Joseph Smith Jr. | Founder of Latter Day Saints | Mental Health & Personality

This video answers the question: Can I analyze the mental health and personality characteristics that may be at work in the case of Joseph Smith Jr. (founder of the Latter Day Saints)? Support Dr. Grande on Patreon: / drgrande
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: Author.
www.theguardian.com/world/201...
www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-co...
Would you like to listen to my content in podcast form? With my partners at Ars Longa Media, we released True Crime Psychology and Personality: Narcissism, Psychopathy and the Minds of Dangerous Criminals. Subscribe to it anywhere you listen to podcasts.
I'm looking forward to putting more of my content into audio and developing new, original podcasts on mental health topics. Visit us online, and feel free to reach out with your questions or ideas by going to arslonga.media.
Dr. Grande’s True Crime Psychology and Personality podcast: www.arslonga.media
Check out Dr. Grande’s merchandise at: teespring.com/stores/dr-grand...

[@kkandsims4612]

As an ex Mormon there whole faith is based on one boys account of seeing god I mean I lived in a mental hospital for 4 years I saw a shit ton of Joseph smiths there.

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Mason minion

[@kelleren4840]

Well said!!! 🤣🤣

[@redram5150]

I can’t fault the wholesome family atmosphere most Mormon homes seem to have, but how anyone in the 19th century, let alone today, could buy into such clear BS is a mystery to me. Then again, Scientologists believe the insane stuff they do

[@lia2523]

4 years? How? Why?

[@kelleren4840]

@@redram5150 I mean... And to be fair, it's a 'wholesome family atmosphere' of you are not -black -poor -lgbtq+ -a woman with career ambitions -intellectually honest or well educated (you can have one of these) -american/reasonably 'westernized'. Which.... is that *really* a wholesome family atmosphere...? ;)

[@rachaelelkins]

Next time someone calls me with some drama, I’m going to say “let’s look at what could be happening in a situation like this.”

[@lorimiller4301]

I love that sentence. I can't wait to use it.

[@lisacarolyn3676]

LOL :D

[@briancrawford8751]

What if the other person said, "Oh, are we doing erotic roleplay, and you're going to be Dr. Todd Grande? Cool!"

[@NatashaCreatesThings]

YES!

[@Mysteria710]

OMG! I love this. I am gonna use this phrase to compare and contrast reality with the ridiculous things probation clients expect me to believe.

[@oregon32nursenurse43]

When my grandchildren come to me with a problem, I will say “Well, now, let’s see what could be going on in a situation like this”.........😂

[@gazels11]

I love the variety of your subjects. So interesting. Thanks for sharing your professional and scientific insights.

[@mlynn2161]

It just dawned on me that Dr. Grande has an NPR voice. He tells us all the awful things going on in the world, but with a soothing, reassuring voice that makes you want to take a warm nap while you listen.

[@guillermo3564]

@M Lynn Schweddy balls, anyone?

[@MrRaulstrnad]

that is an interesting thought

[@leepreston9637]

You mean lies about what's going on in the world. NPR is propaganda for the Chinese Communist Party.

[@enigmaticloremaster1700]

Yes Hubbard was one o the greatest con men ever, he discovered the goose that lays the golden egg.

[@ViceSociety]

@@leepreston9637 That is 100 percent TRUTH.

[@ShawnFerrell]

THEN: "No one would be a Mormon, that's crazy." NOW: "No one would be a Scientologist, that's crazy."

[@loqutor]

Tell me you don't know anything about either of those religions without telling me you don't know anything about either of those religions.

[@originalnilson]

@@loqutor tell me you can't tell the difference between a cult and a religion without telling me you can't tell the difference between a cult and a religion

[@ellamaeloftus3493]

I’m a Mormon and believe. Investigated several religions and this religion works for me.

[@loqutor]

@@originalnilson I have yet to see a decent definition of "cult".

[@MrRaulstrnad]

@@ellamaeloftus3493 yes but still was started by a conman

[@FaithMurri]

He didn't die a couple of months later, he died upon impact

[@williewonka6694]

That's what I thought. Hard to imagine the crowd dispersing after the Smiths shot three of them. They came for blood that day.

[@saymynameice-zen-berg511]

I remember when I was younger. 2 Mormon missionaries one was American the other Canadian and they called on my friends dad, the Mormon religion is a big supporter of war in times of war and teach they have to kill when called upon. So my friends dad asked one of them if both countries went to war with each other would you kill your friend here. He replied yes, and the look on his young friends face was of absolute shock. My friends dad simply said because you are ok with killing your neighbor is the reason why I know your a false religion. Tremendously good reasoning I must say.

[@elijahhernandez906]

A wise man for sure. May Yeshua bless him!😇🙏

[@kayjohnson4062]

Very good! However, they are a false religion (as are many others), because they preach a different gospel than the gospel the Apostle Paul taught in 1Cor 15:1-4, that we are to stand in and receive through faith in Christ blood on the cross,, by God's grace are we saved. This is a different gospel than what Mormons teach. Plus they know Joseph Smith used a Seer Stone to supposedly translate the book of Mormon yet their missionaries still teach he translated it from gold plates. God's book is not an open Canon to add to as anyone wishes. And as Paul writes in Galatians, it is not another testament but a false preaching and is to be accursed.

[@PInk77W1]

@@kayjohnson4062 Jesus started one church and said it would last forever The Roman Catholic Church.

[@kayjohnson4062]

@@PInk77W1 The one church of Jesus Christ is the BODY OF CHRIST! NO RELIGION!

[@PInk77W1]

@@kayjohnson4062 Jesus start the church with 12 guys. They handed their office over to others “His office let another man take” Acts 1:20 And this is still going on today. It’s called apostolic succession. The body u speak of is 30,000 churches all teaching different stuff. There is 1 God There is 1 Truth There is 1 Bible There is 1 pope There is 1 Church There is 1 faith. Not 30,000 churches. Your body ain’t a body at all.

[@oliviaruth1954]

I was born into mormonism and it was a large part of my identity. it was everything i had planned on in life and influenced my ever decision. It is so incredibly difficult to sever yourself from the LDS church in ways many people wouldn't understand without living the experience. as someone who recently escaped that abuse that i was born into, hearing you explain it with rational thoughts about the beginnings i am reminded how fully i was indoctrinated to truly believe this and "know" it was true for so so long. As someone who is currently being ostracized and demonized by my still very believing family, i have feelings of releif and so much pain. For those who are still in the church, i wish peace on you and hope that you see through clear eyes one day. and for those who know the pain of having such a profound part of your identity shatter when you realize the reality of the mormon church, i'm sorry and i get it now.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

Ex-Mo here. It's very hard but you can do it. You are doing yourself a huge service by leaving. You are also doing your children (present or future) a huge service by breaking the cycle of generation Mormonism!

[@loqutor]

How, exactly, were you abused?

[@fidelfez2202]

Cult Dr Hassan BITE model

[@fidelfez2202]

Your paid LDS shill and looks if it Educated mental health shill

[@laurabartschi2165]

@@loqutor Did she say she was abused?

[@madsh9038]

Dr Grande’s dry sarcasm about JS is just 👌👌 for an ex member

[@shayladaw7791]

Agreed 👍

[@elanahammer1076]

Dr. Grande’s dry sarcasm is like a day without sunshine! Lol

[@CyborgSodaCollects]

It's sand dry

[@elanahammer1076]

@@CyborgSodaCollects so true! I think I might need my Coca Cola or some water! 😜

[@kathryncarter6143]

Ok funny. But laughs do not equal facts

[@danieljohnson6561]

There’s a few little in accuracies here, but the biggest is that Joseph died on-site, not months later. After falling from the window at Carthage, he was shot multiple times.

[@susancarver3685]

Probably should have been a bit more factual. J.S. wasn't alive in 1943 and he died on site, not months later. However, he was a horrible man. The men that lead the church now, have to be as bad because there is NO WAY they don't know the truth. All u have to do is pull up the history ( which is not advised, by the leaders) in a very short time, YOU KNOW. I wasted 33 years of my life..... Living the lie called Mormonism. It was shocking, horrifying and devastating to discover how completely naive and, I think stupid, I had been.

