About this episode
In this episode of LDS Discussions, we explore how BYU Professor Anthony Sweat’s artwork reflects the troubling aspects of church history found in the CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells. Despite being excommunicated for questioning the church, Runnells’ CES Letter, published in 2013, exposes discrepancies in the official narrative. Meanwhile, Sweat’s art, starting in 2014, delves into controversial topics like Joseph Smith's treasure digging, the use of a seer stone, and polygamy. We compare Sweat's paintings to the CES Letter's criticisms, highlighting how the church’s history is often presented inaccurately. Join us as we discuss these bold portrayals and the ongoing tension between church teachings and historical truth. Show Notes YouTube 00:00:00 Intro 00:06:55 This is episode 60 of LDS Discussions 00:10:50 Introduction to Anthony Sweat 00:15:20 Historical overview with these controversial topics being covered 00:22:30 Earlier artwork depicting images of the restoration 00:34:30 The CES Letter by Jeremy Runnells was published in 2013 00:35:50 How members were taught the translation happened versus how it actually happened 00:41:33 First painting - “The First Visions” by Anthony Sweat 00:54:46 Quote from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy 00:57:22 “Gazelem, A Stone” by Anthony Sweat, Joseph obtaining his brown seer stone 01:06:13 The Harmony Treasure Searcher by Anthony Sweat01:15:25 Joseph Smith’s white stone and brown stone 01:18:46 Clip of Anthony Sweat sharing concerns from a BYU student 01:22:07 CES Letter and Anthony Sweat saying correct artwork wouldn’t communicate what the Church wants to communicate 01:26:45 “Oliver Cowdery and the Gift of the Rod” by Anthony Sweat 01:33:44 “The Ordination of Q. Walker Lewis” by Anthony Sweat 01:39:09 “An Angel with a Drawn Sword” by Anthony Sweat 01:48:06 “Destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor” by Anthony Sweat 01:52:25 “Purgatory: Joseph, Emma, and the Revelation on Plural Marriage” by Anthony Sweat 01:59:44 Clip of Anthony Sweat talking about painting controversial aspects of church history 02:02:35 The church is still trying NOT to show the rock in a hat during translation 02:07:25 Clip of Anthony Sweat and the translation process (the church telling an artist to change his painting) 02:13:13 Other depictions from Anthony Sweat ___________________ At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals. Our overall mission is to: 1. Facilitate informed consent amongst LDS Church members, investigators, and non-members regarding Mormon history, doctrine, and theology2. Support Mormons (and members of other high-demand religions) who are experiencing a religious faith crisis3. Promote healing, growth and community for those who choose to leave the LDS Church or other high demand religions🤝Help us continue to deliver quality content by becoming a donor todayOne-time or recurring donations: https://donorbox.org/mormon-stories?default_interval=m Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/mormonstories Paypal: https://paypal.me/mormonstories Join this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx6OgmoqJbOVRq-Lv1P7SzA/joinOur Platforms:🌐Mormon Stories Blog: https://www.mormonstories.org/episodes 🎙️Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mormonstories ✳️Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4sDzk7dRjODTSEqzZKZJzk?si=148b0efc1ccc4404&nd=1 🍎Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mormon-stories-lds/id312094772 🖼️Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormstories 📱TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonstoriespodcast 🎮Discord: https://discord.com/invite/kuX5p6yyjF Contact us:📧 MormonStories@gmail.com📬PO Box 171085, Salt Lake City, UT 84117