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Critics claim that it is un-Christian to have hymns honoring Joseph Smith
Hymns and other memorials to fallen leaders or faithful Christians was not an unheard of practice in the early Christian 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 [the martyrs] 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]
The Bible also says that praise may be given to others and to God's word (as long as it is not more than that offered to the LORD). Here are some examples:
shall be in the neck of thine enemies; thy father's children shall bow down before thee.
praise, and in name, and in honour; and that thou mayest be an holy people unto the LORD thy God, as he hath spoken.
thee, when thou doest well to thyself.
not fear what flesh can do unto me.
and not thine own lips.
and he praiseth her.
feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
her in the gates.
living which are yet alive.
mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.
Jerusalem a praise in the earth.
caused to cleave unto me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, saith the LORD; that they might be unto me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.
all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do unto them: and they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the prosperity that I procure unto it.
will save her that halteth, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame.
gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the LORD.
We can see that hymns, and other commemorations were given to righteous Christians who passed on.
[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
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