“If”, part 2, Calvary Love by Amy Carmichael; ‘…if the cup of spiritual flattery tastes sweet to me, then I know nothing of Calvary love…’
Mormon 2:1; “And it came to pass in that same year there began to be a war again between the Nephites and the Lamanites. And notwithstanding I being young, was large in stature; therefore the people of Nephi appointed me that I should be their leader, or the leader of their armies.”
Mormon Portraits., p. 182; “Testimony of John D. Lee…Joseph Smith was a most extraordinary man; he was rather large in stature, some six feet two inches in height, well built though a little stoop shouldered, prominent and well-developed features, a Roman nose, light chestnut hair, upper lip full and rather protruding, chin broad and square…”
What are the odds all three would be described in the same manner?
Why can’t one read anything about the personality traits in characters mentioned in the Book of Mormon?
Why was it important to describe Nephi’s stature after he beheaded Laban?
Joseph was always looking for another way to insert himself into scripture whether it be a false one, or otherwise. We’re not sure why his physicality was such an important issue to those in the Church. Can you just imagine people fixating themselves on your pastor’s build? Good grief!
What does this info do for my mother? Will it lead her to having a strong relationship with Jesus?
If you want to read more glowing reviews of how well built Smith was, numerous testimonies are provided at JosephSmithAcademy.org and BYU Religious Study Center, ‘Joseph Smith’s Athletic Nature’. Beware, they’re lengthy and rather tedious…