Who was Joseph Smith?

1. Summary of the Question

Joseph Smith is a highly controversial figure in religious history, primarily known as the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), often referred to as Mormonism. Understanding who Joseph Smith was involves exploring his life, teachings, and the establishment of a movement that claims millions of followers worldwide today. This answer will provide an overview of Joseph Smith’s life, the origins of Mormonism, and how his teachings diverge from traditional biblical Christianity.

2. Context and Background

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Historical Context: Joseph Smith was born in 1805 in Vermont, USA. Raised in a time of great religious fervor known as the Second Great Awakening, Smith claimed to have had visions from God and Jesus Christ starting at the age of 14. He reported that he was visited by heavenly beings who instructed him to restore the true church of Jesus Christ on earth. In 1830, Smith published the Book of Mormon, which he claimed to have translated from golden plates revealed to him by the angel Moroni. This book became the foundational text of Mormonism, alongside the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

Cultural Context: Smith’s teachings emerged during a period of intense religious exploration in America, where various new Christian movements were forming. Many were looking for a return to “primitive Christianity,” and Smith’s message resonated with those who were dissatisfied with mainstream denominations. His teachings included revelations that expanded or contradicted traditional Christian doctrines, such as the nature of God, salvation, and the afterlife.

Literary Context: The writings attributed to Joseph Smith, especially the Book of Mormon, are considered by the LDS Church as sacred scripture. The Book of Mormon claims to be a history of ancient peoples in the Americas, with teachings that, according to Smith, restore the full gospel lost after the apostolic era. This claim has led to significant debate and controversy among scholars, historians, and theologians.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Joseph Smith’s teachings diverge significantly from traditional Christian doctrines as derived from the Bible. Here are some key areas of divergence:

• Monotheism vs. Polytheism: The Bible teaches the existence of one God.
  Isaiah 45:5 (NASB 2020): “I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God.”
  Deuteronomy 6:4 (NASB 2020): “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!”
  Joseph Smith introduced the concept of “eternal progression” and the potential for humans to become gods, which contradicts the biblical understanding of the unique, eternal, and unchangeable nature of God.
• Salvation by Grace vs. Works-Based Salvation: Traditional Christianity teaches salvation by grace through faith, not by works.
  Ephesians 2:8-9 (NASB 2020): “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
  Mormonism adds requirements for salvation, including temple rituals, baptism for the dead, and adherence to specific LDS teachings, which can lead to confusion regarding the biblical concept of grace.
• The Authority of Scripture: The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from its words.
  Revelation 22:18-19 (NASB 2020): “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
  The inclusion of the Book of Mormon and other texts as additional scriptures by Joseph Smith raises questions about the sufficiency and finality of the Bible.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

1. Mormon Perspective: Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet chosen by God to restore the true church and bring additional revelation to mankind. They view the Book of Mormon as another testament of Jesus Christ, complementary to the Bible.
2. Traditional Christian Perspective: Mainstream Christianity holds that the Bible is the complete and final revelation of God, and it views Joseph Smith’s additional scriptures and revelations as contradictory to biblical teachings. The doctrines introduced by Smith, such as the plurality of gods, are seen as deviations from core Christian beliefs.
3. Scholarly and Historical Criticism: Many scholars question the historical validity of the Book of Mormon and the events surrounding Joseph Smith’s life. Critics argue that there is a lack of archaeological evidence supporting the narrative of ancient American civilizations described in the Book of Mormon.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

• Misconception: “Joseph Smith restored the ‘lost’ gospel of Jesus Christ.”
  Correction: Traditional Christianity maintains that the gospel was never lost and that the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, as preserved in the New Testament, are complete and sufficient for salvation and Christian living.
• Misconception: “The Bible supports the teachings of the Book of Mormon.”
  Correction: The teachings of the Book of Mormon and later LDS scriptures often conflict with the doctrines found in the Bible. A careful comparison shows significant theological differences.
• Misconception: “All Christians accept Joseph Smith as a prophet.”
  Correction: The vast majority of Christians do not accept Joseph Smith as a prophet. Instead, they view his teachings as outside the bounds of biblical orthodoxy.

6. Practical Application and Relevance

• Discernment in Doctrine: The Bible calls believers to discernment, testing all teachings against Scripture (1 John 4:1). Joseph Smith’s life and teachings provide a reminder of the need to carefully examine all doctrines, especially those that claim to add to or revise the core tenets of the Christian faith.
• Understanding God’s Revelation: The Bible is clear that God has revealed Himself fully and finally through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). Christians are encouraged to trust in the sufficiency of God’s Word and the gospel message as presented in Scripture.
• Grace vs. Works: The life of faith is based on grace alone, not a combination of grace and works. This perspective is vital in understanding our relationship with God, free from legalistic obligations.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

Joseph Smith’s story is a complex one, filled with controversy, debate, and differing perspectives. For those seeking to understand his life and legacy, it is crucial to approach the topic with both clarity and compassion. While his teachings have shaped millions’ lives, they diverge significantly from the biblical revelation of God’s character, salvation, and authority of Scripture.

As Christians, our call is to uphold the truth of the gospel, grounded in the Bible. We should always be open to dialogue, pray for those who follow different paths, and stand firm on the Word of God, which is “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12). Let us love what God loves, hold fast to His Word, and walk in the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.