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Creator examines Joseph Smith quote about whipping children

August 20, 2026 at 9:07 PM MT · via YouTube / Analyzing Mormonism · Summarized by Mormon News from original reporting

An Analyzing Mormonism video examines a Joseph Smith quote stating "a parent may whip a child" from the controversial "happiness letter" to Nancy Rigdon. The video has drawn 1,266 views in 30 hours (~43/hr) and 19 comments.

The creator writes, "I think about this way too much… The whole Happiness Letter is problematic, of course, this part just also really strikes me." The letter, written circa mid-April 1842, was Joseph Smith's response to Nancy Rigdon after she declined his proposal.

The letter has been controversial for both its content and the circumstances surrounding Smith's approach to Rigdon. The video links to the Joseph Smith Papers transcription of the full letter.

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