The Danites: Joseph Smith's Mormon Paramilitary Group - John Turner Pt. 22 | Ep. 2084

The Danites: Unpacking Joseph Smith's Paramilitary Experiment

In the annals of Mormon history, few subjects trigger debate as intensely as the emergence of the Danites. Established in the volatile conditions of 1838 Missouri, the Danites were a secretive paramilitary group reportedly sanctioned by Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yet, their role, nature, and significance remain sources of controversy and curiosity. To understand their impact, we must delve into the tangled intersection of religious zeal, frontier justice, and personal ambition.

Background: The Emergence of the Danites

The Midwest in the 1830s was a tinderbox of social, political, and religious tensions. For the Mormon settlers in Missouri, conflicts with non-Mormon residents frequently boiled over into violence. Into this cauldron, the Danites emerged. According to John Turner's book, "Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet," referenced in the Mormon Stories Podcast, the group was purported to safeguard the community's interests. They were named after the biblical tribe of Dan, known for its associations with justice and, notably, vengeance.

While Joseph Smith's involvement is debated, it is widely believed the Danites operated with his tacit approval. This aligns with Smith's oft-unyielding leadership style, further underscored by excommunications of dissenters like Oliver Cowdery and David Whitmer.

Key Claims: Evidence of Secret Societies and Friction