A Deep-Dive Into the LDS Strangite Movement (w/ Dr. Kyle Beshears) | Succession, Ep. 10

Who was James J. Strang? And why were his claims so appealing to so many of those Latter-day Saints who did not follow Brigham Young and the Twelve after the succession crisis of 1844? Why did his movement experience so much initial success but then dissipate so quickly? Some have made strong comparisons between James Strang and Joseph Smith, but how accurate are these comparisons really? On this episode of Church History Matters, we sit down with Dr. Kyle Beshears, a friend and expert researcher on the Strangite branch of the Restoration, to take a deep dive into the details of this movement.

This is the tenth episode of our podcast series on succession in the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. For a full transcript of this episode, as well as show notes and additional resources, visit our website at https://doctrineandcovenantscentral.org/podcast-episode/a-deep-dive-into-the-lds-strangite-movement-w-dr-kyle-beshears/

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Originally published September 24, 2024

DISCLAIMER: While we try very hard to be historically and doctrinally accurate in what we say on this podcast, please remember that all views expressed in this and every episode are our views alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Scripture Central or The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

00:00 Introducing Kyle Beshears
8:36 The Birth and Early Life of James Strang
11:00 What Were the Voree Plates?
18:11 Strang's Practice of Plural Marriage
21:10 Strang's Wife, Charlie Douglas (Elvira Field)
25:40 Gathering to Beaver Island
29:16 Prince of the Halcyon Order of the Illuminati
37:23 Assassination Attempt and Preceding Events
41:18 Driving the Strangites from Beaver Island
43:26 James Strang vs. Joseph Smith
46:00 What Does Strang's Church Look Like Today?
49:27 More About James Strang
56:22 Why Interfaith Exchange is Important