[@robd1329]

@@susancarver3685 he was a con-man. I also was a former mormon. But one day i realized and said to myself...why dont they ever talk about Lord Jesus ?? It was all about js...and just felt inside it was all humbug!

[@Bungie117MC]

@@susancarver3685 agreed, I was Mormon for 40 years until I did a little Google research that revealed a litany of facts that tell without a doubt that Joseph Smith Jr. was a fraud. Namely the book of Abraham. It’s so embarrassing

[@tylerfielding5311]

@@robd1329 What LDS church did you go to? We’re NAMED after Jesus Christ and literally talk about Jesus Christ and he is 100% the only focus in all things.

[@Ostaraissoon]

@@tylerfielding5311that might be YOUR experience regarding the church you specifically go to, but could you explain why I as a former church investigator also noticed the same thing he’s talking about?

[@PurrMore]

Dr. Grande, I'm so glad i found you! You're insight and humor is truly appreciated

[@alexplorer]

*ur

[@kevinross6235]

"Sounds like the relationship with that Angel was growing a bit tense" the humor never fails

[@lorimiller4301]

Phony monroni full of baloney.

[@ramonaearnest4709]

@@lorimiller4301 😂👍

[@adamkumpmusic]

It’s pronounced more own eye. So the rhyme sounds very outsider lol

[@nairobikenya6154]

Do Muhammad next. I Am a former Muslim, I’d like to see all religions treated with the same fairness. Guaranteed you won’t do it.

[@ms.annthropic4888]

I hate it when angels whip out a sword!

[@hireahitCA]

A brief pronunciation note: The second M in Mormon is actually silent.

[@TeleNikon]

Good one

[@kelleren4840]

@@willhelmberkly3025 nice cherry picking of the data there. Aren't Mormons also first to brag about their growth rates in developing countries? What happens to your income statistics when you factor that in? 😢 But nice try at a "prosperity gospel" justification!! I did the same aaaalll the time when I was a Mormon. 🤣🤮🤮🤮

[@jared8038]

That's a good one.. gold star to you Sir.

[@mbutts1000]

Lol

[@myozbubble]

Hee heee heeee!

[@melfreemans]

I told my husband that an angel showed me plates that said he should buy me an Hermes bag, a lipizzaner dressage horse, do all the housework forever, etc. My husband should just take my word for it because that angel also said I couldn't show my husband the plates.

[@nickborrrego]

And then get all your husbands friends to agree with you. Everyone else will be disfellowshipped.

[@melfreemans]

@@nickborrrego lol yep!

[@learningisfun2108]

Crazy how an entire religion is based on, “god told me something and you should believe me without evidence or question”. LDS is not the only religion based on this, btw.

[@pepedomingo4061]

don’t be silly. people only take such things seriously when a mentally ill male says them

[@MrRaulstrnad]

don't forget the time an Angel of the Lord appeared and threatened you with a sword unless your husband takes you to Vegas.

[@plymouth491]

Here's the biggest thing that I learned while digging into Mormonism: there's a language barrier. They largely use the same terminology as Christians, but they affix very different meanings to those words.

[@julieochoa4062]

On interested. Can you give some examples?

[@patsysmothermon7861]

That's How they trick the unsuspecting by using scripture; but out of context. 😔

[@patsysmothermon7861]

@@julieochoa4062 they believe that Jesus is another Person than The Son of God.

[@On3man]

@@patsysmothermon7861 Oops. Completely wrong. They may not believe in the Trinity as the three-in-one that most Christianity buys into, but they do believe Jesus was the literal son of God and a member of the godhood with God the Father and the Holy Ghost.

[@timothybrooks1429]

They don’t believe that God is God (big G). They believe that God is a god (little g) and that he was created by another god.

[@edwardcolgan6105]

“How am I gonna make up all that stuff again?” 😂🤣

[@edwardcolgan6105]

Cult

[@Fauntleroy.]

@@willhelmberkly3025 LOL You engage in a lot of "You're not allowed to think That because of This." A common symptom of the chronic apologist. Engaging in gotchas. It's amusing to see how triggered you are all over these rather tame comments.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Pretty easy actually. Much of it is highly repetitive of Bible verses.

[@kkheflin3]

Priceless.

[@bluegreenglue6565]

D'oh! : D

[@jimmyzhao9748]

First you get the Money, then you get the Power, then you get the Women.

[@chad3232132]

True, but only one the the first two is really necessary for the last. Either money or power is enough. Nearly every notorious man sitting in prison for murder has no shortage of female admirers.

[@TheGreekCatholic]

Then U get the sugar

[@Ssm19494]

Okay, here’s the story. I come from the gutter. I know that. I got no education but that’s okay. I know the street, and I’m making all the right connections. With the right woman, there’s no stopping me. I could go right to the top

[@adrienneharding7145]

Homer Simpson’s best line!!!!

[@TheGreekCatholic]

@@adrienneharding7145 I'm glad U saw what I did there lol

[@megapint8598]

I was a member of this church for 25 years. I spent the last 3 years researching Joseph Smith, following my hunch there was something rotten there. What I concluded after 3 years of research on only facts, no propaganda either way, was he was a psychopath. He enjoyed power. He loved to test his followers, see how loyal to him they would be .. would they be so loyal as to donate their wives, their daughters, their lives to him. He wanted it all. Wanted full loyalty from the members .. restrict what you eat, you wear, you drink, no smoking .. consecrate everything you own including your lives if necessary. Power and loyalty to the death was what Smith sought. I saw this video .. it scratches the very surface of what went on, but the conclusion is accurate. Smith was a lying, teen molesting, adulterous, thieving psychopathic con-artist narcissist.

[@bajemo359]

Sounds a bit like David Koresh, cult leader of the Branch Davidians.

[@LiveHappy76]

How many liars give their lives up for their lie, at age 38, with a wife (wives) and children? That's not something liars do; liars are too selfish to do anything not for themselves. Instead of simply denying things to spare his life, he died to uphold his words and beliefs.

[@anamika3814]

@@LiveHappy76 nope, its what narcisist do....their ego/pride is far bigger than their will to live....u can see what hitler did, he could have stayed alive by escaping, but he commited suicide!

[@PInk77W1]

@@LiveHappy76 they weren’t going to spare his life. He was toast. They weren’t there to debate

[@LiveHappy76]

@@PInk77W1 What you replied is correct. The time and place for him to deny things, I wasn't specific, but I mean at any of so many points in his life he was persecuted, could have stopped teaching, could have stopped upsetting people to violence, could have denied his claims of the origin of The Book of Mormon--Another Testament of Jesus Christ, could have denied his First Vision and other claims...and spared whatever violence or persecution was next (against himself and others), including that he never would have been arrested or jailed in Carthage. This is what I meant. Sorry for the confusion and thank you for your accurate, honest comment!

[@judypolstra]

"An angel made me do it defense" not to be confused with the "blame the chihuahua" defense you mentioned in another video....LOLOL

[@tictacnino3593]

An Angel threatened him to marry more wives? Sounds like he couldn’t control his lust.

[@fifthgenerationdeb]

Bingo.

[@Julesb2183]

He needed an excuse to sleep around.

[@frevazz3364]

"Trust me I don't want to but the angel is adamant that I have to bang more women" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@nairobikenya6154]

Say the same thing about my former religion and you won’t live very long. Islam needs the same microscope.

[@k.r.murphy4301]

In my faith, angels don’t threaten people...especially to do something weird!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

"Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool" - Mark Twain

[@doneestoner9945]

I believe this to be true.

[@slackhackman9115]

I strenuously concur.

[@Jr.BaconCheese]

@Katie G yeah Katie we don't blame children but as an adult you need some agency

[@MrRaulstrnad]

Twain met Brigham Young-quite obviously the meeting confirmed what he said

[@Travelin2Wit]

The Man in Plaid There once was a sleuth, so keen, In crime scenes, he'd always be seen, With data he'd pore, And evidence adore, His analysis, truly pristine. From fingerprints to trails he'd chase, With logic, he'd quicken the pace, In the dimmest of light, He'd solve crime through the night, With a flair and an impeccable grace. In his wardrobe, a secret he'd hide, A penchant for plaid, he'd confide, In suits of all shades, In clandestine escapades, For plaid, he'd proudly decide!

