Joseph Smith, the Prophet-Teacher

Joseph Smith, the Prophet-Teacher (1908) is a discourse by Mormon leader and historian B. H. Roberts examining Joseph Smith's religious teachings and doctrinal contributions. The text was originally delivered as a speech commemorating Smith's birthday, and was later published in book form. The work focuses on Smith's theological concepts and their implications for Mormon doctrine, including ideas about the nature of God, human potential, and religious authority. Roberts analyzes Smith's key revelations and teachings chronologically, placing them in the context of Christian religious thought. Through systematic examination of Smith's sermons and writings, Roberts presents the Mormon prophet as both a religious innovator and a restorer of ancient Christian truths. Considerable attention is given to Smith's views on the relationship between God and humanity. The book serves as an intellectual defense of Smith's prophetic role while exploring broader questions about revelation, religious knowledge, and the development of Mormon theology in America. Its approach reflects early 20th century Mormon efforts to articulate their faith's philosophical foundations.

This book receives limited reader reviews online, with only a handful of ratings on Goodreads and no reviews on Amazon. Readers appreciate Roberts' insider perspective as someone who knew Joseph Smith personally, and his detailed analysis of Smith's doctrinal teachings. Multiple reviewers noted the book provides context about the early Mormon church that isn't found in other biographical works. Critics point out the book's heavy bias, with Roberts being a devoted follower of Smith. Some readers found the writing style dense and academic. Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (13 ratings, 2 reviews) No ratings found on Amazon or other major book review sites The book appears most popular among Mormon history scholars and those studying early LDS church doctrine, rather than general readers seeking a biographical account of Joseph Smith's life. Note: This book's limited online presence makes it difficult to compile a comprehensive review summary.

Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith, Joseph Fielding Smith This compilation presents Joseph Smith's sermons, writings, and doctrinal teachings in chronological order with historical context.

Rough Stone Rolling by Richard Lyman Bushman This biography examines Joseph Smith's life through historical documents, personal writings, and contemporary accounts to present his role as religious leader and theologian.

Joseph Smith: The First Mormon by Donna Hill This biography focuses on Smith's development of Mormon theology and the establishment of the early Mormon church through primary source materials.

The Words of Joseph Smith by Andrew F. Ehat, Lyndon W. Cook This collection documents Smith's Nauvoo discourses with annotations and historical background from multiple contemporary sources.

Joseph Smith and the Beginnings of Mormonism by Richard L. Bushman This work examines the origins of Mormonism through Smith's early visions, the translation of the Book of Mormon, and the establishment of the church.

🔹 B.H. Roberts served as a General Authority of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for over 35 years and wrote this book while serving as one of the seven presidents of the First Council of the Seventy. 🔹 The book originated from a discourse Roberts delivered at the Salt Lake Tabernacle in 1908, which was later expanded into book form at the request of church members. 🔹 While defending Joseph Smith's prophetic role, Roberts was also one of the first Mormon scholars to approach church history from a more academic perspective, incorporating historical criticism in his analysis. 🔹 The text explores Joseph Smith's contribution to religious philosophy and presents him as both a religious reformer and a profound teacher, rather than focusing solely on his role as a prophet. 🔹 Roberts wrote this work during a period of significant intellectual tension between science and religion, and he attempted to demonstrate how Joseph Smith's teachings could be reconciled with modern thought.