Defense of the Faith and the Saints (Volume 2 of 2)

In Short

This second volume of B. H. Roberts' monumental treatise serves as a thorough, aggressive defense of Latter-day Saint history, theology, and civic legitimacy. Written in response to prominent anti-Mormon critics, the work dismantles popular nineteenth-century theories regarding the origins of the Book of Mormon, systematically refuting claims of plagiarism and fabrication. Beyond historical polemics, the text expands into a grand defense of Mormon doctrine, championing the concepts of a material, personal God, eternal family relationships, pluralistic cosmology, and the divine inspiration of the United States Constitution. It has lasted as a foundational piece of Latter-day Saint apologetics because of its rigorous engagement with secular and religious counter-arguments, its ambitious blending of theology with modern philosophy, and its unyielding commitment to defending a marginalized religious community against systemic prejudice.

The Story

The intellectual narrative of this volume opens in the heat of active public debate. B. H. Roberts takes up his pen to reply directly to Theodore Schroeder and other prominent detractors who argued that the Book of Mormon was not a divine revelation, but a fraudulent adaptation of an unpublished fictional manuscript written by Solomon Spaulding. Roberts methodically dissects the historical record, examining the statements of key witnesses such as Mrs. McKinstry (Spaulding’s daughter) and local acquaintances from Conneaut, Ohio. He demonstrates how decades of family speculation and shifting memories created an unreliable narrative of stolen manuscripts. Furthermore, Roberts rigorously traces the movements of early church leaders like Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt, exposing chronological impossibilities in the critics' timeline and highlighting how early opponents failed to produce consistent evidence of any conspiracy. He points out that when the actual Spaulding manuscript was finally uncovered, it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the Book of Mormon, forcing critics to rely on evasive claims of a mysterious "second" manuscript.

Shifted from historical defense to theological conflict, the book engages with a hostile review published by a ministerial association. Roberts forcefully rejects mainstream Christian accusations that Mormonism is un-Christian or destructive to civil society. He addresses the contentious issue of polygamy head-on, framing the post-1890 continuation of existing family ties as an act of honorable responsibility rather than lawlessness. To counter the legal and moral attacks on Church leaders such as Joseph F. Smith, Roberts presents Smith’s own court testimony, emphasizing that these family relations were maintained out of sacred obligation and managed with quiet dignity amid shifting national laws.

From defense, the narrative turns to a sweeping, proactive presentation of Latter-day Saint theology. Roberts contrasts the Mormon vision of God with traditional orthodox creeds. He sharply criticizes the terrifying, vengeful deity depicted in traditional revivalist preaching, such as Jonathan Edwards' famous sermons on hellfire, arguing that such terrifying imagery paints God as a cruel tyrant rather than a loving parent. In its place, Roberts lays out a radical theological vision: God is an exalted, tangible personage of flesh and bone, human beings are literally His spirit children, and the cosmos is infinite, pluralistic, and filled with eternal possibilities.

In its final chapters, the argument ascends to a discussion of global peace, cosmic order, and political destiny. Roberts connects Mormonism’s theological expanse to modern philosophical movements, citing thinkers like William James to justify a pluralistic view of the universe. He argues that true international peace cannot exist without universal justice as its foundation. Closing on a patriotic note, Roberts frames the United States Constitution as a divinely inspired document designed to protect individual liberty and human agency. The book concludes with a triumphant affirmation that truth, constitutional freedom, and divine revelation will ultimately prevail against ignorance and political oppression.

How It Unfolds

The origin controversy engaged Roberts opens his defense by tackling the popular theory that the Book of Mormon was plagiarized from Solomon Spaulding’s unpublished novel. He analyzes the conflicting statements of early witnesses, demonstrating how lapse of time and personal bias corrupted their testimonies.

The Spaulding myth dismantled The argument highlights the discovery of the actual Spaulding manuscript, which shared no names or historical plots with the Book of Mormon. Roberts exposes how critics invented hypothetical second manuscripts to cover the failure of their original claims.

The innocence of early leaders Examining the lives of Sidney Rigdon and Parley P. Pratt, Roberts refutes the allegation that they conspired with Joseph Smith prior to 1830. He uses historical dates and geographical facts to prove that Rigdon had no access to Spaulding's papers or early contact with Smith.

Rebutting the ministerial alliance Addressing a published attack by Christian ministers, Roberts defends Mormon moral life and domestic values. He refutes claims that the faith is subversive, asserting that Latter-day Saint homes foster civic virtue, reverence, and high moral standards.

The ethics of plural marriage Roberts addresses the intense public scrutiny surrounding past polygamous practices and Church leadership. He quotes Church President Joseph F. Smith to explain that maintaining existing family obligations after the 1890 Manifesto was a matter of solemn honor, not civil defiance.

A critique of traditional creeds Turning to theology, Roberts attacks classical orthodoxy and revivalist descriptions of damnation. He rejects the harsh, abstract God of historical creeds, arguing that terrifying depictions of hell misrepresent divine justice and mercy.

The nature of God and humanity Roberts articulates the core Mormon doctrine of a personal, embodied God and the divine pedigree of humankind. He emphasizes that God and man are of the same race, connected by the sacred bond of heavenly fatherhood and motherhood.

Cosmology and modern philosophy Drawing parallels between Mormon theology and modern thinkers like William James, Roberts presents a universe of infinite space, eternal matter, and continuous progression. He frames reality as a harmonious system of self-active, eternal intelligences.