[@MattCurrieImprov]

I’m a Christian and I love hearing your analysis on these cult leaders. Very interesting and sad stories especially from the last 150 years of all these crazy cults based off of people misinterpreting the Bible. Even scriptures warn of this more than once in more than one way. These cult leaders never really read or believed the Bible and it’s amazing how popular they get. Same can be said for a lot of the false churches today who twist the doctrine and take it way out of context and create fake Christians essentially who don’t really understand God’s word, or even read it, which still is the KJV in English, at least that’s the most accurate and most sold book in history. It’s truly an amazing journey once someone genuinely tries to study the KJV Bible because God will actually show that willing heart what he is communicating to that person, but these cult leaders have it so twisted and it has infiltrated mega churches, water baptism isn’t part of salvation anymore for instance, it’s simply faith in what Christ did to save us. His shed blood, death, burial, and resurrection, and this simple message of salvation by grace through faith threatens every cult and false church making money off their cult. Very devious stuff.

[@wilsonkartchner758]

Christianity is one of the original scans considering it was founded by people who probably never existed. The Mormon church is just a modern manifestation of this. All religions are cons.

[@MrRaulstrnad]

yes the theology of Mormonism is totally out of bounds of Christianity. There is absolutely no way Mormonism can be accepted as a subset of Christianity even though LDS members want it to be.

[@MisterDoctorE]

"Religion was invented when the first con man met the first fool" - Mark Twain.

[@sheilalopez3100]

Good one.

[@lujaynmigdadi]

Not all religion Some are *with all due respect* ridiculous. While others are basically close to a lifestyle Many are what u may actually describe as being in sync and in peace with nature and the good in this world Others contain truths older than our technology that were mentioned in the past I think it depends and it would be more foolish not to read about the world of religions than it would be to just assume none of it is real

[@CC-xn5xi]

Snide.

[@bohemiantheologian]

The pendulum is now swinging back too far the other way. Balance. 🙂

[@Mehki227]

@@lujaynmigdadi if it depends on some unseen force, or some guy who claims this unseen force, angels, voice spoke to him - he's chosen - it's fake AF.

[@Sealoctopus]

Who here has seen that South Park episode?

[@weareone2854]

Dum dum-dum-dum dum 🤣

[@tiffanyt7121]

It was the Mormons!

[@KelseyDunlevy]

AND the Broadway musical "The Book of Mormon." My husband and I got to see it and we laughed the hardest we ever have!

[@doneestoner9945]

I did.

[@lynmoulder3843]

I always enjoy your thoughts and opinions. I do learn from each case you present

[@tommayrant2279]

Pure Grande gold.

[@christiea.6778]

Thanks for sharing this! As a former member of the LDS church, I was taught a very positive view of Joseph Smith. We were told that researching anything other than our scriptures was “anti Mormon propaganda”. Once I found out the truth about Joseph smith and the religion, I felt like I had been conned and I left.

[@abbyb2752]

I’m sorry you felt conned, that’s a hard place to be. I was there with a different religion. ❤️❤️❤️ I’ll keep you in my thoughts and I hope you’re having a nice day.

[@kelleren4840]

Same here girl!! 100,000%. Cheers for escaping too!!

[@cess4089]

I find your statement to be false. I go every week and I have always been told to study it out and pray for the truth on my own. Not to blindly follow. And in fact to blindly follow is to be a poor and slothful servant of the lord. We must question. We must study and pray. I got my answer. It’s ok to disagree with my personal revelation but saying that we are taught not to question is BS.

[@rosealexander9007]

@@cess4089I’m sure your a really nice person . But Joseph Smith was a deceiver. He’s no prophet of God

[@Mineav]

It utterly baffles me that so many will follow people like Joseph Smith, L. Ron Hubbard, Marshall Applewhite, Jim Jones, etc. Some people are just so desperate to believe and cling on to anything to give them meaning and a purpose. We see that today with a certain political figure as well.

[@myjeanification]

The Pope?

[@Wimmig43at339]

Yep. Joseph Smith was a horrible and evil man.

[@kkandsims4612]

I mean I get it I do as an ex Mormon I understand the religion is low risk high reward it’s relatively the same as being Catholic but it’s still BULLSHIT!

[@mlovmo]

Don't forget Sun Myung Moon.

[@inkompetenzkompensationsko4188]

@@kkandsims4612 Low risk high reward depends heavily on your perspective and position. For me as a female it's not exactly "Low risk" to stop working, commit to my husband and have 20 children just to maybe possibly once have the chance to get to haven if there is one🙃

[@womanofcharacter]

I would love to see a video on Joseph 'Judge' Rutherford who established the organisation Jehovah's Witnesses upon the death of C.T.Russell. He managed to convince people that Moses was coming back from the dead and would need a house in Florida where it was warm. He was a drunk and a bully but managed to get a large following and establish a sect/cult/high control religion.

[@gd3551]

He was just another grifter conman out to sell his publications that gullible people of the time would buy.

[@IMWeira]

Pretty hard to fathom that. I remember hearing about a woman who had millions of followers but disappeared with the money. The name is on the tip of my tongue. Is it McPherson? That seems to be it. If you are looking up unusual religions. Try that one.

[@lindastrang6755]

The majority of Mormons and JWs are happy, law abiding citizens of every country they live in.... so what does it matter what their founders were like?

[@tiernanryan2078]

He should start with a video on Charles Russell.

[@summerbrooks9922]

Did Moses come back meandering?

[@romaworks8248]

You’re sooo good at what you do on this site. Thank you, Dr. Grande. I’m sure you help a lot of people.

[@kennethyoung7564]

More like a mediocre diagnosis. His diagnosis is an embarrassment. Joseph Smith ran for president in part because they had no rights in missouri, and also he opposed slavery, an issue he was willing to die for. He also freely forgave his enemies even when they beat him to the point of unconsciousness. For instance W.W phelps bore false witness against Joseph, and Joseph Smith spent months in Jail, lost 80 pounds, etc. W.W. Phelps later came to him, and Joseph freely forgave him. That is not what a Narcissist does. He draws the conclusion based off him having leadership positions, and ignores many evidences that he was not a narcissist, such as forgiving the men who tarred and feathered him. He doesn't even get the name of the church right. I give his diagnosis an F.

[@chuckiesrus1399]

I grew up in an LDS family/community in Utah. Never once have I bought into this bullshit. Very nice people, though. I love them

[@kelleren4840]

They all fun and games until you suggest that pedophilia is a bad idea on Facebook!! Then it's all "silence with your apostate lies" and "tHiNgS wErE DiFfErEnT bAcK tHeN!!" 😂😂😂 I say facetiously though I still have a decently good relationship with my Mormon family (though... Gotta keep certain social media accounts... Uh... on the D.L.)

[@fifthgenerationdeb]

How did you do it?? I grew up in an LDS family outside of Utah. Anytime the possibility that it wasn’t true raised its ugly head in my mind, I shut it down real fast. To me, it was impossible that it wasn’t true. And that was in California! Growing up surrounded by Mormonism, how did you see through it?

[@RemixedVoice]

They're only nice if you're white christian straight and cis lol. And of course, their "religion" follows the cult BITE model to a tee

[@elijahgavin6706]

Feigned nicety is absolutely essential to propagating an ideology that thrives on indoctrination.

[@rogerdavies8586]

Mormons today are often very well behaved but Smith himself not so much. A very interesting ex-Mormon is Aron-Ra. Marianne

[@jingyen00]

"I wasn't around in the mid-1840's but sometimes I do feel that old" Dr. Grande pivots into self deprecating humour and continues to deliver comedy gold!!

