Joseph Smith Introduces the Second Anointing - John Turner Pt. 37 | Ep. 2135

From Mormon Stories Podcast by Dr. John Dehlin

April 10, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the Second Anointing ritual in early Mormonism and the tensions between Joseph and Emma Smith regarding polygamy.

Welcome to Part 37 in our series with Dr. John Turner covering his new book “Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet.” In this episode, we explore one of the most controversial and least understood rituals in early Mormonism: The Second Anointing. While Emma Smith was away, tensions continued to rise –but when she returned, the conflict between her and Joseph Smith regarding polygamy reached a breaking point. Already furious over plural marriage, Emma confronted Joseph in a series of explosive moments –demanding accountability, destroying symbolic gifts, and treating his reputation, his movement, and even his future. We follow the fallout from Emma’s return from St. Louis, including disputes involving figures like William Clayton and Eliza R. Snow, as well as the story of Flora Ann Woodworth –whose relationship with Joseph raises difficult questions about power, coercion, and consent. As Emma pushes back, Joseph faces a real fear: that she could leave him and expose everything. But then something changes. At the center of this episode is the introduction of the Second Anointing –a secret, elite ordinance promising exaltation, godhood, and eternal salvation not just…

People in this episode

Host: Dr. John Dehlin

Guest: John Turner

Topics covered

Second Anointing
Emma Smith
polygamy
Joseph Smith
Mormon rituals
power and consent

Keywords

Second Anointing
Emma Smith
Joseph Smith
polygamy
Mormonism
rituals
exaltation
power
consent

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mormonism

Books & works: Joseph Smith: The Rise and Fall of an American Prophet