Latter-day Saint student and film maker Seth Adam Smith has been creating and sharing poignant YouTube videos since the mid 2000′s. Many of these have been featured at Mormon Soprano. This week, Seth released The Testimony of Joseph Smith, which he says took over two years to make, and is as much a statement of his own spiritual witness, as that of the prophet. Continue reading
D&C
The Doctrine and Covenants is one of four books of scripture used by Latter-day Saints (Mormons). The other three books are the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Pearl of Great Price. These four books combine together into what is known as “The Standard Works” of the church. The LDS Standard Works are extensively cross referenced, and are studied in harmony together. Each book of scripture is revered individually, but we believe it is the combination which offers powerful clarity and validity to all.
BACKGROUND
The Doctrine and Covenants (commonly abbreviated to D&C) is a book of scripture containing 133 revelations from the Lord directly to the Prophet Joseph Smith, along with 5 more revelations and 2 declarations given through other Mormon prophets [namely, Brigham Young, Joseph F. Smith, Wilford Woodruff, and Spencer W. Kimball].
Joseph Smith
Nearly a third of all the revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants were received between August 1831 and April 1834. It is important to note that not all of the revelations received by Joseph Smith are contained in the Doctrine and Covenants. The book includes a prayerful selection. Currently underway is an ambitious privately funded undertaking, endorsed by the LDS church, called the Joseph Smith Papers Project . This project is endeavoring to compile and publish all of Joseph’s extensive history, revelations, transactions and correspondence. It is projected to be a historic 30 volume set.
The Doctrine and Covenants is a unique book of scripture, because it is not a translation of ancient documents. It is also considered an ‘open cannon’ – meaning that new revelations may be added in the future, as given by the Lord to the modern-day prophet. The decision about which revelations need to be included in the Doctrine and Covenants is made by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
HISTORY
The initial decision to compile the revelations received by Joseph Smith into a book took place in Hiram, Ohio on Nov. 1, 1831. The printed revelations were to be bound into a book called the Book of Commandments.
1830's Press
The work of printing commenced in Independence, Jackson County Missouri, in 1833 by William W. Phelps. Mr. Phelps was an editor, printer, poet, songwriter and preacher, baptised into the LDS church in 1831. He relocated to Independence, and opened a printing and newspaper office on the upper floor of his home.
After the first 160 pages of The Book of Commandments had been printed a devastating attack by an anti-Mormon mob took place. Mrs. Phelps was alone with her children when the threatening mob began to surround her house. She quickly took her sick baby in her arms and hurried with her other children to hide in the nearby woods. The mobsters ransacked the home, throwing the Phelps belongings into the muddy street. They proceeded upstairs, destroying the printing equipment, throwing the press and type as well as unbound manuscripts from the building windows. One shouted ”So much for the Mormon commandments!” and dumped large sheets of printed pages on the growing pile outside.
An excerpt of an eye-witness account by Mary Elizabeth Rollins [Lightner] tells of the riveting rescue story:
Artist Clark Kelly Price
“My sister Caroline [age 13] and myself [age 15] were in a corner of a fence watching them; when they spoke of the commandments, I was determined to have some of them. Sister said if I went to get any of them she would go too, but said ‘they will kill us.
“While their backs were turned…we went, and got our arms full, and were turning away, when some of the mob saw us and called on us to stop, but we ran as fast as we could. Two of them started after us. Seeing a gap in a fence, we entered into a large cornfield, laid the papers on the ground, and hid them with our persons. The corn was from five to six feet high, and very thick; they hunted around considerable, and came very near us but did not find us.”
A First Edition
This courageous act by two young girls helped preserve the printed text of the Prophet Joseph’s early revelations, paving the way for subsequent partial publication of the Book of Commandments in 1834, and then a more complete publication in 1835, with the name changed to Doctrine and Covenants.
INSIDE PEEK
In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn about the eternal nature of families, what happens after death, the degrees of glory in heaven, and the organization of Christ’s Church on earth today. We also read about the covenants (sacred promises) God makes with those who are willing to keep His commandments.
In the preface, the Lord states:
“Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
“What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:37–38).
The Doctrine and Covenants is a treasure for all who will study from its pages. Even at a young age, the Rollins sisters recognized the importance of the revelations. Joseph Smith said of the Doctrine and Covenants:
“[It is] a benefit to the world, showing that the keys of the mysteries of the kingdom of our Savior are again entrusted to man” (section heading D&C 70).
In the October 2009 General Conference of the church, LDS apostle Elder Russell M. Nelson expounded upon the concept of mysteries being revealed:
Russell M. Nelson
“Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law. It never contradicts His doctrine. It is facilitated by proper reverence for Deity. The Master gave this instruction:
’I, the Lord, am merciful and gracious unto those who fear me, and delight to honor those who serve me in righteousness and in truth unto the end. Great shall be their reward and eternal shall be their glory.. . . To them will I reveal all mysteries [and] my will concerning all things pertaining to my kingdom’ (D&C 76:5–7).”
To faithful Mormons, the Doctrine and Covenants is the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ literally speaking to the earth. It adds a another witness to the power of the Savior’s voice, as found in the New Testament, and reveals additional insight to His personality and teachings. The book offers amazing truths which may not be fully appreciated unless read carefully. For instance, one of the first laws of the universe is unveiled, that we receive our blessings on the basis of obedience to laws (see D&C 130:20–21).
Elder Neal A. Maxwell promised:
“The prayerful reader of the Doctrine and Covenants will enlarge his testimony, and draw closer to the Savior than he has ever been before!”
Click Here To Read The Doctrine and Covenants online!
