In the Mormon church, we often discuss the words of God to Joseph Smith which are found in the Doctrine and Covenants. However, these immutable words of God have in fact been changed numerous times. Quite often in ways that are in opposition to their original meanings. If the words of God can so easily be changed, then what does that mean for us that choose to rely upon them?
Words of God
Many have concluded that Joseph changing the revelations is not a huge concern, because he was the one to receive them in the first place. I do understand what they are saying, however at what point is a change actually a change and not a clarification? This seems to be up to each individual and the context of the situation. Today we generally view the scriptures as God’s literal words, however this is not how Joseph saw things at all.
I am not saying he didn’t hold them as sacred. However, if God gave most people words to write then they would write the literal words and not change them. The trouble with this though, is if the wrong words were received then what does that mean? If Joseph made a change to the revelations that was not correct, then what does that mean? Lastly, if the words of God need the help of men to be correct, then what does that mean?
There are a lot of questions that we must come to grips with. None of them are easy. However, it seems today most people want to simply wave the questions away and simply assume that since Joseph received the Book of Mormon and was a prophet, then everything he did was true and good. They are putting their faith and trust in Joseph and establishing him as a foundation for their religious faith.
In looking at the changes, a lot of them are minor changes to improve readability. However, these have no significant impact on the meaning of the text itself. In an ideal situation, you would assume God has a mastery of the English language and wouldn’t need subsequent changes to be correct. However, these single word changes could be scribal errors, so I won’t focus on them. For instance, D&C 1 has a few single word changes which don’t impact the meaning at all. Almost all the earlier revelations though have meaningful changes with some having extensive changes which alter the overall meaning.
D&C 5
D&C 5 is the first revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants with extensive changes. Many of the changes are small, however others are very important in their consequences. I don’t want to go through every single change, as this would become unbearably long. However, I do want to present the 1833 Book of Commandments version and compare it with the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants. It does seem like the majority of these foundational changes were made in that short time period. The bolded sections are the meaningful changes that were made in the later versions of the revelations.
The first change is that Joseph was originally told that he had a gift to translate the Book of Mormon and would be given no other gift. He also was told that he shouldn’t act like he had other gifts as he wouldn’t be given any other gifts.
He has a gift to translate the book, and I have commanded him that he shall pretend to no other gift, for I will grant him no other gift.
Chapter IV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 5)
You have a gift to translate the plates; and this is the first gift that I bestowed upon you, and I have commanded that you should pretend to no other gift until my purpose is fulfilled in this; for I will grant unto you no other gift until it is finished.
Section XXXII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 5)
Joseph changed the text to indicate that the ability to translate was the first gift he would be given, and that he would be given no other gifts until the translation was complete. After the translation was complete, then he would presumably be given any number of additional gifts. This is a complete opposite of the original meaning. Joseph went from no other gifts to any number of additional gifts.
The next change is that Joseph actually inserted himself in several places in the revelation. Most of these serve no narrative purpose and actually complicate the text instead of simplifying it. The revelation itself was received on behalf of Martin and was read directly to Martin. However, it seems to repeatedly switch between addressing Martin and Joseph.
I command him that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter.
Chapter IV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 5)
I command you, my servant Joseph, that you shall say unto him, that he shall do no more, nor trouble me any more concerning this matter.
Section XXXII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 5)
Towards the end of the revelation Joseph changed it to indicate that he was supposed to speak to Martin concerning Martin’s desires. This is just one of the many times that Joseph inserted himself in the text of the revelation. Overall, the revelation has more than 40 notable changes with many of them being insertions to add Joseph’s name or directing the text to him.
Another time Joseph inserted himself is in the revelation, God mentioned that the current generation was going to have his words along with the words of the Three Witnesses. The words of God then, in the original text, would seem to be the Book of Mormon and nothing additional. The testimony of the three witnesses supported the Book of Mormon and not the Book of Commandments.
This generation shall have my words, yea and the testimony of three of my servants shall go forth with my words unto this generation;
Chapter IV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 5)
This generation shall have my word through you; in addition to your testimony the testimony of three of my servants
Section XXXII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 5)
Joseph however changed the text to indicate that the current generation would have God’s words through him. This may have been the original intended meaning. However, the 1833 version of the revelation seems to strongly indicate that the words of God were the Book of Mormon, along with the testimony of the Three Witnesses which backed up the Book of Mormon. The 1835 version, unnecessarily inserted Joseph, and left God’s words to be very open ended instead. This is one complication we see today. Many members believe everything a leader speaks is the word of God. This is based on unnecessary alterations like this one.
The last notable change in D&C 5 is an entire section that was deleted. This section described what would happen if the current generation received God’s word and what would happen if they didn’t. If they received it, then God would perfect the people. However, if they didn’t receive it then they would be turned over to Satan and they would be spiritually destroyed.
