The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Book excerpt: For nearly a century, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, first published in 1938, was the standard source for studying the profound teachings and revelations of the founding prophet of the Restoration. Drawing on a rich collection of sermons, letters, and journal entries, Teachings provided Latter-day Saints with an accessible compilation of Joseph Smith’s revelatory doctrines that highlighted his unique ability to make heavenly concepts accessible to everyday people. The Revised and Expanded Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith: Compared with the Earliest Known Manuscripts offers readers not only a preservation of Joseph Fielding Smith’s original compilation but also a side-by-side comparison with the primary sources that it was based on. With modern scholarship shedding new light on these sources, the updated volume allows readers to explore both the Prophet Joseph Smith’s revelatory insights and the historical context in which his teachings were first shared. This balanced approach honors the enduring legacy of the original Teachings while encouraging deeper exploration and understanding of their origins.