Joseph Smith’s Tritheism: The Prophet’s Theology in Historical Context, Critiqued from a Nicene Perspective
Ebook
"I have always declared God to be a distinct personage, Jesus Christ a separate and distinct personage from God the Father, and that the Holy Ghost was a distinct personage and a Spirit: and these three constitute three distinct personages and three Gods." --Joseph Smith Few figures in North American religious history are quite as enigmatic as Joseph Smith. His unabashed adherence to tritheism gave birth to one of the most influential religious movements in American history. Many attempts have been made to engage his life and unorthodox theology. However, Joseph Smith's Tritheism is a unique text that blends church history, thoughtful theological exegesis, and evangelical apologetics in an attempt to engage Joseph Smith's theology anew.
"Hartman shows that a grasp of historic Trinitarian thought
matters. In this context, it matters for Christians seeking to
understand and evaluate the doctrine of God held by the Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. By carefully articulating Joseph
Smith's classic tritheistic view against the historic Nicene Creed,
Hartman offers the reader--whether Christian or Mormon--a framework
for such a conversation. In this respect, this is a unique and
timely work."
--Ed Smither, Professor of Intercultural Studies, Columbia
International University
"Dayton Hartman's well-researched and well-reasoned book serves as
a reminder that a proper understanding of the Christian doctrine of
the Trinity--in its biblical and historical context--is necessary
to accurately evaluate the theological claims of Mormonism, not to
mention other departures from orthodoxy. Hartman ably shows that
Mormonism's view of deity is deficient and that creedal
Christianity, which is a truthful distillation of the Scriptures,
is not."
--Paul Copan, Pledger Family Chair Professor of Philosophy and
Ethics, Palm Beach Atlantic University
"In his excellent book, Dayton Hartman not only carefully explores
the basis for the historic Christian doctrine of the Trinity but he
skillfully compares that Nicene orthodoxy with the tragic
tritheistic theology of the Mormon prophet, Joseph Smith. Hartman
provides a thoughtful explanation of the various theological,
historical, and cultural influences that shaped Smith's basic
beliefs about God. This is an important and valuable
theological-apologetics work."
--Kenneth Samples, Senior Research Scholar, Reasons to
Believe
"In the light of Mormonism's recent claims to be a valid Christian
denomination, Dayton Hartman provides a thorough critique of its
tritheism. By displaying Joseph Smith's beliefs and motivations, as
well as contemporary efforts to conceal this heresy, he capably
shows that it is incompatible with the Bible and early Christian
doctrine. A solid treatment exemplifying careful academic
interaction with aberrant theology."
--Winfried Corduan, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy and Religion,
Taylor University
"This book provides a starting point for discussions on Trinitarian
doctrine and its heterodox expressions. This is a thought provoking
work that offers a solid foundation for further research on these
(and related) issues."
--Leo Percer, Associate Professor of Biblical Studies, Liberty
University Baptist Theological Seminary
"Dayton Hartman's Joseph Smith's Tritheism offers readers
significant insight into the cultural milieu out of which Smith's
doctrine of God emerged. No false doctrine ever arises out of thin
air, and Hartman traces the religious influences that led Smith to
a false understanding of the nature of the Godhead. . . . This is a
must read for anyone interested in false religions and in the
history of religions in America."
--Fred Smith, Associate Professor of Theology and Biblical Studies,
Liberty University Baptist Theological Seminary
Product Details
- Title : Joseph Smith’s Tritheism: The Prophet’s Theology in Historical Context, Critiqued from a Nicene Perspective
- Author: Hartman, Dayton
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Publication Date: 2014
- ISBN: 9781630872786