Enseñanzas de los Presidentes de la Iglesia: Joseph F. Smith

Teachings of Presidents of the Church

by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

El presidente Joseph F. Smith prestó servicio en calidad de Autoridad General de la Iglesia durante 52 años: como miembro del Quórum de los Doce, como consejero de cuatro presidentes de la Iglesia y por 17 años como Presidente de la Iglesia. Enseñó el Evangelio restaurado de Jesucristo con elocuencia, con ternura y con convicción, instando a la gente a “vivir en armonía con los designios de nuestro Padre Celestial” 1 . Caracterizó su ministerio su potente testimonio de Jesucristo: “He recibido el testimonio del Espíritu en mi propio corazón, y testifico ante Dios, ángeles y los hombres… que sé que mi Redentor vive” 2 .

En la actualidad sus mensajes y sus sermones siguen brindando orientación divina en nuestro camino de progreso eterno. Nuestra obra en este mundo, dijo el presidente Smith, “es hacer el bien, poner fin a la iniquidad, exaltar la rectitud, la pureza y la santidad en el corazón de las personas e inculcar en el pensamiento de nuestros hijos, por sobre todas las cosas, el amor a Dios y a Su palabra” 3 . Él dijo que “ser Santo de los Últimos Días exige sacrificar las aspiraciones y los placeres mundanos; requiere fidelidad, fortaleza de carácter, amor a la verdad, firmeza para con los principios y el deseo ferviente de ver avanzar la verdad victoriosa” 4 .

La Primera Presidencia y el Quórum de los Doce Apóstoles han establecido la serie Enseñanzas de los Presidentes de la Iglesia con el fin de que sirva a los miembros de la Iglesia para profundizar su comprensión de las doctrinas del Evangelio y se acerquen más a Jesucristo por medio de las enseñanzas de los profetas de esta dispensación. Este libro contiene las enseñanzas del presidente Joseph F. Smith, que dijo: “Para ser Santos de los Últimos Días, los hombres y las mujeres deben ser pensadores y trabajadores; deben ser hombres y mujeres reflexivos, hombres y mujeres que examinen detenidamente el rumbo de su vida y los principios que han escogido seguir… Ustedes verán que cuando las personas entienden el Evangelio de Jesucristo, andan con rectitud, de acuerdo con la palabra del Señor y con la ley de Dios, en estricta conformidad con lo que es constante, justo, recto y en todo sentido aceptable al Señor” 5 .

Cada capítulo contiene cuatro secciones: (1) una afirmación que resume brevemente el tema central del capítulo; (2) “De la vida de Joseph F. Smith”, que ilustra las enseñanzas del capítulo con un ejemplo de la vida del presidente Smith o de su sabiduría; (3) “Enseñanzas de Joseph F. Smith” presenta doctrinas importantes que se han extraído de sus numerosos mensajes y discursos; y (4) “Sugerencias para el estudio”, preguntas para alentar el estudio y la reflexión personales, así como para ampliar el análisis y aplicar las enseñanzas a nuestra vida en la actualidad.

Genres: Religion, Lds, Nonfiction, Church, History, Adult, Mormonism

582 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Tyler · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceedingly edifying book of gospel principles as taught by President Joseph F. Smith, organized topically. This is one of my favorite volumes of this series. I found it exceedingly edifying and enlightening on many subject. I know Joseph F. Smith was a prophet of God, and his testimony and teachings are true.

[Anna Mock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life! Every time I read one of these books I think, wow, this man was just incredible! He's my new favorite! And now that I'm on President Grant, I may think that too about him. But wow! Joseph F. Smith - what a life! I wish I could be like him. You know, it's so strange, but you read this books - which aren't really about the presidents themselves, but just records of their teachings and sermons on the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and you seriously grow to love not only the doctrine and not only our Savior, but the messengers as well! I am so grateful for this serious of books! They have become so precious to me. I can hardly get myself to read anything else! (Good thing I'm only about half way through the series!)

[Bilbo · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible Cult.
Reading this and trying to find comfort would be devastating to a soul.
Law and Gospel are mixed in this cult such that the "Gospel" becomes a "principle" instead of good news of the substitionary atonement of Jesus Christ.
You can find a short summary of Mormon teachings here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3BqL...

Latter Day Re-gift
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7buk...

God Never Sinned - Do Mormons Agree?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyH61...

The Scary History of Mormonism
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLPgX...

[Juan Botero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Conocemos al hombre por sus enseñanzas

Joseph F. Smith es una de los profetas más interesantes que he conocido. Sus enseñanzas van muy relacionadas a lo que José Smith enseñaba enfocándose un poco más en cómo ser verdaderos discípulos de Cristo en todas las esferas de nuestra vida.

[ian t · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent teachings and life advice from an early and extremely formative Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The chapter titles alone give wise counsel, from "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" to the importance of mothers, the duty of fathers in the home, integrity and finding rest in Christ.

Well worth a read for much evergreen wisdom.

[John Steele · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's in my top 3 of the teachings of the prophets series

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instructive, inspirational AND thought-provoking

[Jeff Crosby]

Subject Themed Quotations.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fine collection of prophetic teachings. I learned and was edified.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good material. A good resource.

[Ranee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember the F. :)

[Dad · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent manual. We don't hear as much from Joseph F. Smith as some of the other presidents of the Church. It is interesting that he was Hyrum Smith's son and Joseph Smith, the first president of the Church, was his uncle.
I was interested that he served a mission to Hawaii at a young age. He was president in the early 1900's, which was an important stage in Church history. He also had a vision of the Redemption of the Dead in 1918, which is one of the few things canonized after Brigham Young.

[Daniel Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the modern-day prophets, this guy was a missionary, leader, father, and humanitarian. This topic-organized book takes you through many teachings and life stories of the nephew of the Prophet Joseph Smith. He was a witness of Jesus Christ, and received a cool revelation on what happened to Christ between His death and resurrection (where he went when he died), which also explains why Mormons build temples, not just meetinghouses. He started the Family Home Evening program, and taught that the state of the world is a reflection of the state of our homes. Cool guy, great book.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading about his kind heart, his love for all children especially his own, and his compassion for the Saints in Hawaii.

Particularly enjoyed the explanation of basic doctrines in Chapter 17: The Great Plan of Life and Salvation. "Had we not known before we came [to earth] the necessity of our coming.... -we never would have come" page 148.

As well as the triumphs of freedom from debt as explained in Chapter 31: Obedience to the Law of Tithing.

President Joseph F. Smith admonished, "Live your religion."

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know I read this book. I remember taking it with me to church. I had it with me during my Nauvoo semester. But somehow I can't remember studying it in Relief Society at all! Good thing I have my own copy--given to me by my home RS president apparently.

[Jaelene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe in prophets and I believe Joseph F. Smith to be one. I enjoyed learning more about his life and teachings.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an amazing prophet of God. I taught some of the lessons in this manual in Relief Society.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As I've read more about Joseph F Smith, the more I admire him. He is definitely one of the "non-standard" people I would like to meet someday.

[Randon · Rating 1 out of 5]

Omitted key information on his life and presidency. The biggest oversight was that there was not a single mention of the Second Manifesto of 1904.