Anti-Mormons continue to put unorthodox spins on words such as "Christian," "trinity," and now "martyr." Webster's New World Dictionary defines "martyr" as a person who chooses to suffer or die rather than give up his faith or his principles, or a person tortured or killed because of his beliefs. There is nothing in this definition to prohibit a martyr from defending himself.
Joseph Smith certainly fits this definition of a martyr. To say differently is to either invent a new definition or to be ignorant of the facts regarding the last few days of the prophet's life.
On June 23, 1844, Joseph and Hyrum Smith were on the Iowa side of the river on their way to the Great Basin. Orrin P. Rockwell and Reynolds Cahoon carried a message from Emma requesting that Joseph return to Nauvoo (History of the Church, Vol.6, p.549). Joseph Smith replied to their requests with, "If my life is of no value to my friends it is of none to myself' (p.549).
Before returning to Nauvoo later that sarne evening, he made a statement that he would repeat several times in the next few days. He declared that if he and Hyrum returned "we shall be butchered" (p. 550). Yet regardless of his foreknowledge of his pending death, that afternoon he, Hyrum and others started back. While some of the party were in a hurry to return to Nauvoo, Joseph said, "It is of no use to hurry, for we are going back to be slaughtered" p.551). Obviously the prophet knew the fate that was awaiting him, yet he chose to "he killed because of his beliefs" rather than to escape death, which he could have easily done.
The next morning a reported 200 people were at Joseph's home in Nauvoo, wanting to see the prophet one more time and to give him their support before he left for Carthage. His mother is reported to have asked him to promise her that he would return, as he had promised during other times of trial. There was no such assurance from the prophet on this occasion.
On the way to Carthage later in the day, the party stopped at the farm of Albert G. Fellow, four miles west of Carthage, where Joseph Smith uttered these fateful words:
I am going like a lamb to the slaughter, but I am calm as a summer's morning. I have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward all men. If they take my life I shall die an innocent man, and my blood shall cry from the ground for vengeance, and it shall be said of me 'He was murdered in cold blood!' (p.555).
June 27th found the prophet, his brother Hyrum, John Taylor, and Willard Richards in jail without the protection Governor Ford had promised. At a little after 5 p.m., a mob stormed up the stairs, forced the cell door open and began firing into the room as others fired in the window. Mter Hyrum fell a "dead man" and as John Taylor was hit several times with flying bullets, Joseph Smith discharged his six shooter into the stairway. His bullets struck three men. Here the historical account is cloudy; some accounts say two men later died, but this conclusion is not certain.
We do know that Joseph Smith and his elder brother Hyrum were killed and John Taylor was seriously wounded, having been shot four times. Willard Richards, eyewitness to the event, remained unharmed. He told of the dreadful incident.
If a martyr is a person who chooses to suffer or die rather than give up his faith or his principles, Joseph Smith fits this definition as well as any other person who has ever been slain.
He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people, and like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood-and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday, June 4, 2010
Do Latter-Day Saints worship Joseph Smith?
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church) revere Biblical prophets and apostles such as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, James, and Paul. They believe the Lord continues to call prophets and apostles in this modern day. Among those prophets God has chosen today is Joseph Smith (1805-44), the first modern prophet.
In addition to reverencing prophets and apostles, Mormons believe, like all Christians, that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Therefore, Mormons truly and sincerely worship God, the Eternal Father, in the name of the Jesus Christ-God’s unique Son. They worship no other man or women no matter who they are or what they have done.
Although Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith, like biblical prophets and apostles, was called of God to speak in the name of the Lord, they recognize that Joseph Smith was a mortal, capable of sin like all men and women. The revelations he received from the Lord challenged him to repent, but also promised him, like God promises all men and women, forgiveness that comes through and by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith himself stated, “The Savior has the words of eternal life nothing else can profit us” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976], 364).
Jews, Christians and Muslim, hold ancient prophets in special places of honor in their individual traditions. Nevertheless, they seem to know about and study the lives and writings of some prophets and apostles, like Moses and Paul, more than others. In a similar situation, Latter-day Saints often know more about the life and teachings of Joseph Smith than many other prophets and apostles. This special place among the prophets that Joseph Smith holds may be best understood because Mormons believe he was called of God and anointed by Jesus Christ to open the final religious chapter in the history of the world-proceeding Jesus Christ’s triumphal return to reign as “King of kings” and “Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). This unique role, like Moses, included seeing the Lord; leading His people in a great movement towards a promised land; establishing a holy temple (holy sanctuary) to worship Him; and preserving His words that are now revered as holy scripture.
Joseph Smith is a modern witness of Lord who testified, “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-23). (Author Richard Neitzel Holzapfel)
In addition to reverencing prophets and apostles, Mormons believe, like all Christians, that “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Therefore, Mormons truly and sincerely worship God, the Eternal Father, in the name of the Jesus Christ-God’s unique Son. They worship no other man or women no matter who they are or what they have done.
