Joseph Smith's 21st Century View of the World: Truths He Knew Before the World Accepted Them

by John David Lamb

Joseph Smith may have lived in the nineteenth century, but he saw the world in ways we are only now beginning to understand. Relying upon Joseph’s teachings, Dr. John David Lamb—award-winning professor of chemistry at BYU—draws fascinating parallels between the latest scientific discoveries and revelations received by the Prophet Joseph, including • The idea that God is not supernatural in the traditional sense, but rather is both the author of and participant in nature, which matches the modern scientific understanding that nature is underpinned by immutable laws that apply in all places at all times. • The nature of light and electromagnetism and its relationship to the spirit. • The teaching that “there is no kingdom in which there is no space,” which relates to the principle of atoms and the idea that the universe is mostly made up of nothing. Uniting science and faith, this book paints a mesmerizing picture of the universe around us. Strengthen your testimony that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God and that his revelations foreshadowed truths revealed through science only after his lifetime.

160 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2019

Reviews

[Tom Naylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumbs up. Expert analysis.

Fantastic book. Spot on in comparing science to the teachings of Joseph Smith. There is one thing I thought the author might have overlooked in his closing remarks. John Lamb stated that the compatability of science and Joseph's teachings were an important aspect to be considered. Where as, it is much more than that. It an essential aspect of the overall profile of Joseph's teachings, if Joseph gained his knowledge from a being who is the creator of all things. For such a creator, ALL things must fit together and make sense. Therefore, Joseph's teachings must do the same. This book shows how and why the essential aspect of the compatability of science and Joseph's teachings, in fact, are.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

This would have been a groundbreaking book had it been written 30 years ago among Utah conservatives who subscribe to literal interpretations in the scriptures. Unfortunately, there are too many that still need to read it. He did a great job compiling interesting quotes, and his chapter on relativity was by far the most superior. However, it is obvious that he is a scientist and not natural writer, and not all of his arguments are fully supported. I agree with him on nearly point, but mostly on principle, not on evidence. It was a good short read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have read this very thought provoking book. Brother Lamb is a scientist but makes concepts very understandable to everyone. I am grateful for his comparisons of religion and science both being based on faith. A great short read.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am grateful to have read this very thought provoking book. Brother Lamb is a scientist but makes concepts very understandable to everyone. I am grateful for his comparisons of religion and science both being based on faith. A great short read.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book! I highly recommend it.

[Nedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

To see scientific advancements since the writings of Joseph Smith and how well they reflect what he said many years previous was really interesting and reinforces some of my fundamental beliefs.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a science teacher and it shows. Very scholarly. He has some good points but takes a real long time to get to them and I found my eyes glazing over.

[Andrew Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of the greatest yet shortest books I’ve read in my life. Dr. Lamb brings science and Joseph Smith into the same world. Science and religion are both in pursuit of truth. Both science and religion run off of faith and trust. Both science and religion are built line upon line, principle upon principle. We are to use science and religion hand in hand to obtain knowledge. There are things in science that don’t agree with some things in religion…yet. But Dr. Lamb beautifully shows how science is making discoveries and aligning with views held by Joseph and the church. There will be a time when there is perfect harmony between all arenas in pursuit of truth. All truth is from God and he gives us this invitation: “If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.”

Read this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

really enjoyed this. It gets really technical but that was intriguing.