Was Joseph Smith a Martyr?

I was poking around on the two big Mormon apologist sites (Fair and Farms) and they both have articles on Joseph’s martyrdom.

Christian apologists usually make the argument that Joseph wasn’t a martyr because he went out with guns blazing. You can read about his death in the “Comprehensive History of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints” volume 2 by BH Roberts.

The usual story you will hear is that Joseph went to Carthage, was held there and then the mob came up and killed him.

Last year we took a tour of the jail and it was very interesting but our tour guide said nothing about the pistol that Joseph Smith used to fire three shots at the mob.

Then instantly rising to his feet he drew the pistol Cyrus Wheelock had left him, and with a quick, firm step, and a determined expression in his face he advanced to the door and snapped the pistol six successive times; only three of the loads, however, were discharged. (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1930], 2: 284 – 285.)

Now, there’s the argument by the Mormon apologists: the word “martyr” merely means witness, Joseph Smith was a witness even to the end.

This is true. We as Christians have a view of martyrdom colored by the early church. That those who hid in catacombs, those who were tortured and killed by Rome – those guys didn’t put up a fight. So it sets up a mental block when we hear about Joseph fighting back.

The Mormon apologists are correct, the word martyr means witness. I’m a martyr for the Jesus of the Bible, if you’re a Christian, you are too. Joseph was a martyr for his message.

HOWEVER, the issue I have with the death of Joseph isn’t the label “martyr”. The issue I have is with this false prophecy:

“I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; But I am calm as a summer’s morning; I have a conscience void of offense towards God, and towards all men. I shall die innocent, and it shall yet be said of me—he was murdered in cold blood.” (B. H. Roberts, A Comprehensive History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. [Salt Lake City: Deseret News Press, 1930], 2: 248 – 249.)

Joseph Smith said he would be innocent, that he was going like a lamb to the slaughter.

My issue isn’t with the definition of the word “innocent”, but I think you can make a case there. My issue is with him placing his death on the same ground as Jesus’. Jesus went to His death like a lamb to the slaughter.

Did Jesus grab Peter’s smuggled sword and start hacking at the people who came to get Him? No. He did heal someone, but he told Peter that if you live by the sword you’ll die by the sword.

Contrast that with Joseph who grabbed a smuggled pistol and started shooting at the people who came to get him.

Jesus didn’t open up His mouth to make a defense. Joseph was very loud about his defense.

Jesus paid the price for my sins so that by believing I might have eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-10, John 3:16). Joseph died for his own beliefs.

I don’t have an issue with calling Joseph a martyr. But I cannot call him a true prophet and I certainly cannot place him on the same level as Jesus.