Taylor Drake

Joseph in the Gap Taylor Drake

Joseph in the Gap explores the hidden role of Joseph Smith as an intercessor for a people who had rejected the Lord's higher laws. Like Moses, who interceded for the children of Israel, Joseph stood in the gap before the Lord on behalf of the Latter-day Saints who failed to live the law of the celestial kingdom and establish Zion. The troubling aspects of Joseph's behavior later in life are more easily comprehended with an understanding that this intercession placed upon him the burden of sin and ultimately resulted in his being sacrificed at Carthage. With this enlightenment, one can appreciate Joseph not only as a true prophet, but also as a fallen prophet-an instrument of the Lord tasked with testing his people, to see if they would stay true to the purity of the gospel, or be seduced into following corrupt practices. The present-day ramifications of this hidden history are explored in depth, along with Joseph's future role in the Lord's marvelous work and a wonder. With this understanding, questioning Mormons realize that they don't need to jettison their faith in God when confronted with challenging facts about their religious history or the institutional church.