Podcast Summary: followHIM Episode - "Voices of the Restoration • Joseph Smith's Family"

Release Date: January 13, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of the followHIM podcast, hosts John Bytheway and Hank Smith delve into the Voices of the Restoration segment, focusing on Joseph Smith's Family. They are joined by Dr. Garrett Dirkmot, a historian specializing in early Latter-day Saint history, who provides deep insights into the familial and societal influences shaping Joseph Smith's prophetic journey.

The Concept of Voices of the Restoration

John: Introduces the new segment in the Come Follow Me manual, emphasizing its goal to present personal accounts from individuals who experienced the Restoration firsthand.

Dr. Dirkmot [01:56]:

"These are real people who had real experiences. They saw the revelations unfold as they unfolded. They took each step of the Restoration in a way that it's easy for us to look back and say, oh, of course they were going to end up in Missouri."

Dr. Dirkmot highlights that understanding the personal experiences of those around Joseph Smith helps believers apply scriptural lessons to their own lives more effectively.

Historical Perspectives and Misconceptions

Hank [04:37]:

"Why do we study the past with the mindset where, of course, you're smarter than everyone in the past. They don't know what a germ is. So, yeah, you're coming across as like, you know, you're Einstein compared to them."

The discussion underscores the common pitfall of viewing historical events through a modern lens, leading to misinterpretations and undervaluing the context in which individuals lived.

Dr. Dirkmot [06:46]: Explains how cultural differences, such as the stoic expressions in 19th-century photographs, can lead to misunderstandings about the emotional states of historical figures.

Importance of Credible Historical Sources

Dr. Dirkmot [20:41]:

"A PhD trained historian, what they're taught is how to use sources properly. They're trained in what types of sources are better and what types of sources are worse."

Emphasizing the necessity of relying on trained historians, Dr. Dirkmot warns against accepting biased or antagonistic sources without proper scrutiny.

Hank [19:36]:

"You should get the history that really matters to you and your family and your future and your faith. You need to get that from a historian."

This analogy compares seeking accurate historical information to obtaining professional medical advice, highlighting the importance of expertise.

Lucy Mack Smith and the Smith Family's Religious Journey

Dr. Dirkmot [29:36]:

"Most of the credible information we have about Joseph Smith's early life, it comes from Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith's mother."

The episode delves into Lucy Mack Smith's pivotal role in documenting Joseph Smith's early life, providing personal insights that are corroborated by other historical records.

Hank [36:40]: Reflects on Lucy's struggles with religious pushback from her husband, Joseph Smith Sr., illustrating the familial tensions surrounding religious convictions.

The Influence of Calvinism and Arminianism

Dr. Dirkmot [37:36]:

"Calvinism rests on this idea of the absolute sovereignty of God. There is no free will. There is only God and you in your sinfulness, thinking that you have free will."

The conversation explores the dominant Protestant theological debates of the early 19th century, explaining how the prevailing Calvinist and Arminian doctrines influenced the Smith family's religious environment and Joseph Smith's own theological developments.

Family Dynamics and Support in the Restoration

Dr. Dirkmot [45:43]: Discusses the unwavering support Joseph Smith's family provided him, emphasizing how their belief in his prophetic role was foundational to the early Restoration movement.

Hank [94:34]:

"Why don't his siblings just simply declare to others, look, my brother wrote a book that he thinks came from God, but he obviously didn't."

This segment highlights the profound trust and belief within the Smith family, contrasting it with external skepticism and antagonism faced by Joseph Smith.

Grief, Loss, and the Doctrine of Resurrection

Dr. Dirkmot [63:56]:

"Joseph experiences these heartrending losses of his family means the question about life and death is not a theoretical one for him."

The hosts and Dr. Dirkmot discuss how personal tragedies, including the deaths of Joseph Smith's siblings and children, deeply influenced his theological focus on the Resurrection and the plan of salvation.

Dr. Dirkmot [83:09]:

"The expectation of seeing my friends in the morning of the resurrection cheers my soul and it makes me bear up against the evils of life."

Joseph Smith's assurances about the Resurrection provided comfort and purpose amidst ongoing persecutions and personal losses.

Conclusion

The episode culminates with reflections on the enduring impact of the Smith family's faith and support. Hank and John express gratitude for Dr. Dirkmot's expertise, recognizing the importance of understanding historical context to strengthen current faith and testimony.

Dr. Dirkmot [97:48]:

"They clearly don't agree on everything. But when it comes to following Joseph as a prophet and believing he receives revelation, they are all there."

The unwavering belief of Joseph Smith's family serves as a testament to the strength of their bonds and their conviction in the Restoration.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Dirkmot [01:56]:

  "These are real people who had real experiences. They saw the revelations unfold as they unfolded."

• Hank Smith [19:36]:

  "You should get the history that really matters to you and your family and your future and your faith. You need to get that from a historian."

• Dr. Dirkmot [37:36]:

  "Calvinism rests on this idea of the absolute sovereignty of God. There is no free will."

• Dr. Dirkmot [83:09]:

  "The expectation of seeing my friends in the morning of the resurrection cheers my soul and it makes me bear up against the evils of life."

This comprehensive exploration of Joseph Smith's Family through Dr. Garrett Dirkmot's historical lens offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the personal and theological dynamics that shaped the early Latter-day Saint movement. By contextualizing Joseph Smith's revelations and the family's steadfast support, the episode enriches the listener's appreciation of the Restoration's foundational period.