Is the Doctrine and Covenants Based on Joseph Smith’s Personal Diaries?

The relationship between the Doctrine and Covenants and Joseph Smith’s personal diaries has been a topic of discussion among scholars and followers of the Mormon faith. Some argue that the Doctrine and Covenants, a central text in the religion, was heavily influenced by Joseph Smith’s personal records. However, evidence and analysis suggest a more nuanced perspective.

Verifying the Claims

As per available information, it is not entirely accurate to claim that the Doctrine and Covenants was extensively based on Joseph Smith’s personal diaries. While some sections of the Doctrine and Covenants did reference or come from records kept by Joseph Smith, the extent of this influence is limited. Furthermore, it's important to differentiate between the records that served as the basis for the revelations and the subjective accounts found in Joseph’s journals.

Revelations and Journals

According to the Joseph Smith Papers website, the earliest extant sources for the copies of revelations that make up the Doctrine and Covenants are available through Joseph Smith’s journals. Among the 138 sections in the Doctrine and Covenants, only section 116 came directly from Joseph Smith’s journals. The rest were recorded by various scribes and transcribers, including Brigham Young who played a significant role in the transcription process.

The website also provides insights into the original documents that make up the Doctrine and Covenants. It is noteworthy that while many of the original documents are lost, early copies of 16 sections of the current Doctrine and Covenants do appear in Joseph Smith’s journals as early copies. These sections are 108–110, 112–115, 117–120, 127–130, and 135. Some of these represent the earliest extant copies of the revelations, with earlier copies existing for others.

Joseph Smith’s Writing Style

Joseph Smith was known to keep his own journals, but it was not his primary method of recording revelations. In his personal journals, which were often kept without a scribe, the records are sparse and lack context. They tend to be terse and do not capture the full depth of the revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. This is likely because Joseph was not skilled in writing for an extended narrative or recording detailed accounts. The presence of scribes improved the recording and ensured the preservation of the revelatory content.

The Revelations and the Diaries serve different purposes. The Revelations provide divine guidance and commands for the Church, while the Diaries document daily events and personal experiences. When reading these documents side by side, the stark contrast is apparent, underscoring the distinct roles each played in the development of the Mormon faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Doctrine and Covenants is not uniformly based on Joseph Smith’s personal diaries. While there are instances of Joseph’s records being used as a basis for revelations, the process of transcribing and documenting the revelations involved multiple contributors. Understanding the context and sources behind the revelations offers a clearer picture of the development of this important text in the Mormon tradition.

Keywords: Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith, Diaries