Articles of Faith (LDS)

Articles of Faith (LDS)
Name	Articles of Faith
Author	Joseph Smith
Date	1842
Language	English
Genre	Creed
Location	Nauvoo, Illinois

Articles of Faith (LDS) are a thirteen-point summary of doctrines composed by Joseph Smith in 1842, widely used within the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and related Latter Day Saint movement denominations. They function as a concise statement of beliefs and practices, informing missionary work, Sunday School, and doctrinal instruction across congregations from Kirtland, Ohio to Salt Lake City, Utah. The text connects to broader texts such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price.

Background and Origin

Joseph Smith drafted the Articles while corresponding with the editor of the Edinburgh Review and preparing material for publication in the Times and Seasons, a periodical produced in Nauvoo, Illinois. The composition occurred amid interactions with figures like William Smith and during the consolidation of institutions such as the Nauvoo Legion and the Relief Society. The formulation responded to public controversies involving the Missouri Executive Order 44 aftermath, disputes with newspapers like the Wasp, and diplomatic tensions connected to the Illinois Militia. The Articles were published alongside biographical and doctrinal expositions related to events such as the Bank of Nauvoo establishment and the migration trajectories toward Jackson County, Missouri and Great Salt Lake.

Text and Content

The text consists of thirteen numbered statements outlining beliefs about the Godhead, revelation, scripture, ordinances, priesthood authority, and moral obligations. It references canonical works including the Book of Mormon, the Bible, and revelations recorded in the Doctrine and Covenants. Topics in the Articles intersect with teachings about the Atonement of Jesus Christ, the nature of Angels, prophetic authority exemplified by Joseph Smith and later leaders like Brigham Young, and community practices such as baptism, fasting, and tithing connected to institutions like the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. The composition uses language paralleling earlier creeds such as the Apostles' Creed while asserting distinctives found in Latter-day Saint scripture and policy.

Role in Latter-day Saint Theology

Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Articles serve as a pedagogical summation of doctrines taught by the First Presidency and the Presiding Bishopric. They clarify positions on revelation in continuity with Book of Mormon prophets like Nephi and Mormon and attest to ongoing prophetic leadership exemplified by Joseph Smith. The Articles articulate views on priesthood authority tied to offices within the Aaronic priesthood and the Melchizedek priesthood, and they anchor ethical directives that inform policy decisions by bodies such as the General Relief Society Presidency and the Sunday School General Presidency.

Historical Development and Revisions

Although the thirteen points have remained stable, their interpretation evolved through sermons by leaders like Brigham Young, expositions in Journal of Discourses, and institutional clarifications from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Scholarly attention from historians at institutions like the LDS Church History Department and independent researchers at Brigham Young University and the Joseph Smith Papers Project has highlighted textual variants and contextual drafts linked to the Times and Seasons publication. Later editions, hymnals, and manuals issued by the Church Educational System and the Relief Society have emphasized different emphases, reflecting shifts observable alongside events such as the 1890 Manifesto and twentieth-century administrative reforms.

Use in Worship, Education, and Missionary Work

The Articles appear in instructional materials used by the Missionary Training Center and are memorized by missionaries serving in areas administered by missions like the Utah Salt Lake Mission. They are cited in lesson manuals for Relief Society, Young Women, and Elders Quorum classes, and are printed in editions of the Latter-day Saint hymnal and the General Handbook. Liturgical and catechetical use parallels practices found in other confessional traditions such as the use of catechisms in Anglicanism and the Presbyterian Church (USA), while remaining specific to Latter-day Saint organizational structures, temple worship norms, and missionary strategies promoted by the Missionary Department.

Reception and Influence

Reception among members has generally been favorable, with the Articles forming part of collective identity alongside scriptural texts like the Book of Mormon. Scholars in American religious history and analysts from institutions such as Harvard Divinity School, Yale Divinity School, and the University of Chicago Divinity School have debated their doctrinal centrality and historical origins. Outside the movement, commentators in periodicals including the New York Times and academic journals have treated the Articles as emblematic of Latter-day Saint theology, often comparing them to statements by movements like the Second Great Awakening and figures like Alexander Campbell.

Comparative Perspectives and Criticism

Comparative theology studies place the Articles in dialogue with confessions like the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession, noting contrasts on the nature of the Godhead, revelation, and authority. Critics from anti-Mormon writers and scholars associated with groups such as the New York Anti-Masonic movement and commentators in publications like the Edinburgh Review historically challenged claims about prophetic authority and scriptural canon. Modern debates focus on interpretive issues addressed by historians at projects like the Joseph Smith Papers Project and by theologians at Brigham Young University and secular programs assessing continuity and change in Latter-day Saint doctrine.

Category:Latter Day Saint texts