Doctrina de Salvacion

by Joseph Fielding Smith

A three-volume set of authoritative sermons that is a must for every LDS library. The path to salvation and happiness is explored and explained. This book provides a rich treasury of President Smith's timeless gospel insights.

Genres: Religion, Church, Lds, Reference, Mormonism

325 pages, Hardcover

About the author

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1970 until his death. He was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was the sixth president of the LDS Church. His grandfather was Hyrum Smith, brother of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who was Joseph Fielding's great-uncle.

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

DOCTRINES OF SALVATION VOL.1 explains why we are on this earth and where we may go once we leave this life. Having the benefit of modern day revelations, many misconceptions are clarified for our understanding.

The author, Joseph Fielding Smith, published more books and articles than any other President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although highly educated, he had a way of expressing himself in a way that was forceful yet plain and simple. For instance, in referring to Abraham, who had taught ancients of his time astronomy, he wrote, "Abraham knew far more in his day regarding the planets and the great fixed stars out in space than the greatest astronomer knows today. How did he get his knowledge? Not through the telescope; not through the spectroscope; but through the opening of his vision by the Spirit of God. He was taught by the Lord himself who revealed unto him all these things and explained the greatest heavenly bodies and their workings, also the earth, in a manner that never has been approached and cannot be approached by the scientific man with all his instruments to aid him and inspired by worldly learning, and don't you forget it!" I smiled as I read those last few words.

Also explained is why Adam and Eve were created; why they willingly ate of the fruit of the Tree which brought both spiritual and mortal death into the world; how Jesus Christ can save us from the fall; and how we can hope to return to the God who created us. Whether or not you believe, it makes for interesting reading.

[Daniel Evensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few General Authorities in the history of the LDS church were as prolific in writing and publishing as was Joseph Fielding Smith. Few, too, had the mastery of basic church doctrine and command of the scriptures that he demonstrated. Both Smith's eloquent writing and scriptural knowledge are on display in this very impressive work.

Joseph Fielding Smith's explanation of the doctrine of the fall of Adam, the atonement of Jesus Christ, and the miracle of forgiveness is clear, well-sourced and quite powerful. Smith never allows the enormous consequence of the doctrine he deals with to intimidate him, however. His writing is simple and easy to understand, and features a warmth that few can match.

No review of this work would be complete without at least some commentary on the more controversial issues. The reader comes away with a good sense of Smith's stance on the issue of evolution as it relates to the doctrine of the Church. Similarly, Smith holds back no punches when he discusses the (former) Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, making no secret of how he views its history and founding members. The reviewer, and presumably the reader, is no expert on these subjects, and thus has difficulty evaluating Smith's claims and conclusions without needing further research. However, that is clearly the extent of the controversy here - no "Church of the devil" type issues in this volume.

Most notable is the amazing breadth and depth of scriptural citations. The industrious reader will find it very difficult to keep up as Smith blazes from one side of the Standard Works to the other, grabbing relevant scriptures on his way. It is worth slowing down and carefully looking up his citations - this only adds to the convincing force of his prose.

This is an all-time LDS classic, and, though out of print, is certainly not out of date. Not one of these doctrines is incompatible with the current teachings of the church - though there are a few choice wordings here and there that might need some revision. Highly recommended.

[Larsen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 3-volume set of books was given to me by my parents in January, 1972, when I was first called as a bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I barely had time to look at them. I recall averaging 4 hours of sleep each night for my first 6 months as a new bishop. The books sat almost entirely untouched and unnoticed on the shelf for 50 years. Now, I have enjoyed reading them but have been even more inspired by the 9 pages written by my parents inside the covers and on the fly-leaves. The love and pride expressed by Mother and Daddy 50 years ago would have been a tremendous strengthening influence if I had only noticed and appreciated them. President Joseph Fielding Smith was the Church President and Prophet at the time. He signed my certificate of ordination as a bishop. His writings would have been and are even now an appreciated strengthening influence. I was particularly buoyed up by his devoted teachings about ordinances and covenants and the temple - found especially in Volume II. When we make a covenant with Heavenly Father, we may break it, but Heavenly Father never will break His promise. At times, President Smith's occasional defensive comments seemed to be unnecessary. And, of course with the books being 50 years old, the perspective is not up to date. The writing is excellent, and the reading was easy - adding significantly to my knowledge of all aspects of Church doctrine and history. The books are highly commendable study guides with excellent foot notes thoroughly referencing scriptures and other sources.

[Jeff Birk · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Bruce R. McConkie calls Joseph Fielding Smith the greatest gospel scholar of his generation, it gets my attention. I've always heard that JFS was amazing in his knowledge and understanding of the gospel and I'm glad to have read this first of a three volume work (planning on reading the other two for sure). I took many notes in Evernote which may serve well for future talks and lessons. JFS reads very much like McConkie: pure and straight forward doctrine, no candy coating yet done in a posture of teaching with love and with the spirit. It's always necessary to brush up on gospel doctrine (at least it is for me) and this book served that purpose wonderfully well. It's so good to read a book and feel its truth. "Truth tastes good" as Joseph Fielding McConkie said.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joseph Fielding Smith is easy to read and the doctrines presented are interesting. Among many topics he discusses the character and attributes of God, the Holy Ghost, our fist and second estates, the earth, Michael, Adam and the Fall, the atonement

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting

[Robb Menlove · Rating 3 out of 5]

Must have on LDS library shelves. A great reference set. Make sure you get all 3.

[David Barney · Rating 5 out of 5]

outstanding

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone searching for the truth should read this book.

[Fabián · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book enhanced my understanding of principles and doctrine of the gospel.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such much doctrine and counsel. It is a reference to use frequently

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of Joseph Fielding Smith's talks and newspaper articles compiled by Bruce R McConkie.

[Daniel Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had some great insight into the doctrines & principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from the point of view of an Apostle who latter became president of the Church. This book had a lot of great insight into some other aspects of the gospel that might be unknown even to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints.

[Flash]

it is a really great book.