Question: Is it unchristian to have hymns honoring Joseph Smith?

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Criticism

Critics claim that it is un-Christian to have hymns honoring Joseph Smith

Response

Hymns and other memorials to fallen leaders or faithful Christians was not an unheard of practice in the early Church. In fact it was quite common.

The Apostolic Constitutions reads: “Sing for the martyrs that have fallen asleep, and for all the saints from the beginning of the world–as well as for your brothers who are asleep in the Lord.” ^[1]

Cyprian, the Bishop of Carthage wrote: “Take note of their days on which they depart, so that we may celebrate their commemoration among the memorials of the martyrs...There are celebrated here by us oblations and sacrifices for their commemorations.” ^[2]

“Let [the slaves] rest on the day of the first martyr Stephen and of the other holy martyrs who preferred Christ to their own life.” ^[3]

Conclusion

We can see that hymns, and other commemorations were given to righteous Christians who passed on.

Endnotes

[note] Ante-Nicene Fathers 7:464, Apostolic Constitutions, 390 AD, E

[note] Ante-Nicene Fathers 5:315, Cyprian, 250 AD, W

[note] Ante-Nicene Fathers 7:495, Apostolic Constitutions 390 AD, E

Further reading

FAIR web site

• FAIR Topical Guide: