Peculiar People's History

Joseph went into the forest to pray and later described the glorious vision he had there. In this episode, we examine the vision and his accounts, along with those of his contemporaries. We also discuss the importance of the First Vision in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In the winter of 1816-1817, the Smiths arrived in New York, destitute and with few prospects. After working odd jobs, they saved up enough to contract a farm in Manchester, just south of Palmyra. In this episode, I describe their first three or so years in New York and discuss the themes of folk magic, treasure seeking, and the Second Great Awakening, leading up to Joseph's First Vision in 1820.

Michael and I talk about the context of the Restoration: the American Revolution and the Second Great Awakening. Check out his podcast, the American Revolution Podcast, at https://pod.amrevpodcast.com/ Thanks to Michael Troy for his time and insight!

As we wrap up the Great Apostasy in the main narrative, this episode shows some perspectives of prominent church leaders and authors concerning the Great Apostasy. We look at Carter E. Grant's Kingdom of God Restored and Tad R. Callister's The Inevitable Apostasy and the Promised Restoration. We also look at the definition of the Great Apostasy put out by the Church on one of its websites, mormon.org. Disclaimer: Neither Grant's nor Callister's lists are official church statements and may not reflect the position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In this episode, we trace Joseph Smith's ancestry through his father's and mother's lines. Then, we look at the lives of Joseph's parents, Joseph Sr. and Lucy Mack. We end with a look at Joseph Smith Jr.'s childhood, including his illness, up to 1816.

We finish our look at the Great Apostasy in the Americas by setting the stage for the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ, and the life of Joseph Smith. This episode covers the American Revolution, the writing of the Constitution, and early American history into the Jacksonian era. There will be one more episode about historical events throughout the world in the early nineteenth century, but it will be released as a bonus episode so we can get through to the events of the Restoration quicker!

In today's episode, we continue our look at the Americas, this time focusing on the Thirteen British Colonies that would make up the United States of America. We look at New England and its formation, then the Middle Colonies and the Southern Colonies. We examine the First Great Awakening and the colonial wars including the French and Indian War (or Seven Years War). All of this would lead to a revolution in the British colonies and a Second Great Awakening, during which the Church of Jesus Christ would be organized.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from The History of the Church of Jesus Christ and from The Spiritual Thought! Have a wonderful day and know that you are loved! To watch the First Presidency Christmas Devotional, click: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/archive/christmas-devotional/2018/12?lang=eng&_r=1 For information on "Light the World", click: https://www.mormon.org/christmas/light-the-world

Part 1 of 2, we take a look at the conquest of the Americas by European explorers and settlers, including Columbus' voyages, Cortez' conquest of the Aztecs, Pizarro's conquest of the Incas, the Spanish colonies in South and Central America, the Portuguese colony of Brazil, the French and Dutch colonies, and the English colony of Jamestown, along with five major wars between the native peoples and the British colonists.

We (finally) wrap up the Great Apostasy in Europe, with the Age of Exploration, the Church during the Renaissance, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, religious wars, the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, Romanticism, and finally, the political climate in Europe during and following the French Revolution. All of this serves to provide a European context for the Restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ.

Today, I outline the history of the publication of the Doctrine and Covenants. I also discuss the book's content, purpose, and importance to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We follow the history of the Catholic Church through the High Middle Ages into the Renaissance and set the stage for the Reformation in the 16th century. Among the things examined are the Great Schism, Avignon Papacy, the Mongol invasion and ensuing Black Death, the precursors to the Reformation and the fall of Constantinople. We also take a look at some important figures in the 14th through 15th centuries.

Today, we look at the Crusades in the Holy Land and briefly examine the Hundred Years War, War of the Roses, and Reconquista.

Today we look at the build-up to the Crusades as great conflicts rock Europe, including the Viking and Magyar invasions and the Battle of Manzikert.

In today's bonus episode, we look at the translations of the Bible, from the Tanakh, to the Septuagint, from the Vulgate to the King James Version. I discuss the use of the King James Version in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We finish our look at the Doctors of the Church by examining the lives and minsitries of Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine of Hippo, and Gregory the Great

Today's episode focuses on the lives and ministries of Athanasius of Alexandria, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and John Chrysostom. This is the first part of a two-part look at the Eight Doctors of the Church.

A special annoucement about the name of the podcast.

In today's episode, we examine the efforts of Christian missionaries to spread the gospel throughout Europe. We also see the rise of the Carolingian Empire and the beginnings of the Holy Roman Empire.