[@doreenplischke7645]

Yeees. I would want to see that. Stand-up Dr. Grande😀

[@anonymousbosch9265]

He’s a sit down one liner comedian

[@sebbeamigo]

I love the fact the Angel that appeared before Joseph Smith had the name "Moron, I"

[@TheFiddle101]

Fascinating. I know a couple of people from that church. They are actually sincere in their belief and certainly did not try to win me over. And I still like the early Osmond Brothers songs....

[@davisholman8149]

I went to Brigham Young University. There were handfuls of young women who joined the LDS Church, came to BYU, & lived in the apartment building owned by the Osmonds in the late 70s. Seriously, the Osmone groupies were there, LOL.😎✌🏽

[@Mountlougallops]

The connections btwn mental health disorders and “religion “ has always fascinated me.

[@ivorbiggun710]

It's always worried me.

[@tchrisou812]

What are your thoughts on this?

[@quester09]

it usually ends badly

[@DingDongDaddyFromDumas]

"Superstition is the only contagious mental disorder" -Me

[@tchrisou812]

@@DingDongDaddyFromDumas Lol that is possible. Have you read of the phenomenon of "emotional contagion" ?

[@k.r.murphy4301]

I am always a bit wary when only one person can translate the Golden Plates I’ve found.

[@gratefulila9980]

I call for the feeding of all brothers and sisters on the Golden Plates!

[@MK-Hogan]

Right? Never believe anyone who says they found a message from god that only they can interpret but the rest of us have to obey.

[@CL-lo4wd]

😂😂😂😂

[@sheilalopez3100]

I once found a dime. But I didn't have to translate it. it spoke english. Now that was a miracle. I usually find Canadian dimes and I don't speak Canadian.

[@christianmolick8647]

and I still haven't found what I'm looking for--that's the band from Dublin called the letter U and the numeral 2

[@ninaharper6282]

Yes, it was very convenient that the "angel" told him not to show the plates to anyone. I bet he never thought the Book of Mormon would become a musical.

[@MrRaulstrnad]

how incredibly stupid do you have to be to choose to follow a guru that saw some plates but is forbidden to show them to anyone

[@holaizzy]

That "seerstone" really would've come in handy to find that missing manuscript!

[@MK-Hogan]

Why do I get the feeling Dr. G doesn’t believe Joe Smith’s shenanigans? 🤔 😂🤣😆

[@elke9499]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fuckles8089]

He called him a narcissistic psychopath who refused to take responsibility lmfao!

[@anastasiabeaverhousen9067]

Hmmm 🤔 I think you're right ❗

[@generalpatton7876]

Because only 5 million morons out of 7.8 billion people in the world believe that bs. They have 12 million in the rolls but only 5 million members that actually attend and pay tithes.

[@generalpatton7876]

Joey sounds just like Mohammad

[@mb91435]

(Ex-Mo here) I LOVE when non-mormons (non-LDS, whatever) explain mormonism. It's fantastic. Mormons make the story sound SO spiritual, special, omit the "unnecessary" details, and are so serious about these stories it feels powerful. Then you read the CES letter/watch videos like this, and you remember that you were raised in lies.

[@loqutor]

Lol, you think the CES Letter is credible.

[@Blake_.Dryden]

@@loqutor WOW. You don’t know this person’s story AT ALL, neither do I. I’d practice withholding judgement if I were you. You really came across as an asshole when you posted this.

[@loqutor]

@@Blake_.Dryden He outright stated that he thinks the CES Letter somehow awoke him to the truth. How have I misrepresented him?

[@loqutor]

@@Blake_.Dryden ExMos in general demand about a hundred times the respect they're willing to give. I see no reason to be diplomatic with such people.

[@Blake_.Dryden]

@@loqutor This is the first I’ve ever heard of the term Ex-Mos, but I’m about giving someone a chance to explain themselves before dismissing them as one thing or the other. Maybe you’re right, but you could also be wrong. I’ve never met a single person I couldn’t learn something from. On the other hand, I completely understand being frustrated with those from a rigid ideological background. Just didn’t see that here

[@danielbarth3559]

Joseph Smith had a severe case of Typhoid Fever as a child, which caused a doctor to want to amputate his leg. In rare cases Typhoid can cause brain damage.

[@jairojrnj]

Makes sense

[@MrRaulstrnad]

interesting-Smith like L Ron Hubbard are examples of conmen who were so delusional that they actually believed their lies. Certainly there had to be some abnormal mental factors involved even the possibility of brain damage

[@beastshawnee]

I had an art history teacher that had your dry wit...but x10. He would drone on in a monotone voice in a dark room showing us slides from world Art and tho half the class would fall asleep-I’d be over there cracking up...

[@jenniferberger2005]

I grew up Mormon I always wondered of this mans mental state Thank you for this

[@winterfrost99]

@Cory Green lmao *Sigmund Freud, biblethumper

[@winterfrost99]

@Cory Green i wish your spelling and grammar were as strong as your delusion

[@illmsg77]

@Cory Green hey kid, you think hallucinating an angel with golden plates named Moroni and having 40 wives his having a perfect mental state? You really want your own planet and all those virgins huh?

[@gisselgreene]

​@Cory Green how do you know that? I extensively studied the gospel from beginning to date and encourage you to do the same. Search church doctrine the good, bad, and ugly before you jump in the defensive line. Joseph Smith was secretly practicing polygamy behind Emma's back and lied. I can go on and on but.......... Ask yourself this question, the true and living God gave the prophet Moses the ten commandments. One of those commandments says, Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife. But, you mean to tell me that same God give Joseph Smith permission to marry eleven women all of whom already had husbands. So it was okay for Joseph to covet other mens' wives. God does not change he is a perfect being along with his son.

[@gisselgreene]

@Cory Green and what have you found? Please share with me, unlike you, I am not a religious scholar.

[@MegaDonzee]

I went to a Mormon church as an 8 year old, even at that age I suspected that I was being conned.

[@doneestoner9945]

Good on you.

[@anonymousbosch9265]

I was raised catholic and thought the same thing.

[@dakrontu]

Same age I figured out the same about C of E.

[@MegaDonzee]

@Cory Green Have a beautiful day Cory!

[@anonymousbosch9265]

@Cory Green wow

[@MichaelKantormusic]

What’s amazing is that so many people follow that religion.

[@johnlee1352]

What's really amazing is that you are amazed. Honestly held belief of 16+ MILLION PEOPLE...

[@patriciahenkleman6241]

My sister is LDS and I don't think she knows anything about the church except that she finds them very friendly. She is 70 and I don't think I'll pop her balloon. I'm younger at 65 and have studied religion most of my life. I just want her happy

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

I agree with your line of reasoning as the LDS church is truly 24-7 church and not just a Sunday hour and half experience. I grew up in Utah and the church always had something you could do every day--Family Home Evening on Mondays, primary-mutual on Tuesdays, Relief Society several days of the week, etc. etc. If you are one of them, you are in an all-encompassing bubble and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It is way of bringing meaning to your life and the church provides that succor!

[@guitar0wnz]

Ah, so this is what happened to Rogan's old studio

[@lisetteeliseparis7070]

😂😂😂

[@SKY-wt2pp]

🤔 just needs a little more DMT and for Doc to speak about apes and drop some 'That's preposterous' lines and he'll be good to go.

[@yannick245]

@@SKY-wt2pp It's entirely possible!

[@JennyT101]

South Park actually did an amazing version of the founding of the Mormon church on their show...Meanwhile, my own husband just shakes his head in disbelief and says "Why would anyone want more than one wife?!!" Lol

[@kellyschutte2252]

Lol it’s no reflection on you Jenny Jen!

[@kimballbenson8116]

I hope you don't have a mistress and your wife doesn't have a boyfriend.

[@eye_doan_likeit6705]

🎵🎵🎶 Dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb, dumb!

[@kathyclark8274]

The South Park explanation of Mormonism is a must-watch!!!

[@taticatnineland]

Lucy Harris, smart smart smart... Martin Harris DUMB 😂🤣😂

[@udowannun7780]

Being interested in criminal psychology, I cannot help but notice that there have been what seems an inordinate number of high-profile murder cases/suspects involving followers of this sect. Daybell/Vallow being the more recent.

