A Protestant scholar argued that Joseph Smith should not be dismissed as a con man, in a video conversation with Luke Hanson and Dr. Kyle Beshears posted 29 August. Beshears, who is not Latter-day Saint, said Smith's religious sincerity deserves serious consideration even for those who reject his theological claims.

The discussion examines how non-Mormon scholars approach Smith's life and motivations. Beshears contends that the historical evidence better supports viewing Smith as a genuine religious figure — however mistaken — than as a deliberate fraudster, a distinction he argues matters for understanding 19th-century American religion.

The video has drawn response from both LDS and ex-Mormon communities debating Smith's intent and credibility.