Although Latter-day Saints believe that Joseph Smith, like biblical prophets and apostles, was called of God to speak in the name of the Lord, they recognize that Joseph Smith was a mortal, capable of sin like all men and women. The revelations he received from the Lord challenged him to repent, but also promised him, like God promises all men and women, forgiveness that comes through and by the atoning blood of Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith himself stated, “The Savior has the words of eternal life nothing else can profit us” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1976], 364).
Jews, Christians and Muslim, hold ancient prophets in special places of honor in their individual traditions. Nevertheless, they seem to know about and study the lives and writings of some prophets and apostles, like Moses and Paul, more than others. In a similar situation, Latter-day Saints often know more about the life and teachings of Joseph Smith than many other prophets and apostles. This special place among the prophets that Joseph Smith holds may be best understood because Mormons believe he was called of God and anointed by Jesus Christ to open the final religious chapter in the history of the world-proceeding Jesus Christ’s triumphal return to reign as “King of kings” and “Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16). This unique role, like Moses, included seeing the Lord; leading His people in a great movement towards a promised land; establishing a holy temple (holy sanctuary) to worship Him; and preserving His words that are now revered as holy scripture.
Joseph Smith is a modern witness of Lord who testified, “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father” (Doctrine and Covenants 76:22-23). (Author Richard Neitzel Holzapfel)
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Joseph Smith First Vision
I know Joseph Smith to be a True Prophet of God. I know thru the witness of the Holy Ghost that Joseph Smith did in fact see God The Father and his Beloved Son Jesus Christ. Critics of the Prophet will come and go but his Testimony stands firm! To the honest seekers of truth I invite you to watch these videos, read The Book of Mormon and ask God thru prayer if these things are true.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Joseph Smith leg surgery
In 1811, when Joseph Smith Jr. was six years old, the Smith family moved to Lebanon, New Hampshire. The family finally had the funds to enroll the children in school, and were making plans for the future. Hyrum Smith began attending school at an academy in Hanover and the other children went to the common school in the village. However, the schooling stopped in 1813, because typhus fever broke out and all the children caught it.
The plague felled thousands in the valley and was extremely serious.Joseph was only sick for a short time when he began to recover. One day, he suddenly cried out in pain, and told his family that his shoulder hurt. The family called for the doctor, who told the family that Joseph had sprained his shoulder. Joseph protested, saying that he had done nothing to his shoulder, but the doctor treated it as a sprain.
The pain in Joseph’s shoulder did not stop but rather continued for another two weeks, when the doctor was called for again. The doctor examined the shoulder and found a fever sore. He lanced the sore and Joseph reported that the pain immediately left his shoulder and moved to his left shin. Just a short time later, the leg began to swell and Joseph suffered another two weeks of almost constant pain. During this time, Joseph’s mother often carried him, and was exhausted from caring for all the ill children.
She became ill as well, so Joseph’s older brother Hyrum took over the care of his brother.A surgeon was called for and Joseph’s leg was opened and drained. The pain stopped, but as soon as the wound began to heal the pain came back. The surgeon came again and repeated the procedure, this time cutting into the leg all the way to the bone, but the results were the same as the first time.Multiple surgeons then examined Joseph’s leg and concluded that the infection had made its way all the way to the bone and that the only way to save Joseph’s life was to amputate the leg.
Joseph’s mother protested and begged the surgeons to try a new surgery they’d mentioned. This new surgery would remove the dead bone and infected flesh. The hope was that the bone that was left would regenerate. The surgeons had never performed this surgery before.They decided to attempt the surgery. Joseph requested that he not be bound during the surgery, but would have his father hold him instead. Joseph also refused liquor to deaden the pain. He asked his mother to go somewhere where she would not hear his cries of pain, because he was concerned at how exhausted she was and knew that she could not stand it. The surgery was performed and Joseph immediately began to recover.
There was no sign of the infection, but the leg took a long time to heal and Joseph was on crutches for three years. He limped for the rest of his life.The cost of doctors and treatment left the family destitute again. Their destitution limited the educational opportunities of all the children and forced the Smith family to relocate again. However, their poverty caused them to end up in Palmyra, very close to where the gold plates (Book of Mormon) were buried, so the hand of God can be seen in the family’s afflictions.
The plague felled thousands in the valley and was extremely serious.Joseph was only sick for a short time when he began to recover. One day, he suddenly cried out in pain, and told his family that his shoulder hurt. The family called for the doctor, who told the family that Joseph had sprained his shoulder. Joseph protested, saying that he had done nothing to his shoulder, but the doctor treated it as a sprain.
The pain in Joseph’s shoulder did not stop but rather continued for another two weeks, when the doctor was called for again. The doctor examined the shoulder and found a fever sore. He lanced the sore and Joseph reported that the pain immediately left his shoulder and moved to his left shin. Just a short time later, the leg began to swell and Joseph suffered another two weeks of almost constant pain. During this time, Joseph’s mother often carried him, and was exhausted from caring for all the ill children.
