Church History Matters Podcast – Episode 114: Early Church Converts with Janice Johnson

Release Date: April 5, 2025
Host: Scripture Central
Guests: Janice Johnson, Expert in American Religious History

Introduction

In Episode 114 of the Church History Matters podcast, hosts Scott and Casey welcome Janice Johnson, a distinguished scholar specializing in American religious history and Latter-day Saint Church History. Janice brings a wealth of knowledge from her extensive research on early Church converts and their profound relationship with the Book of Mormon. Her background includes a PhD in American history, teaching positions at BYU and BYU-Idaho, and her role as Acquisitions Director at Deseret Book. Janice is also the co-author of Witness of Women and is currently working on an in-depth exploration of early Book of Mormon reception.

Exploring Early Church Converts

Janice Johnson delves into the intricate process of conversion among early Latter-day Saints, emphasizing the pivotal role the Book of Mormon played. She explains,

“My main area of focus is the Book of Mormon specifically, and thinking about how these people who were by and large already Christian... how they developed a relationship with the Book of Mormon, how they used the Book of Mormon, what kind of effect it had on their lives.”
(02:45)

Janice highlights that many early converts were already familiar with the Bible and held it in high esteem. The introduction of the Book of Mormon presented a new layer of scripture that these individuals embraced, leading to profound personal and spiritual transformations.

The Book of Mormon’s Integral Role

A significant theme in the discussion is the depth of the Book of Mormon’s influence on early converts. Janice shares insights from various personal letters and journals, demonstrating how the text became intertwined with daily life and personal expression.

“Nine months after the publication of the book, it has already, the language of the Book of Mormon has already become part of her language.”
(08:12)

She provides examples such as Lucy Mack Smith’s letters, where Book of Mormon language permeates her personal correspondence, reflecting a deep internalization of the scripture.

Joseph Smith’s Relationship with the Book of Mormon

The conversation shifts to Joseph Smith’s familiarity with the Book of Mormon compared to other Church leaders. Janice notes,

“I think Orson Pratt and Parley Pratt know the Book of Mormon way better than Joseph does.”
(10:56)

She explains that while Joseph was primarily focused on translation and revelation, other leaders like Orson and Parley Pratt dedicated more time to studying the Book of Mormon, thereby developing a more profound understanding of its contents. This distinction underscores the Book of Mormon’s authenticity and its independent influence beyond Joseph Smith’s direct contributions.

Diverse Conversion Experiences

Janice highlights the varied nature of conversions, illustrating that each individual’s journey with the Book of Mormon was unique. She recounts the story of Ezra Thayer, who initially felt overwhelmed and angry at Joseph Smith’s claims but experienced a profound change upon reading the Book of Mormon:

“He says when he touches the book, he feels something... his wrath melts away. And then he says when he begins to read it, that the book is opened up to him and he feels this joy coming from its pages.”
(16:00)

Other examples include Eliza R. Snow’s gradual study over four years before her heartfelt conversion and Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner’s fervent memorization of the Book of Nephi at a young age.

Cultural and Doctrinal Impact

The Book of Mormon’s influence extended beyond personal conversion, impacting Church culture and doctrine. Janice discusses how early converts integrated Book of Mormon names and place names into their lives:

“Patients started naming their children with Book of Mormon names like Mahadri Moryankaber, Aminadab, and more.”
(33:06)

Additionally, the Book of Mormon inspired significant doctrinal missions, such as the Lamanite missions focused on fulfilling prophecies related to the New Jerusalem. This deep engagement with the text fostered a collective identity and purpose among early Church members.

Enduring Influence Amidst Criticism

A poignant part of the discussion centers on how the Book of Mormon maintained its influence even among those who left the Church. Janice cites William McClellan’s unwavering respect for the Book of Mormon despite his excommunication:

“I have more confidence in the Book of Mormon than any book of this wide earth... I have probably read it through 20 times.”
(48:19)

This enduring connection highlights the Book of Mormon’s profound and independent significance, serving as a cornerstone for faith and intellectual engagement regardless of institutional affiliations.

Legacy and Continuing Research

Janice Johnson’s ongoing research aims to further illuminate the diverse ways early converts interacted with the Book of Mormon. She emphasizes the importance of meticulous study and the varied methods early Church members employed to engage with their scriptures, from creating personal indexes to crafting detailed concordances.

“They are trying to learn the text deeply, not just read it casually.”

Janice’s work, including her articles in Book of Mormon Studies and the Ensign, provides invaluable resources for those seeking to understand the multifaceted relationships early converts had with the Book of Mormon.

Conclusion

The episode underscores the centrality of the Book of Mormon in the lives of early Church converts and its enduring legacy within the Latter-day Saint movement. Janice Johnson’s research illuminates how the Book of Mormon not only spurred initial conversions but also sustained faith and community through its profound influence on personal lives, culture, and doctrine. As Scott aptly summarizes,

“Don't underestimate the power of the Book of Mormon, but... Scripture becomes written on our souls, it changes us.”
(58:23)

This episode serves as a testament to the Book of Mormon’s pivotal role in shaping the early Church and continues to inspire and strengthen believers today.

Further Resources

For listeners interested in delving deeper into Janice Johnson’s research on early Church converts and the Book of Mormon:

• Journal Article: A Witness of One’s Own in the December 2020 issue of Ensign.
• Book: Witness of Women by Janice Johnson and Jenny Reeder.
• Upcoming Book: Early Book of Mormon Reception by Janice Johnson.
• Maxwell Institute Lectures: Available through Deseret Book show notes.

Thank you for tuning in to Church History Matters. Join us next week for another enlightening discussion on the rich tapestry of Latter-day Saint history.