[@emh7956]

Daybell/Vallow had both been excommunicated from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@hellepost1439]

Mountain Medowes Massacre 1857 ‼️

[@bradsanders6954]

There is indeed a yit load of current or non current LDS members involved in horrific crimes. Cults bring out the best in people, and they draw in people who are maybe more than a "half bubble off".

[@udowannun7780]

@@emh7956 Yes, but that is where they both began.

[@Gideonslc]

I grew up in this religion. I've questioned narcissism & psychopathy in JS Jr for a while. Comparing him with Brigham Young though gets rather terrifying. The religion has been whitewashing its history for years.

[@Book_Bird]

Former Mormon, forever Dr Grande fan -- it's always weird to see different spheres of my life collide! Great and notably fair treatment of the material, as usual.

[@cheryleensimone3397]

Fair but not entirely accurate.

[@nairobikenya6154]

Grande if he was a real man would do the same approach with Muhammad, no way would he do that though!

[@a.b.5321]

@@cheryleensimone3397 Can you elaborate? That is not a snarky or rhetorical question. I’m just curious what the inaccurate areas are. I’m not an expert on this topic, but I find it fascinating.

[@michaelmuldowney3131]

@@nairobikenya6154 Jesus Christ dude. Not everyone has to talk about what you hate in order to be a “real man.”

[@andreaorlando7865]

Me too! And I’m on the spectrum. Each time I struggled with sensory overload I was told I “must be under the influence of Satan.”

[@DEPARTMENTOFREDUNDANCYDEPT]

The LDS church is the 19th century version of and template for Scientology. Both require a level of credulity and gullibility on the part of believers that makes belief in older traditional religions appear positively reasonable. The absurdity of the ancient religions benefits from their antiquity and their connections to even more ancient beliefs and traditions, while the modern "religions" which have emerged in modern times clash more obviously with modern understanding of science, psychology, and history. The fact that the LDS Church and Scientology have managed to recruit thousands of believers in the modern age is an indictment of the deeply imbedded credulity of human beings.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I think like a lot of beliefs, religon is passed down through families. If your parents, grandparents, cousins, and neighbors all believe in it and you are born into it isn't hard to see why people would go along with it. A lot of Mormons are Mormons before they were old enough to even really think about whether it's true or not.

[@tt095]

Didn't expect for Dr. Grande to dish it out so unapologetically .

[@kennethyoung7564]

Eh I am not impressed. Joseph Smith did not show signs of narcistic behavior. Part of the reasons he ran for President is he was opposed to slavery. He was going to use the sale of land proceeds to buy the slaves their freedom, all of them. He also wanted to reform the prison system, and he actually had a very progressive platform. He believed that slavery was evil, and was willing to die for the issue. Also he didn't even get the name of the church right. I am sorry but I give his diagnosis an F. He also ignores the abundant evidence that contradicts his diagnosis. For instance Joseph Smith freely forgave those that tarred and feathered him. Doesn't sound like a narcissist to me. The opposite in fact.

[@shiningstar4486]

Leaving the church... Was best thing ever.. Brigham is my great great grandfather they tried using this at me... No I lefted I'm glad... To leave the occult.. praise God I did

[@johnlee1352]

Thanks for leaving so we didn't have to throw you out. The most important lesson from your post is that righteousness and steadfast faith is definitely not genetic in your case. Good riddance...

[@johnlee1352]

P.S.... your ancestors weep for you...

[@hellepost1439]

@@johnlee1352 Mountain Medowes Massacre 1857‼️

[@ameekasoar]

South Park taught me all I needed to know about Joseph Smith

[@utah133]

As an ex-Mormon, I can assure you that the South Park storyline was mostly accurate!

[@ameekasoar]

@@utah133 thanks for that endorsement lol

[@barbarastrayhorn4667]

Right. Everyone wondering about the church should see that first.

[@elijahgavin6706]

Check out the video of a Mormon girl reacting to that episode. It’s priceless

[@ameekasoar]

@@elijahgavin6706 Link

[@AnneSofieLovesMozart]

He sounds like an 19th century L. Ron Hubbard...

[@danilovega2029]

Every religion sounds like L. Ron Hubbard if you think about it...

[@jollyandwaylo]

Or a modern day Trump.

[@sarah2.017]

He was.

[@AnneSofieLovesMozart]

@@danilovega2029 I guess you could say Cult + time = religion.

[@kkheflin3]

@@AnneSofieLovesMozart That's my quote! I use it all the time!

[@elisaseverns2543]

I’ve read many comments from former Mormons. I think the members of each church make a huge difference on people’s experiences. My sister has been a member for almost 50 years. Her church still embraces those family members that have quit going. Her church has always been very kind, loving and accepting of family who are non members like me and our parents.

[@amberowen2004]

Oh sweetie lol that’s just to your face, if you only knew what they thought or said about behind closed doors if they know they can’t convert you. Mormons are really good at looking kind, loving, accepting etc. but they are far from it. I was A member for 30 years and their beliefs and teaching are full of racism, misogyny and judgment. They are just really nice to you because they want to convert you.

[@elisaseverns2543]

@@amberowen2004 my sisters people are genuine. I’m 60 now and strong in my own faith and so is our other sister in her faith. But I’m sure what you say is true for many people. Just because a person goes to church doesn’t mean they’re a good person.

[@hellepost1439]

@@elisaseverns2543 Mountain Medowes Massacre 1857‼️

[@janburn007]

I think it's all down to how "religiously" some Mormons follow the official teachings of their religion in relation to the shunning of those who leave the religion. You may just happen to know Mormons who do not follow the teachings of the Mormon church in relation to the shunning of apostates & admittedly, not all Mormons follow this teaching of their church - nevertheless, it is still an official teaching of the church, whether church members actually choose to follow it or not.

[@PollyAlice2000]

This subject remains fascinating to me! I grew up in upstate NY, and until this day - Yep! - right up until 2022! - Joseph Smith is still spoken about as an incredible conman by many people. It is interesting to me that this criticism of Joseph Smith is not confined to those of any particular faith, or non-faith. Many of us in that part of the country trace our ancestry to the Mayflower passengers. It seems that some sort of "ancestral memory" is still ticked off at old Joseph for conning many people out of money or property while in the process of developing his religion, as well as for spiritual "sheep stealing", meaning luring people away from their former religion. Personally, I give the guy props! That whole requirement of having multiple wives thing is one heck of a draw! I imagine that many of my ancestors thought more than once about signing up!

[@davisholman8149]

Any Lathams in your area?? William Latham was my Mayflower relative. We are here in the West because of Mormonism in one part of the extended family. Please realize not all LDS are uneducated idiots - family culture is hard to break when it comes to ‘high demand’ religions.

[@PollyAlice2000]

I’ve no doubt that LDS has as many fine people as any other religion! No Latham’s in my family, but that is certainly a name given to many NY places, too! The lore of modern era religions is always interesting.

[@furiousape7717]

My first time seeing Dr. Grande’s hands. Got to say, I’m not disappointed

[@pinkgorilla99]

Don’t let it be your last!! Dr Grande is AMAZING!!!

[@MrRaulstrnad]

yes Dr Grande is very good, he is not a psychiatrist or a psychologist, he is a licensed counsellor He has a very dry sense of humor which is largely responsible for his popularity but his analysis of various situations is truly amazing. Earlier on, he used his analytical skills to interpret various events and crimes in a whole new way but he tends not to do that anymore since he probably felt it was speculating too much. On a personal level, although you don't really see it in the videos he is living with a personal handicap. He is very knowledgeable about cars, motorcycles and guns which he sometimes uses in the videos

[@ekhoyt]

I as an ex-Mormon, I really enjoyed this. I’ve seen loads of videos about the reality, but this was better, frank, scientific and factual. Thank you.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Not 100% scientific when sarcasm is interjected. Then it becomes a comedy

[@kkittycatkat1990]

I'm not an ex yet but I'm non active and learned the truth years ago. Difficult as both sides of my family are very long time mormons who settled the town I live in now. My family, minus a few, are extremely mormon. Smith bought papyrus from Egyptians going through the town. He bought it & said it was "The book of Abraham". We now know it was a run of the mill funeral announcement. Still not sure how they've explained that one. He was high up in the free Masons which were and some still are used in sacred temple ceremonies. Most mormons have no idea they're preforming free Mason rituals.