And thus, if the people of this generation harden not their hearts, I will work a reformation among them, and I will put down all lyings, and deceivings, and priestcrafts, and envyings, and strifes, and idolatries, and sorceries, and all manner of iniquities, and I will establish my church, like unto the church which was taught by my disciples in the days of old.
And now if this generation do harden their hearts against my word, behold I will deliver them up unto satan, for he reigneth and hath much power at this time, for he hath got great hold upon the hearts of the people of this generation: and not far from the iniquities of Sodom and Gomorrah, do they come at this time: and behold the sword of justice hangeth over their heads, and if they persist in the hardness of their hearts, the time cometh that it must fall upon them.
Chapter IV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 5)
It is interesting to note though, that the church that is mentioned, was to be like the church that was taught in the days of old. This was presumably to be modelled after the early Christian converts before the church became institutionalized. In almost every known respect, that church was different from the Mormonism that we experience today. The Mormonism we see today was much more like the early church when it became highly controlled by Popes and Bishops.
D&C 18
The next revelation to look at is D&C 18 which has a few sporadic changes. However, one of the changes is monumental in its implications. At the very start of the revelation, the revelation states that Joseph and Oliver, who the revelation were addressed to, were to rely on what was already written because it contained the fullness of the gospel. It is important to note that the revelation was received in June 1829 which of course was before the church, as we know it, was even formally organized.
I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written, concerning my church, my gospel, and my rock. Wherefore if you shall build up my church, and my gospel, and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Chapter XV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 18)
I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written; for in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel and my rock; wherefore, if you shall build up my church upon the foundation of my gospel and my rock, the gates of hell shall not prevail against you.
Section XLIII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 18)
Joseph changed the text to no longer indicate that the church was to be based on the Book of Mormon but was instead to just use the Book of Mormon as a starting point for the teachings of the church. Of course, this has enormous implications for the church. Historically, we can see that the church started as a very simple, Book of Mormon based, organization and then progressively deviated more and more.
For instance, Mormonism today doesn’t really resemble anything taught in the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon doesn’t mention temple ordinances, eternal marriage, God being a human, or that God has parents. In fact, a pivotal story from the Book of Mormon, like Alma and Abinadi, would actually be seen as a story of apostates today. They would both be excommunicated and then their view of things would be preached against from the pulpit.
D&C 19
The next revelation to look at is D&C 19. This revelation has a few changes which don’t significantly alter the meaning of the text. However, one of them does completely change the meaning of a direct commandment from God. One early source of contention between the members and non-members was that the non-members would get copies of some of the revelations, such as the Book of Commandments and then would spin them in an unfavorable light.
In fact, there were numerous publications in the early 1830’s and 1840’s that painted Mormonism in an unfriendly light. They would take the revelations out of context or mischaracterize what Joseph would do or say. According to God, the members were to not publish the revelations because the world wasn’t ready to receive them. This very thing was shown to be correct. The world wasn’t ready to receive them. The church itself also didn’t need the revelations published at all, as they were told they were to rely on the Book of Mormon.
And I command you, that you preach nought but repentance; and show not these things, neither speak these things unto the world, for they can not bear meat, but milk they must receive: Wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish
Chapter XVI, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 19)
I command you, that you preach nought but repentance; and show not these things unto the world until it is wisdom in me; for they cannot bear meat now, but milk they must receive: wherefore, they must not know these things lest they perish
Section XLIV, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 19)
This is another case of a subtle change having major consequences. God originally said to not show them at all, however Joseph changed it to give himself permission to go against the original text. This turned out to be the cause of all sorts of complications in the church. It is interesting to me that many of the revelations, like D&C 5 and this one specifically said don’t do something and then Joseph changed the text to allow himself to do it.
D&C 28
The next revelation to look at is D&C 28 which is interesting because it was changed before it was even published at all. In the original text, God mentioned that the specific location for Zion is not to be known, but it would be among the Lamanites. At that time this would have been outside of the United States and was thought of as just west of present-day Missouri.
In preparation for this, Joseph sent Oliver and others into Indian territory to establish a church there. However, at that time, to preach to the Lamanites and establish a church among them, then Joseph needed permission from the federal government which he was unable to receive. The interactions between settlers and Indians were under strict control due to the Indian Removal Act which had just been passed in 1830.
Behold I say unto you that it is not Revealed & no man knoweth where the City shall be built But it shall be given hereafter Behold I say unto you that it shall be among the Lamanites
Revelation, September 1830 (D&C 28)
Behold I say unto you, that it is not revealed, and no man knoweth where the city shall be built, but it shall be given hereafter. Behold I say unto you, that it shall be on the borders by the Lamanites.
