BRIGHAM YOUNG WAS SENT AWAY FROM LEADERSHIP?—EP. 23

Why is it significant that Brigham Young was already exercising authority to ordain Apostles and direct the Saints’ exodus before Joseph’s martyrdom—and what does that reveal about the foundation of Church leadership today? How did Joseph Smith’s experience in Liberty Jail transform him spiritually, and why do many historians call it both a prison and a temple? What specific leadership skills and experiences did Brigham Young gain while Joseph was in Liberty Jail that prepared him to lead the Church after the Prophet’s death? This episode centers on Liberty Jail in Missouri, one of the most somber and pivotal places in early Church history. Following the Battle of Crooked River and Governor Lilburn Boggs’s infamous extermination order, Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and others were imprisoned in Liberty Jail under horrific conditions. In this dark setting, Joseph poured out his heart in the famous plea, “O God, where art thou?” and received the powerful revelations now recorded in Doctrine and Covenants sections 121–123. The episode explores how Liberty Jail functioned not only as a prison but also as a kind of “temple,” where Joseph was spiritually tutored and refined through prolonged adversity. This also brought about Brigham Young’s emergence as a leader. The episode underscores how this difficult time prepared Brigham Young for his future role. Through personal reflection and historical context, our hosts explore how adversity refined both Joseph and Brigham. BRIGHAM YOUNG WAS SENT AWAY FROM LEADERSHIP?—EP. 23 0:00 Intro - Hosts discuss Liberty Jail 1:35 Title Sequence 2:09 Brett D. Dowdle introduction w/ Bro Peterson 3:16 Battle of Crooked River Surrounding Events 5:46 Hosts at Liberty Jail “Temple” 8:31 Brothers Dowdle & Peterson discuss Liberty Jail events 11:15 Hosts - Brigham visits Joseph in Liberty 12:47 The Quorum of the 12 Apostles importance 15:05 Brigham Young & Priesthood Line of Authority