Joseph Smith's Early Opposition & Forgotten Critics - John Turner Pt. 7 | Ep. 2039

Joseph Smith's Early Opposition and Forgotten Critics: A Critical Exploration

When Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, made claims about translating ancient gold plates into what we now know as the Book of Mormon, he quickly attracted both support and skepticism. This blend of admiration and suspicion created a polarized environment that still reverberates through Mormon history. But who were these early critics of Smith and what drove their objections? One notably vocal critic was Abner Cole, a newspaper publisher who used his platform to challenge Smith's claims.

Background: The Landscape of Early Mormon Criticism

In the early 19th century, America was a fertile ground for new religious movements. Amidst this spiritual and social ferment, Joseph Smith emerged with an audacious narrative about divine revelations and gold plates. While Smith garnered a following, he also piqued the interest of skeptics and critics, who saw his claims as a mixture of audacity and opportunism. Abner Cole, an astute and pugnacious publisher based in Palmyra, New York, became a thorn in Smith's side by scrutinizing the origins and authenticity of Smith's narrative.

Key Claims and Evidence from the Critics

Abner Cole's primary role in this story was as an outspoken critic who published articles casting doubt on Joseph Smith's credibility. As John Turner highlights in his interview on Mormon Stories Podcast, Cole's curiosity and skepticism about Smith's intentions reflect broader societal doubts about this fledgling religious leader. Cole did not just question the origins of the Book of Mormon. He directly challenged the notion that Smith's revelations were divinely inspired, instead suggesting that they stemmed from local folklore and treasure-seeking traditions.