Lectures on Faith – Joseph Smith - 5 Stars

Lectures on Faith – Joseph Smith

 

Title: Lectures on Faith

Author: Joseph Smith (Attributed)

Publisher: Public Domain - Various

Year: Original Publication 1835 – Current Editions Public Domain

Rating:  5 STARS

Price and Purchasing Options: This book has been in print since 1835, and for the most part is available in various forms because it is currently public domain.  Every LDS publisher has printed expensive collector editions; however nice cheap copies have been pr  Copies should be easily found at any Deseret Industries or LDS thrift store or on eBay (here) for a few dollars, and new printed copies off of Amazon or in other LDS book stores for just a few more dollars.  For those who don’t care about a hard copy the text is available for free on a variety of websites (one being lecturesonfaith.org).

Review:   The content of this material was originally given, crafted, and created for the School of the Prophets in Kirtland in 1834 and 1835.  It is a series of seven lectures on faith, but that also cover other doctrinal topic including the existence of deity, the knowledge of God, and eternal progression.  This was paramount content in the development of the church – and even the restoration.

The lectures are usually attributed to Joseph Smith, however there has been some doubt as to how much he actually wrote them.  There is very little doubt however that he participated in their development, and at a minimum approved and sanctioned them.  This was a phase in the development of the church where he would have liked to have seen other members of the leadership in the church participate in this kind of doctrinal discussion and development.  With this being said, it wouldn’t be unlikely to have additional influence in these lectures beyond just the Prophet Joseph.  That is probably one reason why there is so much hesitancy just saying it was by Joseph Smith – because it wasn’t.  But just because it wasn’t doesn’t minimize the value of the content, or the perception and approval of them by Joseph.

In order to put the value of the Lecture on Faith in context, both historically and currently, it is important to note that these Lectures were originally printed in the Doctrine and Covenants.  In fact they were placed before any of the revelations were printed.  This is more proof that they were “approved” by the Prophet Joseph Smith if not authored by him. 

From the first edition in 1835 to the later editions in the early 1900’s they included both the revelations and the seven Lectures on Faith.  The cultural tone of this fact is paramount.  These were the first things early saints read when they wanted to know modern doctrine.  Later they were removed from the Doctrine and Covenants, not because the authorship was in question (like above) or to challenge their value, but because by definition they were not revelations and they were not the “word of god” and therefore were not officially canonized.

The power and strength of these lectures cannot be understated.  Historically, they were a powerful message of doctrine, teaching the development of faith, the identity of deity, and the power of faith in and through all things.  In modern times, these are still paramount. 

When people read through these lectures today, they are surprised that they don’t hold on stronger place in our libraries, talks, and writings.  They appreciate the doctrinal development, but there is a spirit about them that teaches us – almost similar to cannon.  Not only is this a 5 Star read – it is so because it is AS CLOSE TO CANNON AS POSSIBLE, without actually being canonized. 

This is a must read for every Latter-day Saint.  It will increase their testimony in the restoration.  It will increase their faith.  It will increase their appreciation for the School of the Prophets, and increase their understanding of the doctrinal developments in the church.  For those who don’t care about history – more importantly it will increase their power and faith in Jesus Christ and his gospel.

Suggestions:  Go get a cheap copy – and read it.  Just read it.  It is a small book – but interesting.  If you dedicate a little time to reading it, you will immediately find value in it.  I personally try to read it around the same time I rotate into the Doctrine and Covenants in my personal scripture study.

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Review #3

Tags: Joseph Smith (Topic), Doctrine, Joseph Smith, 5 Stars