Watch Joseph Smith Papers

Name: Joseph Smith Papers
Genre: History
Released: 2010-11-21

2010
2 Seasons

The Joseph Smith Papers is a historical series that airs on BYUtv. The show is based on the extensive research conducted by the Joseph Smith Papers Project, an initiative dedicated to publishing accurate and comprehensive historical documents related to the life of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The show explores Joseph Smith's life and legacy by delving into his personal letters, journals, diaries, and other significant documents written by him, his associates, and his family members. Through these historical records, viewers get a glimpse into Smith's character, his religious experiences, and his relationships with others.

The episodes of the Joseph Smith Papers are structured around specific themes or events in Joseph Smith's life. Some of the topics covered in the series include Smith's early years in Vermont and New York, his experiences with translating the Book of Mormon, the founding of Nauvoo, Illinois, and the formation of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The show is hosted by Spencer McBride, a historian and documentary filmmaker who has spent years researching and analyzing Joseph Smith's correspondence and other historical documents. McBride's insights and commentary provide context and depth to the historical records that are showcased throughout the series.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Joseph Smith Papers is the way in which it brings to life the people and events of the 19th century. Viewers can hear firsthand accounts of Smith's religious visions, read letters exchanged between Smith and his wife Emma, and learn about the daily life of early Mormon pioneers.

The production values of the Joseph Smith Papers are impressive, with detailed recreations of historical scenes and authentic period costumes and sets. The show also features interviews with a diverse range of historians and scholars who provide additional insight and analysis of the historical records.

Overall, the Joseph Smith Papers is a captivating and informative series that sheds light on one of the most influential figures in American religious history. Through its use of primary source material and expert commentary, the show brings to life the world of Joseph Smith and the early days of the Mormon Church. Whether you are a history buff, a religious scholar, or simply curious about the life of Joseph Smith, the Joseph Smith Papers is a must-watch series.

Joseph Smith Papers is a series that ran for 2 seasons (82 episodes) between November 21, 2010 and on BYUtv

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Seasons

2 1

42. Season Finale

December 26, 2010

Get an overview of the whole project--the books, the website, and the television series--and meet the reason why it exists in the first place.

40. Part 2, Question and Answer Forum

December 19, 2010

Scholars from the project answer questions on skepticism, law and justice, Joseph the businessman, and more.

39. Early Members, Part 4: Martin Harris and the John

December 13, 2010

Review the lives of several prominent Latter-day Saints whose relationships with Joseph Smith were particularly close and steadfast, including Martin Harris.

38. Early Members--Part 5: Eliza & Lorenzo Snow

December 12, 2010

Meet the Snows, whose deep imprints on the Church are still felt today.

37. Early Members--Part 2: The Pratt Brothers, Parley and Orson

December 5, 2010

Meet Parley and Orson Pratt, who were instrumental in finding and baptizing future Latter-day Saints and their leaders.

36. Early Members--Part 3: William Clayton and the Knight Family

December 5, 2010

Review the lives of several prominent Latter-day Saints whose relationships with Joseph Smith were particularly close and steadfast, including William Clayton.

35. The Pure Religion of Joseph Smith

November 28, 2010

Peer into the heart of the Prophet to examine how his Christian beliefs were reflected in his actions and his teachings and encased in his character.

34. Early Members--Part 1: Hyrum Smith

November 28, 2010

Recall the influential role Hyrum played in the Restoration and his unwavering support for his younger brother.

33. Doctrine and Covenants 76

November 21, 2010

Revisit the setting and circumstances of the revelation on the afterlife in Doctrine and Covenants 76. Scholars discuss the Prophet's caution concerning how it should be disseminated and why it aroused the hostility of the Church's adversaries.

31. Word of Wisdom

November 14, 2010

Review the circumstances that led to the revelation on the Word of Wisdom and the difficulty many of the Saints had in abiding by its precepts. Scholars discuss whether the Saints viewed the Word of Wisdom as "good counsel" or a commandment.

30. Joseph Smith, the Statesman

November 14, 2010

Examine the Prophet's loyalty to the Constitution--a document he called "a glorious standard, a heavenly banner"--and his observations on how it could be improved. Scholars discuss Joseph's views on religious freedom.

28. Joseph Smith and His Papers--Part 3

November 7, 2010

Get introduced to the intricate treatment of documents containing the revelations received by Joseph Smith. Scholars demonstrate how seemingly insignificant pieces of information can add significant context to our understanding of the revelations.

