When members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (“Mormons”) constantly bringing up the name of Joseph Smith, The Founder of the Mormon Church (1830), people wonder in what esteem they hold him. Do Mormons worship Joseph Smith? Or are they truly Christian, like they claim to be?

 

Reasons It Looks Like Mormons Worship Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith is indeed an extremely iconic figure in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Firstly, he has prestige as the founder of the Church.  Everyone from missionaries to young children refer to him when speaking about Mormon beliefs.  There are novels, statues and movies that tell his story.

At first glance, and maybe even a second, it would be easy to think that the Mormons could worship such a figure.  They read and study his teachings.  They preach his sermons and use examples of his life to encourage and inspire.  Mormons talk about Joseph Smith like many Christians talk about the Apostle Paul, quoting him often.

Considering the reverence and attention surrounding a single man, it is easy to think that the Mormons worship Joseph Smith.  But it might surprise some to know that in accordance to their own doctrine they simply can’t.  The act of worship is strictly reserved for God and his Son Jesus Christ.

 

Why Joseph Smith is Such an Important Figure to Mormons

So why all the fanfare and focus on the Prophet Joseph Smith?  The answer to that question is both spiritual and logical. Without Joseph Smith, and a belief in his accounts, there can be no legitimate claim that he restored the church that lost its authority after Jesus Christ ascended into heaven and his apostles were killed. While The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worships Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith is seen as His instrument in restoring the gospel to the world. Without him and his witness of God the Father and His only begotten son Jesus Christ (The First Vision), the Book of Mormon, the restoration of the Priesthood, modern day revelation, and other prophetic claims, would have remained lost or would become invalid.

While all of these doctrines are vital to the faith and beliefs of Mormons, the focus of their worship is and must be the Lord Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is important as a work of scripture mainly due to its being another testament of Jesus Christ, as is proclaimed on the cover. They pray in the name of Christ, teach of, love and reverence His divine life, and believe that people can only be saved and return to the Lord’s presence in and through the Savior’s suffering and death. The ultimate purpose of everything they do, from prayers, to studying the scriptures, to everything taught in their meeting houses and temples is to help them turn to Christ, and become more like Him.

 

The Lord has always called prophets (Amos 3:7), however, in every dispensation of the world to facilitate His works and teach people of Christ, and Joseph Smith is revered among Mormons as having a special place among those. Because Mormons believe that all of us are now living in “the last dispensation of time” before the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, who is the first prophet of this dispensation, is especially revered among the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Name Of The Church Tells You Who We Worship

Ultimately, the most straightforward answer to the question of who Latter-day Saints worship is found in the very name of the Church: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

If you look closely, the name itself serves as a declaration of devotion. It is not the church of Joseph Smith; it is the church of Jesus Christ. Just as the ancient Church was established by the Savior and bore His name, members believe this restored Church is His kingdom on the earth today. Every ordinance performed, every prayer offered, and every hymn sung is centered on the person and mission of Jesus Christ.

While members hold Joseph Smith in deep, enduring gratitude as a humble instrument in the hands of the Lord—much like we honor Moses, Peter, or the prophets of old—he is viewed as a messenger, not the Messiah. He pointed the way, but it is Jesus Christ who is the Way.

For members of the Church, the study of Joseph Smith’s life is not an end in itself; it is a gateway. It is a study of a man who gave everything to help a lost world find its way back to the foot of the Cross. When a Latter-day Saint speaks of Joseph Smith, they are ultimately speaking of the restoration of Christ’s gospel. When they speak of Jesus Christ, they are speaking of their Redeemer, their Advocate, and their God.

As you learn more about the faith, you will find that beneath the statues, the books, and the historical accounts, there is a singular, heartbeat-thumping truth: the members of this Church are a people who strive, with all their hearts, to come unto Christ, to take His name upon them, and to follow Him home.

How We Keep Christ at the Center

It is natural to wonder how a faith that honors a prophet can remain focused on the Savior. Within the daily life and practices of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, there are clear, intentional safeguards that ensure the focus of worship remains solely on Jesus Christ:

• Our Prayers are Directed to the Father, in the Name of Christ: Every prayer offered in public meetings or private devotions begins with a direct address to God the Father and concludes with the phrase, “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” This is a constant, vocal reminder of who we are addressing and by whose authority we come before Him.

• Sacrament Meetings are Focused on the Atonement: Every Sunday, members partake of the sacrament (communion). The prayers spoken over the bread and water are focused entirely on remembering the body and blood of the Savior. It is a time for members to reflect on the Atonement and renew their commitment to take His name upon them.

• The Content of Our Teachings: Whether in Sunday School, youth groups, or general conferences, the curriculum is rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus. We study the prophets, yes—but we study them specifically to learn how they testified of the coming or the mission of the Messiah.

• The Mission of the Church is Christ-Led: The Church is not governed by the whims of its founder, but by the ongoing, revelatory direction of the living Lord, Jesus Christ. Through a living prophet, the Church moves forward, responding to the needs of the world while remaining tethered to the foundational truth that He is the head of this Church.

• Our Temples are Houses of Christ: While temples are sacred places of learning and covenant-making, they are built to bring individuals into a closer relationship with the Savior. Every ordinance performed within those walls is designed to bind families together through the power of Christ’s Atonement.

So, Who Do Mormons Worship?

Like the ancient Prophets Abraham and Moses, Mormons celebrate Joseph Smith as a man that accomplished God’s will.  He is an important icon, because to believe in what he did is to understand how the Mormons even exist.  Do Mormons worship him?  No.  But it can often be perceived as such because he is essential to how and why Mormons worship Jesus Christ.

If you have questions about Joseph Smith and want to talk about them with a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, please click this link and go to “chat” or simply send an email at [email protected].