Joseph Smith for President

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Episode 18: Joseph Smith for President
Derek Sainsbury
October 2020

From the early days of the Restoration, Latter-day Saints learned firsthand that politics could impact the practice of their faith. Frustrated with politicians, in 1844 Joseph Smith launched his own U.S. Presidency campaign. Many don鈥檛 know that Joseph ran for President, or why. In this episode, Dr. Derek Sainsbury shares insights from his groundbreaking publication on Joseph Smith鈥檚 campaign, helping us understand why appropriate participation in politics is often related to building the kingdom of God.

Publications:

Storming the Nation: The Unknown Contributions of Joseph Smith鈥檚 Political Missionaries (Religious Studies Center/Deseret book, 2020)

See more at

to read General Smith鈥檚 Views of the Powers and Policy of the Government of the United States