Did Joseph Smith Use Secret Knowledge to Control His Followers?
Did Joseph Smith Use Secret Knowledge to Control His Followers?
Claim: Joseph Smith claimed exclusive access to God, withheld evidence like the plates and seer stone, and used it to manipulate his followers.
Reality: Historical evidence shows that 11 official witnesses saw or handled the gold plates, and many were aware of Joseph’s use of the seer stone. The Church has openly acknowledged these tools today. Read the witness testimonies here.
Prophetic authority, like that claimed by Joseph Smith, is consistent with biblical precedent. Leaders such as Moses, Elijah, and Paul also spoke as conduits of divine will, often calling for obedience through their revelations.
“By their fruits ye shall know them.” — Matthew 7:16
Joseph Smith’s revelations were often public and recorded by scribes, later published in the Doctrine and Covenants—a pattern that reflects transparency, not manipulation.