# Top 5 Reasons People Call Joseph Smith a Fraud

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/welcome-to-the-weekly-mormonnewsroundup-where-al-dives-ruminate-on-the-great-and-spacious-beehive-5440377/top-5-reasons-people-call-joseph-smith-a-fraud
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/welcome-to-the-weekly-mormonnewsroundup-where-al-dives-ruminate-on-the-great-and-spacious-beehive-5440377/top-5-reasons-people-call-joseph-smith-a-fraud.md
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Published: 2026-05-18T10:27:00+00:00
Episode link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mormonnewsroundup/episodes/Top-5-Reasons-People-Call-Joseph-Smith-a-Fraud-e3jeuer
Audio file: https://anchor.fm/s/8e53bf90/podcast/play/120076187/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2026-4-16%2F424268530-44100-2-f16ce288409bf.mp3
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Duration seconds: 533

## Resource

In this episode of Understanding Mormonism, John Dehlin explores one of the most controversial questions in Latter-day Saint history: why do some critics label Joseph Smith a fraud?Drawing from historical claims and critical scholarship, this discussion outlines five major areas often cited by skeptics, including:• Joseph Smith’s early treasure-digging and “seer stone” practices• The golden plates narrative and translation process of the Book of Mormon• Claims of linguistic translation abilities (including the Book of Abraham and Kinderhook Plates)• The Kirtland Safety Society banking controversy• Public denial of polygamy alongside later historical evidenceThis presentation reflects arguments made by critics and independent scholars, and invites viewers to examine the evidence, context, and competing interpretations for themselves.Whether you’re a believer, a skeptic, or simply curious about Mormon history, this episode aims to provide a clear overview of some of the most frequently discussed criticisms surrounding Joseph Smith and the origins of the movement.About the series:Understanding Mormonism is a reader-supported publication and video series by John Dehlin, Ph.D., focused on exploring the history, theology, and cultural impact of the Latter-day Saint tradition.Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on faith, doubt, and religious history.Based on: https://johndehlin.substack.com/p/was-joseph-smith-a-fraud-please-sharePlease consider making a donation by joining our Patreon https://www.patreon.com/MormonNewsRoundup Email: kolob@mormonnewsroundup.org Website: https://mormonnewsroundup.org/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mormonnewsroundup Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mormon_news_roundup/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093511869924 X…

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