Joseph Smith: The Master Weaver of Christian Threads and Fantasy

Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), is celebrated by his followers as a modern prophet who restored the true Christian church. However, upon closer examination, one could argue that Smith’s religious innovations were less about divine revelation and more about a creative amalgamation of existing Christian doctrines with his own imaginative additions.

The Foundation of Christian Elements:

Christology and Basic Doctrine:

At its core, Mormonism holds to many fundamental Christian beliefs, which are unmistakably drawn from traditional Christian doctrines as found in the New Testament. Joseph Smith did not invent these doctrines but rather adopted and adapted them into his narrative, creating a foundation that resonates with Christians while simultaneously introducing unique interpretations.

The Divinity of Jesus Christ: Like orthodox Christianity, Mormonism affirms that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary, and that He lived a sinless life, performed miracles, was crucified, and resurrected. However, Mormon theology diverges with its belief that Jesus Christ is the literal offspring of God the Father in the flesh, alongside a concept of God having a physical body, which is not a traditional Christian view.
The Necessity of Faith for Salvation: LDS doctrine emphasizes that faith in Jesus Christ is paramount for salvation, echoing Christian teachings from Romans 10:9, which states, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Yet, Mormonism adds layers to this by introducing the concept of works alongside faith, particularly through ordinances like baptism and temple rituals, suggesting a more synergistic approach to salvation than the sola fide (faith alone) doctrine traditional Christianity often upholds.
Baptism: Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins is another fundamental Christian practice that Smith incorporated into Mormonism. However, he expanded on this by instituting baptism for the dead, a practice where members can be baptized on behalf of deceased individuals, a concept not found in traditional Christian doctrine but one that Smith claimed was restored from ancient Christian practices.
Adaptation and Expansion: While these elements are recognizably Christian, Smith adapted them in ways that served his broader theological vision. For instance:
The Atonement: In Mormon theology, Christ’s Atonement enables salvation but is coupled with the idea that individuals must strive for perfection in this life or through post-mortal ordinances to achieve exaltation in the highest degree of the celestial kingdom. This contrasts with many Christian interpretations where Christ’s atonement is seen as sufficient for salvation through faith alone.
Grace and Works: The relationship between grace and works in Mormonism might be seen as an amplification of New Testament teachings like those in James 2:26, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also,” but it’s taken to a level where one’s eternal progression and status in the afterlife are heavily influenced by one’s actions and adherence to LDS ordinances.
The Nature of God: While Christianity broadly affirms the Trinity, Mormonism teaches a different understanding of the Godhead, where God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are three separate beings with distinct physical bodies (except for the Holy Ghost). This shifts the traditional Christian view of God’s nature, introducing a more anthropomorphic deity in line with Smith’s teachings.
Scriptural Authority: Smith also expanded the scriptural canon beyond the Bible, which he viewed as incomplete and corrupted. The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price are seen as further revelations that clarify and expand upon Biblical truths, thereby adapting Christian doctrine into a new religious framework.

In sum, while Joseph Smith adopted many core Christian doctrines, he also significantly altered or expanded upon them, weaving his own theological innovations into the fabric of traditional Christianity. This blending created a religion that, while rooted in Christian tenets, offers a distinct path of salvation, understanding of divinity, and practice, setting Mormonism apart from other Christian denominations.

The Infusion of Fantastical Elements:

New Scriptures and Ancient Civilizations: Here is where Smith’s creativity takes a fantastical turn. The Book of Mormon introduces a narrative of ancient civilizations in the Americas, claiming they were descendants of Israel, interacting with Jesus Christ post-resurrection. This narrative has no historical or archaeological support outside of LDS claims, suggesting it might be more of Smith’s imaginative storytelling than historical fact.
Theology of Deification and Godhood: One of the most distinctive and controversial aspects of Smith’s doctrine is the idea that humans can become gods, encapsulated in teachings like “As man now is, God once was; as God now is, man may become.” This represents a significant departure from traditional Christian theology, where such concepts are either heretical or misinterpreted. It’s a bold, imaginative leap that lacks precedent in orthodox Christianity.
Polygamy and Temple Rituals: Smith introduced practices like polygamy and a complex system of temple ordinances that bear little resemblance to early Christian practices. These innovations, while presented as restored ancient practices, are more likely to have been invented by Smith himself, perhaps inspired by his understanding of ancient Jewish practices but tailored to his own vision.
First Vision and Angelic Visitations: Smith’s personal revelations, including his First Vision and encounters with angels like Moroni, are foundational to LDS theology but are not corroborated by contemporary accounts outside of his circle. These stories add a layer of mystique and authority to his claims, yet they also introduce elements that are more akin to folklore or myth than to the historical accounts of Christianity’s early days.

Conclusion:

Joseph Smith’s creation of Mormonism can be seen as an act of religious syncretism where he took the well-established, time-honored doctrines of Christianity and overlaid them with his own fantastical narratives and theological innovations. This blend served to distinguish the LDS Church from other Christian denominations, providing it with a unique identity but also raising questions about the originality and divine origin of its teachings. Critics might argue that this was not an act of divine restoration but rather a clever manipulation of Christian elements to create a new religious movement, one that was compelling enough to attract followers but rooted in Smith’s imaginative reinterpretation of the Christian faith.

Joseph Smith’s establishment of the “new religious movement” known as Mormonism came at a pivotal time in American history when the nation was rife with religious experimentation and reformation. During the Second Great Awakening, a period marked by fervent spiritual revivalism, numerous groups were challenging and reinterpreting traditional Christian doctrines. Smith’s introduction of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can be seen as part of this broader trend, offering yet another variation on Christian beliefs that diverged from the orthodox teachings held by traditional believers. His movement capitalized on the societal appetite for new religious experiences and answers, resonating with those seeking a more personal or radical departure from established Christianity. Thus, while Smith’s innovations were unique in their specifics, the timing of his religious movement was perfectly aligned with an era where questioning and redefining faith was not just accepted but expected, making Mormonism another testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of American religious identity in the 19th century.