Today, we examine the reign of Constantine, Theodosius I, and the other Roman Emperors until the fall of Rome. We also follow the progress of the Byzantine Empire through Zeno, Justinian, and Heraclius, among others. Through all of this, we continue our look at the development of the Catholic Church. We briefly look at the Huns and Arabs, as they relate to the history of Rome and Constantinople. Finally, we return to Rome to view the clash over iconoclasm in which the pope challenges the emperor.

In today's episode, we examine pre-ecumenical councils and synods, look at the changes in doctrine and practice within Early Christianity, then discuss the histories of Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandria, Rome, and Byzantium: the five original patriarchates. We end with a general survey of Christianity within and outside of the Roman Empire, including the Church of the East.

An episode in honor of July 24th, known as Pioneer Day in Utah, when Brigham Young first entered the Salt Lake Valley and declared that "this is the right place" for the Mormons to finally settle.

Part one of a two part look at the Ante-Nicene Era. We examine the first five popes and some key Christian writers and theologians.

Today, we take a dive into the messiah complex, and two figures in Mormon history who probably had it: Arnold Potter, or the Potter Christ, and William W. Davies, whose son he proclaimed to be the Walla Walla Jesus.  For more information on Potter's Revelations: https://archive.org/stream/revelationsofpot00pott#page/10/mode/2up

We finish our discussion of the Age of the Apostles. Their ministries and deaths are described.  Check out the Mormon News Report Podcast!

An extensive look at the Lost Tribes, the history of the Jewish Diaspora and the formatoin of the State of Israel, the spiritual and literal gathering of Israel, and its importance to the Latter-day Saints. Forgive me for the frequent long quotes.

Paul is questioned before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa. He is sent to Rome in a perilous journey that results in the growth of the church. Paul spreads the gospel in Rome, Ephesus, Macedonia, and possibly even Spain. He is executed at Rome with Peter.

This is part one of a two part look at the Lost Tribes of Israel. This episode focuses on the scattering of Israel, and theories on where they might be now.

Paul's second and third missionary journeys take him all over Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and back to Jerusalem, where he is taken prisoner by the Romans.

In this bonus episode, we examine the eight known churches that broke away from The Church of Christ (today known as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). These eight sects cover approximately 13 years, from the first in 1831 in Kirtland, Ohio, to the last in 1844 in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Saul persecutes the Church of Jesus Christ. Philip converts Simon Magus, who tries to buy the priesthood, and an Ethiopian eunuch. Saul is converted on the road to Damascus. Peter recieves a vision in which the Lord commands him to take the gospel to the Gentiles. Cornelius and his house are converted. Disciples become known as Christians at Antioch. Herod kills James and imprisons Peter. An angel frees Peter and Herod dies. Saul (who becomes known as Paul) and Barnabas set out for their first missionary journey to Anatolia. They have great success and close calls, before returning to Antioch.

The little church founded by Jesus Christ is carried on by Peter, James, and John. Matthias is chosen to be Judas' replacement. The Holy Ghost is given to the disciples in the Pentecost. Peter and John are brought before the Sanhedrin twice for working miracles. Seven assistants to the Apostles are called, including Stephen, who is martyred.

Today we conclude the Earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. He visits the world of the spirits and speaks to the people of the Americas.He rises from the tomb, appears to many in a glorious 40-day ministry in the Holy Land and passes on the leadership of His Church to Peter and the Apostles.

Today, we look at Jesus Christ's final week and the events leading up to His crucifixion.

This week, we continue our look at Jesus as the founder of Christianity, His creation and calling of the Seventy, His Transfiguration on the mount and his giving of keys to Peter, James, and John. Today's episode covers the last year of Jesus' life up to His final week.

We continue our look into the life and ministry of Jesus Christ, from His baptism to the death of John the Baptist.

Today we examine some Old Testament prophesies of the First Coming of Christ, and we look at the transition between the Old and New Testaments, and introduce the life of Jesus Christ by discussing His birth and flight into Egypt.

The Old Testament is important to Mormons, as there are many parallels drawn between the Israelite religion and the Mormon faith, two of which being the Abrahamic Covenant and worship in the temple. This episode makes a quick tour of the history of the Patriarchs from Adam to Abraham, and the story of the Hebrews, or children of Israel. If you want a gppd in-depth podcast about the Bible, see http://www.historyinthebible.com/. - Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, and our blog, www.mhistorypod.com. If you have any questions, shoot me a message on Facebook via The Mormon History Podcast. Also, feel free to email me at mhistorypod@gmail.com for comments or questions. Also, please leave a rating on whatever app or site that you’re using. Thanks again.

