Answers to Gospel Questions by Joseph F. Smith

by Joseph Fielding Smith

Volume 1, Copyright 1957Volume 2, Copyright 1958Volume 3, Copyright 1960Volume 4, Copyright 1963Volume 5, Copyright 1966This volume contains the complete and unabridged texts of the original editions.PUBLISHER'S May 1953, Joseph Fielding Smith, later tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, began a series of monthly articles in the Improvement Era called "Your Questions." In these articles, he provided answers to some of the hundreds of questions he received from members of the Church and nonmembers alike. Starting in 1957, Deseret Book Company began publishing many of these questions and answers in a five-volume series entitled Answers to Gospel Questions.Now Deseret Book is reprinting this classic collection in one volume. The new edition has a timeless design and includes the complete, unabridged text. It also offers an updated, combined index and a new appendix, making it easier to find the information and answers you need. It should be noted that because ours is a church of continuing revelation, a few responses to questions are now dated. This work should be read in the context of the time in which it was written.Answers to Gospel Questions provides definitive answers to some of the most important and interesting questions asked by students of the gospel. In this volume, you will find information on topics ranging from sin to sacrament, from forgiveness to Fall, from marriage to miracles. You will also find answers to many intriguing gospel questions, Why did God create a world where suffering exists? What is the nature of miracles? How do we know we have a Mother in Heaven? Why do little children partake of the sacrament? Does the devil have power to tempt departed spirits? What is the doctrine of plural gods?It is hoped that in providing this new edition of the well-loved classic, Deseret Book Company can help members of the Church as well as nonmembers find the answers they need to better understand the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Genres: Lds, Religion, Church, Mormonism, Reference, Faith, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1970 until his death. He was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was the sixth president of the LDS Church. His grandfather was Hyrum Smith, brother of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who was Joseph Fielding's great-uncle.

Reviews

[[Name Redacted] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like McConkie's "Mormon Doctrine", this book contains many treatises by one man which largely represent only his own personal views and interpretations. Unlike "Mormon Doctrine", Fielding Smith typically does an excellent job of outlining A) which views and interpretations ARE his own, and B) that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints expects its members to pursue personal spiritual confirmation of statements by its leaders. I tend to feel that this is one of the primary defining characteristics of the largest Mormon sect -- the belief that one should not just do what the leaders say because the leaders have said it -- and so appreciate when its leaders explicitly express this fact.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book because you can just sit down for five minutes and read one gospel question and get its answer. A lot of the stuff you already know, but it's still cool to hear him explain why it's that way. Also, I've found lots of stuff I didn't know...sadly, because I don't read the actual scriptures themselves enough!

[Okeng Emmy · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is such a amazing book to read brethren and sisters . Make sure you just open it and grasp some eternal knowledge from it

[Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had answers to many scriptural and doctrinal questions that were submitted to President Joseph Fielding Smith and he provided written answers. President Smith obviously had a prodigious understanding of church history and doctrine and it showed in the breadth of his answers. I learned some good things.

Some of his writings are a bit dated, e.g. some statements about race and the priesthood. Sometimes his language is a bit critical of members of the Church who are apathetic about learning and living the gospel, and his warnings can be a bit stern. He also is a bit critical of some critics of the church and other religions that he considered at times as being antagonistic to the truth. Reading it from the vantage point of 21st century standards of political correctness it is clear that he was living and writing in a very different time. However, I am grateful for his testimony and clear explanations of many points of doctrine. I hope someday to achieve the kind of scriptural, doctrinal, and historical understanding that he has.

[Marcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really educational. Tackles a lot of questions in a clear way.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

You gotta love Deseret Book's preface to this one-edition version of President Smith's classic: our's is a church of continuing revelation and some of the answers are now dated.

That's about the right approach to the book. I consider it a must-read for anyone serious about understanding the LDS perspective, but President Smith does tend to finesse some of the tougher questions a bit. Even where the answers are not entirely satisfying, the questions themselves are thought-provoking enough to justify a read. The bulk of the answers are quite good, though, and some are even rather surprising.

Read it straight through or keep it by your side as you study the scriptures. It's a classic.

[Mike Emett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although in 2014 some of the questions/answers are a bit dated since this was originally done in the 1950's, (i.e. priesthood and all worthy males)this is a great read for those seeking answers to the same questions one might have and other questions I knew I never thought of asking. Helps clarify what may seem as confusing doctrine or moments in Church history (both primitive and Restored) or for those LDS who care, some 'deep doctrine' but nothing too deep and crazy. I really enjoyed this and learned a lot.

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Part of me loves this book, and part of me hates it. While it's an excellent for finding thorough answers to a lot of doctrinal questions, many of the "questions" seem to be really contrived and many of the "answers" seem really combative in nature--like you can imagine someone saying "So there!" after reading them.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, in my spare time, I have been picking this book up, opening it to random pages and just reading. It is not a book that I could read cover to cover and for that reason it will perpetually be in my currently-reading category. But it so interesting to read and I am really enjoying all the things I am learning.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think every member of the church should at least read through the index of questions answered in this book and read any that catch their interest. A lot of questions I have wondered about were answered in this book.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love reading random sections of this book because it makes me want to go and read more about whatever section I open up to. Kind of like browsing through an encyclopedia: some of it is common knowledge, but other parts are really unusual.

[Dr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the questions a teacher will get asked outside the traditional rank and file scriptural questions.

[Ryan]

I just have volume one.

[Spencer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great reference book.

[Kimber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever. I love this book, it answers so many questions and helps in all lessons that you may need to teach. Everyone should have this book. We have TWO!!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reference book!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!!! I learned a lot, and Joseph Fielding Smith is an amazing writer/scriptorian!!!!!! It was totally worth the money.

[Ernie Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is actually 5 volumes. Outstanding stuff. Read on my mission.

[Sacha Head · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clearly and excellently written, though very long. I think it's hilarious how he reprimands people for not reading their scriptures and then answers their questions.

[Melissa Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD! LOVE THIS!

[Mom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative. Very Good.

[Brandon Minster · Rating 2 out of 5]

Volume One: 2001
Volume Two: 2001
Volume Three: 2002
Volume Four: 2002
Volume Five: 2002