Item Detail
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18727
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1
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0
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English
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Joseph Smith Challenges the Theological World
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The Worlds of Joseph Smith : A Bicentennial Conference at the Library of Congress
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Provo, UT
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Brigham Young University Press
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175-212
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Paulsen states traditional Christian views on the following subjects and then cites examples of Joseph's teachings to show his departure from and challenge of orthodox Christian theology. Joseph taught that divine revelation had not ceased with the apostles and that God had never closed the canon. Joseph's claims to authority directly from God challenged contemporary beliefs in both apostolic succession and authority derived from belief in and knowledge of the Bible. Latter-day Saint Christology came not from the New Testament or from historical sources but from Joseph's direct communication with the Savior. Joseph Smith clarified doctrine on the nature of God, human potential, and salvation for the unevangelized.