In 1840 Joseph Smith declared that animal sacrifices would be restored once the Nauvoo Temple was completed and that this was necessary to bring to pass the “restoration of all things.” While modern Mormons would most likely be shocked at the thought of including animal sacrifices in their temple worship, the requirement to eventually re-establish the ancient rite has never been repudiated. Since the Book of Mormon clearly states that all sacrifices have their end with Jesus’ “great and last” sacrifice, is it puzzling that Joseph Smith would have found such a restoration necessary? This paper explores the history and theology behind Smith’s thinking and ways it was supported by creative reinterpretations of scripture.

Clay Chandler, Scot Denhalter