Jeff Lindsay thinks Joseph Smith’s greatest legacy is the Book of Mormon. I agree with him and personally feel that the Book of Mormon is probably his greatest legacy for me personally because reading it has literally changed my life.
However, there are many more things that Joseph Smith accomplished in his lifetime that I thought it would be worth highlighting some of them since this month is his birthday. In fact, John Taylor (the Church’s 3rd president) went so far to say that “Joseph Smith has done more save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.”
Some things off the top of my head that I can think of that Joseph Smith left behind include: temples, translation of the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, eternal marriage, and the organization of the Church. I’m sure there are tons more that I’m not thinking of, so that’s where you come in!
Below is a poll that includes a list of the major good things Joseph Smith accomplished. Take the poll and leave a comment on your favorite legacy left by Joseph Smith.
Grace for Grace 
10 comments
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December 5, 2012 at 8:10 am
Cal
My vote is for the Book of Mormon which is powerfully anointed and jam-packed with the same freedom-producing tenets contained in the Bible. (Ezra, have you read it yet?)
As a non-Mormon, however, my experience tells me, as well as the Bible and the Book of Mormon, that the church of Jesus Christ is not confined within the boundaries of the Mormon Church. I believe Jesus accepts all who will come. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
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December 6, 2012 at 1:05 pm
graceforgrace
Hi Cal,
I always love hearing your testimony.
Question for you. Do you feel that the Book of Mormon is scripture? If so, do you think that it compliments, or even completes the Bible?
The reason why I ask is because on my mission we were taught that the Book of Mormon is scripture that clarifies essential doctrines that aren’t clarified in the Bible such as Baptism being essential, explanations of the atonement, and what we call the Plan of Salvation…
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December 10, 2012 at 6:20 am
Cal
Hi AMA,
My view of the Book of Mormon is still in formation, to tell you the truth.
Since one definition of “Scripture” is “writings to which final appeal is made in matters of doctrine,” I cannot say I’m to the point of calling it Scripture. But I regard it as the most anointed book I have ever read besides the Bible and I have placed on top of one of my bookcases because I feel the Holy Spirit wants me to read it more. (And I very much enjoy reading it.)
I have a question for you—or any other Mormon here: If or when you find a disagreement between the Bible and the Book of Mormon, which one would you, or do you, believe?
Merry Christmas!
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December 12, 2012 at 6:23 pm
graceforgrace
Hi Cal,
I always love that you follow the Holy Spirit before anything else. It is a very rare thing to find a Christian who is open enough to read the Book of Mormon and feel the Spirit.
I feel personally that the Book of Mormon and Bible are on the same level. I think there are things in the Bible that enhance one’s understanding of the Book of Mormon and visa versa.
I would say though that 99% of Mormons would probably put the Book of Mormon above the Bible. Especially since many leaders of the Church have said that over the pulpit. Joseph Smith himself is quoted in the cover page of the Book of Mormon as saying “it is the most correct book on the earth and man will get nearer to God by abiding by it’s precepts than through any other book.”
There are things within the Bible that are conflicting, which I’ve heard some non-Christians quick to point that out and say the Bible isn’t true. I’ve also seen numerous Christians to point out things in the Book of Mormon that don’t line up with their views of the Bible and they do the same thing.
The most important thing in all of this is to do what you are doing and follow the Holy Spirit. The Spirit never lies.
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December 13, 2012 at 7:40 pm
Cal
Thanks for your informative answer, AMA.
Your attention to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and your faith in general is uplifting to me. Keep plowing!
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December 5, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Bonnie
Wow. How to boil down the contributions of the man responsible for the Restoration. Daunting. I’ve been reading the Doctrine & Covenants this month and I’m amazed at all that he accomplished, always apparently without the resources he needed. He remains one of the people I’d most like to meet. BTW, his birthday is Dec. 23, though the post about his contributions is timely and thought-provoking any time.
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December 5, 2012 at 6:45 pm
Cal
Bonnie, if I can ask . . . how has Jesus, through Joseph Smith, changed your life? I love to hear testimonies.
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December 6, 2012 at 1:00 pm
graceforgrace
Hi Bonnie,
LOL! Thanks for reminding me of his Birthday. For some reason I thought it was Dec 5th. I’ll update that.
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December 5, 2012 at 8:46 pm
el oso
After some thought, I think the Book of Mormon is the greatest single accomplishment. It lead to the JST and D & C directly. It also gave the LDS a unique brand of Christianity even though much of the current difference may come elsewhere. As many recent church leaders, most notably President Benson have said, the Book of Mormon is foundational to our church.
The restoration of temple worship is the other great legacy, but I wonder if only a few million patrons are enough move it to #1. Also, the church went a dozen years before getting the full temple ordinances.
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December 6, 2012 at 11:24 am
Ken
Aside from the Book of Mormon, I appreciate the liberal belief structure and ever changing/flexible organization Joseph left behind where we’re all free to hammer out our salvation on our own under the all encompassing blanket of Grace offered by the Savior’s atonement.
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