Plural Gods. The idea that
Adam was the god of this earth and that men can become gods of other earths has
no basis in the teachings of Joseph Smith. Though the “Book of Abraham” (conceded
to be a product of Joseph’s own mind) uses the phrases “strange Gods,” and “Gods
of wood and stone,” in relation to heathen gods, it does not support the idea
of plural gods. When speaking of the God of Abraham and his father, the phrase “the
Lord their God” is used. Even through the word “Gods” is used in telling the
creation story, the preceding phrase, “I am the Lord thy God, I am more
intelligent than they all,” indicates Joseph Smith’s adherence to the Christian
concept of God, and the word “Gods” is used for the Godhead.
A report in Times and Seasons
of a sermon (known as the King Follett sermon), supposedly preached by Joseph
Smith in April before his death in June 1844 and published after his death is
the strongest support that can be offered for the idea that Joseph taught the
plural gods doctrine. This report published under the editorship of John Taylor
is not in the style or tone used by Joseph in his speech or writing. Besides the
plural gods idea, it has the statement, “God is a man like unto yourselves,”
and suggests blood atonement. The theme of exaltation, the questionable
doctrinal ideas, the style, and the stone are all indications that this is a
spurious report.re all indications that this is a spurious report. (Enid S.
DeBarthe, “A
Bibliography on Joseph Smith III the Mormon Prophet-Leader” [M.A. Thesis;
Northern Illinois University, July 1969], 194-96)
