Precept Upon Precept: Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Doctrine

by Robert L. Millet

How did Joseph Smith do it? How did he, when just a teenager, open the floodgates of revelation on a spring day in 1820? How did he continue to receive, restore, and refine the rich doctrine of the restored gospel until his martyrdom in 1844? And how could a man who delivered such a comprehensive system of doctrine, that laid such a profound theological foundation, be anything other than a prophet of God?

Latter-day Saint doctrine is based on the restoration of a correct understanding of God's "character, perfections, and attributes." In Precept upon Precept, esteemed Latter-day Saint scholar and speaker Robert L. Millet explored how the restoration of one truth led to questions that led to answers and the restoration of more truths—line upon line, precept upon precept.

From the original theophany of the First Vision and its implications for a world steeped in Trinitarian doctrine to the cosmic scope of the King Follett sermon, the Prophet's revelations shook up the entrenched doctrines of nineteenth-century Christianity. And by the time of Joseph's martyrdom, God had through him laid the foundations for a restored church of Jesus Christ that will last until the Millennium.

Genres: Religion, Lds, History, Nonfiction, Spirituality

496 pages, Hardcover

Published December 19, 2016

About the author

Robert L. Millet, professor of ancient scripture and former dean of Religious Education at Brigham Young University, holds a master s degree in psychology from BYU and a Ph.D. in religious studies from Florida State University. He is a popular speaker and prolific writer whose other books include Lost and Found: Reflections on the Prodigal Son; Grace Works; and More Holiness Give Me. He and his wife, Shauna, have six children and live in Provo, Utah.

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book about the restoration of doctrine through the Prophet Joseph Smith. This is not an account of the Prophet's life, though some background information is given. It's more about the truths that were taught by Joseph, particularly those that clashed with the prevailing teachings of his day. If I had to give a subtitle for this book it would be something to the effect of "Stuff we know because of Joseph". For a long-time member of the church, there likely won't be anything "new" for you in this book, but Millet did an excellent job of organizing it and making it readable.

If you want to know more about Joseph Smith the man, I'd suggest Truman G. Madsen's "Joseph Smith the Prophet" (still one of my all-time favorites). If you want to know more about restored doctrine and the history surrounding how it was revealed to Joseph, then Millet's book is for you.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Listened to it as an audio book, then purchased an e-book version because I already was using it as a resource for teaching Institute. Sheds a great deal of light on the gradual restoration of doctrine and how it unfolded during the life of Joseph Smith. Great stuff.

[Tiffany Dominguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating approach to how Joseph Smith learned the doctrines of the gospel. Not only does Millet go into detail into what the doctrines are and when/where Smith learned them but also Millet goes into detail on the doctrines themselves. And how they were received at the time. I learned quite a bit, including the background on the King Follet sermon and why that is one referred to still today. Great book.

[Scott Paxman · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book contains very good information and significant citations from the Prophet Joseph Smith. Nonetheless the book is written through a modern lens and modern latter-day Saint thought is splattered around Joseph’s ideas. For example, to say that Joseph taught in the King Follet Discourse that “little children who die before the age of accountability are saved in the highest heaven” and parents will raise their children to maturity, is ahistorical. The 4 contemporaneous accounts mention children of the stature of children in eternity and in the celestial kingdom.
Just one example of the forced contemporary thought onto the past.
Also, the author declares that the poetic rendition of the Vision was written by Joseph Smith which is another fallacy. Modern scholarship shows that it was very likely written by WW Phelps and contains doctrinal errors that Joseph wouldn’t have written. (i.e. Kolob as residence of God, etc.)

If interested in Joseph Smith's teachings regarding little children, Please Read "Joseph Smith and the Destiny of Little Children:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11xOS...