Justice, peace, and constitutional destiny The book concludes with an exploration of global peace and civil governance. Roberts insists that lasting international peace requires a foundation of absolute justice, ending with a defense of the U.S. Constitution as a heaven-inspired safeguard for human freedom.

The People

B. H. Roberts The central author and intellectual defender of the text. He seeks to vindicate his faith against public defamation, historical distortion, and theological hostility. Facing sharp opposition from secular historians and orthodox ministers, he emerges as a bold, articulate advocate who fuses rigorous historical analysis with expansive philosophical vision.

Joseph Smith The founding prophet of the Latter-day Saint movement, whose legacy Roberts untiringly defends. Smith is presented as an uneducated young man who received genuine divine revelations, translated ancient records by the gift of God, and introduced a radical, liberating understanding of the cosmos and human destiny.

Sidney Rigdon A prominent early convert and preacher who became the primary target of anti-Mormon conspiracy theories. Critics accuse him of stealing Spaulding's manuscript and orchestrating a religious hoax; Roberts presents him as a sincere seeker whose sudden conversion occurred legitimately through the preaching of early missionaries.

Theodore Schroeder A key anti-Mormon writer and primary intellectual foil in the book’s first section. Schroeder attempts to prove through legalistic logic and hearsay that the Book of Mormon is a literary fraud, but his arguments are systematically dissected and rejected by Roberts.

Solomon Spaulding An obscure early nineteenth-century author whose unprinted romance novel became the center of a decades-long anti-Mormon origin theory. Though long deceased, his legacy is cleared of bogus conspiracy theories when his actual manuscript is found to share no connection with Latter-day Saint scripture.

Joseph F. Smith The sixth President of the Church during the era of Roberts' writing. Faced with legal prosecution and political pressure regarding legacy polygamous families, he stands as a figure of quiet integrity who chooses loyalty to his family obligations over easy compliance with public sentiment.

In Its Own Voice

"David Whitmer never denied his testimony." Before delving into detailed historical refutations, Roberts highlights how prominent encyclopedia entries lied about the primary witnesses of the Book of Mormon, establishing the necessity of his defense.

"Is not fatherhood as sacred and holy as motherhood?" In his sharp theological rebuttal to traditional ministers, Roberts defends the Mormon belief in a personal, embodied God and a Heavenly Mother against charges of heresy.

"Make your basis of universal peace universal justice, and peace is assured." Expanding his arguments to contemporary world affairs, Roberts reflects on the growing global peace movements, asserting that true harmony cannot exist without moral righteousness.

What It's Really About

Beneath its multi-layered historical debates and doctrinal defense, Defense of the Faith and the Saints is fundamentally about the struggle for intellectual legitimacy and religious self-definition. Roberts is fighting against a cultural establishment that viewed Latter-day Saints as either dupes or conspirators. He argues that Mormonism is not a bizarre, isolated heresy, but a coherent, noble, and deeply rational worldview that solves the contradictions of traditional theology.

The book addresses the nature of truth and historical evidence, warning against the danger of accepting unexamined tradition or prejudiced gossip as fact. Roberts insists that spiritual truth must align with reason, justice, and the observable scale of the universe. By connecting Latter-day Saint theology to concepts of cosmic infinity, human divinity, and political freedom, he reframes his faith not as an outcast sect, but as the ultimate restoration of divine light—one that honors human intellect, elevates the family, and guarantees absolute liberty of conscience.

Why Read It Today

This volume is an essential read for anyone interested in American religious history, nineteenth-century polemics, or the intellectual development of Mormon thought. Readers who enjoy rich, unyielding debates will appreciate how Roberts confronts counter-arguments head-on, blending historical documentation with high-minded philosophical rhetoric. It offers a fascinating window into how a young, heavily persecuted American religion defended its history and sculpted its unique identity during the transition into the twentieth century.

The reading experience requires patience and active engagement. The book is dense, demanding, and uncompromisingly detailed. Modern readers must navigate lengthy examinations of nineteenth-century legal statements, micro-analyses of historical timelines, and formal theological arguments. Roberts writes with the grand, elevated prose of an early 1900s orator; his tone is formal, confident, and intensely serious.

What remains with the reader is the sheer breadth of Roberts' mind and the fierce dignity of his conviction. He does not hide behind sentimental platitudes. Whether he is analyzing land records from 1816, picking apart the flaws of revivalist theology, or quoting contemporary philosophy to explain the cosmos, Roberts demonstrates a profound belief in the harmony of faith and reason. It stands as a powerful monument to an era when religious ideas were fought over with intellectual rigor and absolute devotion.

<ElicitationsGroup message="Where would you like to go next with this book?"> <Elicitation label="Explore B. H. Roberts' theological arguments" query="Can you summarize the core theological arguments B. H. Roberts makes in Defense of the Faith and the Saints regarding the nature of God?"/> <Elicitation label="Examine the Spaulding manuscript debate details" query="How does B. H. Roberts specifically dismantle the Spaulding theory of origin for the Book of Mormon in Volume 2?"/> <Elicitation label="Compare Volume 1 and Volume 2" query="What are the key differences in scope and topic between Volume 1 and Volume 2 of B. H. Roberts' Defense of the Faith and the Saints?"/> </ElicitationsGroup>