Perspectives on the Prophet Joseph Smith

Emma Smith had a unique perspective of Joseph Smith as her husband and the father of her children. Hear insights that help us get a glimpse of Joseph through Emma's eyes.

Learn about the Prophet Joseph Smith through Elder Neal A. Maxwell on this episode of Perspectives. Elder Maxwell's testimony and words about the Prophet Joseph come from a BYU devotional given March 30, 1986, and from general conference in October 2003.

The journals, letters, and diaries of many who met Joseph Smith contain impressions which, woven together, provide details and added dimensions to Joseph's character and to his life. This episode of Perspectives on the Prophet Joseph Smith explores those writings.

Elder Holland discusses events that took place in Missouri and caused early Church members and the Prophet Joseph to experience a "refiner's fire." He offers a message of encouragement and hope during those times when trials come.

For more than 30 years, Scot and Maurine Proctor have followed in the footsteps of Joseph Smith by visiting every place that he ever knew. They brought their camera along with them during their travels to capture in images what Joseph would have seen during his life. This has cultivated in them a deep love for Joseph Smith and his family. The Proctors share the story of how they prayed for light in order to get great photos and how this relates to our search for knowledge. Hear their well-earned perspective of Joseph Smith in this episode of Perspectives.

In this episode of Perspectives Nathan Mitchell shares thoughts about Joseph Smith. He has portrayed the Prophet Joseph Smith in several recent films. Preparing for that role required him to study the life and teachings of Joseph from a somewhat different perspective.

In this episode of Perspectives, Gracia Jones talks about her relationship to the Prophet Joseph Smith, her great-great-grandfather. Despite the criticism Joseph Smith received from others throughout his life, he always remained steadfast in the cause of God. Gracia speaks about how if he was a fraud, he would not have had the courage to endure the scourging, backlash, and tremendous hardship he faced. Though he sealed his testimony with his life, the work he started continues to flourish.

In this episode of Perspectives, historian, scholar, and author Richard Bushman offers insights into events related to the Restoration, with special emphasis on the coming forth of the Book of Mormon.

In this episode of Perspectives, former Church President Gordon B. Hinckley expounds on the life and ministry of Joseph Smith. From his childhood to his assassination at the hands of a vengeful mob, Joseph Smith demonstrated unwavering faith and devotion to the Lord. He decisively proved that "greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). President Hinckley reviews events in Joseph's life that served to refine and prepare him for his divinely appointed mission. He also refutes some of the common accusations that are raised by critics of Joseph Smith.

Jason Deere is a composer, performer, and songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. His most satisfying musical accomplishment has been an album entitled Joseph: A Nashville Tribute to the Prophet. In this episode he talks about what motivated him to write the music and what that process has taught him about Joseph Smith.

President Monson shares his witness that Joseph Smith was indeed the Prophet of the Restoration. He also points out the power of Joseph Smith’s example and teachings in the lives of all who believe in his calling.