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I have wanted to read for a long time. I have been immersing myself in the doctrine and history of the Restoration lately, so I have really been looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed.
I haven't read everything that Robert Millet has ever written. I have read some of his commentaries and articles especially. He does excellent work and is another prime example of someone who uses his scholarship to bolster faith and promote discipleship of the Savior and encourage whole-souled devotion to building the kingdom of God on the earth in preparation for the Savior's return.
As I said, although I have not read everything Millet has ever written, this has to be as close to a "magnum opus" to his illustrious career as I can imagine. In this book, he makes a significant contribution to that body of literature that helps us more fully understand and appreciate the Restoration of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this dispensation. He does an excellent job of expounding the unfolding of the Restoration in its historical and doctrinal context in a way that highlights the uniqueness of the "Restoration Perspective" and underscores the power it can have in our lives.
This book would be useful for members of the Church to help them be better prepared to explain and defend the Restoration and Joseph Smith's significant contributions. However, Millet's vast experience in interfaith relations enables him to also write in a way that would be understandable for readers who are not Latter-day Saints, whether they are searching for greater spiritual light and truth or whether they would just like to better understand "the Mormons." This book would be infinitely better to read than many other books I have read (by both LDS and non-LDS authors) who claim to be trying to do that. Remember one of Krister Stendahl's three rules: 'seek to learn about a religion from its adherents, not its detractors.'
Just to be clear, I don't always agree with every nuance of Millet's historical or doctrinal interpretations, nuances, or "hedges," but he is fully entitled to express them as his opinion. He is thoughtful and sincere and his tone is always engaging and edifying. So I highly recommend this book.

[Darin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There was a paragraph towards the end that I loved, but will kind of summarize. Referring to the history of the church, he pointed out that people are still just people, and are not perfect. They made poor decisions, just like all of us do; however, I don’t feel I can judge the whole of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on the poor decisions of a few leaders. There are things I do not understand about the church, but my faith is strong. Like Brother Millet says, I don’t need to know everything or understand everything to have a testimony of the truthfulness of this church. I do have a testimony that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me, that Jesus Christ is my Savior, that the Holy Ghost is a Testifier and Sanctifier, that Joseph Smith was and is a prophet, and that the Book of Mormon is the word of God.

[Kim Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waffled between 4 and 5 stars. I kinda feel like 4 stars isn't really fair, because I was listening to the book -- and that was over a much longer time period than it would have been if I had read it. I think that had I been reading it instead of listening, I would have gone with 5 stars.

This wasn't what I was expecting, but I still really enjoyed it. I was thinking it was going to be more of a biography of Joseph, but it was a lot more about the doctrines he taught than it was about his life. Millet would highlight an event in the Prophet's life, and then talk about the doctrines/revelations associated with that event, coupled with teachings from modern prophets about those doctrines. There were some really good insights, and one thing he talked about in particular is going to shape my next reading of the Book of Mormon. Overall, it was really good.

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of how Joseph Smith learned, revealed, and taught various doctrines of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Instead of focusing on one event, or the chronological events of Joseph's life, Robert Millet helps us understand how, when, and in what manner Joseph came to learn various doctrines. The title of the book is very fitting-Precept upon Precept--and that is how the book is laid out. It was insightful to learn of various ways in which these doctrines came to Joseph, and how they matured over time. It helps us to better understand the way that Heavenly Father communicates with us. I highly recommend this for anyone seeking to understand and learn from the life of this great man.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful structure to learn of the man Joseph Smith as well as his teachings in context of semi-chronology. The chapter topics allow for easy reference and review and he covers each in sufficient depth to give proper coverage (even of the less-known or potentially contentious topics). After discussing each, he shares his conviction of why he shared what he did and even how we can come to know of its truth.

I greatly appreciated this book, both as a reliable reference and as a basis to strengthen my testimony of the man, flawed as he was--and as we all are.