[@loqutor]

It's factual to psychoanalyze someone who's been dead for more than 150 years? Okay.

[@g26s239]

@@loqutor Fear of what Smith MIGHT have written is why the church had members buy Mark Hoffman's writings and then made sure Hoffman didn't face the death penalty for planting bombs and killing people. Magic sky friend stories are all bullshit.

[@loqutor]

@@g26s239 Oh look, an edgy New Atheist. Sorry, I don't have sincere discourse with people too cowardly to admit they're part of a religion themselves.

[@harrybrooks8514]

Having done extensive study in the history of the LDS Church and of Joseph Smith, Jr., I tend to agree with the last analysis, that Smith was a manipulator. Though shrewd, he wasn’t always careful enough to conceal his exploits. The Book of Mormon contains plagiarisms from works available to Smith and some of his “scribes.” Furthermore the book is highly anachronistic, being indicative of someone who is not well taught in world history. The use of the “Reformed Egyptian” as an alleged medium on the hidden record kept curious intellectuals away from Smith and his church. Egyptology was in its infancy at the time, a fact which seriously cripples Joseph Smith’s and Martin Harris’s version of the latter’s meeting with Charles Anthon. The weirdness didn’t stop with Smith’s assassination. In the time between that and Utah’s statehood, LDS leaders were frightening settlers and others with talk of beheading “gentiles” (i.e. non-Mormons). The insanity and egregiousness didn’t end with the LDS founder/prophet, and a steady stream of incredulous followers helped him pull it off.

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

Mountain Meadow Massacre- 1858. Wagon train California bound was ambushed alleged Paiute Indians (mostly Saints in Indian garb) and 120 people killed near present day St George, UT. Definite dark stain on the church.

[@madelinebrennan7603]

I always find it strange that though it is extremely common for individuals to have multiple comorbid diagnoses (in my experience as a masters level clinical psychology trained person), these cases are always discussed in terms of one overriding diagnostic cause of behavior. For instance, isn't it possible that people like Joseph Smith and Charles Manson are both psychopathic and carry an Axis I thought or mood disorder, accounting for hallucinations/delusions? And if that's the case, wouldn't it be difficult to determine which is more causally related to antisocial behaviors?

[@barbwire7449]

I do not know anything about psychology. From researching cults for decades, I do know that a false prophet does not have to be much of a con man if the followers are willing to be easily duped. A good example is Jim Jones and also Heaven Gates' cults. The followers were basically begging to be manipulated. So it is with Mormons. There are no Book of Mormon ancient manuscripts, no Mormon history, no Mormon archaeology, no DNA evidence, no document trail, and none of Smith's translations are accepted as legitimate outside the LDS church. The Dead Sea Scrolls have absolutely proven Smith wrong about Old Testament corruption. Mormonism is totally based on one man's word and witnesses from two families, one family being that of Smith. Compare that with the 500+ witnesses of Christ's resurrection at Pentecost. As far as empirical evidence, the whole foundation of the religion is based on a fairy tale, the same proof as "Alice in Wonderland", but the faithful Mormon believers refuse to take off their mule blinders. The very idea that such a religion could exist, much less thrive and be wealthy, does seem to be a miracle. Believe me when I say Mormonism is the Eighth Wonder of the World.

[@amyedie8902]

When I see plaques for decor that say "Believe" in harmless, scrolling fonts, I want to write "Don't" in sharpie above it.

[@sarah2.017]

As for me, I'd be more likely to follow the "Believe" with "in what?" (FWIW, I'm Christian.)

[@amyedie8902]

@@sarah2.017 Belief is not a harmless snake we handle.

[@dortesandal4303]

Uhhh - a cynic at heart, can we be forever friends😜😂😂

[@fa_engineer3687]

When Dr. Grande said: "I wasn't there in the mid-1800's although I sometimes feel that old." I laughed so hard that my diet Pepsi came out my nose and all over my computer screen!

[@Lavieestbelle04]

Lmfaooooo

[@egrace3738]

Bahaha!!

[@billhildebrand5053]

Your not a good Morman, drinking Pepsi......🧐🧐🧐🧐🧐

[@0ddddduck]

Really tho?

[@fa_engineer3687]

@@billhildebrand5053 Nope! Not a good Catholic for that matter either. ;-)

[@paulforder591]

As an ex-Mormon of 31 years standing, I can agree with 90% of your assessment of Joseph Smith, except for the inaccuracies here and there.

[@Whiteowls4532]

So in your opinion there is only one historical narrative pathway from which to legitimize any religious framework? If a religion is post dated outside that history it can’t be real? Hence “roasting” Joseph Smith? It was quite a dance you did with well placed deriding jokes that presume zero spiritual experiences exist for anyone who has ever lived, or written. I’m surprised the commenters give you so much prescience concerning religion altogether. The great dilemma is the individual experience of anything spiritual. I no more believe you can wipe out the existence of God with “this thing isn’t like the other things” than I can smack you on the forehead and thereby you get a spiritual experience of your own. Mankind will continue to debate the God experience and the pros and cons of the surrounding behavior instructing teachings, as well as the light and dark or good and evil, and all the varied propensities of human nature for positive or negative outcomes.

[@Richard.Atkinson]

@@Whiteowls4532 You just made up something he didn’t say so you could reply to it.

[@Sputterbugz]

@@Whiteowls4532 wow lmao found the mormon

[@davisholman8149]

Paul - it took 3 major back surgeries for me to stop long enough to finally studying Church History. I am here to tell you - there are a bunch of people like me whose activity in the LDS Church was part of the stability we craved in childhood. My parents divorced - & the Church was the one constant in my life. Being the typical type A perfectionist I was, the LDS Church was ideal for me to try to ‘earn’ my favor with Heavenly Father. Large stable families - who befriended my siblings & I & stepped in as a stable, kind example of good families we all craved. My dad was alcoholic & mother a narcissist who was bar hopping & gone most of the time - left me insecure - while a scholarship to Brigham Young University was my ticket out. I am horrified I didn’t know the real story about J. Smith until I was in my 50s. Thank goodness, my children figured it out a lot sooner. People, there are many brilliant people who are caught up in this religion & cultural ‘cult’ - family ties are deep. I relate to Leah Remini - this religion isn’t quite as loony - but has similar psychological features. Glad I am out. The lunacy is stopping with me.

[@cieartimus766]

@@Whiteowls4532 No, that is your interpretation of his/her opinion.

[@karenwhinesmore9347]

Wow Its mindblowing that the Latter Day Saints are still going strong today! It just goes to show you just how easily people can be duped 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@porcudracului]

Very few members are/we're duped. Smith was/is a controversial character which always attracts people. Like any artist. If you believe in Picasso's version of life, doesn't mean he duped you. You just resonate at that level with him/his idea. Most people today join because the LDS church does an excellent job in presenting people their community model. Which is very well organized. Using your argument, any controversial person is a charlatan. Jesus is still controversial, he may be a charlatan, but that goes for anyone.

[@itsROMPERS...]

@@porcudracului "resonating at that level" is so meaningless that it is essentially a synonym for "duped". Being duped is not a rare thing, the same can be said of all Christians and virtually all other religions, none of which have any more basis in fact or reality than LDS. "Resonating" at a certain "level"? What could those terms even mean? That people even think like this is a major threat to society.

[@porcudracului]

@@itsROMPERS... it means what you think about other stuff, like atheism. Or art. Or music.

[@porcudracului]

Also, what's the "safe " level of thinking? You seem to know it all

[@illmsg77]

@@itsROMPERS... Oh, come on. This cult was literally pulled out of a hat

[@inannanightingale9718]

"An angel made me do it" testimony straight from Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell

[@emiliadavis8247]

Andrea Geidart When in the heck is their trial going to be held?!

[@ellamaeloftus3493]

Now you don’t know the facts to the case. My inside sources to Rexburg court implies nothing about Mormonism being the cause. It is about a man and woman above the law and tried to form their own cult

[@ellamaeloftus3493]

And Daybell’s has is own cult. Recommend to follow the facts to the case.

