Cheryl Bruno has been a busy author. We’re going to discuss her amazing book, “Secret Covenants.” She not only edited the book, but added a chapter on Emma Smith’s denials of Joseph’s polygamy. we’ll also discuss her previous book, “Method Infinite” which discusses the Masonic connections to the LDS Endowment.
Emma Smith’s Denials and Polygamy Skeptics
Cheryl discusses her chapter in “Secret Covenants” on Emma Smith’s denials of polygamy and the Partridge sisters’ marriages to Joseph. The traditional story of Emma’s participation in the Partridge sisters’ marriages is questioned, with evidence suggesting Emma may not have been involved in the marriages. Cheryl mentions the work of Johnny Stevenson, who contributed insights before his untimely death. The chapter explores the reasons Emma might have denied polygamy, including keeping secrets, careful wording, and trauma responses.
Historical Context and Polygamy Skeptics
Cheryl acknowledges the growing controversy over Joseph Smith’s practice of polygamy and its historical implications. She discusses the polygamy skeptics’ arguments and the importance of engaging with their evidence. Cheryl emphasizes the need for Mormon historians to respond to polygamy skeptics with scholarly arguments. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing historical evidence with religious perspectives.
Contemporary Evidence and Reliability
Cheryl addresses the reliability of the William Clayton journals. She explains the process of creating journals and the potential for notes to be added over time, as Clayton likely did. Cheryl believes the Clayton journals are reliable and contemporary, despite polygamy skepticis claims questioning the authenticity of the Clayton journals. Other contemporary evidence, such as William Marks’ reminiscences and the Oliver Cowdery trial, is discussed as convincing Cheryl that Joseph Smith practiced polygamy.
Balancing Historical and Religious Arguments
Cheryl highlights the importance of separating historical arguments from religious ones. She expresses frustration with podcasts that mix historical evidence with religious criticisms. The conversation emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to understanding Joseph Smith’s polygamy.
Late Sources and Eyewitness Testimony
Cheryl discusses the validity of late sources, particularly eyewitness testimonies from people who lived through the events. She argues that late evidence from eyewitnesses should not be discarded outright. The Temple Lot Case is mentioned as an example of late evidence that is still valuable. Cheryl stresses the importance of using the historical method to evaluate late sources and corroborate evidence.
Future Research and Engagement
Cheryl expresses interest in ongoing research in polygamy and the potential for new insights. She mentions David Golding’s work on the Fanny Alger story and its implications for understanding Joseph Smith’s polygamy. Cheryl calls for continued engagement with historical evidence and a willingness to revise narratives as new information emerges.
Freemasonry and LDS Endowment
Cheryl Bruno discusses her recent book “Method Infinite,” which discusses connections between freemasonry and the LDS endowment. The book was published in 2022 and written with Nick Literski and Joe Swick. Some have wondered if Joseph Smith introduced freemasonry in Nauvoo to maintain secrecy about polygamy. Cheryl explains that Joseph Smith set up various organizations to induce loyalty among his followers, including Freemasonry, the Council of the Quorum of the Anointed, and the Nauvoo Legion.
Joseph Smith’s Fascination with Freemasonry
Cheryl discusses Joseph Smith’s fascination with Freemasonry, particularly its claimed ancient truths. She explains that Joseph Smith believed in restoring true Freemasonry, which he saw as apostate. Cheryl mentions that Joseph Smith was trying to restore Freemasonry to its original, pure form in Nauvoo. Rick asked about the criticism that the LDS endowment is a ripoff of Freemasonry. Cheryl responds that Joseph Smith was a ritual genius who used Freemasonry to create new degrees.
Joseph Smith Senior and Freemasonry
Rick asked if Joseph Smith Senior was a freemason. Cheryl explains the difficulty in proving Joseph Smith Senior was a Freemason due to the common name. She mentions that many of Joseph Smith’s close associates and family members were Freemasons. Cheryl describes the William Morgan affair, where Morgan threatened to expose Masonic secrets and was allegedly kidnapped and killed by Freemasons. This led many in the nation to resign from freemasonry and the movement was given a bad name.
The Book of Mormon and Freemasonry
Rick and Cheryl discuss the argument that the Book of Mormon is anti-Masonic. Cheryl explains that the Book of Mormon presents both pure and spurious Masonry, showing that Masonry, like Christianity, can become apostate. She argues that the Book of Mormon is not anti-Masonic but presents both good and bad views of Masonry.
