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The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Man
For nearly a century, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, first published in 1938, was the standard source for studying the profound teachings and revelations of the founding prophet of the Restoration. Drawing on a rich collection of sermons, letters, and journal entries, Teachings provided Latter-day Saints with an accessible compilation of Joseph Smith’s revelatory doctrines that highlighted his unique ability to make heavenly concepts accessible to everyday people.
The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts offers readers not only a preservation of Joseph Fielding Smith’s original compilation but also a side-by-side comparison with the primary sources that it was based on. With modern scholarship shedding new light on these sources, the updated volume allows readers to explore both the Prophet Joseph Smith’s revelatory insights and the historical context in which his teachings were first shared. This balanced approach honors the enduring legacy of the original Teachings while encouraging deeper exploration and understanding of their origins.
The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts offers readers not only a preservation of Joseph Fielding Smith’s original compilation but also a side-by-side comparison with the primary sources that it was based on. With modern scholarship shedding new light on these sources, the updated volume allows readers to explore both the Prophet Joseph Smith’s revelatory insights and the historical context in which his teachings were first shared. This balanced approach honors the enduring legacy of the original Teachings while encouraging deeper exploration and understanding of their origins.
610 pages, Paperback
Published December 3, 2024
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September 1, 2025
I absolutely love the introduction as it gives the history behind how this book was compiled, and I also love the footnotes throughout the book. These were not in previous editions. They give more of a historical perspective for people to understand, especially to those, like me, who are not part of the LDS church. I like how this book goes back to the original sources and that those excerpts that were misattributed are pointed out. The side-by-side comparisons were very helpful to me, because it placed an emphasis on the original teaching.
It is amazing that there are not many of Smith’s teaching prior to 1835. It is primarily the Nauvoo period that people are keeping records of. I also enjoyed the history behind how this book came together as a lot of latter-day Saints no longer believe in this book, according to those I have talked with. What is interesting is that you don’t find Smith quoting from the Book of Mormon which he claimed to translate, which is odd, since this is the most important book to people of the LDS church.
It is amazing that there are not many of Smith’s teaching prior to 1835. It is primarily the Nauvoo period that people are keeping records of. I also enjoyed the history behind how this book came together as a lot of latter-day Saints no longer believe in this book, according to those I have talked with. What is interesting is that you don’t find Smith quoting from the Book of Mormon which he claimed to translate, which is odd, since this is the most important book to people of the LDS church.
July 29, 2025
This book is a helpful update to the TPJS, for anyone acquainted with the original or who desires to understand one of the books that stood as a pillar of 20th century Mormonism. It reprints the original TPJS pretty much in its entirety, with transcripts from the earliest texts the TPJS drew on in a parallel column. The editors of the volume use pro-Mormon language in the introduction but remain scholarly throughout the rest of the text. There are appendices for some of JS's later discourses that had multiple independent records, so you can see what each source originally looked like. There is also an appendix identifying many possible "ghost-written" texts that may not have originally been by JS.
On formatting. The Google books version has a broken table of contents, so you can't immediately jump to a particular section. While reading the book online, my Safari browser occasionally blanked out the window to clear its memory usage, and this would make me lose my place.
On editorial choices. The authors quote the footnotes from the original text in their own footnotes, without any kind of critical evaluation. Often they include notes about the sources from which the original TPJS drew, but not all the time. For instance, Joseph's 18 December 1833 blessings to Samuel and William Smith were expanded in 1835 to promise riches, long life, and prowess in battle. The original TPJS text reflects the earlier Joseph Smith journal text, whereas the new text on the right actually reflects the expanded 1835 Patriarchal Blessing book text rather than the earliest source. I could only figure this and a few other details out by using the Joseph Smith Papers website's Calendar of Documents.
I think it would have been nice for the editors to make it more clear when most of the differences between the original TPJS and the earliest sources were made. It takes some careful investigation to realize that the original TPJS largely drew on the DHC, and that most differences between the old TPJS text and the new text actually come from changes made between around 1845 and maybe 1856 (from History, D-1 and E-1). But not all. For instance, the phrase "by the hands of a cruel mob and the tyrannical disposition of the authorities of this state" was first added to the 16 Dec 1838 letter from liberty jail when it was published in the April 1840 Times and Seasons.
On interesting differences between earliest manuscripts and the TPJS. The DHC really messed with the original Relief Society minutes. For instance, JS originally is reported to have said he wanted the Society to become "a kingdom of priests" and spoke of delivering keys to it and the church, but DHC editors made it so that JS wanted the Church to be a kingdom of priests and that he delivered keys just to the church. JS also said the society "shall have power to command Queens", but this was changed to, "through the heads of the Church, they shall have power to command queens". The DHC editors also changed a prophecy -- JS is originally reported to have said, "I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society". But this was changed to "if the inhabitants of this state, with the people of the surrounding country, will turn unto the Lord with all their hearts, ten years will not roll around before the kings and queens of the earth will come unto Zion, and pay their respects to the leaders of this people".
An early version of the endowment ceremony from 21 Jan 1836 was elided by the original TPJS, and is restored here.
Minor differences can be hard to catch. For instance, in JS's 21 Jan 1836 vision of the celestial kingdom, he sees "father Adam, and Abraham and Michael and my father and mother", which was corrected in the original TPJS to "Father Adam and Abraham, and my father and my mother" (page 135). The JSP Calendar of documents shows that the deletion of Michael from the text first happened in the 1852 Deseret News reprint of this text. Another example, 28 April 1842 RS minutes, "Respecting the female laying on hands", "there could be no devil in it" was originally changed to "there could be no evil in it" (page 291). Also, the text shows that throughout at least the Nauvoo era Joseph refers to apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists as "gifts" along with other gifts of the spirit (see, eg, 2 Jan 1843, page 350), which the original TPJS corrects.
This new TPJS also notes that the 15 Oct 1843 statement advocating capital punishment for officials who don't uphold the constitution comes from history book E-1, and was composed in the Utah period (pages 429-430).