Chapter XXX, Book of Commandments (D&C 28)
After Joseph failed to obtain the needed license, then the location of Zion was changed to within federal territory, just within the Missouri state line. This would allow the early church to establish it without special permission from the federal government. This of course was very helpful to the members at the time. However, it is strange that the location of God’s city would be wrong from the start or based on the political whims of the United States government.
D&C 42
The next revelation to look at is D&C 42. This revelation is similar to D&C 20 in that it is essentially the laws and rules for the church. It is also similar to D&C 20 in that it has undergone significant changes from the original text. In fact, there easily could be 50 notable changes in D&C 42. As the church grew, and additional things were added then sections like D&C 20 and D&C 42 were updated to reflect the new language and principles of the church. It is hard to see how or why these things couldn’t have been established from the start.
The change to discuss in this section is similar to the change that was made in D&C 18. In the original language for D&C 42, the church was told to teach out of the scriptures because they contained the fullness of the gospel. The scriptures were defined as the Bible and Book of Mormon. There was no mention at all of the words of the current leaders or the Book of Commandments.
And again, the elders, priests, and teachers of this church, shall teach the scriptures which are in the bible, and the book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel
Chapter XLIV, 1833 Book of Commandments (D&C 42)
And again, the elders, priests and teachers of this church, shall teach the principles of my gospel which are in the bible and the book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel
Section XIII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 42)
Joseph changed the text from referring to the scriptures to instead refer to a general concept of the principles of the gospel. This means, just like the change in D&C 18, that the scriptures were no longer to be exclusively used, they were now just used as a reference or a guide. The continuous changes from the leaders of the church were to be used and taught in the church. This now meant that instead of the scriptures having the fullness of the gospel, the teachings of the leaders of the church held the fullness of the gospel. This is such a subtle change, but has changed almost everything in the church.
D&C 57
The last revelation to look at is D&C 57. This section is similar to D&C 28 because it also was changed before publication for the same reasons. In the original text of the revelation, Sidney Gilbert is instructed to establish a store in order to sell goods to the Lamanites and establish a relationship with them. At that time, the church needed a license in order to do this and the license was never granted.
Let my Servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place & establish a Store … & also let my Servant Sidney obtain Licence (Behold here is wisdom & whose readeth let him understand) that he may send— goods also unto the Lamanites even by whom he will as Clerks employed in his service & thus the Gospel may be preached unto them
Revelation, 20 July 1832 (D&C 57)
let my servant Sidney Gilbert plant himself in this place, and establish a store … And also let my servant Sidney Gilbert obtain a licence, (behold here is wisdom, and whoso readeth let him understand,) that he may send goods also unto the people, even by whom he will as clerks, employed in his service, and thus provide for my saints, that my gospel may be preached unto those who sit in darkness and in the region and shadow of death.
Section XXVII, 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (D&C 57)
Since the church never received the license from the government then the text of the revelation was changed in order to remove the Lamanites and instead make the store a general concept to all the members. This change is interesting, because if the store was originally needed, to help convert the Lamanites so they could help build Zion, then why was the store changed to be a general store for the people?
Did God no longer need the store for the Lamanites? Did the political decisions of the United States government influence the plans of God? The change does show how specific conditions are specified in the revelations, and then if those can’t be met for whatever reason, then those conditions are just either made conditional or altogether changed in the text.
Conclusion
Many would consider the changing of revelations to be a minor point of interest. However, it does seem that the need to change the revelations to either be open ended or reflect the political realities of Joseph’s time to be something that we should pause and consider. Is this really how God operates?
We could of course consider that the words are not from God, word for word, but then we would have to open the possibility that they are incomplete or wrong. If they are incomplete or wrong, then what does this mean for the church? What does it mean for those of us they rely on them for our understanding of God and his dealings with us today?
It also is quite unclear as to why the church would be told to rely on the scriptures for their teachings and then Joseph felt the need to change this to general concepts such as the principles of the church. The scriptures are clearly defined. However, the principles of the church are ever changing. They are in fact completely up to the whims of the current leaders. If the current leader of the church felt the need, then they could change whatever they saw fit, and it would now be binding on the whole church. If the church relied on the scriptures, as the revelations originally stated, then this situation wouldn’t be possible.
It is also unclear as to why Joseph felt the need to change the revelations based on the political decisions of the United States government. If God wanted a store for the Lamanites or a city in their territory, then why should the actions of men change that? It seems to me that if God wanted it, then he would have known whether it would have worked out or not from the very start. Does God give commandments that he knows will not work for reasons outside of our control?
Of course, God can change things as the need arises. However, Joseph changing the supposed words of God, to hide inconvenient truths, looks very strange to me. If God wants something new, then I don’t see a reason why God can’t give a new revelation to state this along with the reason for the change. Trust in God and his prophets is not built by hiding the past when it no longer aligns with the present.
