211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

211 - Joseph Smith's Political Platform for President I Religion & Politics I Church History Matters

From Church History Matters by Scripture Central

June 30, 2026 · 1h 17m · Episode 213

About this episode

The episode explores Joseph Smith's 1844 presidential campaign, examining his political platform and the historical context of his candidacy.

What happens when a prophet runs for President of the United States? In this fascinating episode of Church History Matters, hosts Scott Woodward and Casey Griffiths are joined by historian and author Derek Sainsbury to explore the remarkable 1844 presidential campaign of Joseph Smith. Together they examine why Joseph Smith entered the race for the nation's highest office, the political and religious circumstances that motivated his candidacy, and the bold reforms outlined in his campaign platform. The discussion explores Joseph Smith’s proposals for the gradual abolition of slavery through compensated emancipation, prison reform focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment, reducing the size and cost of the federal government, and providing stronger protections for religious minorities whose rights were often ignored on the American frontier. The episode also investigates one of the most unique aspects of Joseph Smith’s campaign—his use of Latter-day Saint missionaries as political representatives to spread awareness of his platform across the United States. Was Joseph Smith’s campaign a serious bid for the presidency, a protest against government failures, or a visionary…

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