27. Joseph Smith and His Papers--Part 1

October 31, 2010

Scholars discuss the layout of the first published volume of the Joseph Smith Papers. They describe the tools that provide readers with an exhaustive examination of content from original documents and the variety of annotations.

26. Revelations and Translations--Part 5: Coming Forth of the Doctrine and Covenants

October 24, 2010

Examine how various compilations of revelation emerged. Scholars discuss the genealogy of the Doctrine and Covenants in use today and why some revelations were canonized while others were not.

25. Pearl of Great Price

October 24, 2010

Scholars discuss the eventful history of the Pearl of Great Price, in particular its unusual beginnings.

24. Revelations and Translations--Part 3: Book of Mormon

October 17, 2010

Scholars examine the forms and structure of language in the Book of Mormon, challenge some common suppositions proposed by critics, and show how Joseph worked within the framework of an inspired translation to make the text more meaningful.

23. Revelations and Translations--Part 4: Doctrine and Covenants

October 17, 2010

Learn of the origins of the Doctrine and Covenants. Scholars discuss the unusual ways the early revelations were dispersed and also examine the careful efforts of Joseph and other Church leaders to preserve the textual content of the revelations.

21. Revelations and Translations--Part 2: Book of Mormon

October 10, 2010

Scholars discuss Martin Harris and the lost manuscript, its dramatic impact on the Smith family, and the critical role it played in Joseph's prophetic education.

19. First Vision--Part 5

October 3, 2010

Scholars discuss what Joseph learned about the physical nature of God and of discovering a personal relationship with a being that can forgive and atone for sin.

17. First Vision--Part 3

September 27, 2010

Scholars detail the emergence of the official version of the First Vision, later canonized by the LDS Church.

16. The Music of Early Mormonism--Part 2

September 20, 2010

Examine the history of hymn books used and produced by early Latter-day Saints. Scholars discuss Joseph's love of music and how the song associated with his martyrdom was modified to become part of the first official LDS hymnal.

15. First Vision--Part 1

September 20, 2010

Scholars provide compelling perspectives on how we have come to view the singular moment when a fourteen-year-old boy dared to ask God which church he should join.

14. The Music of Early Mormonism--Part 1

September 19, 2010

Scholars discuss the revelation directed to Emma Smith to compile a body of music that would reflect the doctrine and character of the faith. Segments of various songs associated with the Restoration are performed.

13. Teachings of Joseph Smith--Part 2

September 13, 2010

Learn of the monumental Teachings of the Presidents of the Church--Joseph Smith manual, which was the culmination of exhaustive and meticulous efforts by LDS scholars and editors, published under the direction of Church leaders.

11. Teachings of Joseph Smith--Part 1

September 6, 2010

Examine the varied and exhaustive work undertaken to gather and make accessible the Prophet's teachings revealed to his people and to the world at large.

9. The Family of Joseph Smith--Part 2

August 30, 2010

Learn more about the Smith family, including which of Joseph's siblings stayed true to the faith and why some didn't.

7. Joseph Smith Tour--Part 5: Illinois

August 22, 2010

Visit Nauvoo, Illinois, and learn of the significance of the original Nauvoo Temple and of the establishment of the Relief Society.

6. Joseph Smith Tour--Part 2: New York and Pennsylvania

August 15, 2010

Move through New York and Pennsylvania and through the beginnings of Mormonism, including the First Vision, printing the Book of Mormon, and Joseph's courtship of Emma Hale.

5. Joseph Smith Tour--Part 3: Ohio

August 15, 2010

Visit areas that proved pivotal in the organization and growth of the early Church. Scholars reconstruct critical events in the life of the young prophet and retell the remarkable experiences during the construction and dedication of the Kirtland Temple.

4. Persona of a Prophet

August 8, 2010

Examine Joseph Smith's physical and personal characteristics. Scholars address some compelling questions, such as how Joseph's physical stature may have impacted the way he worked, played, and defended himself.

2. Impressions of a Prophet--Part 2

August 8, 2010

Examine the increased interest in the Mormon prophet from those outside the faith, including the bicentennial celebration of Smith's birth, held at the Library of Congress.

1. Joseph Smith Tour--Part 1: New England

August 8, 2010

Scholars visit New England, where the Smiths and the Macks, Joseph's noble heritage, originated. Tour Vermont, where Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucky Mack began a large family--and a fascinating narrative unequaled in American religious history.

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Where to Watch Joseph Smith Papers

Joseph Smith Papers is available for streaming on the BYUtv website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Joseph Smith Papers on demand at and BYUtv.