Although writing systems have long been around, and religious texts seem to have often formed the core of a culture’s written records, the establishment of an agreed-upon scriptural canon has often been somewhat in dispute. Add to that the fact that it is only within the past three or four centuries that literacy has become a fairly common practice for “the masses,” and we quickly understand why a prophet was so critical in maintaining doctrinal purity and consistency prior to that time. Because a set scriptural canon was not often established, and because the average person did not have access to it anyway, the non-cleric needed to have access to the heavens for seeking answers beyond his own personal prayers. The prophet served that role.

The prophet petitioned God on behalf of His children, and God spoke to His children through the prophet. This uniform system was very effective, especially for small populations conducive to communication via oral means. The challenge grew, as prophets of every age learned, as the population of the children of God grew. Close contact with the prophet of God-both for discipline as well as inspiration-became less regular, and with that distance, the communities of followers became more fragmented. Note the growth of the Christian church in the New Testament record, for example. While Jesus was alive, he taught all those who wanted to become disciples of His way. After His death, as the apostles spread the Good News throughout the surrounding countries, differences of opinion, administration, and belief began to show up everywhere. Letters to the various branches of the Church were sent to shore up the weak spots until apostles and seventies could get there and restore lost or corrupted truths and practices.

Though this example comes from the New Testament era, it follows a general pattern of the prophet seeking God’s direction, teaching that direction to his community, and writing it down for future reference. Subsequent prophets both relied on that scriptural record and understood the need for expanding the canon as new social situations were encountered and as God’s direction for his children of each time and place brought logical extensions and enhancements. In fact, revelation is a hallmark of a prophetic call as much as is the ability to interpret and apply the revelations contained in existing prophetic writings.

The proper relationship between current revelation and recorded revelation of former days is perhaps best explained by Papias, one of the earliest Christian bishops: “If ever someone who had accompanied the presbyters should come, I examined carefully the words of the presbyters, [to learn] what Andrew, Peter, Philip, Thomas, John, Matthew, or any other of the disciples of the Lord said and what things Aristion and the presbyter John, disciples of the Lord, are saying. For I did not suppose the contents of books would profit me so much as the words and the living voice” (as quoted in Where Have All the Prophets Gone? Scott M. Petersen, p. 65).

Sources:

Where Did All the Prophets Go? Scott M. Petersen

Encyclopedia of Religion, ed. Mircea Eliade, s.v. “Prophecy”

Lifespan

Born July 19, 1876 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Died July 2, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ministry

Joseph Fielding Smith was baptized a member of the Church at age 8 in 1884. He served a mission in England 1899-1901, and was ordained an Apostle at age 33. From age 44 to 93, he served as Church Historian. When he was aged 68-72, he served as president of the Salt Lake Temple, and in 1951 (age 74) became president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. At age 93, Joseph Fielding Smith was sustained as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served until his death in 1972.

Preparation and Calling

Joseph Fielding Smith was the son of a prophet (Joseph F. Smith) and the grandson of Hyrum Smith, Assistant President of the Church and brother of Joseph Smith Jr., the first prophet of this dispensation. He loved the scriptures and studied them his entire life, becoming one of the Church’s foremost theologians. He served as an Apostle for 60 years in preparation for his eventual calling as the prophet of the Lord.

Interaction with God

Not much is known about Joseph Fielding Smith’s actual interactions with Deity. From his teachings, however, we can see that he was a man who cared deeply about the scriptures and desired to keep his life and teaching in line with the accepted revelations of the Lord. His natural inclination was perhaps to look for direction and answers in what the Lord had already given His children before seeking additional instruction.

Social Situation

During the two and a half years of President Smith’s tenure as prophet, the first stakes were organized in Africa and Asia. In America, the turbulent 70s were just beginning, and his counsel to adhere closely to the revealed gospel of Jesus Christ provided a much needed voice of clear direction in a country that was seeking meaning in life.

Key Teachings

Joseph Fielding Smith taught that we have an obligation to both seek and understand God’s word as revealed in the holy scriptures, and then to hold fast to that word with unshakable faith and action. In essence, God has given us what we need to gain exaltation and return to live with Him, so let nothing interfere with your commitment to do that will.