Mormon prophet admits to never have received a revelation. #lds #mormon #prophet #exmormon

When a Mormon Prophet Claims He Never Received Revelation: What the Historical Record Shows

For over 150 years, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has taught that living prophets receive direct revelation from God. Yet in sworn testimony during the early 20th century, one LDS president made a statement that directly contradicted this foundational doctrine. According to research documented on the Mormon Stories Podcast, Joseph F. Smith, who led the Church from 1901 to 1918, testified under oath that he had never actually received a revelation. This admission raises fundamental questions about how the LDS Church defines and understands prophetic authority, and what it means when the highest-ranking leader of the organization distances himself from the very power upon which his authority rests.

The tension between official doctrine and historical testimony matters to everyone investigating Mormonism, whether you're a lifelong member seeking to understand your faith's history, a researcher examining religious institutions, or someone exploring whether the Church's truth claims are supported by evidence.

Background: The Smoot Hearings and Joseph F. Smith's Testimony

To understand this statement, context is essential. In 1902, the U.S. Senate convened hearings to determine whether Utah senator Reed Smoot, an apostle of the LDS Church, should be allowed to retain his seat. The proceedings, known as the Smoot Hearings, lasted four years and became a detailed public examination of Mormon doctrine and practice.

Joseph F. Smith was called to testify. During these proceedings, conducted under oath, Smith made remarks about his prophetic experience that stood in sharp contrast to Church teaching. The exchange occurred as Smith was being questioned about the nature of his authority and spiritual experiences as the Church president.