The 1835 Doctrine and Covenants represents a significant evolution in the textual and theological development of the early Restoration movement, founded by Joseph Smith. As a canonical text for the Church of the Latter Day Saints (later splintering into the LDS Church and the Community of Christ, among others), the 1835 publication marked a shift not only in format and content but also in the movement’s approach to authority, governance, and doctrine.
The Doctrine and Covenants of 1835 superseded the earlier Book of Commandments (1833), which was the first attempt to codify the revelations given to Joseph Smith. This shift from the Book of Commandments to the Doctrine and Covenants reflects changes in organizational priorities, theological complexity, and institutional centralization.
Key Differences Between the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants and the 1833 Book of Commandments
Structure and Organization
The Book of Commandments was a straightforward compilation of early revelations, organized chronologically and focused primarily on the foundational teachings and practices of the nascent church. In contrast, the Doctrine and Covenants introduced a bipartite structure:
Editorial Revisions and Expansions
The revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants underwent substantial editorial revisions. These changes ranged from minor grammatical corrections to significant expansions or reinterpretations of earlier texts. For example, earlier revelations about church organization and priesthood authority were expanded to reflect the more developed ecclesiastical structure of the church by 1835. This editing process demonstrates the dynamic and iterative nature of early Restoration theology.
Emphasis on Church Governance
By 1835, the church had grown substantially, necessitating a more robust framework for governance. The Doctrine and Covenants reflects this development, including revelations detailing the roles of the First Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and other leadership bodies. This emphasis is largely absent in the Book of Commandments, which focused more on personal spiritual directives and missionary work.
Inclusion of New Material
The Doctrine and Covenants added revelations received after the publication of the Book of Commandments, many of which dealt with issues of institutional growth, such as the establishment of Zion and the role of the temple in church life. These later revelations reflect the church’s transition from a small, decentralized movement to a more centralized and hierarchical organization.
Theological Development
The addition of the Lectures on Faith in the 1835 edition introduced a systematic articulation of key doctrines, such as the nature of God and the role of faith in salvation. While these lectures were not revelations, they provided a theological foundation and were considered part of the canon until their removal in later editions of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Implications of the Transition
The transition from the Book of Commandments to the Doctrine and Covenants illustrates the interplay between evolving theology, growing organizational needs, and the leadership’s efforts to solidify authority. The revisions and additions to the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants suggest an intentional effort to align the canon with the church’s trajectory toward institutional stability and doctrinal clarity.
This evolution is also indicative of the challenges faced by a religious movement in its formative years—balancing the immediacy of charismatic revelation with the demands of long-term organizational cohesion. As such, the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants serves as both a historical artifact of early Restoration thought and a window into the priorities and concerns of the movement during this critical period of growth and centralization.
Content Origin Source: 1833 Manuscript of the Doctrine and Covenants as penned by Joseph Smith, Jr.
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