[Debbie Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible

Robert Miller's presentation is well thought out and organized. His research is awesome. I appreciate having all this information in one book. I wish I could memorize the book so I wouldn't forget one drop of the knowledge he has gathered for us to learn an d enjoy. I loved the book so much that I also bought the book in cd's so I can listen to it in the car over and over as I travel.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing style is clear, concise, and orderly. The progression of the restoration from 1820-1844 with the context was a refreshing way to look at the history of the church. I listened to this book and enjoy Robert Millet's reading. The doctrines and precepts are comforting as is his voice. His level of scholarship is impressive and the fact that he grew up in non-traditional LDS circumstances makes the ideas he espouses more compelling.

[Peter Andrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible testimony builder. This book helped me understand many of the doctrines that I get mixed up, and smoothed out my understandings of many I thought I understood.

Robert Millet is my favorite Latter-Day Saint author. His books are always very approachable. I really enjoy how he presents and teaches the gospel. It makes me wish I'd attended BYU so I could've maybe caught one of his courses.

Thank you for helping me further my testimony, Bro. Millet!

[STEVEN ROSE · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully thorough and great work on the prophet Joseph Smith. This book really explores and brings out so much of the important works that Joseph Smith did in his relatively short period of time as a prophet of the Lord Jesus Christ in restoring His church to the earth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about Joseph Smith's prophetic call and mission to the children of God.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous, thorough examination of the revelations Joseph Smith revealed in his life, put into context of Christianity of his day. A great resource to fully understand just how much Joseph Smith did for the restoration of the gospel and moving the Kingdom of God forward. Wonderful quotes, testimony, context, and examination of his doctrinal life.

[Chad Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was definitely interesting, with a cool structure (chronological development of doctrine). It was almost written like a textbook, which was especially difficult to follow in audio format. And while there was some new information it was largely a review of well-known facts, sermons, and scriptures. That's not a problem, but it also wasn't particularly captivating.

[Daniel Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

The topics are laid out in an easy-to-follow manner and walk you through the amazing works done in the space of about 20 years by a modern prophet. The author argues that we should give Joseph Smith a break (instead of giving voice to all his haters) and let the work speak for itself ("by their fruits ye shall know them"). Great book.

[Brett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great chronological sketch of the doctrine revealed to Joseph Smith written in a very conversational tone. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about Joseph Smith, Church History, and the development of church doctrine.

[Seth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. It’s definitely one I will keep around and consult and study in greater depth in the future. Millet’s writing and research is solid, in my opinion. Will recommend this book to anyone who wishes to understand foundational Latter-day Saint doctrine and how it was revealed.

[Stephan van Velzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An apologetic work that never apologizes. I like it!

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was very good. I almost gave it five stars.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so many things about the prophet Joseph Smith, Brother Miller shares so many insights that strengthened my testimony of him. Excellent read!!

[Jason Burt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this well researched and well written book about how Joseph Smith grew in knowledge precept upon precept.

[David Barney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book for the fact that it discussed ALL the things Joseph Smith did as an instrument in the Lord’s hand to restore the Lord’s church back on the earth. Good information.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

appreciate the approach and structure of this book

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect book to read to get ready for the bicentennial celebration of the First Vision at this April's general conference!

[Larina Alston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m sure that others will enjoy it more than I did. I am looking for something and I found a little in this book, but not exactly what I am looking for.

[Brandon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an incredibly comprehensive book and had plenty of insights about Joseph Smith and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise, well-documented, comprehensive and readable treatise covering all the doctrines and practices of the Restoration. Fantastic!!

[Elizabeth Ricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is a great resource and makes history and doctrines very plain.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about LDS Church history and the prophet Joseph Smith from this book. It is very well written and easy to understand. I love the "line upon line, precept upon precept" format. It is a huge testimony builder to realize this is how the Lord works in most cases as well as how the Church was restored. Heavenly Father gives us what we are ready for as well as what we ask for. He does what is necessary when the time is right. This book also clarifies events and doctrines for me. It makes me want to reread the Doctrine and Covenants. It strengthened my testimony of the Book of Mormon and of Jesus Christ. Typically, I don't have the patience necessary to read this type of book, but this one feels like an honest and true representation of truths I hold dear.