Emma Smith - My Story Mormons Are Now Telling Their Own History!

The Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society, Inc. was established in 2006. The JSEHS works with the Joseph Smith Jr. Family Organization, founded 1985, to promote understanding of the life and times, teachings, and heritage of Joseph Smith, Jr. and Emma Hale Smith.

The movie production of Emma Smith, My Story is part of the ongoing efforts of the historical departments efforts, to educate the public better about Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith. All revenue generated from this film will be used to fund other projects of a similar nature, and of historical interest in the future.

This was recently posted on the LDS Newsroom website, and I thought it might be of some interest to my readers here. I know this was to me. Actually - I would say - this is BIG!

"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints collaborated with the Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society on the new movie “Emma Smith: My Story,” which was released in theaters across Utah on 11 April; and is NOW available on DVD.

Emma Smith was the wife of Church founder Joseph Smith Jr. but, according to producers, her perspective of the pivotal events that gave rise to a world religion of over 13 million members has rarely been told.

“We wanted to show the side of Emma that most people don’t know: her personality, nature, and the type of woman she was,” said executive producer Michael Kennedy who is also a direct descendant of Joseph and Emma. “We wanted to show these things to Church members from the Smith family point of view.”

The movie chronicles Emma’s life from her childhood with a father who was not fond of religion, to her courtship and marriage to Joseph Smith, as well as the challenges she faced being driven from state to state because of religious persecution.

Executive producer Paul Savage said: “I think no other woman in early Church history endured so much as Emma Smith. She was remarkable in almost every respect. Hopefully this film will help us begin to gain a more complete picture of why Joseph called her the choice of his heart.”

The film is similar in style to the Church-produced movie “Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration” and uses footage from that movie that had been cut due to time constraints. Many of the actors and actresses in that film also have major roles in this film.

The Joseph Smith Jr. and Emma Hale Smith Historical Society was organized in 2006 to promote activities and programs related to the life and legacy of Joseph Smith Jr. (1805-1844) and Emma Hale Smith (1804-1879).

I would love to hear your thoughts - after finding out about the close relationship, in working on this project - Emma Smith: My Story, that the LDS Church forged? What do you think is being suggested to the world about Emma Smith - and how we should interpret her legacy today?

6/5 ( I have finally seen this movie for myself, and I will tell you what I think -- make sure and read my review - because we have a lot to talk about...)

Emma Smith: My Story - Now open, in limited release: check theater listings below.

I am thrilled that this Movie "Emma Smith - My Story" has been made. The reviews that I have personally read, prior to its scheduled release in April of this film - are, that is has been well done, and that members of the LDS Church will enjoy it - as well as those who are not of the Mormon faith.

It is suggested that perhaps, those who may have had some difficulties with the whole issue of "Women and Mormonism" in general, will also find it enlightening and intriguing. I am not sure of that, but I am certain that better discussion will be had due to the release of the movie about the life of Emma Smith and her story.

It would be my hope, that these conversations would be between both members, and with those that are not members of the LDS Church; and as is the intention of the film "Emma Smith - My Story", to bring about better education regarding the life of Emma Hale Smith.

The movie "Emma Smith - My Story" is set primarily during the period of her life, prior to the martyrdom of her prophet husband - Joseph Smith Jr. The movie focuses on reflections of Emma Smith, as she reminisces a look back at her life with the Church and her husband, Joseph Smith.

Note: Now that I personally have seen this movie -- make sure and read my personal movie review of the movie Emma Smith - My Story.

Emma Smith Movie Review by LdsNana-AskMormon.

If you are interested in knowing - I personally happen to like Emma Smith. I don't find it necessary to agree or understand her every action. I accept and honor her place in the history of the Mormon Church and why she is revered with such honor - while at the same time, her actions have been questioned and harshly criticized by the majority.

I am also aware of Joseph Smith's polygamous marriages and the many wives that have been sealed to him. I am far from naïve to the passionate conversations that are floating about in cyberspace regarding these issues. I have already engaged in such conversations with those who oppose the Mormon Church, based on our early Church history, and those with oppositional interpretations of such.

If you plan on seeing "Emma Smith - My Story" with the expectation of finding more out about Joseph Smith and 'his' polygamy in particular, from what I understand - you would be greatly disappointed.

The film, Emma Smith, My Story - is about the life of Emma Smith, from her perspective. This film is not about the prophet Joseph Smith, and his alledged polygamous relationships and practice. Nor is this article.

Emma Hale Smith, wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr. who founded the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints; through a complete restoration of the ancient Church - which was established by Jesus Chirst, when He was upon the earth in the meridian of time.

FACTS:

• Emma Hale Smith (10 July 1804--30 April 1879)
• Married Joseph Smith, Jr. Jan. 18, 1827 - until his death in June 1844.
• Assisted briefly as scribe to the Book of Mormon
• Emma Smith never withdrew her testimony of the authenticity of The Book of Mormon or her firm witness that Joseph Smith is a true prophet called of God.

• Named in 1842 as the inaugural president of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, and which currently is the largest organization in the world for women.

• Emma remarried after the martyrdom of the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. - to a Lewis C. Bidamon on Dec. 23, 1847.

