Talk Show Program Blog

I received the following email two weeks ago on my Talk Show.

I believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but his run for the presidency of the United States seems, to me, out of synchronization, for lack of a better expression, with his calling as a prophet. I’m not sure if I can explain why I feel this way, but I’m sure I’m not alone. Let me just say that I have doubts that this was within the bounds that the Lord called him too. Would you expound a bit of this aspect of Joseph Smith’s history and give your opinion on this aspect?

I responded, stating that I did not believe Joseph Smith really had any interest in being President of the United States. Joseph Smith had his political platform written and published and missionaries were called and sent out to campaign for him, but I think the entire effort was to establish some political clout to gain support in Congress for the portection of the Saints’ Constitutional rights of religious freedom and the right to be protected where ever they decide to live. These rights had been ignored and in 1839 President Van Buren told Joseph Smith, who was seeking support for the Saint’s rights regarding their Missouri experience, that his cause was just, but he could do nothing for him. The primary source I had in mind is an address he gave 7 March 1844. The following quote from Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith is the amalgation of the reports taken at the time of Willard Richards, found in Joseph Smith’s diary, and the report of Wilford Woodruff, found in his diary.

As to politics, I care but little about the presidential chair. I would not give half as much for the office of President of the United States as I would for the one I now hold as Lieutenant-General of the Nauvoo Legion.

We have as good a right to make a political party to gain power to defend ourselves, as for demagogues to make use of our religion to get power to destroy us. In other words, as the world has used the power of government to oppress and persecute us, it is right for us to use it for the protection of our rights. We will whip the mob by getting up a candidate for President.

When I get hold of the Eastern papers, and see how popular I am. I am afraid myself that I shall be elected; but if I should be, I would not say, "Your cause is just, but I can do nothing for you." (333-334)

This idea is also found in an address to the Relief Society,

It is necessary to hold an influence in the world, and thus spare ourselves an extermination; and also accomplish our end in spreading the Gospel, or holiness, in the earth. (Teachings, 239)

Also, Joseph Smith sent the following to the editor of the Wasp, a Church paper published weekly in Nauvoo from April 1842 to April 1843 when the name was changed to the Nauvoo Neighbor.This was published 28 January 1842:

To the Editor of The Wasp:—

Dear Sir: I have, of late, had repeated solicitations to have something to do in relation to the political farce about dividing the county; but as my feelings revolt at the idea of having anything to do with politics, I have declined in every instance in having anything to do on the subject. I think it would be well for politicians to regulate their own affairs. I wish to be let alone, that I may attend strictly to the spiritual welfare of the church.

Please insert the above and oblige.

JOSEPH SMITH.

John Taylor was editor.

This question was asked on my Talk Show last evening:

Question by email: At one time a statement was made that speakers at sacrament meeting should not ask people in the congregation to "open your scriptures" and follow along. Have you heard of this one, and what is the reference.

My guest, Gary Bergera, compiler of a valuable new book, Statements of the LDS First Presidency, had not encountered this in his research. I had not heard of it either. After the talk show, I received the following email from a long time friend and participant whom I consider credible.

Answer by email:

Dear Van,
You probably won't get this on your program, but I went to our stake priesthood leadership meeting yesterday, Magna South Stake.

The visiting general authority was Jay Jensen of the Seventy.
We were told that reference to scriptures by the congregation in Sacrament Meeting is inappopriate, as it takes away from the spirit of the meeting. That type of activity should be reserved for Sunday School and Priesthood classes.

I enjoyed my discussion with Gary Bergera last night regarding his compilation Statements of the LDS First Presidency. The following question was sent by email, but I did not receive it until after the program. I have given a brief answer.

Question: Are you of the understanding that books that are specifically commissioned by the First Presidency to be written can be taken as official, authoratative statements on Church doctrine (not canonized, of course, but can be quoted as "official Church positions" on a matter) ? The 2 books ( are there others ? ) in this classification would be "Jesus the Christ" and "Articles of Faith."

Answer: No. I think care is taken and conservatism followed in those books endorsed or published by the First Presidency. But, I think it is futile to attempt to establish a rule as to what is and what is not official doctrine. I think that there is very little which could be classified in this category.

The First Presidency has endorsed or published a number of books. Talmage specifically denied that his book, Articles of Faith, is official doctrine of the Church. I have his statement which I could send to you, but I would have to look for it. If the Church were inclined to establish an official book of doctrine, I believe this would have been published and acknowledged as such long before now. Books have been published as manuals; as helps and guides; not for the limiting of doctrinal thought by confining official doctrine to the contents of a specific book.

The foundation laid by Joseph Smith did not include an interest in establishing and defining Official Church Doctrine because this would be stifling to the pursuit of greater light and knowledge - new doctrinal beliefs which could not be classified as Church doctrine. He cherished and defended this idea.

With Joseph Smith's often stated position that God is unfolding the mysteries, and will continue until long after this life, including expansion and reinterpretation of doctrinal concepts - "...we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God" - it would seem to make sense to publish a book detailing official Mormon doctrine.

Americans' Views of the Mormon Religion

Most frequent top-of-mind impression of Mormons is polygamy
By Frank Newport

Americans' Views of the Mormon Religion

Most frequent top-of-mind impression of Mormons is polygamyBy Frank Newport

Most frequent top-of-mind impression of Mormons is polygamy
By Frank Newport