The last installment of the "What We Believe" miniseries. We cover the priesthood, service, temple and family history work, and enduring to the end. - Here are the links to the websites used in today's episode: (https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-5-laws-and-ordinances?lang=eng) https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/welfare/pdf/Welfare_Services_Fact_Sheet_2016_PD60001924_FINAL.pdf?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/topics/welfare/the-church-welfare-plan?lang=eng&old=true https://www.lds.org/church/news/names-submitted-for-temple-ordinances?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/10/enduring-to-the-end?lang=eng - Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, and our blog, www.mhistorypod.com. If you have any questions, shoot me a message on Facebook via The Mormon History Podcast. Also, feel free to email me at mhistorypod@gmail.com for comments or questions. Also, please leave a rating on whatever app or site that you’re using. Thanks again.

We cover the following commandments: Obedience Prayer Scripture Study Keep the Sabbath Day Holy Baptism and Confirmation Follow the Prophet The Ten Commandments The Law of Chastity The Word of Wisdom Tithing Fasting The Law of the Land   Here are links to the resources I used: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/10/keep-the-commandments?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/10/approaching-the-throne-of-god-with-confidence?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/ensign/1992/08/news-of-the-church/first-presidency-statement-on-the-king-james-version-of-the-bible?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/introduction.html?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2015/04/the-sabbath-is-a-delight?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/manual/preach-my-gospel-a-guide-to-missionary-service/lesson-4-the-commandments?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/topics/abortion?lang=eng https://www.lds.org/topics/pornography?lang=eng https://mormonandgay.lds.org/articles/about-sexual-orientation?lang=eng www.mormonthink.com/tithing.htm   - Thanks for listening. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, and our blog, www.mhistorypod.com. If you have any questions, shoot me a message on Facebook via The Mormon History Podcast. Also, feel free to email me at mhistorypod@gmail.com for comments or questions. Also, please leave a rating on whatever app or site that you’re using. Thanks again.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ: Faith, Repentance, Baptism, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and Endure to the End. It's pretty simple.

An interview with BYU quarterback Tanner Mangum about faith, football, testimony, mental health and heritage!

Main Points of the Plan of Salvation: 1. Pre-Mortal World 2. Creation of the Earth 3. The Fall of Adam and Eve 4. Our Life on Earth 5. The Atonement of Jesus Christ 6. The Spirit World 7. Resurrection, Millenium and Judgment 8. The Kingdoms of Glory Any comments or questions, feel free to email me at mhistorypod@gmail.com. Check out our Facebook Page and our Tumblr blog as well!

An interview with my Catholic/Lutheran friend, Chris Saladin, about the Great Apostasy. For comments or questions, feel free to email me at mhistorypod@gmail.com!

A look at the message of the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Main Points: 1) God is our loving Heavenly Father, 2) Families can be eternal, 3) God calls prophets in every dispensation of time, 4) Jesus Christ's Earthly Ministry and the establishment of His Church, 5) The Great Apostasy from the death of the Apostles 6) The First Vision of God and Christ given to Joseph Smith 7) The coming forth of the Book of Mormon 8) Pray to know the truth of the Restoration.

An interview with George Richins, my grandfather, who serves in the Church as a patriarch and a sealer.

Gospel Topics Essays: Heavenly Mother: https://www.lds.org/topics/mother-in-heaven?lang=eng Women in the Church: https://www.lds.org/topics/women-in-the-church?lang=eng   For more about the Seventy: https://www.lds.org/church/leaders/quorums-of-the-seventy?lang=eng and https://www.lds.org/church/leaders/presidency-of-the-seventy?lang=eng For more about the Relief Society: https://www.lds.org/topics/relief-society?lang=eng

It's been a month since President Thomas Spencer Monson passed away. This a tribute to him.    President Monson's story about the fire: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/obedience-brings-blessings?lang=eng   President Monson speaks highly of his wife and Gordon B. Hinckley: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/looking-back-and-moving-forward?lang=eng   President Monson dares to stand alone in the Navy Reserve: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2011/10/dare-to-stand-alone?lang=eng   Preisdent Monson's LDS.org biography (which I quote extensively): https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/biographies/president-thomas-s-monson?lang=eng&_r=1   President Monson blesses Christal Methvin: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/1975/10/the-faith-of-a-child?lang=eng   President Monson wiggles his ears: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2008/04/examples-of-righteousness?lang=eng   President Monson speaks of his late wife: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/i-will-not-fail-thee-nor-forsake-thee?lang=eng   President Monson's last Priesthood Session talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/kindness-charity-and-love?lang=eng   President Monson's last talk: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2017/04/the-power-of-the-book-of-mormon?lang=eng

Welcome to the History of the Church of Jesus Christ! (Formerly the Mormon History Podcast)