Joseph Smith/Martyrdom

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Was Joseph a martyr for his beliefs?

Questions

It is claimed that Joseph was actually a coward, and that he did not willingly die for his beliefs. They claim that he does not deserve the title of "martyr."

To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, click here

History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

To seal the testimony of this book and the Book of Mormon, we announce the Martyrdom of Joseph Smith the Prophet, and Hyrum Smith the Patriarch. They were shot in Carthage jail, on the 27th of June, 1844, about 5 o'clock P.M., by an armed mob, painted black--of from 150 to 200 persons...They were innocent of any crime, as they had often been proved before, and were only confined in the jail by the conspiracy of traitors and wicked men; and their innocent blood on the floor of Carthage jail, is a broad seal affixed to 'Mormonism' that cannot be rejected by any court on earth; and their innocent blood on the escutcheon of the State of Illinois with the broken faith of the State, as pledged by the Governor, is a witness to the truth of the everlasting gospel, that all the world cannot impeach; and their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the magna charta of the United States is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ that will touch the heart of honest men among all nations; and their innocent blood with the innocent blood of all the martyrs under the altar that John saw, will cry unto the Lord of Hosts, till He avenges that blood on the earth. Amen.

Elder D. Todd Christofferson,  Brigham Young University-Idaho Devotional, (24 September 2013)

Martyrdom endows a prophet’s testimony with a special validity. Indeed the Greek root “martureo” from which the English word “martyr” is derived means “witness.” The prophet Abinadi is described as “having sealed the truth of his words by his death.”30 Jesus’ own death was a testament of His divinity and mission. He is declared in Hebrews to be “the mediator of the new testament” validated by His death, “For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead.” [31]

“Like most of the Lord's anointed in ancient time, [Joseph Smith] sealed his mission and his works with his own blood.” [32] In a hail of bullets on the afternoon of June 27, 1844, in Carthage, Illinois, Joseph and his brother, Hyrum, were cut down for the religion and testimony they professed. As the latter-day apostles then announced, “The testators are now dead, and their testament is in force. . . . Their innocent blood on the banner of liberty, and on the magna charta of the United States, is an ambassador for the religion of Jesus Christ, that will touch the hearts of honest men among all nations.” [33]

Answer

As can be seen by the Church's response, Joseph was called a martyr immediately after he died. A variety of criticisms are presented related to the martyrdom of Joseph Smith. The following sub-articles address specific criticisms that are commonly raised.

Death of Joseph Smith

Causes of the martyrdom

Summary: The murder of Joseph and Hyrum in Carthage Jail had many causes and contributing factors.

Nauvoo Expositor

Summary: What can you tell me about the Nauvoo Expositor? Did Joseph violate the law by ordering it destroyed? It is claimed that Joseph "could not allow the Expositor to publish the secret international negotiations masterminded by Mormonism’s earthly king."

• • Nauvoo Expositor Full Text—
    Brief Summary: The Nauvoo Expositor had a single issue published. The events surrounding its publication lead to the martyrdom. The full text is provided for study. (Click here for full article)
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Joseph's qualification as martyr

Summary: Does Joseph Smith qualify as a "martyr?"

Defy warning to flee to the west?

Summary: Did Joseph "defy" a warning from God to flee to the west?

Removal of temple garments before leaving for Carthage

Summary: Joseph and others with him removed their garments before traveling to Carthage Jail. Why did they do this?

Joseph Smith procured tobacco prior to the martyrdom

Summary: It is claimed Joseph arranged for some tobacco to be brought to Willard Richards in Carthage Jail just prior to his murder. Did Joseph violate the Word of Wisdom?

Joseph Smith drank wine in Carthage jail?

Summary: Joseph Smith and those who were with him drank wine in Carthage Jail prior to his martyrdom. Did Joseph violate the Word of Wisdom?

Joseph fired a gun

Summary: It is claimed that Joseph could not have been a "martyr" because he had and used a gun at Carthage Jail.

Nauvoo Legion to rescue Joseph?

Summary: Some critics have claimed that Joseph attempted to call in the Nauvoo Legion to rescue him from Carthage Jail.

Masonic cry of distress

Summary: Joseph's words at the window of Carthage Jail bear some resemblance to a Masonic distress call.

Why did Joseph attempt to leave through the window?

Summary: Was Joseph acting in a cowardly fashion when he ran to the window of the jail?