Mormons: How many people did Joseph Smith kill? Is that why he had to 'shed his blood' to be forgivenen of God

Question

There are at least two... in the conflict where the 'defenseless Joseph Smith' was 'martyred', he actually had a gun and fired six shots. He killed two men and injured one.

My question is whether or not he killed anyone else previous to this.

And my second question is that since Smith himself (as well as Brigham Young) taught that "there are some sins so grievous that even the atoning blood of Jesus Christ is not enough to cleanse them. In these cases, the offender must also shed his own blood to receive redemption", is that what he did when he was 'martyred'? This doctrine is called "Blood Atonement" but was abandoned by the Church somewhere between Lorenzo Snow and Harold B Lee.

Answer 1

Even if he did kill someone at that time, killing someone in self-defense is permissible by God. He did not kill anyone previous to this incident. And even in this incident, I know he shot rounds but I do not know if he actually did kill somone or not. But like I said, if he did, it was in self-defense and was permissible (wouldn't you shoot at someone if they were storming your house with the intent to kill you and all inside?)

His blood was shed to seal his testimony, not to be forgiven.

In regards to your second question, it had nothing to do with this, since again it was in self-defense. This stands in effect, and is for cold-blooded murders and the like. I think you're warping this. It is something which might talk to some degree about capital punishement, but certainly not suicide or any of the like. And even with capital punishment, that is a matter which we leave in the hands of the state or country, not the church. We do believe, however, that the grevious sins such as that will need to be paid by the person who committed them. That basically the atonement of Christ can't go through to that person like it can to others until they have paid for their transgressions (then it will apply). That is basically what it is talking about. Any other questions, feel free to email. I hope this helps to clarify things for you, though.

Answer 2

We have no clue if Joseph Smith killed anyone in the first place, you need to remember there were two people in the room firing in defense.

The second question I have no clue what the answer is, but I feel it is safe to say it could easily be found on the Internet.

Answer 3

Why do you ask a question only to reject the truthful answer given to you by a Mormon - you are infact asking Mormons to answer are you not?

Who can prove Joseph "killed" anyone? yes, the men in the room with Joseph had guns, they were trying to protect their own lives...I would do the same. If I knew I had an angry mob at my door, I would not just sit back and wait to be shot, I would defend myself.
That said, I know without a doubt Joseph was and is a prophet of God. I know it. I would quote the words of a beautiful hymn, dedicated to Joseph Smith:
"Praise to the Man"
Praise to the man who communed with Jehovah!
Jesus anointed that Prophet and Seer.
Blessed to open the last dispensation,
Kings shall extol him, and nations revere.
[Chorus]
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
2. Praise to his mem’ry, he died as a martyr;
Honored and blest be his ever great name!
Long shall his blood, which was shed by assassins,
Plead unto heav’n while the earth lauds his fame.
3. Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter his kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
4. Sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven;
Earth must atone for the blood of that man.
Wake up the world for the conflict of justice.
Millions shall know “Brother Joseph” again.

I hope that I may one day meet Brother Joseph and thank him for all he did for me and the members of this church.

Answer 4

I believe three men total were shot (two of whom were suppose to have died later from the wounds)in the "martyrdom" of Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. But i am trying to remember which charge it was that he was in jail for that time. After all he was arrested at least 5 times in his life 4 in NY and once at least in Nauvoo where he died, was that the disorderly person charge, the enciting a riot charge, or the assault charge with intent of bodily harm?

Although technically martyrdom means you have committed no crime, are killed solely for your faith, do not fight back but instead submit for the glory of God. But why be technical.

Answer 5

He shot a man right before he was killed, but the man did not die. So, in short, Joseph killed no one.

Answer 6

Where did you get the idea he killed anyone?

As I recall excepted history goes like this--Joseph Smith was murdered, not the other way around.

Answer 7

Wow, the irony is getting thick now...

Now Smith was the aggressor, eh? That's rich.

Answer 8

Not sure...is it more or less than the number of other men's 14-year-old wives he married?