Gospel Tangents Podcast

The struggle for leadership of the LDS Church between Sidney Rigdon and Brigham Young still echoes today. One lasting outcome is the practice of dissolving the First Presidency at the prophet’s death—a move meant to underscore that Rigdon was never recognized as Joseph Smith’s rightful successor. Historian John Hamer of the Community of Christ joins us to examine Rigdon’s claims, even arguing that...

We’ll discuss controversial RLDS beliefs with John Hamer , a Seventy with the Community of Christ. We’re focusing on the 1844 succession crisis , its lasting impact on both the LDS and Community of Christ (formerly RLDS) churches. He’s the co-author of Scattering of the Saints: Schism Within Mormonism . Don’t miss this fascinating discussion! https://youtu.be/mscrLYLKZs0 00:00 Ho...

I’m excited to welcome John Hamer back to the show. John is a Seventy in the Community of Christ and a remarkable historian of Restoration Churches. Earlier this month, he was in Utah for the 50th Anniversary of Sunstone, and today we’ll be talking about the many ways to Mormon, including some of the Restoration Churches/schismatic groups that were represented at Sunstone. This episode will be par...

Following the dissolution of her marriage, Sonia Johnson came up with her own view of gender essentialism and had some lesbian relationships. Was she bisexual, or a political lesbian? Dr Chris Talbot explains. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/glgWdkMlcJ8 Don’t miss our other episodes with Dr Chris Talbot! https://gospeltangents.com/people/chris-talbot/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tan...

This is a rebroadcast. The 1838 Mormon Missouri War remains a pivotal and often tragic chapter in Latter-day Saint history. We’re revisiting an interview with Steven LeSueur , an esteemed historian and author of what is considered by many to be the definitive book on the conflict, “ The 1838 Mormon War in Missouri .” LeSueur, who sadly passed away in July 2025, was remembered for his signifi...

This is a re-broadcast of my 2023 interview with Steve LeSueur. Unfortunately Steve passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 1, 2025. Mormons were part of the untamed world of the Wild West—complete with outlaws, shootouts, and the kind of drama you’d expect straight out of a western film. In this episode, Steve LeSueur shares the gripping story of his great-uncle Frank LeSueur and his fri...

Come see the site where James Strang was killed as we explore the captivating history of Beaver Island, a unique gem in Lake Michigan, especially its ties to James Strang and his Mormon community . https://youtu.be/xdnR28tTeEs Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book...

See what a local historian thinks about James Strang as we tour the town of St James on Beaver Island, Michigan. Check out the conversation! https://youtu.be/wBl1C55HoyY Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospeltangents.com/denominations/strangites/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written pe...

Come along on this journey to Beaver Island, where James Strang was crowned King! We’ll learn more about this early Mormon prophet . I’m taking you on a journey to Beaver Island, Michigan , a place central to the intriguing story of James Strang and his followers. You don’t want to miss this! https://youtu.be/MPrutzK6ljQ Don’t miss our other conversations about Strangism: https://gospe...

Should BYU be renamed Over Slavery? Many argue that BYU should be renamed since slavery was legalized in Utah? Bishop Abraham Smoot also owned slaves and his name is on the Smoot Administration Building. What do BYU alumni Paul Reeve & Christopher Rich think of this proposal? https://youtu.be/L3pHOIv6DIs Don’t miss our other conversations with Paul Reeve! https://gospeltangents.com/people/paul...

Welcome to an exploration of one of the most distinctive branches of Mormonism: the Strangite Church . We will discuss Strangite women’s role in priesthood. While many are familiar with the larger Latter-day Saint movements, the Strangites offer a fascinating glimpse into different interpretations and practices rooted in early Restorationism. Based primarily in Burlington, Wisconsin, the Str...

Gary Weber, a member of the Strangite Church, shared unique insights into their doctrines, including polygamy, baptism for the dead, and their distinctive interpretation of the “stick of Judah” prophecy. https://youtu.be/_e1Zm605gtE   0:00 Distinctive Stance on Polygamy   The Strangite Church believes that polygamy is an eternal principle and can be acceptable to God if commanded by Hi...

