The Man Who Communed with Jehovah: Joseph Smith and the Restoration of Truth

How Can We Know That God Answers Us?

Many wonder if God hears their prayers, especially in moments of doubt. The life of Joseph Smith provides a profound response to this question. His experiences illustrate that God is a revealing, personal, and involved being who speaks to those who sincerely seek Him.

A Prophet’s Testimony of Jesus Christ

In his General Conference address, Elder Kyle S. McKay testifies of Jesus Christ through the lens of Joseph Smith’s life. Joseph’s search for truth led to the First Vision, launching the Restoration of the Gospel and demonstrating God’s willingness to respond to sincere seekers. Elder McKay highlights Joseph’s unwavering faith, commitment to repentance, and reliance on revelation, showing how these principles remain vital today.

This message is relevant for those experiencing faith questions. It addresses the nature of God, the reality of personal revelation, and the power of repentance. Like Joseph, we can turn to God with our doubts and trust in His divine guidance.

Doctrine: Does God Really Answer Prayers?

Question: Why don’t I always receive clear or immediate answers like Joseph Smith did?

Many struggle with the idea that God answers prayers, especially when responses aren’t immediate or dramatic. It’s easy to assume divine communication is reserved for prophets or that their faith is insufficient.

Response:

Elder McKay emphasizes that Joseph’s experience is a model for all who seek divine guidance. Joseph wrestled with uncertainty before acting in faith. Similarly, answers may come through scripture, personal impressions, or gradual understanding—but God does answer. The key is trusting His timing and methods.

All-or-Nothing Thinking (Viewing Situations in Extreme, Absolute Terms)

• This fallacy assumes that something must be either entirely true or entirely false, with no room for nuance or complexity. In this case, all-or-nothing thinking assumes that if one doesn’t receive an answer like Joseph did, then God must not answer at all. However, divine communication varies for each person.

Confirmation Bias (Favoring Information That Supports Preexisting Beliefs)

• This occurs when someone selectively focuses on evidence that aligns with their views while ignoring or dismissing contradictory evidence. Some expect only a dramatic spiritual manifestation and overlook quieter, consistent promptings. Recognizing small, daily witnesses strengthens faith.

History: Was Joseph Smith’s Life a Pattern of Deception or Divine Calling?

Criticism: Joseph Smith was uneducated—how could he have been called as a prophet?

Skeptics argue that Joseph’s lack of education and young age disqualify him from being a prophet. Some claim he fabricated the First Vision and the Book of Mormon to enhance credibility.

Response:

Elder McKay underscores that Joseph’s calling was divine, not self-made. His pattern of revelation—from the First Vision to translating the Book of Mormon—demonstrates reliance on God. Despite relentless persecution, Joseph remained faithful. The fruits of his work—doctrinal clarity, continued revelation, and the Church’s growth—affirm his prophetic role.

Common Fallacies:

Ad Hominem (Attacking the Person Instead of the Argument) 

• This fallacy occurs when someone attacks an individual’s character, background, or traits instead of addressing the validity of their claims. In Joseph Smith’s case, critics attack Joseph’s background rather than engaging with the substance of his revelations and teachings. Personal circumstances do not invalidate truth.

Presentism (Judging the Past by Modern Standards) 

• Presentism is the application of contemporary values and norms to judge historical figures or events. Some critics view Joseph Smith through modern expectations of education, failing to acknowledge that formal schooling was limited in early 19th-century rural America. While Joseph lacked higher education, he produced the Book of Mormon and led a growing religious movement, which speaks to his spiritual gifts and divine calling, not just his academic background.

False Dilemma (Forcing a Binary Choice When More Options Exist) 

• A false dilemma presents only two extreme choices, ignoring the possibility of a nuanced reality. Assuming Joseph was either a fraud or a perfect individual is a flawed premise. Critics often claim that Joseph Smith must have been either a flawless prophet or a complete fraud. This ignores the historical reality that prophets—like Moses, Jonah, and Peter—were imperfect people called to do God’s work. The truthfulness of Joseph’s revelations does not depend on his perfection as a person.

