A little more context:

Fundamentalist–Modernist Controversy - Wikipedia

The biggest fuss, mostly scripted, was the Scopes Trial with Clarence Darrow for evolution and William Jennings Bryant for creationism.

"Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story, unless you can't think of anything better. Twain

And yes Smith has completely transformed the Old Testament context.

Jeremiah's speckled bird is the bird that keeps the other birds awake at night. The bird that knocks.

Smith's speckled bird is sent from God to carry the faithful to heaven on judgement day. Nice birdie.