Joseph Smith Expert: "My Biggest Discovery Happened While Out of The Church" | Don Bradley E0039

YouTube Video Transcript Summary

Key Concepts: Joseph Smith, Word of Wisdom, leg surgery, temperance movement, historical context, faith journey, father-son bonds, Emma Smith, School of the Prophets, historical-critical method, personal revelation, sincerity, opportunism.

Don Bradley's Background and Research Approach

Don Bradley, a "Joseph Smithologist," describes his journey from devout Mormon to ex-Mormon atheist and back. His deep dive into church history began at age 17, driven by a desire to understand Joseph Smith and the restoration. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of historical events and revelations. Bradley's approach involves meticulous research, focusing on micro-context: the specific day, location, and circumstances surrounding events. He aims to reconstruct the moment, asking, "What was the question that drew out the answer?"

Faith Crisis and Re-evaluation

Bradley recounts a gradual faith crisis stemming from discrepancies between his research findings and the traditional narrative of the restoration. He relied on historical sources that later proved unreliable, such as a fabricated journal attributed to Sarah Stoddard and prophetic claims made by descendants of Samuel Harrison Smith. This led him to question Joseph Smith's motives, adopting a working model that viewed him as an opportunist. He acknowledges that his questions and assumptions influenced his interpretation of historical events.

The Significance of Joseph Smith's Leg Surgery

The discussion shifts to the significance of Joseph Smith's childhood leg surgery in 1813. Bradley argues that this event is foundational for understanding both the Word of Wisdom and Joseph Smith's character.

• Context: Joseph Smith contracted typhloid fever at age seven, leading to a severe infection in his leg. The only available anesthetic for the surgery was alcohol (liquor).
• Temperance Movement: Bradley emphasizes that the temperance movement did not exist at the time of Joseph Smith's surgery. In fact, alcohol consumption was at its peak in the United States.
• Mystery: Joseph Smith's refusal of alcohol is presented as a mystery, given the cultural norms of the time.

The Word of Wisdom: Deeper Context

The conversation explores the deeper context of the Word of Wisdom, moving beyond the familiar story of Emma Smith cleaning up tobacco spit in the School of the Prophets.

• Emma Smith's Health: Bradley highlights that Emma Smith had a difficult labor with her son Joseph Smith III just four months before the Word of Wisdom was given. She nearly died and struggled with her health for months afterward.
• Sacrifices: The Word of Wisdom likely required sacrifices from both Joseph and Emma. Emma, a former Methodist, likely abstained from alcohol, while Joseph likely consumed alcohol and smoked a pipe.
• Caffeine Addiction: Bradley suggests that Emma may have been struggling with caffeine addiction due to exhaustion and poor health.
• Promises: The Word of Wisdom promises health, energy, wisdom, and treasures of knowledge.
• Beyond Prohibitions: Bradley emphasizes that the Word of Wisdom is not just a set of prohibitions but also advice on how to live a healthy life, including consuming herbs, vegetables, and plant foods, and eating meat sparingly.

Joseph Smith's Character

Bradley argues that Joseph Smith's leg surgery helps answer the question, "What kind of person was Joseph Smith?" He suggests that understanding the historical context and motivations behind Joseph Smith's actions can provide a deeper understanding of his character and the restoration.

Conclusion

The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical context of events and revelations in the history of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. By delving into the micro-context and asking the right questions, one can gain a deeper understanding of Joseph Smith's character, the Word of Wisdom, and the restoration itself. The story of Joseph Smith's leg surgery serves as a powerful example of how a seemingly minor detail can unlock profound insights.