[@collettedobrocke5585]

Yep.. Right on

[@gleefulme9617]

@@ellamaeloftus3493 Once you realize what fantastic stories both Chad & Lori were raised upon, it is not that much of a stretch to understand how revisions were made to accommodate their needs for recognition.

[@jockospillink7318]

Please cover gaslighting in general and gaslighting vs gaslighting. Can two be doing that to each other. And if it’s an indication of Narcissism, histrionics, etc

[@elijahgavin6706]

I’m dying to see the dynamics of two narcissists in a relationship and how they interact as it’s been a fascination (narcissism) as of late. Check out HG Tudor if you haven’t already.

[@wedolearning4133]

Dr Grande has done several videos on gaslighting. It wouldn't be a bad thing if he did more, but you can check out the ones he's already done on his channel.

[@sweetpea9347]

Ug. I’d like to understand gaslighting. I was acused by a guy of it. He said I was trying to manipulate his reality. I was a was no more than a work associate who had lunch with him. In his head we were dating. He grew angry when I invited him out for coffee after work and realized there were several people there and I “ left” him with a group of people a half hour after I arrived. I was so confused. I told him I wasn’t interested. He kept asking me why I would not admit we were dating and why I was breaking up with him. Weird thing, he didn’t seem crazy. He just would believe I wasn’t treating him any different then anyone else. He went on about it for months to anyone who would listen. Crazy.

[@elijahgavin6706]

Sweet Pea when people who gaslight learn that it has an official term and that it aligns with their own behavior they often accuse others of it so that if those people in turn accuse them of it (which would be true), they can claim that those people are flipping the accusation on them to avoid responsibility.

[@CentsibleLivingWithMoneyMom]

Jocko, look up the gray rock method. It is very effective with gas lighting

[@josephgolden1341]

I appreciate that Dr. Grande acknowledges that he wasn't there and thus it could be true. That alone is more honest a statement than you hear from most.

[@edwardwong654]

This is so humourous. And I love the straight face! How do you do it?!

[@Jugivadi]

I've studied a great deal about the Mormons. I didn't think that you could do this one in 15 minutes, but you did an amazing job. You are supremely humorous. Fun story, a metallurgist estimated that the weight of the plates (gold) based on the dimensions given was a bit over 200 lbs. Smith claimed he ran several miles to his home with the plates tucked under one arm like a loaf of bread. LOL

[@sitathisfeet5797]

Hahaha

[@surewave8202]

So, when you studied "a great deal" about the Mormons, did you get your information from them or from anti-Mormon sources?

[@48917032]

@@surewave8202 The density of gold is a scientific fact, you ludicrous fanatic.

[@guydreamr]

Not to mention how much all that gold would in fact be worth - Smith would be dropping the translating, getting to the melting, and forgetting about starting a new religion.

[@tapsars7911]

@@surewave8202 Your message reeks of Mormonism .

[@mollyclarke5225]

You killed me with, "The relationship with the angel must have become tense . . . "

[@beadyeyedwomanify]

Well done... I'm from a heavy Mormon state n I feel so sorry for them.

[@LucasKirbyMusic]

A couple corrections: Moroni is pronounced Moroneye. Joseph died on the same day from gunshot wounds and fell out of the jail window. These little things are important because Mormons who might be swayed by videos like these, will often think that this information (that is not taught to most members) is not true when you get the simple/obvious things wrong. Good video. You're dead on in your assessment.

[@kennethyoung7564]

Not really. Joseph freely forgave those that tarr and feathered him, and part of his running for president was his opposition to slavery. He was going to use the sell of land proceeds to buy the slaves their freedom. He makes the argument based off him having positions of authority. Mayor, General, etc. Its a pretty weak argument. Personally I am not the least bit impressed. He didn't even get the name of the church right. How am I supposed to take this seriously? A ten minute video that is full of logical errors.

[@Mineav]

'If anyone believed they needed to hire Smith to find anything, their brain is the first thing that needed to be found.' LOL!

[@abbyb2752]

☠️

[@kkheflin3]

Exactly. How desperate would you have to be to hire treasure seekers to find "wealth" on your property? Probably not much return on their investment I'm guessing.

[@Catlady-mw4en]

People lacked the basic education and information we have today. Many weren’t even literate. If Joseph Smith were around today, he might start a temporary small cult, but it would never grow to be the widespread, long-term religion it currently is.

[@stevengreidinger8295]

Dr. Grande scores again with a brilliant act of religious skepticism. We can stay friends with individual Mormons, but we should tip our hats to someone who speaks truth to power.

[@janetd4862]

I read a book about his life in high school - 50 years ago. At the time, I couldn’t understand how anyone would have ever followed him. He sounded like a shyster to me. In college, I attended a social event where I was warned ahead of time there would be Mormans, and to beware of their tactics. Sure enough, two nice looking young people managed to get me alone, and started asking questions about my beliefs. It started out friendly, but then they got pushy. Luckily, one of the adults from my group came looking for me and said it was time to go. Some of my friends were also having the same experience elsewhere in the same building. It generated good discussions afterward.

[@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia]

Always remember: Smith was 15yrs old when he made these stories up. When was the last time you believed a 15yr old? lol it’s far more likely he was lying.

[@PInk77W1]

The children at Fatima were way younger than 15 and everyone called them liars.

[@ggrace1133]

But what if it was all true?

[@PInk77W1]

@@ggrace1133 if it was all true The. Show the golden tablet. Simple to prove it’s all true

[@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia]

@@PInk77W1 that’s because they were also lying. Children lie or misinterpret things all the time cuz of lack of life experience & education.

[@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia]

@@ggrace1133 what if the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy are true? lol Don’t worry, they also aren’t.

[@elizabethfw2655]

“Their own brain should be on the list of things that needs to be found.” 😂😂😂

[@SupremeLeader187]

I was the one who asked you to make this video . Thank you. Let you know when I watch it

[@ronagoodwell2709]

Whenever I have a. personal problem to solve, I always ask, "What would Joseph Smith Jr. do?" Then I go ahead and do whatever I wanted to do in the first place. This works about half the time, but I figure it's as good as any other system. It's the magic underwear that gets me.

[@Hearwithyourears]

Great thanks 😊, please do a video about the founder of Jehovah witnesses organization.

[@gokussj397]

Day two of asking Dr. Grande to use the acronym OCEAN again when talking about personality traits.

[@user-zr9hu3tf1y]

you ever watch pekin woof?

[@leightodd9431]

It was in this video... he just doesn't preface the personality assessment by saying OCEAN. They all start with the Openess spectrum assessment. Re-watch the videos.

[@dakotakeller1606]

He used it in this video... he just didnt actually say OCEAN, but he did mention the five factors

[@gokussj397]

I know, but I just like him saying the whole classic, just like ' I'm not diagnosing anyone, only speculating what could happen in a situation like this.'

[@kathryncarter6143]

Don't worry; you'll see it plenty more

[@GodManCan]

Another intriguing person is Ellen G. White. Around the time of Joseph Smith, the Seventh Day Adventist church was established

[@kkheflin3]

Yes he should do one on her and the SDA church and on Charles Taze Russell who started the Jehovah's Witnesses all around exactly the same time period.

[@kivawyandotte6941]

I will look into her. Thanks

[@emiliadavis8247]

Restless Viking I've listened to the Seventh Day Adventist speakers and program on the radio, where callers could phone in with questions. So far, the only 2 things I see differently, in the scriptures, from their teachings, are about when the rapture will take place, and that the Sabbath is on a Saturday. They are definitely Christian. The Mormons definitely are not biblically correct, in many areas. Mormonism is a cult

[@rebeccarayburncooper7062]

OMG - I grew up as an SDA. Trying to forget. I was completely unprepared for the real world when I left at 19.

[@emiliadavis8247]

@@rebeccarayburncooper7062 Were your parents overprotective? The doctrine is Christian, with my not agreeing on just a couple of beliefs, so far, in my listening to messages, and call in programs, on the radio, some days.