Some good footnotes. Pages 114-115, footnotes 70-72, point out material that belongs to JSP History book B-1 Addenda. What they don't note is that this material dates to sometime after 24 February 1845. Among other things, this material makes the High Council unable to try the Twelve. Page 132, footnote 90, also points out the later revision added the statement, "where I am not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve". Footnote 32 on page 329 about the 6 Aug 1842 "Rocky Mountain" prophecy, rightfully casts suspicion on the provenance and specificity of the quotation. The "Happiness" letter, 19 Aug 1842, also has a contextual footnote 33, page 330. Footnote 44 on page 338, regarding the 1 Sep 1842 T&S claim that the Luke 11:51 Zacharias is the father of John the baptist (rather than the prophet Zechariah), has some references to this idea in LDS history and possible resolutions to the problem. The new TPJS also makes clear that the 28 May 1843 statement attributed to JS, that among the original Twelve only "Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball" have been faithful to him (page 401), is only found in the post-JS death D-1 history -- a time when the Twelve were securing control in Nauvoo. Also, footnote 103 on page 404 shows that the apparantly prophetic 11 June 1843 phrase "and will cause the people to kill the Prophets in this generation" was added after JS's death.
Some changed material. TPJS elided a comment by JS on 5 Jan 1841 that John C. Bennett was "a superior orator, and like Paul is active and diligent, always, employing himself in doing good to his fellow men" (page 231). Another elision about Bennett can be found in the 15 Jan 1841 T&S on page 234. JS was also critical of Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, and John Page on 28 Apr 1842, but JFS follows the DHC in eliding it to just mention John E. Page (page 292). The 9 Jul 1843 idea that before the millenium the Christians need to be more united was a later addition to the text (page 411).
Some more new material. An 11 Nov 1835 discourse has a restored section, wherein JS interprets Daniel's vision. A 29 Sept 1839 sermon has an interesting statement restored, that "the righteous will remain with him in the cloud whilst all the proud and all that do wickedly will have to return to the earth". This King Follett discourse restores the section where JS claims resurrected children "will never grow.... Eternity is full of thrones upon which dwell thousands of Children reigning on thrones of glory" (page 474). A 5 Jan 1841 statement, "This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodelled and made into the one on which we live". A 9 June 1842 statement, "by union of feeling we obtain pow'r with God".
Finally, an interesting note. The 2 May 1842 T&S mentions an "Ash" (Thomas Ashe) who discovered mummies and catacombs in Lexington, KY. Turns out the Mammoth Caves nearby did house several mummified Indian remains from ~2000-2500 years ago (pp 301-302).
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
On formatting. The Google books version has a broken table of contents, so you can't immediately jump to a particular section. While reading the book online, my Safari browser occasionally blanked out the window to clear its memory usage, and this would make me lose my place.
On editorial choices. The authors quote the footnotes from the original text in their own footnotes, without any kind of critical evaluation. Often they include notes about the sources from which the original TPJS drew, but not all the time. For instance, Joseph's 18 December 1833 blessings to Samuel and William Smith were expanded in 1835 to promise riches, long life, and prowess in battle. The original TPJS text reflects the earlier Joseph Smith journal text, whereas the new text on the right actually reflects the expanded 1835 Patriarchal Blessing book text rather than the earliest source. I could only figure this and a few other details out by using the Joseph Smith Papers website's Calendar of Documents.
I think it would have been nice for the editors to make it more clear when most of the differences between the original TPJS and the earliest sources were made. It takes some careful investigation to realize that the original TPJS largely drew on the DHC, and that most differences between the old TPJS text and the new text actually come from changes made between around 1845 and maybe 1856 (from History, D-1 and E-1). But not all. For instance, the phrase "by the hands of a cruel mob and the tyrannical disposition of the authorities of this state" was first added to the 16 Dec 1838 letter from liberty jail when it was published in the April 1840 Times and Seasons.
On interesting differences between earliest manuscripts and the TPJS. The DHC really messed with the original Relief Society minutes. For instance, JS originally is reported to have said he wanted the Society to become "a kingdom of priests" and spoke of delivering keys to it and the church, but DHC editors made it so that JS wanted the Church to be a kingdom of priests and that he delivered keys just to the church. JS also said the society "shall have power to command Queens", but this was changed to, "through the heads of the Church, they shall have power to command queens". The DHC editors also changed a prophecy -- JS is originally reported to have said, "I now deliver it as a prophecy that before ten years shall roll round, the queens of the earth shall come and pay their respects to this Society". But this was changed to "if the inhabitants of this state, with the people of the surrounding country, will turn unto the Lord with all their hearts, ten years will not roll around before the kings and queens of the earth will come unto Zion, and pay their respects to the leaders of this people".
An early version of the endowment ceremony from 21 Jan 1836 was elided by the original TPJS, and is restored here.
Minor differences can be hard to catch. For instance, in JS's 21 Jan 1836 vision of the celestial kingdom, he sees "father Adam, and Abraham and Michael and my father and mother", which was corrected in the original TPJS to "Father Adam and Abraham, and my father and my mother" (page 135). The JSP Calendar of documents shows that the deletion of Michael from the text first happened in the 1852 Deseret News reprint of this text. Another example, 28 April 1842 RS minutes, "Respecting the female laying on hands", "there could be no devil in it" was originally changed to "there could be no evil in it" (page 291). Also, the text shows that throughout at least the Nauvoo era Joseph refers to apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists as "gifts" along with other gifts of the spirit (see, eg, 2 Jan 1843, page 350), which the original TPJS corrects.
This new TPJS also notes that the 15 Oct 1843 statement advocating capital punishment for officials who don't uphold the constitution comes from history book E-1, and was composed in the Utah period (pages 429-430).
Some good footnotes. Pages 114-115, footnotes 70-72, point out material that belongs to JSP History book B-1 Addenda. What they don't note is that this material dates to sometime after 24 February 1845. Among other things, this material makes the High Council unable to try the Twelve. Page 132, footnote 90, also points out the later revision added the statement, "where I am not, there is no First Presidency over the Twelve". Footnote 32 on page 329 about the 6 Aug 1842 "Rocky Mountain" prophecy, rightfully casts suspicion on the provenance and specificity of the quotation. The "Happiness" letter, 19 Aug 1842, also has a contextual footnote 33, page 330. Footnote 44 on page 338, regarding the 1 Sep 1842 T&S claim that the Luke 11:51 Zacharias is the father of John the baptist (rather than the prophet Zechariah), has some references to this idea in LDS history and possible resolutions to the problem. The new TPJS also makes clear that the 28 May 1843 statement attributed to JS, that among the original Twelve only "Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball" have been faithful to him (page 401), is only found in the post-JS death D-1 history -- a time when the Twelve were securing control in Nauvoo. Also, footnote 103 on page 404 shows that the apparantly prophetic 11 June 1843 phrase "and will cause the people to kill the Prophets in this generation" was added after JS's death.
