John Andreas Widtsoe (1872-1952) was a Norwegian-born educator, scientist, and Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Together with James E. Talmage and B.H. Roberts, Widtsoe was representative of the "liberal" branch of early 20th Century LDS theology. "Joseph Smith as Scientist" originated as a series of articles Widtsoe penned for the "Improvement Era." In it, Widtsoe compares the teachings of Mormonisms founding prophet with the science of his day. While Widtsoe's analysis has been marred by the last century of advances in physics, it remains a fascinating effort to...

A Rational Theology is a classic religious essay by John A. Widtsoe. A rational theology, as understood in this volume, is a theology which (1) is based on fundamental principles that harmonize with the knowledge and reason of man, (2) derives all of its laws, ordinances and authority from the accepted fundamental principles, and (3) finds expression and use in the everyday life of man. In short, a rational theology is derived from the invariable laws of the universe, and exists for the good of man.