Defending Divine Doctrines: Continuous Revelation

Explanation of Doctrine

A key teaching from Elder McKay’s talk is continuous revelation—the principle that God speaks today just as He did in ancient times. Joseph Smith’s mission restored lost truths, confirming that divine guidance did not cease with the Bible. Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 affirms that God is tangible and actively communicates with His children.

How This Doctrine Defends Core Beliefs:

• Critics argue that Latter-day Saints add to the Bible (Revelation 22:18). However, this verse refers to the Book of Revelation, not all scripture. If God is unchanging (Hebrews 13:8), why would He stop revealing truth?
• Some claim modern prophets are unnecessary since we have scripture. Yet, the Bible records ongoing revelation—Noah, Moses, and Paul all received divine guidance. Amos 3:7 confirms that God reveals His will through prophets.

Application

• Clarifying misunderstandings: Many assume revelation ended with the Bible. Joseph Smith’s experience proves that God still guides His people today.
• Practical use: When discussing revelation, ask: “If God spoke in the past, why wouldn’t He now?” Encourage others to seek revelation through scripture study and prayer.

Historical and Doctrinal Connections

Contextual Background

The First Vision was not an isolated event but part of a divine pattern. Just as Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-6), Lehi’s vision (1 Nephi 1:8-9), and Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6) marked turning points in history, Joseph Smith’s vision initiated the Restoration. The Lord has always spoken to His children, revealing truth through prophets.

In Doctrine and Covenants 6-9, Oliver Cowdery learned firsthand about personal revelation. Seeking to assist Joseph in translating the Book of Mormon, Oliver desired the same gift of revelation. The Lord taught him that revelation comes through study, faith, and the workings of the Holy Ghost (D&C 9:7-9). Just like Joseph, Oliver had to learn that divine guidance often comes as quiet impressions rather than dramatic manifestations.

Doctrinal Connection to Come, Follow Me

• Doctrine and Covenants 6:22-23 reminds us that revelation often comes as peace to the mind—a principle Oliver Cowdery experienced when he sought divine confirmation.
• Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 explains that revelation works through both the mind and heart, reinforcing that the Lord speaks to us in ways we can understand.
• Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9 highlights that revelation requires effort, study, and faith before receiving answers. This principle continues to guide us in seeking personal revelation today.

Oliver’s experiences mirror those of all who seek revelation. Like him, we must learn to trust in the Spirit’s quiet confirmations and act in faith. This week’s lesson emphasizes that revelation is available to all who diligently seek it.

Living Apologetics

Faith in Action –share what you’ve learned-

• Host a Discussion on Personal Revelation. Invite others to share experiences of divine guidance. Use Joseph Smith’s example to encourage questions and testimony.
• Ask Thought-Provoking Questions. Engage in a conversation: “If God spoke in ancient times, why wouldn’t He today?”
• Use Joseph Smith’s Story to Comfort Those Struggling with Doubt. Share how asking questions strengthens faith.

Quick Reference: Key Defenses and Facts

Defensive Highlights

• God still speaks today. Joseph’s experience confirms that revelation did not end with the Bible.
• Seeking answers through prayer leads to revelation. The First Vision exemplifies James 1:5.
• Prophets are not perfect, but their calling is divine. Joseph Smith never claimed perfection, yet his revelations remain true.

Conclusion: Encouragement and Reflection

Elder McKay’s talk reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives. Joseph Smith’s experience proves that questions lead to revelation, not away from faith. We can ask, seek, and trust in God’s answers.

What questions will you take to the Lord, trusting He will answer in His time?

“Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God, a witness of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was ‘blessed to open the last dispensation,’ and we are blessed that he did.” – Elder Kyle S. McKay

 

The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.