Some changed material. TPJS elided a comment by JS on 5 Jan 1841 that John C. Bennett was "a superior orator, and like Paul is active and diligent, always, employing himself in doing good to his fellow men" (page 231). Another elision about Bennett can be found in the 15 Jan 1841 T&S on page 234. JS was also critical of Parley Pratt, Orson Pratt, Orson Hyde, and John Page on 28 Apr 1842, but JFS follows the DHC in eliding it to just mention John E. Page (page 292). The 9 Jul 1843 idea that before the millenium the Christians need to be more united was a later addition to the text (page 411).
Some more new material. An 11 Nov 1835 discourse has a restored section, wherein JS interprets Daniel's vision. A 29 Sept 1839 sermon has an interesting statement restored, that "the righteous will remain with him in the cloud whilst all the proud and all that do wickedly will have to return to the earth". This King Follett discourse restores the section where JS claims resurrected children "will never grow.... Eternity is full of thrones upon which dwell thousands of Children reigning on thrones of glory" (page 474). A 5 Jan 1841 statement, "This earth was organized or formed out of other planets which were broke up and remodelled and made into the one on which we live". A 9 June 1842 statement, "by union of feeling we obtain pow'r with God".
Finally, an interesting note. The 2 May 1842 T&S mentions an "Ash" (Thomas Ashe) who discovered mummies and catacombs in Lexington, KY. Turns out the Mammoth Caves nearby did house several mummified Indian remains from ~2000-2500 years ago (pp 301-302).
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes.
September 1, 2025
This book is a valuable addition to the libraries of students of Joseph Smith and those interested in studying the intellectual history of Mormonism. By placing the original manuscripts side by side with Joseph Fielding Smith’s transcription, The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS) is effectively resurrected, yet also altered in a way that gives it relevance that may have faded away after the completion of the Joseph Smith Papers. One can observe how Joseph Feilding occasionally made Joseph Smith’s declarations more absolute, turned third-person accounts and notes into first-person statements, and often seems to remove charismatic tendencies and blessings, such as with the blessing given to the Smith brothers. With this, we can better understand how Mormonism was being reforged in the twentieth century to be more tame, while still maintaining its unique identity and doctrines.
The original manuscripts are very enjoyable to read because not only do they differ slightly or, on rare occasions, significantly from Joseph Feilding’s transcription, but they also preserve the typos and often convey a slightly more exploratory feeling. Additionally, this is a fun book to read. Reading it during Sunday school or while taking a break at work makes you look really cool and is very spiritually enlightening.
One of the best features of this book is that it includes the original page numbers from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith within the text. Often, evangelical counter-apologetic tracts or websites, as well as old BYU scholarship and general devotional material, use the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith for quotations or quote mines, rather than the Joseph Smith Papers websites. If you run the quote from the tract or whatever on the Joseph Smith Papers website, it can sometimes be hard to find the original source without referencing the section on the website that correlates the sources to TPJS. Finding the original source using the revised edition is often the first step in researching a potentially questionable claim that quotes TPJS.
The appendix is great, especially the side-by-side comparison of the King Follett Discourse, which is every missionary's dream to own. I had to go to the library to print out the original sources from the JSP website for my mission; yeah, I have some hard mission stories. Anyways, it is much easier to spot manuscript differences with all the King Follet Discourse notes lined up. The article on ghost writing was enlightening. Who knew that W.W. Phelps wrote so much that is attributed to Joseph Smith?
With all that being said, there are some improvements that I think would greatly benefit a second edition of this volume. First of all, there should be a small historical introduction that draws on the Joseph Smith Papers before each entry, so we can see what these sources originally were, because that is essential in understanding how TPJS recontextualizes them, and so users of this book do not still have to drag themselves over to the Joseph Smith Papers website to appreciate these sacred writings fully. Additionally, I think there should be an article that explains what Joseph Fielding Smith left out, either intentionally or due to ignorance. The article should then explain what those sources are and where they can be accessed. Then the conversion can expand from not just preserving TPJS and seeing how that differs from original manuscripts, but seeing how Joseph Fielding’s selection created a canon of Joseph Smith’s thought and how today we may need to rethink that canon, given how much is published through the Joseph Smith Papers and other sources like the Nauvoo Relief Society minutes.
The original manuscripts are very enjoyable to read because not only do they differ slightly or, on rare occasions, significantly from Joseph Feilding’s transcription, but they also preserve the typos and often convey a slightly more exploratory feeling. Additionally, this is a fun book to read. Reading it during Sunday school or while taking a break at work makes you look really cool and is very spiritually enlightening.
One of the best features of this book is that it includes the original page numbers from the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith within the text. Often, evangelical counter-apologetic tracts or websites, as well as old BYU scholarship and general devotional material, use the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith for quotations or quote mines, rather than the Joseph Smith Papers websites. If you run the quote from the tract or whatever on the Joseph Smith Papers website, it can sometimes be hard to find the original source without referencing the section on the website that correlates the sources to TPJS. Finding the original source using the revised edition is often the first step in researching a potentially questionable claim that quotes TPJS.
The appendix is great, especially the side-by-side comparison of the King Follett Discourse, which is every missionary's dream to own. I had to go to the library to print out the original sources from the JSP website for my mission; yeah, I have some hard mission stories. Anyways, it is much easier to spot manuscript differences with all the King Follet Discourse notes lined up. The article on ghost writing was enlightening. Who knew that W.W. Phelps wrote so much that is attributed to Joseph Smith?
With all that being said, there are some improvements that I think would greatly benefit a second edition of this volume. First of all, there should be a small historical introduction that draws on the Joseph Smith Papers before each entry, so we can see what these sources originally were, because that is essential in understanding how TPJS recontextualizes them, and so users of this book do not still have to drag themselves over to the Joseph Smith Papers website to appreciate these sacred writings fully. Additionally, I think there should be an article that explains what Joseph Fielding Smith left out, either intentionally or due to ignorance. The article should then explain what those sources are and where they can be accessed. Then the conversion can expand from not just preserving TPJS and seeing how that differs from original manuscripts, but seeing how Joseph Fielding’s selection created a canon of Joseph Smith’s thought and how today we may need to rethink that canon, given how much is published through the Joseph Smith Papers and other sources like the Nauvoo Relief Society minutes.
July 27, 2025
Serious students of LDS founder Joseph Smith need to be aware of a new edition of the classic volume of his “teachings.” Just issued by Greg Kofford Books, this new volume is a milestone in the studies of the unique nature of Latter-day Saint doctrine.
