The Joseph Smith Papers
This intriguing documentary explores the ambitious effort to compile, transcribe, edit, and present the papers of, by, and directly related to the Latter-day Saint Prophet Joseph Smith.
Cast: Glenn Rawson
TV-PGHDCC
52 episodes
1. OverviewThe papers include the earliest of the foundational documents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The papers also provide insights from Joseph through his correspondence, journals, discourses, and business dealings.TV-PGCCFeb 2, 2009- 2. Joseph's RootsHistorians set the stage for Joseph Smith Jr.'s early years in New Hampshire and Vermont.TV-PGCCFeb 2, 2009
- 3. Joseph's AmericaReview the remarkable parallels between a young nation and its newest religion as they each struggled to develop their identity and destiny.TV-PGCCMar 9, 2009
- 4. PalmyraPalmyra is where young Joseph Smith and his family found themselves scraping to buy a farm, building a home, and then losing it all.TV-PGCCMar 9, 2009
- 5. First Vision BeginningsHear the four versions of the First Vision given by the Prophet.TV-PGCCMar 16, 2009
- 6. Four AccountsStudy Joseph's four accounts of the First Vision and the context that helps clarify the variations.TV-PGCCMar 16, 2009
- 7. The Coming Forth of the Book of MormonReview the remarkable relationship between Joseph and the angel Moroni.TV-PGCCMar 23, 2009
- 8. HarmonyHarmony is a story of miracles that would become the foundation for the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ in the latter-days.TV-PGCCMar 23, 2009
- 9. PriesthoodReview the remarkable events surrounding the restoration of the priesthood and pinpoint the appearance of the three ancient apostles.TV-PGCCMar 30, 2009
- 10. The Papers People--Part 1Meet five of the scholars whose work is central to compiling a complete and accurate documentary of Joseph Smith.TV-PGCCMar 30, 2009
- 11. The Papers People--Part 2Survey the complete process of gathering, scrutinizing, and organizing documents for publication.TV-PGCCMay 11, 2009
- 12. The Translation of the Book of MormonExplore portions of the original manuscripts of the Book of Mormon and study the remarkable principles and questions that continue to surface.TV-PGCCMay 11, 2009
- 13. Printing the Book of MormonReview the time-consuming process of typesetting a 600-page book with nineteenth-century equipment.TV-PGCCMay 18, 2009
- 14. A Mother's AccountExamine the origin, motivation, and accuracy of "The History of the Prophet Joseph Smith" by Lucy Mack Smith.TV-PGCCMay 18, 2009
- 15. History of a HistoryDean Jesse discusses Joseph's anxiety over keeping the history of a work that would change human events.TV-PGCCMay 25, 2009
- 16. Joseph's JournalsExplore the Prophet's personal journals to learn of his shortcomings, interpersonal conflicts, and challenges in leading the Saints into the future.TV-PGCCMay 25, 2009
- 17. Oliver's StoryStudy the life of Oliver Cowdery and witness his participation in the events of the Restoration, his apostasy, and his powerful closing testimony.TV-PGCCJun 1, 2009
- 18. They Met the ProphetEnjoy vibrant descriptions from those who met the Prophet. Whether one believed him or not, meeting Joseph Smith always left a deep impression.TV-PGCCJun 1, 2009
- 19. Saving Joseph's LegLearn how Joseph and his family lived within a few miles of the only man alive who could have saved Joseph's life.TV-PGCCJun 8, 2009
- 20. Joseph's New Translation--Part 1Learn the history of Joseph's new translation of the Bible. Despite its significance, the manuscript was lost to the Church for over a century.TV-PGCCJun 8, 2009
- 21. Joseph's New Translation--Part 2Observe in detail the changes that Joseph made to restore the "plain and precious" meanings of the Bible.TV-PGCCJun 15, 2009
- 22. The Letters of Joseph and EmmaChurch history scholars review the papers that may have meant more to Joseph than any others: the letters between the Prophet and his wife.TV-PGCCJun 15, 2009
- 23. Joseph Smith the RadicalThe Prophet's claim to direct revelation was extremely radical. Nevertheless, the revelation he received restored doctrine and structured the Church.TV-PGCCJun 22, 2009
- 24. April 6, 1830Learn about the events surrounding the organization of the Church, including why six men were to become the founding fathers of Mormonism.TV-PGCCJun 22, 2009
- 25. Kirtland BeginningsScholars discuss the years in Kirtland that were filled with miracles, divine revelation, and instruction.TV-PGCCJun 29, 2009
- 26. Visions and Blessings, Tar and FeathersRevisit the night when Joseph was tarred and feathered. Then, explore the difficulties and joys the Saints faced in their efforts to build a temple.TV-PGCCJun 29, 2009
- 27. The Kirtland Temple: An Endowment of PowerExamine the few yet remarkable days in Kirtland that culminated with the appearance of the Savior.TV-PGCCJul 6, 2009
