NOM

Doctrinal question for you folks about Joseph's evolving theology on God...

So I understand that Joseph went from teaching a Trinitarian view of God (as evidenced in the BofM and Lectures on Faith) to the Godhead view. Of course, this fact makes the two first-vision accounts very problematic - the first-vision accounts differ with respect to Joseph's then-held stance on the nature of God.

My question is - what spurred Joseph to get more into the Godhead theology rather than traditional and mainstream Trinitarian view? Some influential theologian or book at the time? It seems like Joseph's incentives in casting theology were either to teach principles that were attractive to people (Joseph receives utility from gaining followers) or to elevate himself (e.g., polygamy; utility function here is clear). What incentive drove Joseph's changing view on God?

Open to being off here in my assumptions...

If I recall, some of it had to do with the establishment of the Hebrew School in Kirtland under the supervision of Joshua Seixas. Gave Joseph all sorts of new ideas about all sorts of doctrines.

Joseph as a student of Hebrew article. (Talks about how BOA godhead evolves as a result of his language studies):
https://www.dialoguejournal.com/wp-cont ... N02_43.pdf

Maybe it just made more sense.


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Seems like Sidney Rigdon brought a lot of Protestant philosophies with him from the Stone-Campbell Restoration movement. Just guessing, but this could have been a big influence.

I can't answer the question, but I know Sidney Rigdon was a huge influence in the trajectory of the Church.