E46: Israel, Israel, Joseph’s Calling

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (0:09)
Before we begin today, we need to address the previous episode. We've received several complaints from first-time listeners who tuned in to our Joseph fought polygamy episode two or three or so back.
We were accused of being crass and sarcastic, to which I must say, we absolutely were.

**Bryan Buchanan** (0:28)
We've thought about changing the name of the podcast actually to crass and sarcastic, but maybe we'll kick it around.

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (0:34)
You guys, seriously, I love Mormon history. My obsession has shown a clear affection for it. When I can be generous, I try to be generous in spades, but I'm a free-thinking person who enjoys, as Juanita Brooks describes, my intellectual independence. This means I reserve the right to be a little salty sometimes.
I get to weigh in on my take on the history. It's me being honest and upfront, so you can take my biases as data on my position.
Because I value my intellectual independence and I equally value yours, I'm not going to coddle my believing audience. It feels intellectually dishonest for me to do this. I'm not a wolf in sheep's clothing. Sometimes I'm a wolf, and sometimes I'm a sweet little lamb. You know what you're getting with me. Plus, give me some fetching credit here. I've come a long way. Inside me is still a very snarky, very smug, judgy Mormon lady. I keep her locked up in the basement, sorting out old scrapbook memories, and I rarely let her out. I think I'm pretty open-minded, fair and respectful most of the time. So let me have my sacred cows.
Let's let that judgy Mormon woman emerge from the basement just a few times a year to weigh in and be a little snarky. It's all mostly in good fun. You can be self-righteous about the purity of Joseph Smith, and I will be equally self-righteous about historical accuracy.
See what I did there? I let the scrapbook lady out for a hot second for a little passive aggression.

**Bryan Buchanan** (2:04)
So we also had a complaint about our use of Mormon instead of Latter-day Saint.
And how do we even start to address this? Let's go with this. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are not the only Mormons.
Followers of Joseph Smith, whatever out there. The history belongs to more people than just you. When we use the term Mormon, we're using it in a historical way. If we're not using Mormon, it's because of this. Mormon doesn't equal LDS also. Once we say goodbye to Joseph Smith fairly soon here, there's going to be all sorts of splinterings with all sorts of Mormons. And once we get to the fundamentalist period, ideally before Jesus comes back, there will be all sorts of Mormons all up in your headphones business.

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (2:57)
Hi, this is Lindsay Hansen Park.

**Bryan Buchanan** (2:59)
And this is Bryan Buchanan.

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (3:01)
Bringing you the story of Mormonism from the shadow of the Everlasting Hills, straight out of Zion, this isn't your grandpa's Mormon history.

**Bryan Buchanan** (3:28)
This is the tale of Mormon saints and sinners from our roots until present day.

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (3:33)
Gird your loins, lock your hearts, and pay your tithing, because we're bringing you the story of Mormonism in all its paradisiacal glory.

**Bryan Buchanan** (3:42)
It's the Sunstone History Podcast.
In September 1830, six months after the organization of Joseph Smith's Church of Christ, Joseph Smith received revelation to begin the Great Gathering of Israel.
And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect. For mine elect hear my voice, and harden not their hearts. Wherefore the decree hath gone forth from the Father, that they shall be gathered in unto one place upon the face of this land, to prepare their hearts, and be prepared in all things against the day, when tribulation and desolation are sent forth upon the wicked. Yeah, this is just a reminder the Church has changed its name a few times. It was the Church of Christ until 1834, when it became the Church of the Latter-day Saints. Then finally in 1838, it was christened the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which has been called since, though the capitalization has been a little squishy over time.

**Lindsay Hansen Park** (4:52)
The Revelation Calling to Gather, later known as Doctrine and Covenants 29, started a mass influx of immigration to the United States, bringing over thousands of immigrants from all over the world, but mostly Europe. Parts of the immigration gathering program involved missionary work, which had already started.
Joseph Smith's younger brother Samuel holds the distinction of being the first missionary call to go out and teach the people. We actually don't hear much about Samuel Smith, who drops off the record after his mysterious death in 1844 His brother William was convinced he was poisoned by Hosea Stout on orders of Brigham Young, since he was a possible successor of Joseph Smith.