[@TrayDyer38]

South Park Joseph Smith story episode is perhaps the best way to explain Joseph Smith. Now gather around and sing with me: 🎶🎶 Joseph Smith was called a prophet (Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb) 🎶He found the stones and golden plates (Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb) Even though nobody else ever saw them (Dumb dumb dumb dumb dumb)

[@chuckbuckbobuck]

The Gold plates supposedly were buried there after the Lamanites lost (or did they win-can't remember) and the church always used pre-Columbian developed tribes such as the Aztecs, Incas, etc as the possible lost tribe of Israel in America. How these tribes moved the Gold plates from either Peru or Mexico to the exact spot where Joseph Smith lived nearby in upstate New York has to be the coincidence of all time I dare say!

[@brick6347]

Wilford Woodruff, born 1807, was a follower of Joseph Smith, witness to the events in Nauvoo, and one of the earliest presidents of the LDS. What's pretty remarkable, purely from my perspective as a history buff, is that his voice was recorded in 1897 so we can actually listen to an eye witness. Granted he was pretty elderly, and Victorian technology was fairly crude, so he probably doesn't sound his best. Now I'm not a Mormon btw, and nor do harbor any ill will towards them; I just find the past interesting so being able to listen to people from the 1800s is thrilling to me.

[@tinalove11909]

😂😂 Dr. Grande coming for everyone! I'm so glad you're comfortable enough to show your humor! We're here for it! 🥰

[@frevazz3364]

Joseph Smith: "Only I can see these plates and only I can read them! Believe me" Rational people: "Ok I'm going to head out..."

[@kastironwoman6009]

There were 13 witnesses who saw the Golden plates. Being made of Gold, they needed be kept safe. Even Joseph was not allowed to even touch them the first time he saw them because he thought about how much they were worth and how it could help his family.

[@biteme9486]

@@kastironwoman6009 1) All those witnesses were close associates of Smiths. 2) Even though no witness ever recanted, One of the witnesses (harris) claimed to have seen the plates with "spiritual eyes". 3) Smith claimed to have found the plates in 1823, six years before the first three witnesses. Plenty of time to make fake golden plates. 4) One man (james Strang) tried to say he found his own plates after Joseph Smiths death but most didn't believe him.

[@biteme9486]

@Cory Green No, but someone intensely familiar with theology could, like Joseph smith. he could also just as easily make a fake set of plates like what James Strang did after Smith was killed.

[@splifstar85]

@Cory Green someone with a 5th grade education could see through the bullshit story of the plates (and “witnesses” with financial and power gaining incentives).. not you though, I guess 🤷‍♂️🙈

[@JPBotero717]

@@kastironwoman6009 most of those 13 ended up being enemies of JS, but never said the golden plates were fake, they stated till the end of their lives it was true

[@pixiedirt]

You nailed it.

[@jeffcarlin5866]

Joseph Smith was also traumatized when his older brother, Alvin, died. At Alvin's funeral, the minister suggested that Alvin Smith had been damned to hell. Joseph created his own form of Christianity as a means of "saving" Alvin in the afterlife (as well as "saving" the rest of his family).

[@MartinFluteCompany]

A tenth grade psychology assignment was to pick a famous person from history and do a psychological breakdown of that person. I chose Joseph Smith and came up with similar results as this video. It was a half year class consisting of two quarters. After I turned in that assignment during the first quarter I got an F for that quarter. As you may have figured out my teacher was Mormon however I got an A the following quarter so at least I didn't fail the class at a loss of credit.

[@yeboscrebo4451]

Maybe your breakdown sucked

[@brucedillinger9448]

Patrick Martin - if you knew your teacher was Mormon ahead of time I have to say you made a pretty reckless choice on who to analyze. That said, I probably would have done the same thing. 😆

[@fidelfez2202]

What about rusty nelson

[@MrRickb75645]

It's because you didn't do real research.

[@pennylane9289]

Good for you !! The moormon mafia will control tax's, grades, social acceptance etc..

[@Thundersnowy]

This is the best analysis I've heard someone give in a succinct way about Joseph Smith. Being born in the church, and having to climb through a labyrinth of minefields set up by the church in my mind in order to escape it, I liken it to Stockholm Syndrome. Logic and critical thinking were my only way out, and tho the story of Joseph Smith is much more complex than told here, the most important point is your analysis of who he was. After much study in great detail, I'd say YOU NAILED IT. He was a narcissistic psychopath. Thank you for that validation. An interesting sidenote, his son was institutionalized with schizophrenia. The men who were 'witnesses' and those who would succeed Joseph as leader, remained part of the inner group of about 3 families. Or people who spent decades subservient to those original families. The church has been involved in many deceptive practices over the years, including Smith claiming to translate the Book of Abraham, from Egyptian papyri. His big mistake there, for his future prophets, was that he left the originals because nobody could translate Egyptian at that time. Once the Rosetta Stone was found, and later the original papyri were found, the church has had to explain why Joseph's translation 'didn't get one word right' according to experts, once it could be translated. The church explained this away as being that 'it was a spiritual translation instead of a literal one,' tho up until that time it had always been described as literal, even by Joseph. A lot of intelligent people left the church at that time, including an Egyptologist who had helped them translate the found papyri, and realized the whole translation had been a hoax. The rest unravels pretty quickly from there if you have a brain.

[@dakrontu]

@@DaMensch86 A run-of-the-mill funeral papyrus.

[@hbendzulla8213]

Pretty good pretty good, many of them have been fooled, big time.The ones, which are now being taught, to join, do not have the brain capacity, to realize that they are being fooled, if they join.

[@MeganVictoriaKearns]

@@hbendzulla8213 Nobody sets out to join a cult. The followers who join the group are always certain they're doing something right and good.

[@judithnelson1581]

@@hbendzulla8213 One summer during college I sat thru the series of lessons from 2 of their young door knockers. Not in Utah where they are most parochial and cultish. The things which are likely to set off major alarm aren't revealed until after people have joined often years into it. So if people haven't done independent investigation prior to joining it is easy to be reeled in. They emphasize family and community - belonging. Fortunate for me I knew about some.

[@hbendzulla8213]

@@MeganVictoriaKearns your right

[@purpletam5900]

Thanks for giving your professional opinion. There is great denial among all the converts. They won't listen, but you should say it anyway.

[@michelledarkling6690]

Dr. Grande, may I submit suggestions for analysis videos? Rasputin, Allistair Crowley, Sadaam Hussein, Genghis Kahn, Emperor Nero, the Manson Girls.

[@bokagoofy]

An angel told me to like this video. That angel was Dr. Grande.

[@karliekrinock6101]

If you’re a practicing Mormon, and your reconsidering, get out now. There’s a world outside the Church to support you. They beg members not read or listen to anti-church material for a reason. They push young marriage for a reason. They pray on vulnerable or emotionally distraught people. They want you stuck and scared to leave, but you can do it!

[@loqutor]

I've been reading anti-Mormon literature since I was twelve, and it hasn't swayed me in the slightest. Get outta here with that nonsense.

[@doreenb.8928]

Nothing you said is true. I’ve been a Mormon my entire life and I’ve never been encouraged to marry young (quite the opposite) but I HAVE been encouraged to read ALL about our church’s history-good and bad. So... I guess your experience isn’t ‘the truth.’ Too bad you’re stating your experience as the norm.

[@katiedubuque7481]

Yes there is a world outside the church you're right. However you are very wrong about it being supportive. The world is an evil place and once you get away from the church it will kick you down so hard. It hates the idea of anything good happening to you and people are very mean. I'm more afraid of the world than I am the church no thank you I'm staying with Jesus. Also I don't know where you got your facts from but I would encourage you to maybe meet with missionaries and either learn or relearn about the church:)

[@Ssm19494]

Wow people have different opinions wow that's so crazy

[@NathanRBradfordMusic]

What a terrible comment.

[@geoffreydonaldson2984]

Interesting analysis. I hope you do one on Brigham Young who was himself an outstandingly powerful and controlling figure.

[@xochitl7489]

Thanks Dr Grande!