But, why a new version? The 7-page Introduction (with 27 footnotes) provides excellent insight into the reasons for this new version of Teachings. In addition to explaining the background of the original 1938 edition, it reveals the way Joseph’s public teachings were preserved, sometimes more as thought by thought rather than word for word. This is to be expected. Very few writers can transcribe the spoken work as swiftly as it is delivered by the speaker. The editors are not trying to dismiss the significant work of the original compiler. Rather, with the availability, through the Joseph Smith Papers (JSP), of multiple recording for many of Joseph’s speeches, it is now possible to go beyond what could be done in 1938. Indeed, the editors seek not to “retire” the old edition “as a forgotten classic,” but rather want to supplement and support the work of the 1938 editor with the additional records of other writers so that it will “remain one of the important works of Latter-day Saint literature.”
Arranged in a two-column format, the left column provides the text of the 1938 volume while the right column provides the original text (including abbreviations and lack of punctuation) from which the 1938 text was generated. It also identifies the original source of the text, and includes words and phrases that had been omitted in the older volume. The original page number (from the 1938 volume) is preserved [in brackets] next to the current page number, facilitating ready reference to the earlier version. Footnotes from the original are preserved, while additional footnotes to the source material further enhance understanding while identifying the specific date of the text as well as a citation to where it appears in the volumes of the Joseph Smith Papers series.
Some footnotes also clarify important aspects of the text and the original source. For example, note 20 points out that Joseph Smith, although often “listed as the editor of a newspaper, others often wrote the editorials.” Hence, while the new text does include the original text, it should not be considered Joseph’s words. That does not mean the text is in error, only that the provenance may be uncertain.
The appendices may be the most significant addition this edition offers to the world. In a world used to electronic text that was often “edited” by a software program, these sections provide an important understanding of the process by which the text, and hence Joseph’s “voice” was offered to the saints. For example, Appendix C: King Follett Discourse: includes the four known parallel accounts, although a nod to BYU Studies [1978, vol. 18, issue 2] would have been useful. Stan Larson’s article therein discusses the various versions of that discourse and includes “A Newly Amalgamated Text” drawn from those versions, producing a “reconstructed” version of the discourse based on these four original accounts.
There is nothing earth-shattering here for casual readers of Joseph Smith, but serious scholars will find it well worth the investment.
But, why a new version? The 7-page Introduction (with 27 footnotes) provides excellent insight into the reasons for this new version of Teachings. In addition to explaining the background of the original 1938 edition, it reveals the way Joseph’s public teachings were preserved, sometimes more as thought by thought rather than word for word. This is to be expected. Very few writers can transcribe the spoken work as swiftly as it is delivered by the speaker. The editors are not trying to dismiss the significant work of the original compiler. Rather, with the availability, through the Joseph Smith Papers (JSP), of multiple recording for many of Joseph’s speeches, it is now possible to go beyond what could be done in 1938. Indeed, the editors seek not to “retire” the old edition “as a forgotten classic,” but rather want to supplement and support the work of the 1938 editor with the additional records of other writers so that it will “remain one of the important works of Latter-day Saint literature.”
Arranged in a two-column format, the left column provides the text of the 1938 volume while the right column provides the original text (including abbreviations and lack of punctuation) from which the 1938 text was generated. It also identifies the original source of the text, and includes words and phrases that had been omitted in the older volume. The original page number (from the 1938 volume) is preserved [in brackets] next to the current page number, facilitating ready reference to the earlier version. Footnotes from the original are preserved, while additional footnotes to the source material further enhance understanding while identifying the specific date of the text as well as a citation to where it appears in the volumes of the Joseph Smith Papers series.
Some footnotes also clarify important aspects of the text and the original source. For example, note 20 points out that Joseph Smith, although often “listed as the editor of a newspaper, others often wrote the editorials.” Hence, while the new text does include the original text, it should not be considered Joseph’s words. That does not mean the text is in error, only that the provenance may be uncertain.
The appendices may be the most significant addition this edition offers to the world. In a world used to electronic text that was often “edited” by a software program, these sections provide an important understanding of the process by which the text, and hence Joseph’s “voice” was offered to the saints. For example, Appendix C: King Follett Discourse: includes the four known parallel accounts, although a nod to BYU Studies [1978, vol. 18, issue 2] would have been useful. Stan Larson’s article therein discusses the various versions of that discourse and includes “A Newly Amalgamated Text” drawn from those versions, producing a “reconstructed” version of the discourse based on these four original accounts.
There is nothing earth-shattering here for casual readers of Joseph Smith, but serious scholars will find it well worth the investment.
July 1, 2025
Having not read the original Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS), I admit this version exceeded my expectations. Gaskill and Moore's meticulous work in making so many of Joseph Smith's sayings accessible and historically accurate is truly commendable. What particularly impressed me was their decision to present the original spelling, diction, and context in a parallel format. While many instances showed little difference between the two versions, the comparisons in some cases were profoundly compelling.
For example, as someone very familiar with the introduction to the Book of Mormon, I wasn't surprised to find that the wording from TPJS was used. However, it was fascinating to discover that the phrase "I told the brethren" was not actually present in Wilford Woodruff's original journal entry. While it can certainly be inferred that Joseph was addressing the brethren, Woodruff's account is more consolidated within the context of his journal: "…we saw a number of English brethren Joseph Said the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any Book on earth and the key Stone of our religion & a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other .”
The footnotes in this revision are a treasure trove of enlightening surprises. I was particularly struck to learn that the quote often attributed to Joseph Smith, which starts "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof," actually originated from a letter John C. Bennett purported to be from Joseph to Nancy Rigdon, published during Bennett's attempt at character assassination in the Sangamo Journal. Similarly, Gaskill and Moore, citing Bitton (1980), reveal that prophecies and "folk memories" concerning the Church's establishment in the Rockies and the "constitution-hanging-by-a-thread" narrative likely had a basis in actual statements but gained popularity later as they served to encourage the Saints.
Several footnotes meticulously address possible misattributions of articles and editorials in the Times and Seasons to Joseph Smith. For instance, the apocryphal belief that "the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple" (Luke 11:51) refers to John the Baptist's father has become a common view, appearing in Sunday School and Church Educational System manuals. However, as S. Kent Brown points out, "At issue is whether Joseph Smith wrote that editorial. If he did, he would have put his prophetic stamp on the notion. . .As a matter of fact, the evidence stands against Joseph Smith’s authoring the editorial in the Times and Seasons…" The inclusion of many original TPJS footnotes further enriches the historical context.
Finally, the four appendices are a valuable addition, with three offering parallel versions of eyewitness recordings of some of Joseph Smith’s longer sermons, providing even deeper insight into his teachings. Gaskill and Moore’s revised edition is an invaluable resource, offering a more nuanced and historically grounded understanding of Joseph Smith's words.
