Mormon
Bushman’s Testimony of Joseph Smith
It took more than a month, but I’m finally finished. This is the conclusion of John Dehlin’s 5 part interview with Richard Bushman. (I will post an index tomorrow of the interviews.) JD, “Well if I can ever help, I’m just one small little voice but I’d love to help to that end. Well Brother […]
Stung by the Bees; Why it’s hard to help the Disaffected
Following up on John Dehlin’s feelings on how the Bushman interview has progressed so far, Bushman discusses why it’s hard to help the disaffected. Dehlin, “Now, about this episode, after four hours of interviews with me, it was clear that Dr. Bushman felt as though, in his words, I’d gotten the best out of him. […]
John Dehlin's Thoughts on Bushman and the Role of Church in Disaffection
I can’t believe Richard Bushman has dominated the month of June on my blog. (I actually started this at the end of May.) Anyway, I’m finally on to Part 5 of the Richard Bushman Interview. At this point, John Dehlin takes a short break an explains that the interview will not cover all the topics […]
Examining Book of Mormon Witnesses
This post is a continuation from the previous post where Richard Bushman discussed skeptical theories on the composition of the Book of Mormon. Â Now John Dehlin (JD) turns to ask about the reliability of the Book of Mormon witnesses. Â The audio can be found on Part 4 of the Bushman interview at Mormon Stories. JD, […]
Skeptical Theories on Composition of the Book of Mormon
Continuing with Richard Bushman’s interview at Mormon Stories, in Part 4 John Dehlin (JD) asks Richard Bushman about various skeptical theories on how the Book of Mormon was composed, and Bushman addresses them. What do you think of Bushman’s answers? JD, “There are theories that go around that Joseph Smith was the author of the […]
Better Depictions of the Translation Process of the Book of Mormon
I’ve finally finished the transcription of Part 3 of the Mormon Stories interview between John Dehlin and Richard Bushman (There’s a part 4 and part 5 still to go!)  In this discussion, John Dehlin questions Richard Bushman about whether the translation story should be depicted differently, and Bushman agrees that traditional paintings and tellings of the story should […]
The Religious Test and Cleanflix
I thought I would take a quick break from the Bushman interview for this little post. I attended the Ogden Film Festival last week (officially known as the Foursite Film Festival) and saw 2 films: The Religious Test and Cleanflix: the Documentary. I thought I would give my impressions.
Emma, Martin Harris, and the Translation Process
Once again, I’ve continued Part 3 of the Mormon Stories interview between John Dehlin and Richard Bushman.  They discuss the actual translation process, as well as Martin Harris and Emma Smith’s role in translating the Book of Mormon.  There are some interesting dynamics as Bushman discusses Joseph’s strained relationship with Emma’s parents due to Joseph and Emma’s […]
Moroni's Visit
In Part 3 of the Mormon Stories interview, John Dehlin gets more details from Richard Bushman about the Angel Moroni’s visit and the environment of Joseph’s Smith’s day between about 1823-1827. This part of the interview continues after Part 2 of the interview. John is a bit ambitious in this, and doesn’t cover the Kinderhook […]
Treasure Digging in the 1800s
One of the problems that some people might have with Joseph Smith is that Joseph was involved in treasure digging and using seer stones. Â Richard Bushman and John Dehlin discuss these issues in Part 2 of John’s interview with Richard Bushman. Â This transcript continues immediately after their discussion of the Multiple First Vision accounts. JD, […]
Mormon Heretic 