Examines an early daguerreotype (photograph) alleged to be that of the Prophet Joseph Smith. After ten years of research the author presents a comparison of the photograph to the evidence available.

Taken from such influential sources as The Joseph Smith Papers, The History of the Church, and the Doctrine and Covenants, this compilation of quotes is designed to provide meaningful moments of meditation as you learn from the prophet of the Restoration. No matter your method--whether reading a quote a day in brief reflection, or delving deeper into each quote in conjunction with the comprehensive topical index included--the light and truth found in the words of Joseph Smith are sure to be a steady guide through each day of the year.

Joseph in the Gap explores the hidden role of Joseph Smith as an intercessor for a people who had rejected the Lord's higher laws. Like Moses, who interceded for the children of Israel, Joseph stood in the gap before the Lord on behalf of the Latter-day Saints who failed to live the law of the celestial kingdom and establish Zion. The troubling aspects of Joseph's behavior later in life are more easily comprehended with an understanding that this intercession placed upon him the burden of sin and ultimately resulted in his being sacrificed at Carthage. With this enlightenment, one can appreciate Joseph not only as a true prophet, but also as a fallen prophet-an instrument of the Lord tasked with testing his people, to see if they would stay true to the purity of the gospel, or be seduced into following corrupt practices. The present-day ramifications of this hidden history are explored in depth, along with Joseph's future role in the Lord's marvelous work and a wonder. With this understanding, questioning Mormons realize that they don't need to jettison their faith in God when confronted with challenging facts about their religious history or the institutional church.

Joseph Smith's First Vision of the Father and the Son in 1820 was the first of many visions the Prophet and early Church members experienced. This volume brings together some of the finest presentations from the 2020 BYU Church History Symposium honoring the bicentennial of the First Vision. Explore the influence of the First Vision, as well as teachings of other visionaries.

Volume two of Brother Joseph: Seer of a New Dispensation continues the amazing saga of the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Drawn from hundreds of authoritative sources, it delivers a fascinating and sweeping view of the last half of Joseph’s eventful and inspiring life. Through the highs and the lows of his many experiences in Kirtland, Zion’s Camp, Far West, Liberty jail and Nauvoo, Joseph was forged into a humble servant of God who led the people by example and whom the Saints admired and deeply loved. The Saints knew that their cherished Brother Joseph was a man who was full of light, who imparted profound doctrines that enriched their lives—teachings that caused them to ponder in sincere reflection. They treasured the opportunity to associate with Joseph and to learn from him. Written in a very readable style by using Joseph’s own recorded history and the observations of those knew him, this volume offers a clear and vivid portrait of the Prophet Joseph Smith. It illustrates the breadth and depth of the dynamic life of this exceptional servant of God. In this book is an inspiring and impressive biography of a singular man and prophet of God.

We all die-but we all die differently. It's not death's certainty, but it's unpredictability, that troubles us-the when, where, and how of death, rather than the fact. Whether our deaths come by accident, illness, old-age, or other people, it's always too late to turn back-hopefully not writhing in agony or blubbering like cowards. "Death," according to poet Wallace Stevens, "is the mother of beauty"--and these poems, beautiful and not. Most are meditations on what (or who) kills us--and what makes that killing somehow endurable-faith, a sense of humor, honesty, and courage. This poet is an often married Mormon man, growing older (but perhaps not up). He writes about the things and people in his life, as artfully as he's able. But he doesn't know a danged thing more about his death than you do about yours.