For example, as someone very familiar with the introduction to the Book of Mormon, I wasn't surprised to find that the wording from TPJS was used. However, it was fascinating to discover that the phrase "I told the brethren" was not actually present in Wilford Woodruff's original journal entry. While it can certainly be inferred that Joseph was addressing the brethren, Woodruff's account is more consolidated within the context of his journal: "…we saw a number of English brethren Joseph Said the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any Book on earth and the key Stone of our religion & a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts than any other .”
The footnotes in this revision are a treasure trove of enlightening surprises. I was particularly struck to learn that the quote often attributed to Joseph Smith, which starts "Happiness is the object and design of our existence, and will be the end thereof," actually originated from a letter John C. Bennett purported to be from Joseph to Nancy Rigdon, published during Bennett's attempt at character assassination in the Sangamo Journal. Similarly, Gaskill and Moore, citing Bitton (1980), reveal that prophecies and "folk memories" concerning the Church's establishment in the Rockies and the "constitution-hanging-by-a-thread" narrative likely had a basis in actual statements but gained popularity later as they served to encourage the Saints.
Several footnotes meticulously address possible misattributions of articles and editorials in the Times and Seasons to Joseph Smith. For instance, the apocryphal belief that "the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple" (Luke 11:51) refers to John the Baptist's father has become a common view, appearing in Sunday School and Church Educational System manuals. However, as S. Kent Brown points out, "At issue is whether Joseph Smith wrote that editorial. If he did, he would have put his prophetic stamp on the notion. . .As a matter of fact, the evidence stands against Joseph Smith’s authoring the editorial in the Times and Seasons…" The inclusion of many original TPJS footnotes further enriches the historical context.
Finally, the four appendices are a valuable addition, with three offering parallel versions of eyewitness recordings of some of Joseph Smith’s longer sermons, providing even deeper insight into his teachings. Gaskill and Moore’s revised edition is an invaluable resource, offering a more nuanced and historically grounded understanding of Joseph Smith's words.
August 31, 2025
A Valuable Update to a Classic
“The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts” by Alonzo L. Gaskill and Richard G. Moore is a significant revision and expansion of Joseph Fielding Smith’s original 1938 “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, utilizing the most recent historical scholarship from the Joseph Smith Papers Project.
Having read the 1976 version of “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith” on my mission in southern Texas in the early eighties, I was eager to see what this this new version has to offer.
The introduction provides useful background information, explaining that early followers’ fascination with Joseph Smith’s words and teachings motivated efforts to record, compile and publish his sermons. It also traces the publication history of the various versions of “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.”
The main content of this new version is presented in a two-column format with the original 1938 version in the left column and text from the primary sources that it was based on in the right column. Page numbering of the original version is retained and notated throughout the text and the original footnote content is also included, along with new updated footnote material that adds context and historical accuracy. For example, footnote 33, on page 330, reveals that the statement "Happiness is the object and design of our existence", attributed to Joseph Smith, actually originated from an 1842 anti-Mormon newspaper article by John C. Bennett. This new version also incorporates previously missing material, such as Joseph Smith's teachings on page 474 about children being resurrected from the dead as children, which was part of his April 7, 1844, Nauvoo King Follett discourse, as recorded by Thomas Bullock, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards.
Four interesting and valuable appendices were added to the back of the book.
Appendix A and B contain the unedited scribal accounts of Joseph Smith’s April 8, 1843 and June 11, 1843 Nauvoo sermons.
Appendix C presents the unedited accounts of Joseph Smith’s famous King Follett Discourse delivered in Nauvoo on April 7, 1844 recorded by Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, Thomas Bullock and William Clayton. It was very insightful to compare these four different accounts that were combined to create the published version.
Appendix D discusses the likelihood that some of the discourses and teachings commonly attributed to Joseph Smith may have actually been “ghostwritten” or written on his behalf by close associates such as John Taylor, William W. Phelps and others.
This book is a welcome update to the original time-honored Joseph Fielding Smith compilation and a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to study the teachings of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.
“The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts” by Alonzo L. Gaskill and Richard G. Moore is a significant revision and expansion of Joseph Fielding Smith’s original 1938 “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”, utilizing the most recent historical scholarship from the Joseph Smith Papers Project.
Having read the 1976 version of “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith” on my mission in southern Texas in the early eighties, I was eager to see what this this new version has to offer.
The introduction provides useful background information, explaining that early followers’ fascination with Joseph Smith’s words and teachings motivated efforts to record, compile and publish his sermons. It also traces the publication history of the various versions of “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.”
The main content of this new version is presented in a two-column format with the original 1938 version in the left column and text from the primary sources that it was based on in the right column. Page numbering of the original version is retained and notated throughout the text and the original footnote content is also included, along with new updated footnote material that adds context and historical accuracy. For example, footnote 33, on page 330, reveals that the statement "Happiness is the object and design of our existence", attributed to Joseph Smith, actually originated from an 1842 anti-Mormon newspaper article by John C. Bennett. This new version also incorporates previously missing material, such as Joseph Smith's teachings on page 474 about children being resurrected from the dead as children, which was part of his April 7, 1844, Nauvoo King Follett discourse, as recorded by Thomas Bullock, Wilford Woodruff and Willard Richards.
Four interesting and valuable appendices were added to the back of the book.
Appendix A and B contain the unedited scribal accounts of Joseph Smith’s April 8, 1843 and June 11, 1843 Nauvoo sermons.
Appendix C presents the unedited accounts of Joseph Smith’s famous King Follett Discourse delivered in Nauvoo on April 7, 1844 recorded by Wilford Woodruff, Willard Richards, Thomas Bullock and William Clayton. It was very insightful to compare these four different accounts that were combined to create the published version.
Appendix D discusses the likelihood that some of the discourses and teachings commonly attributed to Joseph Smith may have actually been “ghostwritten” or written on his behalf by close associates such as John Taylor, William W. Phelps and others.
This book is a welcome update to the original time-honored Joseph Fielding Smith compilation and a valuable resource for anyone who wishes to study the teachings of Joseph Smith, the Prophet.
July 23, 2025
Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith has long been one of my favorite books on doctrinal topics. I first read it in Spanish while serving a mission in Mexico, and later, when my nieces and nephews began serving missions of their own, I made it a tradition to gift each of them a copy of this marvelous compilation of the Prophet’s teachings.
