Was Joseph Smith restoring more than early Christianity? In this episode, Maxine Hanks explores Mormonism as a wisdom tradition—one rooted in revelation, spiritual vision, Sophia wisdom, apocryphal texts, and direct connection with the divine.

Together, Meghan and Maxine discuss Gnostic Christianity, the role of women in early Christianity and early Mormonism, Joseph Smith’s engagement with wisdom literature, the First Vision as a wisdom-seeking event, and why many of the truths people search for outside Mormonism may already exist within the Restoration.

If you're interested in Mormon mysticism, esoteric Christianity, Sophia, Mary Magdalene, continuing revelation, and the deeper dimensions of the Restoration, this conversation offers a compelling framework for reexamining LDS origins. 

Timestamps

00:00 Intro & Pentecost Themes
 02:40 Why Maxine Calls Mormonism a Wisdom Tradition
 08:30 Early Christianity & LDS Restoration Parallels
 18:00 Women, Priesthood & the Elect Lady
 27:00 What Is a Wisdom Tradition?
 37:00 Vision Traditions, Mysticism & Revelation
 48:00 Esoteric vs. Exoteric Religion
 58:00 Apocrypha, Wisdom Literature & Sacred Texts
 1:08:00 Joseph Smith, Wisdom of Solomon & the First Vision
 1:16:00 Nested Levels of Spiritual Truth
 1:20:00 Gnostic Themes in Mormon Theology
 1:28:00 Hugh Nibley & Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom

Maxine Hanks is a Mormon theologian, historian, author, and researcher known for her work on women in Mormonism, early Christianity, mysticism, Gnostic traditions, and Mormon theology. Her scholarship frequently explores the intersections of restoration theology, spiritual experience, the divine feminine, and religious history.

Links Mentioned

•  Hidden Wisdom App 
•  Wayfair Festival (Faith Matters) - July 11th, Heber UT
•  The Way of Healing: Restoring Wholeness to the Soul

If you feel called to better understand and embody your divine femininity, consider if our next cohort of Return to the Garden is for you! We gather starting September 28th. 

Hidden Wisdom initiates truth-seekers into the Mysteries, guiding listeners toward a lived experience of the Divine that awakens and transforms faith—without dismantling family or community. 

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