Joseph Smith and Old Testament practices

FAIR Answers—back to home page

Mormonism and the Bible: Old Testament practices

Animal sacrifice

Summary: It is claimed that Joseph Smith favored "Old Testament practices" including "teaching animal sacrifice."

Cursing of enemies

Summary: Critics charge that Joseph Smith focused on Old Testament ideas and concepts, such as the "cursing of enemies." Critics appeal to New Testament prohibitions of cursing enemies (e.g., Rom. 12:14, and then argue that restoration scriptures or remarks by Church leaders are inconsistent with the Christian command to "bless, not curse."