As an active Mormon women in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints today, I feel that engaging in negative conversations with those who oppose Mormonism in general, has for the most part - been of little value.

If anything, I have been strengthened by these conversations, to a point now - were it possible - I would prefer to completely ignore their existence altogether.

But with that being said - I won't. Rather, I will take this opportunity to say that I hope more active LDS women - will also decide to speak about their feelings and opinions regarding these points of history in the Mormon Church - and share how they have drawn personal strength from knowing more about Emma Smith and early Mormonism.

Of course, there are many active LDS women; who have not necessarily taken a course in the study of Emma Smith; and early Mormonism - and its history in these regards.

I personally do not believe that this is absolutely necessary, in order to continue to stand firm in the LDS faith - amidst the opposition to the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. However, - what I do think is imperative, is that members of the LDS Church find out for themselves, if The Book of Mormon is true...

As a Latter-Day-Saint woman, I am aware of the many stories that are associated with the early history of the Mormon Church - in regards to the practice of polygamy and Joseph Smith the prophet. (or plural marriage)

Trust me - you cannot tell me anything that I have not already been exposed to; or have been made aware of through conversations - and my own research and study. I am quite well versed in the LDS Church history, of Emma not ever acknowledging any of Joseph's polygamous marriages following his death, etc...

As well, the fact that she did not head west with the body of the Saints after the martyrdom of her beloved prophet husband. Instead, she made the personal choice, to remain in Nauvoo, Illinois - with her mother-in-law, Lucy Mack Smith.

Please, do not insult me and think that I am "choosing" to be ignorant or simply choosing to ignore early accounts - that are a part of the history of the Mormon Church - with regard to the prophet Joseph Smith Jr.

I think that I can safely make this request as well, on behalf of many other active Mormon women in the Church today. I am generally cautious in ever taking liberties such as this when I write about Mormonism, our beliefs and practices - from my perspective and understanding. I am certainly not an official spokes person of any kind for the LDS Church.

But, in this case - I am willing to make an exception, (though still not official) and say that I believe that I do speak for a good majority of active Mormon women, in the LDS Church today.

So... please don't write crazy things in my comments box - because I simply won't post them. I do however, invite you to share with others - right here - if you have something to add or inquire regarding the conversation about women and Mormonism - which this movie about Emma Smith, will inevitably raise. I am not suggesting that you need be agreeable.

I say this, because I personally believe, that there is a needed - positive conversation, that I would like to see be had - about Mormon Women in society today, and how 'we' interpret our early history of the LDS Church - to our strength and benefit.

Carole Mikita, who is a reporter for ksl radio station, in Salt Lake City, Utah...

"Descendants of Joseph and Emma Smith say they have long wanted to tell her story, which they believe is full of misconceptions and unnecessary controversy. With this project, they hope to set the record straight.

The much-maligned and, many say, misunderstood Emma Hale Smith is the focus of the new independent film. Emma was married to LDS Church founder Joseph Smith. This story follows her challenging life. "

Katherine Nelson Thompson, of "Emma Smith: My Story," says, "There are so many things that have been said about her over the years that are completely false. I just think we're trying to help bring her back into a good light."

That conversation - is about active Mormon Women - and I am not talking about that small sect of LDS women - basically on the fringe, who are making noise - as IF they are the majority of those of us who are the 'major majority' of women in the Mormon Church; and who know their history, and know what is being said "about" our history regarding the early Church; but do not accept how that history has been told since the death of Joseph Smith, who is the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

Many take it upon themselves to judge Emma Smith. Among other things, her decision to not follow the Saints into the Salt Lake Valley after the martyrdom of her prophet-leader husband. Much that has been recorded in many personal histories, of that which surrounds this period of time prior to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith - often leads to open criticism and misunderstandings with early Mormon History.

Many things about the life and choices of Emma Smith, seem odd and questionable to many. The fact that she struggled much, with ever accepting the practice of polygamy (or plural marriage) and the revelation concerning this doctrine, find much for many to be critical of, both inside and outside the LDS Church.

Again -- it is not my purpose or intention to either explain Emma Smith, judge Emma Smith... or even defend Emma Smith; or Joseph Smith for that matter.

One thing that I feel fairly confident about -- is that Emma Hale Smith, is just fine with Emma Smith!

What I find interesting, is the fact that so many (most of whom are not members of the LDS Church, or who are former members) are spending a great deal of time discussing the early History of The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. It is most apparent that the intentions are, to discredit in any way possible - the validity of the prophet Joseph Smith Jr. and his claim to the authenticity of The Book of Mormon.

As it turns out - it is actually only a handful of very loud opponents to Mormonism and its teachings, that actively speak out against The LDS Church. Yet, this movement has definitely made waves in distorting much of that which is most talked about today - concerning the LDS Church and its members.

And so, here I am - a Mormon women; who is actually quite happy to have an opportunity; and perhaps create an opportunity for a few more active LDS members; to begin to talk about our history, of which we fully embrace and honor; and tell you what we think about all these things...

tDMg

Kathryn Skaggs

Update: 6/4

I have finally had the opportunity of seeing for myself the movie "Emma Smith - My Story". I have given a review of this movie, now - from my own perspective, after viewing it twice. Be sure and read it!