- 28. ZionExamine the idea of Zion and the role mobs and Mormons alike played in its failure. It was the greatest city that never came to be.TV-PGCCJul 6, 2009
- 29. Zion's CampTravel through four states with 200 men to learn that the mission of Zion's Camp was more about the lessons of a journey than about the destination.TV-PGCCJul 13, 2009
- 30. Crisis in KirtlandRecount the dark days of Kirtland: financial failure, a riot in the temple, betrayal, and mutiny.TV-PGCCJul 13, 2009
- 31. Joseph Smith and the Law--Part 1Hundreds of newly discovered legal documents paint a new impression of the litigious environment surrounding the Mormon leader.TV-PGCCJul 20, 2009
- 32. Joseph Smith and the Law--Part 2Study the lawsuits Joseph faced throughout his life from his first encounter with the law at age 13 to the case of the Kirtland Safety Society.TV-PGCCJul 20, 2009
- 33. The Mormon WarHistorians recount the pivotal days that would eventually lead to expulsion from Missouri, captivity at Liberty, and a trek out WestTV-PGCCJul 27, 2009
- 34. Liberty JailFor Joseph Smith, Liberty Jail provided an experience that would be described as the most important leadership training the Prophet would receive.TV-PGCCJul 27, 2009
- 35. Suffering and SalvationaWith an extermination order in effect, thousands of destitute Saints huddled together in desperate circumstances in Missouri. The exodus begins.TV-PGCCAug 3, 2009
- 36. The Mission of the Twelve to EnglandDetail the experience that transformed a group of faithful young men into a quorum who had great influence in the British Isles.TV-PGCCAug 3, 2009
- 37. Land, Joseph and "Justice" in MissouriHistorians show how "the law" in Missouri held Joseph hostage to "legally" rid itself of Mormons.TV-PGCCAug 10, 2009
- 38. Nauvoo BeginningsHistorians document the beginnings of Nauvoo, the beautiful city, and the implications from Joseph that it wouldn't last for long.TV-PGCCAug 10, 2009
- 39. "I Can Do Nothing for You"Recount the meeting of the Prophet and the president in 1839, and learn Smith's candid assessment of the people and power of the nation's capital.TV-PGCCAug 17, 2009
- 40. Joseph Smith's SermonsDiscuss how the Saints viewed the difference between Joseph's preaching and the revelations he received from God.TV-PGCCAug 17, 2009
- 41. Jewel on the MississippiReview the remarkable design, organization of labor, and confluence of expertise that created the most notable structure along the Mississippi River.TV-PGCCAug 24, 2009
- 42. A Pearl of Great PriceRecount the story of how a remarkable find in Egypt ended up half a world away in the hands of the one man who could translate the Abrahamic text.TV-PGCCAug 24, 2009
- 43. Doctrines of SalvationExamine a period of time in the early Church as Joseph introduces the doctrines that made the construction of a temple extremely urgent.TV-PGCCAug 31, 2009
- 44. Joseph and the Relief SocietyScholars examine the first meetings of the Relief Society, including the admonition that the organization become a vital source in the church.TV-PGCCAug 31, 2009
- 45. Living by the LawLegal scholars document the legal wrangling that kept the Prophet on the defense during the Nauvoo years.TV-PGCCSep 7, 2009
- 46. Going InternationalExplore the early foreign missions of the Church in Canada, the British Isles, Palestine, and the Pacific islands.TV-PGCCSep 7, 2009
- 47. Gathering CloudsJoin scholars to discuss the fear and frustration of non-Mormons when Latter-day Saints became a political force.TV-PGCCSep 14, 2009
- 48. Joseph Smith for PresidentFollow the Prophet's very unique entry into national politics including his opinions on the role of government.TV-PGCCSep 14, 2009
- 49. MartyrdomLearn about the events leading to the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith.TV-PGCCSep 28, 2009
- 50. Lamentation and LeadershipScholars discuss the extraordinary events that led to consolidation of the Church's new leadership.TV-PGCCSep 28, 2009
- 51. Who Will Lead? Who Will Follow?Discuss the contention that arose over who would succeed Joseph Smith.TV-PGCCOct 5, 2009
- 100. A Television ForewordJoin scholars for an introduction to the scope and intention of the Papers project.TV-PGCCApr 4, 2009
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The Joseph Smith Papers
20092 seasons94 episodesEnded
This intriguing documentary explores the ambitious effort to compile, transcribe, edit, and present the papers of, by, and directly related to the Latter-day Saint Prophet Joseph Smith.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- BYU
- Cast
- Glenn Rawson
- Studio
- BYUtv
Maturity rating
TV-PGCheck the rating before watching with younger viewers.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Stream
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