She became ill as well, so Joseph’s older brother Hyrum took over the care of his brother.A surgeon was called for and Joseph’s leg was opened and drained. The pain stopped, but as soon as the wound began to heal the pain came back. The surgeon came again and repeated the procedure, this time cutting into the leg all the way to the bone, but the results were the same as the first time.Multiple surgeons then examined Joseph’s leg and concluded that the infection had made its way all the way to the bone and that the only way to save Joseph’s life was to amputate the leg.
Joseph’s mother protested and begged the surgeons to try a new surgery they’d mentioned. This new surgery would remove the dead bone and infected flesh. The hope was that the bone that was left would regenerate. The surgeons had never performed this surgery before.They decided to attempt the surgery. Joseph requested that he not be bound during the surgery, but would have his father hold him instead. Joseph also refused liquor to deaden the pain. He asked his mother to go somewhere where she would not hear his cries of pain, because he was concerned at how exhausted she was and knew that she could not stand it. The surgery was performed and Joseph immediately began to recover.
There was no sign of the infection, but the leg took a long time to heal and Joseph was on crutches for three years. He limped for the rest of his life.The cost of doctors and treatment left the family destitute again. Their destitution limited the educational opportunities of all the children and forced the Smith family to relocate again. However, their poverty caused them to end up in Palmyra, very close to where the gold plates (Book of Mormon) were buried, so the hand of God can be seen in the family’s afflictions.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
The story of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith Jr.
1805-1844
Born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, to Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith Jr. grew up on a series of tenant farms in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.Though in his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, he was instructed in reading, writing, and the ground rules of arithmetic. Joseph's mother said that he was often "given to meditation and deep study."
Affected by the great religious excitement taking place around his home in Manchester, New York, in 1820, fourteen-year-old Joseph was determined to know which of the many religions he should join. He encountered a passage in the Bible instructing any who lacked wisdom to "ask of God" (James 1:5). Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to a secluded woods to ask God which church he should join. According to his account, while praying Joseph was visited by two "personages" who identified themselves as God the Father and Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any of the churches.
In 1823, Joseph Smith said he was visited by an angel named Moroni, who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. In 1827, Joseph retrieved this record, inscribed on thin golden plates, and shortly afterward began translating its words by the "gift of God."3 The resulting manuscript, the Book of Mormon, was published in March 1830. On April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first president.
Joseph married Emma Hale on January 18, 1827, and was described as a loving and devoted husband. They had eleven children (two adopted), only five of whom lived past infancy. During the thirty-nine years of his life, Joseph established thriving cities in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois; produced volumes of scripture; sent missionaries throughout the world; orchestrated the building of temples; served as mayor of Nauvoo, one of the largest cities in Illinois, and as general of its militia, the Nauvoo Legion; and was a candidate for the presidency of the United States. He was a controversial figure in American history—beloved of his followers and hated by his detractors. Joseph was persecuted much of his adult life and was killed along with his brother Hyrum by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844.
1805-1844
Born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, to Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith Jr. grew up on a series of tenant farms in Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York.Though in his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, he was instructed in reading, writing, and the ground rules of arithmetic. Joseph's mother said that he was often "given to meditation and deep study."
Affected by the great religious excitement taking place around his home in Manchester, New York, in 1820, fourteen-year-old Joseph was determined to know which of the many religions he should join. He encountered a passage in the Bible instructing any who lacked wisdom to "ask of God" (James 1:5). Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to a secluded woods to ask God which church he should join. According to his account, while praying Joseph was visited by two "personages" who identified themselves as God the Father and Jesus Christ. He was told not to join any of the churches.
In 1823, Joseph Smith said he was visited by an angel named Moroni, who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. In 1827, Joseph retrieved this record, inscribed on thin golden plates, and shortly afterward began translating its words by the "gift of God."3 The resulting manuscript, the Book of Mormon, was published in March 1830. On April 6, 1830, Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became its first president.
Joseph married Emma Hale on January 18, 1827, and was described as a loving and devoted husband. They had eleven children (two adopted), only five of whom lived past infancy. During the thirty-nine years of his life, Joseph established thriving cities in Ohio, Missouri, and Illinois; produced volumes of scripture; sent missionaries throughout the world; orchestrated the building of temples; served as mayor of Nauvoo, one of the largest cities in Illinois, and as general of its militia, the Nauvoo Legion; and was a candidate for the presidency of the United States. He was a controversial figure in American history—beloved of his followers and hated by his detractors. Joseph was persecuted much of his adult life and was killed along with his brother Hyrum by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844.
Welcome.
I have created this blog with the intent to share the truth about Joseph Smith the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints...aka "The Mormons."
I DO NOT worship Joseph Smith! I revere him as a Prophet of God just like Moses, Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
I will post true stories about Joseph Smith along with quotes relating to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Check back...as more will be forthcoming!
Thanks.
I DO NOT worship Joseph Smith! I revere him as a Prophet of God just like Moses, Abraham, Issac and Jacob.
I will post true stories about Joseph Smith along with quotes relating to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Check back...as more will be forthcoming!
Thanks.
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