The Signs of the Times

by Joseph Fielding Smith

Genres: Lds, Religion, Nonfiction

253 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1952

About the author

Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. was the tenth president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1970 until his death. He was the son of Joseph F. Smith, who was the sixth president of the LDS Church. His grandfather was Hyrum Smith, brother of LDS Church founder Joseph Smith, Jr., who was Joseph Fielding's great-uncle.

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read a hardback copy of this book that contained the six lectures Joseph Fielding Smith gave in 1942 as well as more writings that he added on the subject 10 years after the initial lectures were given. It talks mostly about the gathering of Israel, the establishment of the nation of Israel, and closely related topics as showing that the Second Coming is near.

For me, as a person who has read and studied the Gospel for over 30 years, I didn't feel like this book had a lot of new information for me. But it was interesting, nevertheless. I don't agree with some things he says, but those disagreements are about things that are his own feelings and speculation, and not official Church Doctrine. One example of this is the he argues that the lost ten tribes will not be gathered individually out of a scattered state among many nations, but will return in a body. He quotes several scriptures that he says confirm this. But, when I read those scriptures, I do not agree that they say that. But that's a minor quibble.

This stuff is interesting to me, but this book reconfirms that the most important thing to be prepared for the Second Coming / End of the World is to be personally righteous.

[Johann Fuchs · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Joseph Fielding Smith and truly believe he was an amazing Apostle and Prophet of our Lord. But this was not that enjoyable of a read. I don't regret it, as it was so short of a read, but I would not recommend it.

This isn't saying anything really about Joseph Fielding Smith's ability to write or anything, as this is actually not a book written by him, but rather it is a recording of several talks he gave over a period of weeks.

[David Hibberd · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a series of lectures given by Joseph Fielding Smith in 1942 discussing prophecies relating to the last days. He reviews those prophecies that had been fulfilled and others yet to be fulfilled. It is a very informative book.

[Lance Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good content, basically we're in the last days

[Mike Emett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to find a first edition copy of this at a local Deseret Industries. This is a great "book", or compilations of discourses by then Elder Joseph Fielding Smith in 1942 concerning as the title denotes, the signs of the times, or last days. Simply put: WOW. I learned SO much from this and received a new look at scriptures I have read many times. He has clarified many things. He is blunt. He is funny. He is honest, especially when states if such and such a verse means what he believes it means and encourages us to see for ourselves and he may be right or wrong. This is a must read for members of the LDS church and non-members alike. Like Smith, we should not fear the signs but accept them and be glad, for they can only mean one thing: Christ's second coming is at hand-thus comes the end of this crazy world and celestial peace to come and be here for eternity. This will not only inform us, but help us prepare for the coming of Christ and all events to happen before and after. READ IT!

[Nate Gibb · Rating 3 out of 5]

So far so good...but I do disagree with the presidents view on evolution as a falicy.

[Natalie]

So far this book is awesome. He is actually quite a funny man and very frank. It is a great read.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was Amazing!!!

[Benjamin Allred]

Great book about what to watch for prior to the second coming I learned some great new things and really enjoyed it.

[Holly Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super good.