What did Joseph Smith Do?

August 20, 2024 Brandon Arthur

On an episode of a podcast I often listen to, a popular Evangelical minister was being interviewed. This minister is one I am familiar with as his debates with those of other faiths have often become very popular on social media. I think for the most part, this Minister’s teachings are insightful and reflective of true gospel principles found in the Bible, and I have enjoyed listening to several of his sermons.

On this occasion the minister was asked by the interviewer to describe the difference in beliefs of several prominent religions. Though I can see the irony in asking a non-denominational minister to critique the beliefs of other religions because, wouldn’t the best source for information about certain beliefs come from the source of those beliefs? I was curious about what he would say about my faith or what he referred to as “Mormonism” a title that misrepresents the true nature of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

His comments on the church were brief, beginning with remarks about the pleasant relationships he has with some of the members of our faith, then added, “but there were a few things Joseph Smith got wrong.” OK here we go I thought – but then only proceeded to list two items: the practice of polygamy and the idea that “Mormons” believe Satan was “the brother of Jesus Christ”.

In my mind when I hear these sorts of misunderstandings, I often wish in some way I could reach through the speakers and grab their microphone with a big, “Actually…” And so perhaps through this post, my microphone, I offer my response to those questions.

Actually…

To begin it is important to understand exactly what Joseph Smith did. Though he is recognized as the legal founder of this church, in a much more real sense Joseph Smith did not found anything. Joseph Smith did not create the principles of our faith as is commonly done in the various religions of the world, through a theological process of studying scriptures, or through debate and reasoning. The difference is revelation. Though theology is in itself a worthy and admirable pursuit, our own theological reasoning will never enable us to produce in its entirety the doctrines and covenants established by God from the foundations of this world. Only revelation, the direct communication between God and his children, can produce such gospel.

The pattern of revelation, God speaking to his children through his servants the prophets, was established as soon as Adam and Eve were cast out of the presence of God.

Joseph Smith became the inheritor of this pattern in our generation, the latter generation, the last generation, receiving the same gift of prophecy that was lost during the Great Apostacy that came after the death of the Apostles and the departure of the ancient saints from the straight and narrow path they were given to follow.

This revelation did not come all at once. Joseph Smith received revelation line upon line, precept upon precept.

Revelation was given as Joseph Smith and his contemporaries as they learned and asked questions through humble and sincere prayer. And they received answers from angels, from the Holy Spirit, and even from Jesus Christ himself as did Enoch, Moses, Abraham, Isaiah, and others –

1 The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened. 2 We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber. 3 His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying: 4 I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father. 5 Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice. 6 Let the hearts of your brethren rejoice, and let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have, with their might, built this house to my name. 7 For behold, I have accepted this house, and my name shall be here; and I will manifest myself to my people in mercy in this house. 8 Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments, and do not pollute this holy house. 9 Yea the hearts of thousands and tens of thousands shall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this house.

Doctrine and Covenants 110:1-9

The book of Doctrine and Covenants is nothing other than the journal of the revelatory process. Evidence that the gospel of Jesus Christ was not restored to the Earth through theological reasoning and debate, but by revelation to restore the fullness that had been lost.

The Church of Jesus Christ has been established again in the latter-days whose members are called again saints. Through the direction of Jesus Christ and the ministry of Joseph Smith.

And now to answer the two items contested by the interview.

Concerning “polygamy” or what in the early church was referred to as “plural marriage”…

Let us consult that journal of revelations, the book titled Doctrine and Covenants, that brought about the restoration of the church of Jesus Christ to find answers to these questions.

34 God commanded Abraham, and Sarah gave Hagar to Abraham to wife. And why did she do it? Because this was the law; and from Hagar sprang many people. This, therefore, was fulfilling, among other things, the promises. 35 Was Abraham, therefore, under condemnation? Verily I say unto you, Nay; for I, the Lord, commanded it. 36 Abraham was commanded to offer his son Isaac; nevertheless, it was written: Thou shalt not kill. Abraham, however, did not refuse, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. 37 Abraham received concubines, and they bore him children; and it was accounted unto him for righteousness, because they were given unto him, and he abode in my law; as Isaac also and Jacob did none other things than that which they were commanded; and because they did none other things than that which they were commanded, they have entered into their exaltation, according to the promises, and sit upon thrones, and are not angels but are gods. 38 David also received many wives and concubines, and also Solomon and Moses my servants, as also many others of my servants, from the beginning of creation until this time; and in nothing did they sin save in those things which they received not of me. 39 David’s wives and concubines were given unto him of me, by the hand of Nathan, my servant, and others of the prophets who had the keys of this power; and in none of these things did he sin against me save in the case of Uriah and his wife; and, therefore he hath fallen from his exaltation, and received his portion; and he shall not inherit them out of the world, for I gave them unto another, saith the Lord.

Doctrine and Covenants 132: 34-39

This revelation as recorded in Doctrine and Covenants explains the practice of plural marriage as given to some ancient patriarchs. As to why Joseph Smith was instructed to introduce the new and growing church to this practice:

Plural marriage did result in the birth of large numbers of children within faithful Latter-day Saint homes. It also shaped 19th-century Mormon society in other ways: marriage became available to virtually all who desired it; per-capita inequality of wealth was diminished as economically disadvantaged women married into more financially stable households; and ethnic intermarriages were increased, which helped to unite a diverse immigrant population. Plural marriage also helped create and strengthen a sense of cohesion and group identification among Latter-day Saints. Church members came to see themselves as a “peculiar people,” covenant-bound to carry out the commands of God despite outside opposition, willing to endure ostracism for their principles.

Kathryn M. Daynes, “Forging Mormon Society: Polygamy and Assimilation,” (Presentation at the Western Historical Association, Fort Worth, TX, Oct. 10, 2003).

The practice of plural marriage within the church, which began in the 1840’s, was discontinued in 1890.