In Kirtland, Joseph Smith began to take a greater role in managing the financial matters of the Church. His efforts met with resistance from some Saints, which mushroomed into outright rebellion from others. When the Kirtland Safety Society began to fail, intense anger and opposition began to mount against the prophet. Many asked, “How much control should a spiritual leader have over financial matters?” This presentation examines the psychological impact of Joseph Smith’s role in managing the Church’s money and how this fact may have contributed to the intense opposition he experienced in 1836 and 1837.

RICHARD DELEWSKI