Between Doctrine and Defiance: Joseph Smith, Nancy Rigdon and the Happiness Letter

https://buymeacoffee.com/mormon

This episode delves into the complexities surrounding Joseph Smith’s “Happiness Letter” and its connection to his marriage proposal to Nancy Rigdon.

We begin by examining how the letter is used today within the LDS Church as a testament to the virtues of obedience and the pursuit of divine happiness.

We then shift to the historical context of 1842 Nauvoo, exploring the secretive introduction of polygamy and Joseph Smith’s rationale for such practices.

The narrative follows Nancy Rigdon’s defiance and the ensuing fallout, illustrating the broader implications for early Mormonism and how these events shaped perceptions of leadership, doctrine, and moral boundaries within the church.