It wasn’t until I read the introduction to this updated edition that I came to fully understand the history behind the book and how it came to be. The original Teachings was compiled from the resources available to Joseph Fielding Smith at the time—primarily the History of the Church volumes. As the editors of this version point out, this approach comes with challenges. Most of those original sources are secondhand accounts or transcriptions made by scribes, since Joseph Smith himself rarely wrote anything by hand. That naturally introduces a level of uncertainty regarding both the accuracy of what was said and how it’s been presented. Critics have, in fact, accused the editors of the early compilations of engaging in overly convenient editorializing.
And yet, despite these flaws, the book remains deeply beloved by many members of the Church. I recently spoke with someone who told me that their ward studies Teachings as part of their regular curriculum alongside the standard works. That kind of devotion speaks volumes.
However, in recent years, the book has faced more scrutiny. The Religious Studies Center at BYU has even counseled authors to avoid quoting from it, noting that it is “no longer current.” That shift is largely due to the remarkable work of the Joseph Smith Papers project, which has provided us with far better access to original documents—revealing what Joseph Smith truly taught, what was written by him or others, and who recorded it.
That’s where this new edition truly shines. It offers a transparent, side-by-side comparison and reconciliation between Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Joseph Smith Papers, allowing readers to see the original sources and better evaluate the historical context for themselves. The level of research is outstanding, and the careful preservation of footnotes—alongside the addition of rich, contextual commentary—makes it an invaluable resource not only for seasoned scholars but also for those studying doctrine at home.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding Joseph Smith’s teachings with both faith and intellectual honesty. It honors the legacy of the original volume while giving us something even more useful: clarity.
It wasn’t until I read the introduction to this updated edition that I came to fully understand the history behind the book and how it came to be. The original Teachings was compiled from the resources available to Joseph Fielding Smith at the time—primarily the History of the Church volumes. As the editors of this version point out, this approach comes with challenges. Most of those original sources are secondhand accounts or transcriptions made by scribes, since Joseph Smith himself rarely wrote anything by hand. That naturally introduces a level of uncertainty regarding both the accuracy of what was said and how it’s been presented. Critics have, in fact, accused the editors of the early compilations of engaging in overly convenient editorializing.
And yet, despite these flaws, the book remains deeply beloved by many members of the Church. I recently spoke with someone who told me that their ward studies Teachings as part of their regular curriculum alongside the standard works. That kind of devotion speaks volumes.
However, in recent years, the book has faced more scrutiny. The Religious Studies Center at BYU has even counseled authors to avoid quoting from it, noting that it is “no longer current.” That shift is largely due to the remarkable work of the Joseph Smith Papers project, which has provided us with far better access to original documents—revealing what Joseph Smith truly taught, what was written by him or others, and who recorded it.
That’s where this new edition truly shines. It offers a transparent, side-by-side comparison and reconciliation between Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Joseph Smith Papers, allowing readers to see the original sources and better evaluate the historical context for themselves. The level of research is outstanding, and the careful preservation of footnotes—alongside the addition of rich, contextual commentary—makes it an invaluable resource not only for seasoned scholars but also for those studying doctrine at home.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding Joseph Smith’s teachings with both faith and intellectual honesty. It honors the legacy of the original volume while giving us something even more useful: clarity.
September 4, 2025
The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith
Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts
Compiled by Alonzo L. Gaskill and Richard G. Moore
Reviewed by Adam Oliver Stokes
The publication and reception history of the Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, henceforth referred to as TOPJS, is itself worthy of an academic article. In many respects, no other work of LDS theology (with the possible exception of Doctrines of Salvation and Journal of Discourses) holds a more revered status while at the same time being maligned and disregarded. Undoubtedly, TOPJS stands as one of the most famous books within the corpus of Mormon literature and it is fair to say that a copy exists on the bookshelves of most members of the Restoration, even those outside of the Utah church. Some have even referred to it as the fifth standard work of the church. With that said, academics view its composition and publication as ripe with biases and as such prefer not to use it as a source. In a recent talk for Benchmark Books, Gaskill and Moore noted that this is a common stance among BYU professors. I myself have experienced this situation several times in writing articles on LDS theology and scripture. Once, when discussing the Prophet’s views on race I was explicitly told that TOPJS was not a reliable text to cite. It is my hope and expectation that this latest edition of TOPJS will change that view. Gaskill and Moore have put considerable time and effort into this new edition carefully comparing it with material in the Joseph Smith Papers and the journals of early church presidents who preserved the sayings and teachings of the Prophet. This edition also includes two new appendices. The first contains two different versions of the Prophet’s April 8, 1843 sermons, one as transcribed by Willard Richards and the other by William Clayton. The second contains an essay on possible ghostwriters for Joseph Smith. In closing, this is an excellent and much needed revised edition to a classic text. Gaskill and Moore are to be commended for their efforts.
Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts
Compiled by Alonzo L. Gaskill and Richard G. Moore
Reviewed by Adam Oliver Stokes
The publication and reception history of the Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, henceforth referred to as TOPJS, is itself worthy of an academic article. In many respects, no other work of LDS theology (with the possible exception of Doctrines of Salvation and Journal of Discourses) holds a more revered status while at the same time being maligned and disregarded. Undoubtedly, TOPJS stands as one of the most famous books within the corpus of Mormon literature and it is fair to say that a copy exists on the bookshelves of most members of the Restoration, even those outside of the Utah church. Some have even referred to it as the fifth standard work of the church. With that said, academics view its composition and publication as ripe with biases and as such prefer not to use it as a source. In a recent talk for Benchmark Books, Gaskill and Moore noted that this is a common stance among BYU professors. I myself have experienced this situation several times in writing articles on LDS theology and scripture. Once, when discussing the Prophet’s views on race I was explicitly told that TOPJS was not a reliable text to cite. It is my hope and expectation that this latest edition of TOPJS will change that view. Gaskill and Moore have put considerable time and effort into this new edition carefully comparing it with material in the Joseph Smith Papers and the journals of early church presidents who preserved the sayings and teachings of the Prophet. This edition also includes two new appendices. The first contains two different versions of the Prophet’s April 8, 1843 sermons, one as transcribed by Willard Richards and the other by William Clayton. The second contains an essay on possible ghostwriters for Joseph Smith. In closing, this is an excellent and much needed revised edition to a classic text. Gaskill and Moore are to be commended for their efforts.
August 31, 2025
The book The Revised & Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith is an extraordinary resource for those who wish to delve deeply into the study of the Prophet’s teachings. Its greatest value lies in the fact that it provides readers with direct access to the original texts, carefully compiled in the same order in which they appeared in the classic edition organized by Joseph Fielding Smith. This fidelity to the original structure allows one to immediately recognize continuity with a work that for decades has been fundamental in the doctrinal and spiritual formation of members and students of the Restoration.
