Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith is a compilation of sermons and teachings from Joseph Smith, the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Published in 1938 by Deseret Book, the volume was edited by Apostle Joseph Fielding Smith with support from other researchers. The book draws its content from History of the Church, a seven-volume collection of Joseph Smith's writings and teachings. In 1993, Deseret Book released a revised edition titled Scriptural Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, which includes extensive scriptural references and annotations. The text serves as a primary reference work for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, containing doctrinal explanations and religious instructions. The teachings cover topics from the nature of God to the purpose of life and principles of salvation. The collection represents a foundational work in Mormon theology, offering insights into the development of LDS doctrine and the restoration period of the church. Through these compiled teachings, readers gain understanding of early Mormon thought and religious practice.

Readers describe this as a collection of Joseph Smith's sermons, writings and teachings compiled chronologically. Multiple reviewers note it requires careful study rather than casual reading due to complex doctrinal concepts. Readers appreciated: - Detailed explanations of Mormon theology and doctrine - Historical context for early LDS Church development - Original source material rather than interpretations - Clear organization by topic and date Common criticisms: - Dense, academic writing style - Lack of modern language translations - Missing background context for some teachings - No index in older editions Ratings: Goodreads: 4.52/5 (2,784 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (241 ratings) Deseret Book: 4.9/5 (98 ratings) One reader noted: "This book answered questions I've had for years about early Mormon doctrine." Another mentioned: "Some sections require multiple readings to fully grasp the concepts." The most frequent complaint was difficulty understanding archaic language and historical references without additional study aids.

Discourses of Brigham Young by John A. Widtsoe This compilation contains sermons and teachings from Brigham Young on doctrinal topics, church governance, and practical living principles.

Words of Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat, Lyndon W. Cook This collection presents Joseph Smith's sermons and writings with historical context and original source documentation.

Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints This manual contains Joseph Smith's teachings organized by topic with supporting historical accounts and scripture references.

Joseph Smith's Quorum of the Anointed by Devery S. Anderson and Gary James Bergera This work details the development of temple ordinances and teachings through primary source documents and historical records.

The Words of Joseph Smith: Contemporary Accounts of the Nauvoo Discourses by Andrew F. Ehat, Lyndon W. Cook This book presents transcripts of Joseph Smith's Nauvoo sermons from multiple contemporary sources with historical annotations.

🔸 The original manuscript was compiled from over 50 different sources, including personal diaries, letters, and newspaper articles, taking Joseph Fielding Smith nearly a decade to assemble. 🔸 Joseph Smith, the subject of the book, could reportedly translate ancient religious texts despite having only three years of formal education and being initially unable to write a coherent letter. 🔸 The book contains the famous "King Follett Discourse," considered one of the most significant theological sermons in Mormon history, delivered just months before Joseph Smith's death in 1844. 🔸 Editor Joseph Fielding Smith was both the grandson of Joseph Smith's brother Hyrum and the 10th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving from 1970 to 1972. 🔸 Since its first publication in 1938, the book has never gone out of print and has been translated into over 20 languages, serving as a fundamental text for Mormon studies worldwide.