D&C 19 | Joseph Smith Lecture 2: Joseph’s Personality and Character | Truman G. Madsen
Mar 3, 2025
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In this enlightening lecture, Truman G. Madsen, a respected philosophy professor at BYU, dives deep into the multifaceted character of Joseph Smith. He shares personal anecdotes and insights from those who knew the Prophet, illustrating Smith's remarkable strength, intellectual evolution, and imaginative abilities. Madsen emphasizes Smith's humility, family dynamics, and warm hospitality, contrasting him with other leaders. The discussion also highlights Smith's open-mindedness to divine inspiration, painting a rich picture of his enduring legacy.
Joseph Smith's extraordinary scriptural knowledge and intellectual gifts enabled him to captivate and inspire those around him.
His vibrant personality and approachable demeanor allowed him to connect deeply with followers while embodying both prophetic and human traits.
Deep dives
The Unfathomable Depth of Joseph Smith's Knowledge
Joseph Smith's profound scriptural knowledge surpassed that of many scholars, inspiring admiration and a sense of awe in figures like Sidney B. Sperry. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of early interest in books, he transformed into an industrious scholar dedicated to diligent scripture study and interpretation. His insights seemed endless, captivating those who sought to learn from him; many felt that even their deepest understandings paled in comparison. The statement that one could not reach the depth of his knowledge highlights the extraordinary gifts he possessed as the prophet.
Joseph Smith's Robust Character and Physical Presence
Joseph Smith stood over six feet tall with a vigorous physique that contributed to his resilience throughout challenging moments, exemplified by his survival of a severe bone infection. His athleticism emerged through various sports, revealing a man who could engage joyfully with others while demonstrating physical prowess, such as wrestling. Accounts of his appearance described him as handsome, with an approachable demeanor that made him relatable, further endearing him to his followers. This robust character created an image of him as a dynamic leader who could inspire and connect with people on multiple levels.
The Complexity of Joseph Smith's Mind
Joseph Smith was recognized for his exceptional intellectual capacities, which included vivid imagination, conceptual understanding, and remarkable memory. As he became more deeply engaged in his spiritual calling, he pursued learning ancient languages and led educational efforts in Hebrew among his peers. His ability to retain and articulate complex revelations was evident in the dictation of significant works, showcasing his depth of comprehension. This intellectual gift allowed him to communicate doctrines in ways that resonated profoundly with others, establishing him as a pivotal figure in church history.
The Personal and Emotional Life of Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith's temperament was characterized by cheerfulness and sociability, often being the life of the party with an animated personality. His interactions with those around him reflected a man who embraced both his prophetic role and his humanity, often blurring the lines between the two. Emotional expressions were prominent in his demeanor, as he was not shy about demonstrating affection or being affected by personal experiences—such as weeping when reuniting with friends. The balance he maintained between his spiritual responsibilities and personal life illustrated the complexity of his character as both a leader and a relatable human being.
Using quotes and stories from those who personally knew Joseph Smith, Truman Madsen describes the Prophet’s personality and character. Click here to see the speech page. This lecture was delivered in August 1978.