Debunking Joseph Smith's Fake Affair with FANNY ALGER! (feat. Don Bradley)

The discussion revolves around the popular narrative concerning Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith. It questions the validity of the claims that Alger was either Smith's first plural wife or merely an object of an affair. The conversation aims to debunk myths and谎言 (lies) about Smith, with author Don Bradley presenting his research from 'The Lost 116 Pages.' The dialogue also touches upon the differing perspectives within the early Church and the role of personal bias in interpreting history.

Don Bradley shares his experience working for Brian Hales, gathering sources on Joseph Smith's polygamy. His research spanned multiple archives and resulted in a collection of about 1500 sources. Initially biased against Smith, Bradley approached his research with skepticism, looking for personal gain in Smith's actions. However, the process of examining original sources led to a nuanced understanding of Smith's practice of polygamy.

The paragraph delves into the analysis of a letter by Oliver Cowdery, a prominent figure in early Mormon history. Cowdery's letter, which is often cited as evidence of an affair between Joseph Smith and Fanny Alger, is scrutinized for its authenticity and the true meaning of the words used. The discussion highlights the difference between the words 'scrape' and 'affair' as they appear in the letter, suggesting that the original term 'scrape' indicated a problematic situation rather than an extramarital affair.

This section addresses the misconception that has arisen from the use of the word 'affair' in Cowdery's letter. The discussion clarifies that the term 'affair' was not originally used by Cowdery and that his nephew replaced a slang term with the more general and less damning word 'affair.' The paragraph also explores the broader issue of how historical sources can be misinterpreted, especially when it comes to the language and slang of a bygone era.

The conversation continues with a debate on whether the relationship between Joseph Smith and Fanny Alger was an affair or a plural marriage. It raises questions about the reactions of those involved and the subsequent actions taken, suggesting that the relationship's end and Alger's quick remarriage indicate it was not viewed as a marriage. The discussion also contemplates the ethical implications of Smith's public denial of polygamy while practicing it in secret.

The paragraph discusses the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants and the statement on marriage within it. It suggests that the statement's emphasis on monogamy was a response to existing rumors of polygamy within the church. The discussion points to the timeline of events, including the revelation's issuance before the discovery of Smith's relationship with Alger, as evidence of pre-existing discussions on polygamy.

This section details the accusations against Oliver Cowdery during a High Council trial and how they relate to the broader narrative of Joseph Smith's involvement with Fanny Alger. It explores the charges brought against Cowdery, including the spread of false information about Smith's polygamy, and the implications of Cowdery's failure to deny these accusations during the trial.

The paragraph examines the reliability of historical accounts, particularly those written by individuals like Levi Hancock, who were not direct witnesses to the events they describe. It questions the assumptions made in these accounts and the inferences drawn from them, suggesting that historians must make careful and systematic inferences based on the available evidence.

The discussion touches on the esoteric nature of Joseph Smith's teachings, particularly regarding polygamy. It suggests that Smith's approach to sharing knowledge was selective, only revealing certain truths to certain individuals. The paragraph also explores the ethical dilemmas Smith faced in maintaining the secrecy of polygamy and the potential consequences of its disclosure.

This section scrutinizes Levi Hancock's account of Fanny Alger's alleged marriage to Joseph Smith, highlighting inconsistencies and the speculative nature of his narrative. It emphasizes the importance of primary sources and the need for critical analysis when evaluating historical claims.

The paragraph focuses on establishing a timeline for the relationship between Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith. By correlating various accounts and events, the discussion aims to pinpoint when the relationship likely began and ended, challenging the conventional narrative and suggesting that it was a secret polygamous marriage rather than an affair.

The discussion汇总 (summarizes) the consensus among historians that the relationship between Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith was likely polygamy, not adultery. It highlights the work of various historians, regardless of their personal beliefs about Smith or polygamy, who have all concluded that the evidence points toward a polygamous relationship.

This section addresses Joseph Smith's public denial of polygamy, despite evidence suggesting he practiced it. It explores the potential reasons for these denials, including the need for secrecy and the protective nature of the doctrine, as well as the ethical considerations of such public statements.

The final paragraph aims to debunk common misconceptions about Fanny Alger and Joseph Smith, emphasizing that Alger was not a minor and that the relationship was not predatory. It also refutes the claim that Smith lied to the church about the relationship, suggesting that he may have privately admitted to the High Council that it was a form of polygamy.