One of the most interesting aspects of this edition is its two-column format: on the left, the original version as published in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith; on the right, the expanded text accompanied by the primary sources from which the discourses and writings were drawn. This design reflects a commendable academic intention, as it facilitates comparison between the traditional compilation and the original documents. However, it can also be seen as an element that, in a certain sense, introduces repetition. For readers who are very familiar with Fielding Smith’s compilation, this dual approach is clearly beneficial, as it offers immediate verification and substantial enrichment. On the other hand, for those approaching these teachings for the first time, the duplication may feel somewhat redundant or even overwhelming.
The footnotes deserve special mention. They are filled with contextual information that illuminates the historical circumstances, documentary sources, and doctrinal relevance of each passage. These annotations make the book an indispensable tool for serious students, researchers, and teachers. Altogether, this revised and expanded edition not only honors the legacy of the Prophet but also makes it more accessible to contemporary readers with greater clarity, rigor, and depth.
One of the most interesting aspects of this edition is its two-column format: on the left, the original version as published in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith; on the right, the expanded text accompanied by the primary sources from which the discourses and writings were drawn. This design reflects a commendable academic intention, as it facilitates comparison between the traditional compilation and the original documents. However, it can also be seen as an element that, in a certain sense, introduces repetition. For readers who are very familiar with Fielding Smith’s compilation, this dual approach is clearly beneficial, as it offers immediate verification and substantial enrichment. On the other hand, for those approaching these teachings for the first time, the duplication may feel somewhat redundant or even overwhelming.
The footnotes deserve special mention. They are filled with contextual information that illuminates the historical circumstances, documentary sources, and doctrinal relevance of each passage. These annotations make the book an indispensable tool for serious students, researchers, and teachers. Altogether, this revised and expanded edition not only honors the legacy of the Prophet but also makes it more accessible to contemporary readers with greater clarity, rigor, and depth.
September 5, 2025
This resource is a labor of love, time, and intense desire to preserve a Latter-day Saint cultural icon and study resource with an update in light of the Joseph Smith Papers ("JSP"). While the JSP will be available online for all to read, this book provides a handy single-volume resource for many of Joseph Smith's most popular quotations and teachings.
A reader will have three things with this book - (1) a reference containing Joseph Fielding Smith's original Teachings; (2) a valuable collection of resources on where famous, popular, or controversial Joseph Smith quotes or ideas; and (3) a record of how Latter-day Saints thought during Joseph Smith's life. On the first, readers will have a handy resource to compare previous Church generation understandings of what Joseph Smith said or alleged said.
It is a powerful resource for coming to know Brother Joseph again. I had not read the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith since my mission but my love for Joseph increased exponentially by reading this. To those who find Joseph's claims to be absurd or even heretical, this is your book - read Joseph in his own words (or reported words) and judge him. On my account, Joseph will withstand the criticism and shine forth as a devoted, flawed, and striving son of God called to be an apostle, prophet, seer, and revelator.
My only criticism was that when a quote's authorship to Joseph Smith was unconfirmed, there was little analysis of how likely the quote is actually from Joseph Smith or if there was no way of knowing. This request is likely beyond the book's intention but could make many good research or blog articles.
As such, I fully recommend it this book - in future years, it could be a required book for all Latter-day Saints to have on their shelves. For non-Latter-day Saints, this is the book to use when you want to know Joseph by his own words to confront him and the members of the Church he restored/founded. It is required reading.
A reader will have three things with this book - (1) a reference containing Joseph Fielding Smith's original Teachings; (2) a valuable collection of resources on where famous, popular, or controversial Joseph Smith quotes or ideas; and (3) a record of how Latter-day Saints thought during Joseph Smith's life. On the first, readers will have a handy resource to compare previous Church generation understandings of what Joseph Smith said or alleged said.
It is a powerful resource for coming to know Brother Joseph again. I had not read the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith since my mission but my love for Joseph increased exponentially by reading this. To those who find Joseph's claims to be absurd or even heretical, this is your book - read Joseph in his own words (or reported words) and judge him. On my account, Joseph will withstand the criticism and shine forth as a devoted, flawed, and striving son of God called to be an apostle, prophet, seer, and revelator.
My only criticism was that when a quote's authorship to Joseph Smith was unconfirmed, there was little analysis of how likely the quote is actually from Joseph Smith or if there was no way of knowing. This request is likely beyond the book's intention but could make many good research or blog articles.
As such, I fully recommend it this book - in future years, it could be a required book for all Latter-day Saints to have on their shelves. For non-Latter-day Saints, this is the book to use when you want to know Joseph by his own words to confront him and the members of the Church he restored/founded. It is required reading.
August 12, 2025
The Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (TPJS - compiled by Joseph Fielding Smith in 1938) has been a mainstay of Latter-day Saint reference literature for almost a century. It is an insight into many of the unique theological doctrines introduced by the Prophet Joseph Smith. I have frequently delved into it as I have been studying certain topics of the restoration. While I have spent countless hours reading portions of it, I never attempted to read it cover to cover.
The original TPJS has faced scrutiny for its editorial choices. Joseph Fielding Smith relied on secondary sources and recollections, which occasionally led to misattributions or expanded paraphrasing. Modern projects like the Joseph Smith Papers and the Revised and Expanded Edition by Alonzo Gaskill and Richard Moore have addressed these concerns by comparing original manuscripts side-by-side with the 1938.
I searched all my favorite quotes from the original TPJS and reviewed them in comparison in the new Revised and Expanded addition. The comparisons offered some added clarity and helped me understand the deeper meaning often shown going back to original sources.
If you are looking to understand what the prophet of the restoration added and refined in Christian theology this will be a must on your bookshelf!
The original TPJS has faced scrutiny for its editorial choices. Joseph Fielding Smith relied on secondary sources and recollections, which occasionally led to misattributions or expanded paraphrasing. Modern projects like the Joseph Smith Papers and the Revised and Expanded Edition by Alonzo Gaskill and Richard Moore have addressed these concerns by comparing original manuscripts side-by-side with the 1938.
I searched all my favorite quotes from the original TPJS and reviewed them in comparison in the new Revised and Expanded addition. The comparisons offered some added clarity and helped me understand the deeper meaning often shown going back to original sources.
If you are looking to understand what the prophet of the restoration added and refined in Christian theology this will be a must on your bookshelf!