Joseph Smith’s Influence on Temple Worship
Rick asks how Joseph Smith’s belief about Masonry affects temple worship. Rick mentions the issue of Joseph Smith’s belief that Masonry goes back to King Solomon’s temple, which modern historians say is incorrect. Cheryl explains that she compartmentalizes her religious practice and values temple worship for its symbolic and gnostic aspects. Rick recalls an earlier conversation with Cheryl about Danites in Kirtland and their connection to the Danites in Missouri. Cheryl confirms that the Danites started in Kirtland and mentions John Whitmer’s early history of the church.
Masonic Elements in Kirtland and Nauvoo
Rick and Cheryl discuss the Masonic elements in Kirtland and Nauvoo. Cheryl explains that Masonic elements in Kirtland were more ritual-based and less overt compared to Nauvoo. GT asks about the inclusion of women in Freemasonry and the criticism that Joseph Smith allowed it. She mentions the criticism that Joseph Smith was breaking Masonic rules by allowing women to participate in the endowment is likely unfounded. Cheryl clarifies that the criticism was more about the rapid growth and rule-breaking in Nauvoo rather than the inclusion of women.
Joseph Smith’s Death and the Masonic Call of Distress
Rick asks about the Masonic call of distress during Joseph Smith’s death. Cheryl explains that there were Masons in the mob and that Joseph Smith’s final words could have been interpreted as the Masonic call of distress. She mentions that John Taylor and Willard Richards also used the Masonic signs after Joseph Smith’s death. Rick recalls the Danite sign of distress used during the Gallatin election battle and its similarity to the Masonic call of distress.
Criticisms of the Book “Method Infinite”
Rick brings up criticisms that the book “Method Infinite” sees Freemasonry in everything Joseph Smith did. Cheryl explains that the book clearly states that Freemasonry is not the only influence on Joseph Smith and that other influences are also discussed. She mentions that the book focuses on Freemasonry because it is the main topic of the book.
Have you read either of Cheryl’s books on freemasonry or polygamy? What do you think of her conclusions? Do you think Emma may not have been as knowledgable about Joseph’s polygamy, and therefore wasn’t lying in her denials? Does knowledge the endowment’s ties to freemasonry affect your feelings about temple work?
Wheat & Tares 
Smith’s run for President threw a wrench into the Mormon enterprise. The polygamy secret was put in jeopardy in January 1844. Brigham Young took matters into his own hands and saved polygamy.
Whether Joseph Smith practiced polygamy or not may be fascinating, but in the end, it’s irrelevant, because the following SIX church presidents DID practice it without ANY doubts whatsoever. And D&C 132 confirms polygamy as part of Mormon doctrine.
Another good question would be how many of the 14 men that Joseph Smith cuckolded by marrying their wives were in the “mob” to get revenge on him for destroying their families?
To say that Smith was a genius is a bit of a stretch by Cheryl. He comes across more like fellow New Yorker Boss Tweed, who seen his opportunities and took’em. Smith was a clever opportunist.
hnorth1, Smith was never at a loss for enemies, from Kirtland to Independence to Nauvoo. Some of it was the polygamy, but there was also fraudulent banking, treason against Missouri and Illinois, criminal flight, and finally destroying a newspaper. It’s surprising that the mob at Carthage was not larger. It’s also surprising that the town of Nauvoo wasn’t there to protect him. Where were the Danites when he needed them?
Yes. I was always uneasy with many aspects of the endowment, and I often thought, “Did this really come from God?” After learning more about freemasonry, I was like, “Oh I see, this came from the masons! Phew! That makes more sense to me now.”
thhq, it was Harold Bloom who called Joseph Smith a religious genius. Cheryl, I think, is just seconding his lengthy discussion and proposal.
hnorth1, it’s widely known that it was a group of state militia, the Carthage Grays, who after being dismissed by their officers, unofficially headed back to Carthage jail and commenced hostilities. You’re not elevating the discussion by throwing out snide but unfactual remarks. Polygamy caused internal strife for the Church, but it was LDS involvement in state politics and the resulting bad feelings it stirred up that was the primary source of friction with the non-LDS locals.