VIDEO: “God’s Words Never Cease” Understanding Mormon Scripture
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Resources:
1. “Autobiography of Mary Elizabeth Rollins Lightner (1818-1913),” The Utah Genealogical and Historical Magazine, vol. 17 (July 1926)
2. Website: Crandall Historical Printing Museum
3. Steven E. Snow, “Treasuring the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, Jan 2009, 50–53
4. Russell M. Nelson, “Ask, Seek, Knock,” Ensign, Nov 2009, 81–84
5. Neal A. Maxwell, “The Doctrine and Covenants: The Voice of the Lord,” Tambuli, Sep 1979, 4
6. Robert J. Woodford, “The Story of the Doctrine and Covenants,” Ensign, Dec 1984, 32
7. Website: Mormon Wiki
8. Website: “The Joseph Smith Papers Project“
9. Video courtesy: Mormon Messages Channel
Statistically speaking, the days that follow Christmas and other year-end holiday celebrations show a higher spike in depression and suicide. Today’s post is is a new 9 minute video from MormonMessages which offers some insight and solace. Produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the message comes from a talk by LDS apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, originally given at a CES Fireside at Brigham Young Univeristy on Sept. 7, 2008 - entitled “Lessons From Liberty Jail“, combined with beautiful photography, and touching movie clips. It stands as a powerful reminder that we are never really alone, and there is always hope. I encourage you to watch!
Look To The Light: A Message of Hope
This 4 minute video is well worth watching, from both an historical and religious perspective.
Created by DefendingMormonism
Joseph Smith, chosen prophet
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the divine priesthood authority to act in His name was lost from the earth through an apostacy, which then needed to be restored. This Restoration happened in 1820 through a latter-day prophet chosen by Jesus Christ, named Joseph Smith. The following video is an illustrated excerpt of a talk entitled “How Choice A Seer” by the late LDS apostle Elder Neal A. Maxwell, discussing this Restoration.
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To Learn More
1. Mormons & Jesus Christ: jesuschrist.lds.org
2. About the Prophet Joseph Smith: josephsmith.net
3. About Mormon beliefs: Mormon.org
For more information go to the Official Website
President Hinckley
On October 1, 2008 I Joined the “Hinckley Challenge” (found at hinckleychallenge.com) to read The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ in 97 days or less. This was created in honor of the immediate past LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley’s 97 years of life. On Jan. 4, 2009, I completed the challenge! It has been one of the most powerful spiritual experiences of my life. I feel enlightened and invigorated and eager to share this feeling with the world! I also want to share an important new video with you!
I can’t tell you enough how exciting it was to read this book! I hated to have to stop reading and put it down. Once, I even missed my stop riding the bus because I was so engrossed in my reading. I have carried it everywhere with me in my purse, and any time I found myself waiting in line somewhere or with a few spare minutes, I cracked open the pages and grabbed a few more verses. Nowhere was off limits for reading. The grocery store, lunchroom, bus, elevator, my hair salon, and the bathroom…you name it! Several times, fellow bus riders leaned over and asked me what I was so intently studying. “So, is it a good book?” one man inquired. “Oh yes! The best in the world!” I replied. I gave him a brief summary of the book and told him about the story I was currently reading. He smiled and said, Continue reading
Joseph Smith is given the ancient records by Angel Moroni
In March 2001, a new musical production entitled “Joseph Smith the Prophet“, premiered at the Provo Utah Tabernacle. Composer Rob Gardner was then a student at Brigham Young University. Gardner organized the first stage concert with the help of many talented volunteer musicians. The response was overwhelming. The audience filled the venue beyond capacity, forcing many to listen from the lawn outside. In the months and years following, thousands more have been able to attend performances. Global church and musical groups have also staged presentations. Similar to a ‘classical American musical’ or a ‘modern oratorio’, Gardner employs Continue reading
This is Part Two of the movie: “The Restoration”. You may begin with Part One on the previous page, then continue here. This movie is a dramatization of the very beginning of what the world calls “Mormonism”, and what faithful believers know as The Restoration of Jesus Christ’s gospel.
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This site is a contention-free zone. All comments are reviewed for respectful and appropriate content prior to approval. Thank you!
This post continues my discussion of what the world calls “Mormonism”. Faithful believers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed “Mormon”) feel this is a Restoration of Christ’s true gospel. I invite you to enjoy the following movie depicting how this restoration began, shared in two parts.
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This site is a contention-free zone. All comments are reviewed for respectful and appropriate content. Thank you!
As explained in my last post, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a Restoration church. I would like to share a few posts that explain that restoration. I feel the story is exciting, miraculous and important for all to hear. This 4 minute video is about the very beginning of the restoration, with a vision to a boy named Joseph Smith.
Just as Samuel, Moses and other prophets of Biblical times, God chose to reveal himself again to a chosen prophet in 1820.
To read more about Joseph Smith, you may go to the Joseph Smith Official Website, read excerpts of Joseph Smith’s History, or visit The Joseph Smith Papers Project
This site is a contention-free zone. All comments are reviewed for respectful and appropriate content prior to approval. Thank you!
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was organized on April 6, 1830, with Joseph Smith as president and prophet. less than three years later, Feb. 27, 1833, a revelation was given to the prophet Joseph called the “Word of Wisdom“, which is often termed the “Mormon Health Code”. At the time of this revelation, it came about as quite a challenge for the members as it went completely against the ‘society norm’ of what was considered acceptable and popular. However, One hundred and seventy-five years later, this health code is being praised by doctors and health-care researchers world-wide as “state-of-the-art” medical advice. It teaches what is harmful, & what is necessary for a healthy mind, body and spirit! Continue reading
