BYU ScholarsArchive

Article Title

Joseph Smith and the Past

Authors

John W. Welch

Keywords

Mormon studies, Joseph Smith, civilization

Abstract

My thoughts on Joseph Smith’s interest in past worlds cluster into three sections. The first deals with the challenge of evaluating and assessing Joseph Smith’s recoveries of texts or views from past worlds or civilizations. The second develops a list of ways in which the past functioned in Joseph Smith’s process of continuing revelation. The third focuses on the dynamic link between the past and the present in Joseph Smith’s concept of priesthood authority and its restoration.

Recommended Citation

Welch, John W. (2005) "Joseph Smith and the Past," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 44: Iss. 4, Article 11.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol44/iss4/11