On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Jonathan Neville returns to discuss a unique piece of his collection, a replica of the controversal Kinderhook Plates. Jonathan describes how he acquired them. This serves as a catalyst to discuss the original plates and how a plausible argument can be made of their ancient origin within a Restorationist context. Joseph Smith claimed to have partially translated them. Neville discusses why this is not a problem, even if they were fake. Up until 1980 it was widely thought by the Church that they were authentic, this is no longer the case. Jonathan puts forth a hypothosis that is original and thought provoking. Perhaps it is time to reopen the case!

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Links about the Kinderhook plates

Wiki

Church of Jesus Christ - Kinderhook Plates

Church of Jesus Christ - Kinderhook Plates Brought to Joseph Smith Appear to Be a Nineteenth-Century Hoax

rsc.byu.edu - Did Joseph Smith Translate the Kinderhook Plates?

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews John Hamer returns to continue his overview of Mormon history. The period discussed in this segment covers the period of 1830-1844. Needless to say a lot of things happened during this time period. From Kirtland to Missouri to Nauvoo. It was the most active period for the Church where new scripture, revelations, and theology were produced. We also discuss the legacy of Joseph Smith and how John got involved with the John Whitmer Historical Association. The works of Steven Sheilds, Benjamin Park, Brian Stutzman, and Andrew F. Smith are referenced in this episode.

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Link to purchase Saintly Scoundrel

Link to purchase The History of Warsaw Illinois

Link to purchase Kingdom of Nauvoo

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews the work of Rebecca Janzen author of "Liminal Sovereignty: Mennonites and Mormons in Mexican Culture" is discussed. The book details the struggles Mennonites and Mormons have had with the Mexican government, post- Revolutionary land reform, the threat of drug cartels, how these communities are viewed and portrayed in the Mexican media, and some unusual Mennonite funeral practices.

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Link to purchase book

On a very special episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Steven Pynakker interviews Lutheran theologian Dr. Jordan B. Cooper. Dr. Cooper recently released a YouTube video titled "Five Reasons I Am Not Mormon". After watching it, and realizing that he did his homework, I reached out to him and invited him to come on and discuss it. It was an engaging conversation. We discuss the history of Lutheranism in the United States, what is Nicene Christianity, the Protestant nature of the Book of Mormon, things he admires about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, why he made the video about Mormonism, LDS Harvard divinty student Jaxon Washburn and much more! I want to thank Jordan for coming on my program to give a confessional Lutheran perspective on the Restoration.

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Just & Sinner

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Steven Pynakker discusses a book written by the Rev. Katie Langston titled "Sealed: An Unexpected Journey into the Heart of Grace". Katie was raised LDS and suffered from a type of relgious OCD called scrupulosity. This is her story of her journey out of an entirely works based worldview and into one that embraces grace. Topics covered in the book include body shame, suicidal thoughts, scrupulosity, faith struggles, encountering Apostle Bednar, family dynamics, truly understanding grace, and finding ones place and calling in life.

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Link to purchase the book

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Steven Pynakker welcomes back John Hamer of the Community of Christ to the program! This interview is the first segment of a series we will be taping about the first 40 years of the Restoration. The focus of this episode will be the period of 1820-1830. We begin with the First Vision and the Born Again experience, then cover the treasure seeking period, discuss the prevailing beliefs about the origins of the Native Americans at the time, the translation process, the Second Great Awakening, the "glass looker' trial, the beginnings of the Church, and a brief history of the historic Toronto congregation he is the pastor of. This was a fascinating interview and serves as a great introduction to a historical naturalistic view of Mormon origins.

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Visions in a Seer Stone

Infinite Goodness

The Glass Looker

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Brent Ashworth returns to "Show & Tell". In this segment we discuss a very rare book owned by George A. Smith about the history of Topsfield Massachusetts, a very unique document with Joseph Smith Sr.'s signature, how Brent is able to acquire items in his collection, and his close friendship with Gordon B. Hinckley.

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Show & Tell

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Steven Pynakker reviews two very different graphic novels about Joseph Smith. The first one is the critically acclaimed "The Glass Looker: Collected Tales of Joseph Smith" illustrated and written by Mark Elwood. It is a fantasticlly illustrated and written account about the folklore and mythology of Joseph's treasure digging days. Many members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have probably encountered the infamous Christian Fundamentalist Chick Tracts, in particular the one called "The Visitors". That tract has been read by millions of Christians and ,for many, it is their only source of information about the Church and the Restoration. Did you know that Chick Publications also came out with a graphic novel about Joseph Smith? Watch as Steven compares and contrasts these two publications and renders his verdict!

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The Glass Looker

The Enchanter

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews, Jonathan Neville returns to be a part of the "Tuesday Special Segments" rotation. Jonathan recently returned from the Middle East. He visited the site where he believes Lehi's camp built their boat for the long journey to the America's. He even gives us a bit of a slide show! We also discuss possible landing sites for Lehi's party. The topic of the Museum of the Bible came up and Neville previews a possible landing site for a Museum of the Book of Mormon! I want to thank Jonathan for coming on and look forward to future segments.

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Infinite Goodness

On the latest episode of Mormon Book Reviews Steven Pynakker has a delightful conversation with Anne Wilde. Anne is a widowed plural wife of Mormon Fundamentalist writer Ogden Kraut, one of the most important and influential polygamists of the 20th century. In the interview we discuss her role during the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics of informing the world press about the modern practice of plural marriage. We also discuss the friendship that they had with Jerald and Sandra Tanner. Anne helped edit 65 of Ogden's books and worked at Benchmark Books. She talks about the legacy of Curt Bench and how decent of a man he was. We also discuss her book "Voices in Harmony: Contemporary Women Celebrate Plural Marriage" as well as "In Sacred Loneliness: The Plural Wives of Joseph Smith by Todd Compton. Many people outside Mormon Fundamentalism don't realize the important role Ogden played in developing and defending Fundamentalist doctrine. I want to thank Anne for coming on to discuss his legacy and her's as well.

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Voices in Harmony

Sacred Loneliness