Joseph Smith never referred to a seer stone in connection with the Book of Mormon translation, always referring to the Urim and Thummim.
  • Oliver Cowdery never referred to a seer stone, always stating that the Book of Mormon was translated by means of the Urim and Thummim and that the plates were used.
  • David Whitmer was a proponent of the seer stone story, but his statements contradict each other, and he was antagonistic towards Joseph Smith.
  • David Whitmer was involved in the occult and followed a witch who used a seer stone, which may have influenced his perspective.

8. Joseph Smith and the Occult

• Main Topic: Addressing the accusations that Joseph Smith was involved in the occult.
• Key Points:
  • The discussion will continue in the next segment.

9. Conclusion

• Main Takeaways:
  • The Joseph Smith Foundation is dedicated to providing historical research and primary source documents to help people understand church history and address faith crises.
  • It's important to study the historical sources, ask questions, and seek personal revelation to gain a strong testimony.
  • There are answers to the tough questions, and there's nothing to be afraid of in exploring church history.
  • LDSAnswers.org is a valuable resource for those seeking answers to historical issues.
  • The accounts of how the Book of Mormon was translated vary, and it's important to examine the evidence and sources to form one's own conclusion.