September 2, 2025
I have always loved the Prophet Joseph Smith. I remember my mission and discovering “Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith”. Later I purchased the “Scriptural Teachings..” volume. This book by Alonzo L. Gaskill and Richard G. Moore, is a modern, scholarship-driven revision of the classic Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, first published in 1938.
This fresh edition is remarkable. The editors aimed to address inaccuracies in the original compilation—such as quotes attributed to Joseph Smith that were later identified as paraphrased or misattributed by early Church historians.
Through comprehensive research, the new edition clarifies which statements are genuinely from Joseph Smith, and which were editorial expansions.
This new edition … presents its text in a two-column format. … The text of the original TPJS … appears in the left column and … in the right column [are] the versions … found in the Joseph Smith Papers Projects documents. The Joseph Smith Papers is a tremendous boost for searchers of the truth and using that vital source the authors dig deeper into Joseph’s teachings than ever before.
If you are a devoted follower of the Prophet like I am, and (BONUS!) love history that keeps evolving towards the “truth of all things” this book is highly recommended!
This fresh edition is remarkable. The editors aimed to address inaccuracies in the original compilation—such as quotes attributed to Joseph Smith that were later identified as paraphrased or misattributed by early Church historians.
Through comprehensive research, the new edition clarifies which statements are genuinely from Joseph Smith, and which were editorial expansions.
This new edition … presents its text in a two-column format. … The text of the original TPJS … appears in the left column and … in the right column [are] the versions … found in the Joseph Smith Papers Projects documents. The Joseph Smith Papers is a tremendous boost for searchers of the truth and using that vital source the authors dig deeper into Joseph’s teachings than ever before.
If you are a devoted follower of the Prophet like I am, and (BONUS!) love history that keeps evolving towards the “truth of all things” this book is highly recommended!
August 8, 2025
Many moons ago (before my hairline started its grand retreat), I stumbled upon Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith and, as a believing Latter-day Saint, approached it with the reverence usually reserved for a fresh batch of cookies. My younger self was totally captivated, and those initial 'aha!' moments have stuck with me like super glue. Fast forward to today, and picking up The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (compiled by Gaskill & Moore) felt like reuniting with an old, wise friend who just got a fantastic glow-up!
It's familiar, yet deliciously new. Diving into a closer approximation of the original words has added layers of understanding I didn't even know I was missing. Seriously, the way a single word change can unlock a whole new universe of meaning? Fascinating! For any avid reader, truth-seeker, or just someone looking to level up their gospel learning (and maybe chuckle at their own aging process), this volume isn't just essential – it's a spiritual treasure hunt you won't want to miss!
It's familiar, yet deliciously new. Diving into a closer approximation of the original words has added layers of understanding I didn't even know I was missing. Seriously, the way a single word change can unlock a whole new universe of meaning? Fascinating! For any avid reader, truth-seeker, or just someone looking to level up their gospel learning (and maybe chuckle at their own aging process), this volume isn't just essential – it's a spiritual treasure hunt you won't want to miss!
August 2, 2025
In 1938, then-Elder Joseph Fielding Smith first published Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It soon became both the most popular and definitive collection of writings and sayings attributed to the Prophet of the Restoration. In the decades that followed, serious historical scholarship has demonstrated that what was generally (culturally) assumed to be verbatim quotations of the Prophet's words were more often than not scribal summaries, editorial amendations, and anecdotal recollections. What Alonzo Gaskill and Richard Moore have done in their publication is align the orginal book's text with the actual sources from which they came via the immense scholarship of the Joseph Smith Papers Project. Because of this, The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith is an excellent resource for both scholars and non-technical researchers alike.
July 5, 2025
I have both previous editions of Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, specifically the blue covered one and the "Scriptural Teachings" edition. This one is the best of them all, because the Alonzo L. Gaskill and his co-editor place the original text side by side with the relevant text from the Joseph Smith Papers. This way, we can get a more accurate account of what was said. I actually have this edition in e-book format and I received it free in exchange for posting a review. Even if you haven't read the original book, this is definitely worth spending your money on. Joseph Smith's teachings and insights into scripture are definitely pearls of great price. I highly recommend that each Latter-day Saint home should have a copy.
September 5, 2025
It is fantastic to see a classic book return once again to print.
A reading of the introduction section provides an excellent summary of why the need for a revised edition was necessary. I recommend reading that first before jumping into favorite topics. Also be sure to read the editorial notes on how the authors formatted the book.
Format of the book provides a side-by-side comparison of the old vs the revised as applicable. In addition, the footnotes are also a major source of further information and clarification.
I highly recommend this book! Thank you to both authors for taking the time to bring back a great and updated source of information in this revised book. Hopefully, this book will find its way into a searchable database.
A reading of the introduction section provides an excellent summary of why the need for a revised edition was necessary. I recommend reading that first before jumping into favorite topics. Also be sure to read the editorial notes on how the authors formatted the book.
Format of the book provides a side-by-side comparison of the old vs the revised as applicable. In addition, the footnotes are also a major source of further information and clarification.
I highly recommend this book! Thank you to both authors for taking the time to bring back a great and updated source of information in this revised book. Hopefully, this book will find its way into a searchable database.
April 11, 2025
This book has the text of Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith edited by Joseph Fielding Smith in a side-by-side column with the original primary sources on which it is based, along with a bit of other content. This is a helpful resource for the teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, relying on the primary sources made available from the Joseph Smith Papers project. This basically replaces the Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
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July 24, 2025Reading this book brings back many debates in college on Joseph Smith were resolved by citing pertinent information to the debate. We are now able to reference the original source for the information. Add to this, the ability to find cross references to an endless number of subjects. Which was my main complaint of the original version of this book. This revised ans expanded version should replace the previous version and be a core reference in your library.
September 2, 2025
An update to a beloved classic, this volume takes the original text and presents it side by side with source material. Also included in the appendix are full length talks.
When I was younger a friend of mine told me that by reading "The Teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith" from start to finish would help one to see how the Prophet's understanding grew over the years.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of the book, but the opinions expressed are my own.
When I was younger a friend of mine told me that by reading "The Teachings of the prophet Joseph Smith" from start to finish would help one to see how the Prophet's understanding grew over the years.
I received an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of the book, but the opinions expressed are my own.
December 15, 2024
If you are a Latter-day Saint, this is the book you have been waiting for. The authors take the classic book, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, and in a two-column format, compare that book with the recent scholarship from the Joseph Smith Papers. I am so glad this book is available! Gaskill and Moore, relying on the JSP, have given us an excellent gift.
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