Sometimes, critics say they believe in the Bible but not in Joseph Smith because he’s “not Biblical”.
In actuality, everything Joseph Smith did is Biblical in the extreme. Here’s a list of controversial things about Joseph Smith, all of which are very Biblical.
- Said God and Angels appeared to him and that he had visions from God
– All over the Bible. All Bible prophets claim the same in one form or another. Joseph Smith relates the “First Vision” where God the Father introduces His Son Jesus Christ, who then related to Joseph Smith his divine assignment to restore the full Gospel in the Latter-days.
- Created new Scripture
– Each Bible prophet has made a contribution to new scripture. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Peter, James, John, etc, etc. Revelations from God to Joseph Smith resulted in three Holy books of scripture: The Book of Mormon, The Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.
- Claimed authority from God
– All Bible prophets claimed the same, saying: “Thus saith the Lord” in one form or another. Joseph Smith also claimed authentic Priesthood ordination by angelic messengers and he received modern scripture revelation where the Lord speaks in the first person.
- Had multiple wives
-Very common in the Bible, sometimes in a completely positive way: Abraham, Jacob, Moses. Sometimes in an approved, yet flawed way: David, Solomon. Under the command of God, Joseph Smith had more than one wife.
- Used oracular devices to receive revelation
– The Urim and Thummim, also mentioned in the Bible, was an oracular device and used by the Temple Priests to receive the word of God. Joseph Smith also used a “Urim and Thummim” and well as other “seer stones” to translate scripture and receive revelation.
- Importance of Temples
– The central role of the Temple is obvious in the Old Testament. Often overlooked is it’s importance in the New Testament. Jesus often taught there and reverenced it as a Holy Place. The Apostles taught in the temple, until they were no longer allowed in. In many of their teachings, the Apostles and Prophets directly reference temple ceremonies. Two latter-day Temples, one in Kirtland, Ohio, and one in Nauvoo, Illinois were built under the direction of God, during Joseph Smiths lifetime.
- Martyred for the cause – Six Old Testament Bible Prophets and ten New Testament Apostles/Prophets are said to have been martyred by Biblical and also extra-Biblical ancient sources: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, Amos, Zechariah, Peter, James, James (the lesser), Jude, Matthew, Philip, Simon, Thomas. Joseph Smith also “sealed his testimony” in death by being murdered, shot to death by his enemies while supposedly under the protection of the State.