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Doctrine and Covenants/Lectures on Faith/Removed
< Doctrine and Covenants | Lectures on Faith
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Contents
Criticism
Critics argue that the Lectures on Faith was removed without general church membership consent.
Source(s) of the criticism
- Jerald and Sandra Tanner, Mormonism—Shadow or Reality? (Utah Lighthouse Ministry, 1987), 166-67.
Response
The Lectures were published in 1835 as the Doctrine portion of The Doctrine and Covenants of the Church of the Latter Day Saints. The Lectures were suggested to be added to this version of the D&C by a committee appointed on September 24, 1834 by a general assembly of the church to arrange the doctrines and revelations of the church into a single volume. That committee consisted of Joseph Smith, Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, and Frederick G. Williams. The general body of the church accepted the committee's compilation on August 17, 1835 as "the doctrine and covenants of their faith, by a unanimous vote." (History of the Church 2: 243-6)
Authorship
The authorship of the Lectures on Faith is not entirely known. Recent authorship studies ascribe the wording of the lectures "mainly to Sidney Rigdon," with Joseph Smith substantially involved, and others perhaps having some influence. http://ldsfaq.byu.edu/emmain.asp?number=219 Willard Richards writes in his history that Joseph was "busily engaged" in November in making "preparations for the School for the Elders, wherein they might be more perfectly instructed in the great things of God" (HC 2:169–70). Furthermore, in January 1835 Joseph was engaged in "preparing the lectures on theology for publication" (HC 2:180).
Removal from the D&C
The Church removed the Lectures from the Doctrine and Covenants in the 1921 edition with an explanation that the Lectures "were never presented to nor accepted by the Church as being otherwise than theological lectures or lessons". (See Introduction , 1921 edition.) This is in contrast to the remaining pages of the original Doctrine and Covenants which are officially recognized by nearly all Latter Day Saint denominations as divine revelation given specifically to the church.
Joseph Fielding Smith said the following concerning their removal:
(a) They were not received as revelations by the prophet Joseph Smith.
(b) They are instructions relative to the general subject of faith. They are explanations
of this principle but not doctrine.
(c) They are not complete as to their teachings regarding the Godhead. More complete
instructions on the point of doctrine are given in section 130 of the 1876 and all
subsequent editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.
(d) It was thought by Elder James E. Talmage, chairman, and other members of the committee
who were responsible for their omission that to avoid confusion and contention on this
vital point of belief, it would be better not to have them bound in the same volume as
the commandments or revelations which make up the Doctrine and Covenants.’ " (as told to John William Fitzgerald, A Study of the Doctrine and Covenants, M.A. Thesis, Brigham Young University, page 344).
Current Use of the Lectures
Bruce R. McConkie wrote regarding the lectures, "They were not themselves classed as revelations, but in them is to be found some of the best lesson material ever prepared on the Godhead; on the character, perfections, and attributes of God; on faith, miracles, and sacrifice. They can be studied with great profit by all gospel scholars" (MD, p. 439). The 1990 republication of the lectures signals the desire of some LDS scholars to stimulate interest in their historical and doctrinal significance for the Church."
Conclusion
Endnotes
None