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Episode 10 of Challenges explores the controversial Danites, a paramilitary group formed by Latter-day Saints in Missouri during 1838. We examine their origins, structure, and activities against both Church dissenters and non-Mormon neighbors. The episode investigates Joseph Smith's complicated relationship with the group and how their actions reflect on his prophetic leadership. We consider whether the Danites represented desperate self-defense during persecution or revealed a darker side of early Mormon authority and power structures.

Sources

• Essay: Danites_LDS
• Essay: The Danites_JS Papers
• Essay: Danites_FAIR
• Essay: Danites, Consitution and Frontier Justice_BYU RSC
• Essay: Danites_Mormon Think

AI Prompt
Explore the Danites in Mormonism and their importance in deciding whetherJoseph Smith was a divine prophet or a vindictive, powerful, tyant. Examine their organization and initial mandate to clear out internal dissenters like Oliver Cowdery and other Church leaders. Discuss why a righteous prophet would kick out his closest allies at gunpoint. Discuss the Danite's secretive and open actions against their non-Mormon neighbors. Why are Danites important to Joseph's divine call as prophet?

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1. Truth | 2. Beginnings | 3. First Vision | 4. Priesthood | 5. The Gold Plates | 6. The BoM | 7. The BoA | 8. Polygamy | 9. Changes | 10. Challenges | ...