Four (1809)our free will, then we would need no restrictions or control placed upon us. But, if we
caused all kinds of problems for each other, then we would learn through experience
that we would need someone—a Christ/Overseer—to govern us and control our human
natures.^38 In this way, the promise of happiness guaranteed by our Creators could
ultimately be fulfilled.
Freedom to Look Beyond the Mark
The establishment of America was the necessary prerequisite to Joseph’s birth so that
he could perform his role as the “modern-day Moses.”^39 He was instructed to let the people
exercise their free will as they would so choose and to establish whatever religious belief
system they so desired. Joseph was to allow the people to act for themselves; he attempted
to “teach them correct principles” and then allow them to “govern themselves.”^40 And
govern themselves they did! From free will came the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day
Saints,^41 a religion that has changed the core teachings of Jesus, the Christ,^42 into a system of
rituals, ordinances, and principles that divide people and perpetuate vanity and contention.
The LDS people have acted just like the ancient Jews in uncanny parallel.^43
The Book of Mormon was prepared to come forth after the establishment of America, to
further give the people a better understanding of their natures and provide a counterpart to
the Bible in understanding the true nature of their Christ.^44 How would human mortals, by
using their free will, accept and heed the Book of Mormon once it was translated and
published? Would they mock it by reading it and accepting it in vain by continually
supporting human inequality because of race, color, gender, or class? Or would they grasp the
real intent of its true message: full equality in everything for all of the earth’s inhabitants.^45
As the facts of Joseph’s life and his involvement in performing his role are presented
throughout this biography, one will come to realize the great effect that free will had on the
establishment and evolution of this original and unique American religion. The LDS
Americans have now become some of the most patriotic and prideful people in the world.^46
Nothing means more to them than being a member of “God’s chosen people living in
America.”^47 Unfortunately, this will also be their demise.
Words of Warning
The words of Christ during his visit to the ancient American people should dilute
any pride that Americans might imagine for themselves. Christ said of our day, “that if
the Gentiles do not repent after the blessing (i.e., having been presented with a complete and
pure understanding of the “fullness of the everlasting Gospel as delivered by the
Savior”) which they shall receive, after they have scattered my people—Then shall ye, who are a
remnant of the house of Jacob, go forth among them; and ye shall be in the midst of them who
shall be many; and ye shall be among them as a lion among the beasts of the forest, and as a
young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goeth through both treadeth down and teareth in
pieces, and none can deliver.”^48
The precarious state we are in today (circa 2012) could not have been imagined in
- New England had experienced only 33 years of American independence. It was a time
when most Americans worked on farms and lived in simple homes, and when the religious
clamor, although confusing, seemed to indicate that “God” would always bless the land;
and thus passed the mindset of the American nation in Joseph’s fourth year.