Ask Gramps.org

Discourses of Joseph Smith

Is the discourses of Joseph Smith an approved book by the church? If so, why do we not implement it into our regular church materials? I am Samoan, and this book is so cool!

Elia

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Elia,

I agree that the discourses of Joseph Smith are wonderful, and I can’t imagine that they are not approved by the Church. They are not part of our Standard Works, but then neither are the discourses of any of the other General Authorities up to this very day. Let me explain why.

Discourses are typically General Authorities explaining, or discussing the doctrines and principles found in the Scriptures. Said another way, they’re not necessarily revealing new scripture so much as they are expounding on scriptural truths that are already revealed.

The discourses of Joseph Smith are a treasure, and I agree they are very cool. You’ll learn a great deal from them. Prayerfully seek truth from the best books and the Lord will open your undertanding in great ways.

-Gramps