Over the past several years faithful Mormon Tim Ballard has brought much attention to the topic of human trafficking via his work with Operation Underground Railroad and the new movie “Sound of Freedom.” During Ballard’s fundraisers he often invokes his LDS faith as the foundation for his anti-trafficking. One possible problem with Ballard’s Mormon-based anti-trafficking advocacy is that the founder of his religion – Joseph Smith – would very possibly qualify by today’s standards as a human trafficker. In today’s episode we use The Nauvoo Expositor – published by LDS Church 1st Presidency Member William Law – as the jumping off point to explore the question: was Joseph Smith involved in human trafficking? Joining us will be Julia Sanders, Nemo, and Samantha Shelley.
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Show Notes:
- Zelph on the Shelf – human trafficking episode
- Zelph on the Shelf – YouTube
- Zelph on the Shelf – Website
- Analyzing Mormonism – Website
- Analyzing Mormonism – TikTok
- Analyzing Mormonism – Instagram
- Analyzing Mormonism – YouTube
- Analyzing Mormonism – Store
- William Smith on Mormonism on Amazon
- Nauvoo Expositor – book
- Edinapublishers.com – Mormon Studies for Julia’s books
- Nemo’s the Mormon – YouTube
- Nemo the Mormon – TikTok
- Mormonism LIVE episode
- Dan Vogel – Joseph Smith & other men’s wives
- In Sacred Loneliness by Todd Compton
- Wife No. 19 by Ann Eliza Young
- Three Nights’ Public Discussion: John Taylor | A Careful Examination (faenrandir.github.io)
- Zelph on the Shelf – Roast of John Dehlin
Mormon Stories Related
- 1507: Escaping the NXIVM Cult – Sarah Edmondson & Nippy Ames
- (Upcoming) RFM’s episode with Mormon Stories proving Joseph Smith’s polygamy
This was an amazing episode!! It was so well put together with an abundant amount of sources to back up the claims. John and each guest were very informative. My thoughts take me to the old duck test: “If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck.” Yes, this episode overwhelmingly convinced me that Joseph Smith was a human trafficker. Emotionally, it was difficult to listen to. I think this should be in the top episodes. I will definitely be sharing this.