This collection of papers, talks, and interviews taken from 2014 to 2016 has been arranged in a single volume. It is a daunting task to clarify the Restoration. It is beyond man's ability to complete the Restoration, but this collection moves God's objective forward.
In August 2014, I was invited to present a paper entitled "Cutting Down the Tree of Life to Build a Wooden Bridge" at the Sunstone Symposium at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. The presentation came between the ninth and tenth lectures of the 40 Years in Mormonism series that occupied a full year from September 2013 to September 2014. This volume includes that paper from 2014, together with other lectures, papers, and transcripts of interviews and extemporaneous comments given or recorded during 2015 and 2016.
I have been discussing the Restoration through Joseph Smith. The focus of the Restoration was not intended to end by establishing a New Testament church. It was intended to accomplish something ancient. We are to return to the religion as it was in the beginning. We know almost nothing right now of the full scope of the original body of teachings, revelations, ordinances, and rites. Even all that came through Joseph is but a glimpse. Joseph merely hinted at some of the remaining parts of the Restoration required to walk back to what was here at the beginning. We can't even imagine all the Lord has planned.
Joseph Smith predicted that the Gospel as practiced before Moses (among the Patriarchal fathers) would necessarily return. It is impossible to re-establish that earliest form of the Gospel of Christ with its associated teachings, rites, ordinances, covenants, and organization if we insist that it fit into our current view of religion. We think so many things are necessary that are not, and we think many necessary things cannot possibly be required.
There is something now moving forward which is intended to become God's family on earth. It is intended to become something far greater than the apostate, fallen, and corrupt systems of this world. It remains an open question whether this generation can accept what God asks and then freely offers. Throughout history, most of mankind has rejected it. But those who will accept it will be able to live together in peace.
Acceptance begins with the Doctrine of Christ, which teaches us that we need to repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Ghost, and learn to become "one" with each other. That is a formidable challenge. It will require patience and kindness towards one another.
The system the Lord intends to restore was not fully developed while Joseph was still here. It is difficult for anyone to reconstruct what the Lord's original objective was. In the wisdom of the Lord, we are not given enough information to complete that process. The path is guarded. It will not be passed by those who just invent claims. It will require a temple to be restored-a temple which the Lord Himself plans, has built according to His commandment, and then accepts and visits.
There is a lot of work left to be done if the Restoration is to be completed in our generation. Much will be required of us. But even with our best efforts, God alone will be the one who restores the original and complete gospel.
The gospel is true but only here in part. The Restoration is true but not completed. Joseph is what he claimed to be-and probably a lot more. If you study the matter out and take the time to look into it, you are going to find answers, and very often those answers are quite glorious -glorious beyond anything that you can imagine. God's promises are glorious indeed. They will all be vindicated.
I testify that Joseph had a work to do, and he did it. It was an introduction for something far more glorious now underway. It will include the establishment of Zion. It's going to happen.
May 10, 2020 Denver
