Category Archives: Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith’s Powerful Influence

“It is by no means improbable that some future textbook… will contain a question something like this: What historical American of the nineteenth century has exerted the most powerful influence upon the destinies of his countrymen? And it is by … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Nauvoo | Tagged , , | 141 Comments

A Song for Joseph

In August 1844, still reeling over the deaths of Joseph and Hyrum Smith, the LDS newspaper in Nauvoo, Illinois published a new Mormon hymn. William W. Phelps wrote the words of this song about Joseph Smith and set it to … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon Culture | Tagged , | 57 Comments

Joseph is pleading the cause of the Saints in the courts above?

MRM received the following e-mail from a Mormon on March 27: Greetings I must comment on a little section quoted regarding the poem / hymn “The Seer, Joseph The Seer” by John Taylor. Your written word states : The portion … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith | Tagged , | 136 Comments

Joseph Smith did more than any man who has ever lived…

I understand that Mormons respect and revere Joseph Smith. I get that. I really do. Yet sometimes the way he’s talked about, even in an official sense, seems a bit over the top. In the February 2009 Ensign magazine former … Continue reading

Posted in Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 34 Comments

Joseph Smith as a Passport into God’s Presence

“[E]very man and woman must have the certificate of Joseph Smith, junior, as a passport to their entrance into the mansion where God and Christ are — I with you and you with me. I cannot go there without his … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith | Tagged , | 35 Comments

Fruits of the First Vision

In this month’s First Presidency Message (February 2009), Dieter F. Uchtdorf wrote of how Joseph Smith’s First Vision blesses people’s lives. He wrote, “Through his [Joseph Smith’s] work and sacrifice, I now have a true understanding of our Heavenly Father … Continue reading

Posted in God the Father, Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith | 70 Comments

Usurping Christmas?

During Christmas week I was listening to a discussion on the radio regarding the place of Santa Claus in Christmas. Was it good or bad, the talk show’s host wanted to know? As you can imagine, there were all sorts … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon Culture | Tagged | 59 Comments

Joseph Smith’s Genesis 50 Additions

I’ve recently completed a 2-year study of the Old Testament book of Genesis. What a rich, sacred history God has given us in the opening pages of His Word. Though the book is a mere 50 chapters, it’s so packed … Continue reading

Posted in Bible, Joseph Smith | Tagged | 26 Comments

Testimony Against Joseph Smith

Yesterday the Joseph Smith Web Site’s daily history column, “On This Day…” noted: November 13, 1838 Richmond, Missouri. Over 40 witnesses appeared at court and bore false witness against the Prophet. Just before I saw that LDS history note, I … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged | 49 Comments

Joseph Smith and the Magical Autumnal Equinox

Anyone who regularly interacts with Mormons over Mormon history knows that “most members of [The LDS Church] in the twenty-first century know nothing of Joseph’s magical practices” (>>). I have been studying Mormonism for about ten years, and the depth … Continue reading

Posted in Joseph Smith, Mormon History | Tagged , , | 64 Comments