205. Matthew Bowman on President Joseph Fielding Smith

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Matthew Bowman to discuss his book Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon Theologian. President Joseph Fielding Smith, tenth president of the LDS Church (from January 1970-July 1972), is “without question the most important Latter-day Saint theologian of the twentieth century”. Writing at least twenty-five books and pamphlets that touch upon every doctrinal subject, from the nature of God to eschatology, and debating everyone from Protestants to the RLDS to even fellow General Authorities – it is nearly impossible to measure the influence Fielding Smith had upon the LDS church, laity and general authority alike. From his emphasis on LDS scripture and ritual to his pessimism toward notions of progress based upon science, Dr. Bowman takes us through highlights and paradoxes that define and characterize his work from start to finish. How did Fielding Smith define scripture, given his commitment to essentials beyond the text (such as LDS Temples)? Why did Fielding Smith oppose the work of his fellow general authorities who were much more open to synthesizing modern science with Mormon theology? What was the story behind the publication of Fielding Smith’s “crowning achievement” Man: His Origin and Destiny in 1954? Is there reason to believe that Fielding Smith hid Joseph Smith’s 1832 First Vision account? Listen in, as Dr. Bowman takes us through this and more as we hear about some highlights of one of the most theologically and administratively significant LDS apostles and LDS church President-Prophets.Book: Joseph Fielding Smith: A Mormon TheologianOther resources by Dr. Bowman:- The Mormon People: The Making of an American Faith- Christian: The Politics of a Word in America- The Urban Pulpit: New York City and the Fate of Liberal EvangelicalismCheck out: Official ManualSome resources by Joseph Fielding Smith:Essentials in Church HistoryTeachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith (edited)The Way to PerfectionThe Progress of ManSigns of the TimesMan: His Origin and DestinyDoctrines of Salvation (3 volumes)Answers to Gospel Questions (5 volumes)Some Talks:“The Law of Divine Witnesses” (October 18, 1949)“The Origin of Man” (April 22, 1953)“The Immutable Laws of God” (June 15, 1953)“The Knowledge that Saves” (June 23, 1954)“The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (January 25, 1955)“The Purpose of Mortal Life” (May 1, 1956)“Seeking Salvation in the Kingdom of God” (January 22, 1961)“Essentials of Faith” (June 24, 1964)“The Blessings of Eternal Glory” (April 23, 1968)“Sealing Power and Salvation” (January 12, 1971)General Conference Talks as President of the Church:“Out of Darkness”“Our Responsibilities as Priesthood Holders”“A Witness and a Blessing”“I Know That My Redeemer Liveth”“Blessings of the Priesthood”“Let the Spirit of Oneness Prevail”“Counsel to the Saints and to the World”“Eternal Keys and the Right to Preside”“A Prophet’s Blessing”Other resources:“Another Look at Joseph Smith’s First Vision” by Stan LarsonHistory of the Idea of Progress by Robert NisbetProgress and Religion by Christopher Dawson