It’s always fun to talk to someone from the Strangite Church, officially known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Strangite) Based in Burlington, Wisconsin, this branch of the Latter-day Saint movement offers a distinctive perspective on the succession of Joseph Smith and the ongoing divine restoration. https://youtu.be/RUL8rF0hb4U Strangite Genesis in Voree The current headquarte...

This is a re-broadcast of my 2023 interview with Lynne Whitesides. She passed away from pneumonia/leukemia on July 7, 2025. We miss her. Lynne Whitesides was the first person punished in the September Six. She shares her story of why she wasn’t excommunicated, who was involved, and where she is on her spiritual journey. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/thV_CGqy3jY Copyright...

Join us on a fascinating journey to Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin, to explore the unique history and beliefs of a Latter-day Saint group often referred to as the Strangites . This isn’t the commonly known LDS Church; rather, it’s a distinct branch founded by James Strang. He started a rival Mormon Church in Voree/Burlington, Wisconsin back in 1844 and the church still exists! We’ll...

I’ve visited some temples recently! “Gospel Tangents” recently hosted a surprise live session, a “late night unannounced edition,” much to the delight of its “night owl” viewers. I shared a whirlwind of Temples, Travels, updates, upcoming content, and even some breaking news from various Restorationist traditions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jw_a2PA5jA...

Matt Harris told me that only 30% of his research went into his book “ 2nd Class Saints ” due to space restrictions. What was left out? We’ll find out and also get a preview of his upcoming biography of Hugh B Brown. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/fQBhV5kMdZ4 Don’t miss our other conversations with Matt: https://gospeltangents.com/people/matt-harris/ Cop...

We’re discussing polygamy in John Turner’s Joseph Smith Biography and giving away a book! https://youtube.com/live/09QmyE6WweU Don’t miss our other conversations with John:  https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be reproduced without written permission   Welcome, everyone, to Gosp...

In our final conversation with Dan and Ann Hatch of Christ’s Church, we’ll get into whether they accept black Church members. Do they ordain blacks? (Many fundamentalists reject the 1978 revelation on priesthood from Spencer W Kimball in the mainstream LDS Church.) We’ll also discuss why outsiders can’t attend priesthood meetings, solemn assemblies, and other topics. https:...

Joseph Smith’s arrest for treason in having the Nauvoo Expositor destroyed led to his death. He didn’t use habeas corpus to get out of this jam, and it cost him his life. Dr John Turner shares his reactions to Joseph’s life. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/pcN0sdqR0ws Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ C...

We’re diving into Nauvoo polygamy & Joseph Smith’s many wives. How often did he have sexual relations with his wives? Was it less frequent than many think? John Turner attempts to answer. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/1S-ZRA7kFcQ Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rig...

The origins of polygamy are murky. Was there an 1831 revelation on the topic? What was the nature of the Fanny Alger relationship? We’ll also discuss Zion’s Camp, and Joseph Smith’s dog, Old Major, who caused some issues with the troops. How did Liberty Jail affect Joseph Smith & the Church? John Turner tackles these questions. Check out our conversation… https://youtu....

What does John Turner believe about the Golden Plates? Were they made of tin as Dan Vogel asserts? What about the First Vision controversy? Does John think Joseph was a pious fraud? Did Joseph take advantage of Martin Harris? John answers these and other question. Check out our conversation… Copyright © 2025 Gospel Tangents All Rights Reserved Except for book reviews, no content may be repro...

Fawn Brodie, Richard Bushman, and Dan Vogel have the 3 most popular biographies on Joseph Smith prior to John Turner’s latest. Which is best? John will answer that and we’ll discuss the First Vision anachronisms. Check out our conversation… https://youtu.be/BOTVrDQJGbc Don’t miss our other conversations with John: https://gospeltangents.com/people/john-turner/ Copyright © 2025 Go...

How did a non-Mormon who teaches in Virginia get interested in Mormon History? John Turner has written the newest biography of Joseph Smith. He is a professor of History at George Mason University and has written not only the pre-eminent biography of Brigham Young, but has a new biography called “Joseph Smith: The Rise & Fall of an American Prophet.” We’ll discuss both of the...