Index
Overview
The 1835 Index to the Doctrine and Covenants serves as a critical meta-text for understanding the systematization of early Mormon theology. Unlike a standard concordance, this index reveals the priorities and organizational structure of the church five years after its founding. It categorizes the 'Lectures on Faith' (Part First) and the 'Commandments' (Part Second), cementing the transition from a loose charismatic movement to a rigid hierarchy. The entries highlight the restoration of ancient orders (Priesthoods of Aaron and Melchizedek), the establishment of a physical Zion in Missouri, and the implementation of strict economic and social laws (Consecration, Word of Wisdom). Of particular historical note is the reference to the article on Marriage ('One wife and one husband'), which was included to quell rumors of polygamy, despite the private commencement of the practice. For the analyst, this text demonstrates the 'legalizing' of the movement, where spiritual standing is tracked via licenses, certificates, and adherence to specific ordinances.
Key Figures
- Joseph Smith
- Oliver Cowdery
- Sidney Rigdon
- Adam (Michael)
- Enoch
- Martin Harris
- Newel K. Whitney
- Edward Partridge
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
Hierarchical Priesthood Authority
Assertion
The church is governed by a complex, two-tiered priesthood (Aaronic and Melchizedek) requiring specific ordination, licenses, and certificates.
Evidence from Text
Aaronic or lesser priesthood an appendage... Certificates and licences for priests, teachers, and deacons... Authority of bishops... Appeal to the seat of the first presidency.
Evangelical Comparison
The Index reveals a highly stratified religious caste system. In Evangelical theology, based on 1 Peter 2:9 and Hebrews 4:14-16, all believers have direct access to God through Christ, the sole Mediator. The text establishes a 'Lesser' and 'High' priesthood structure that mimics Levitical law but applies it to a Gentile church, inserting human mediators (Bishops, Presidents) and bureaucratic requirements (licenses) between the believer and their ministry.
Geographic Zion (The Gathering)
Assertion
Zion is a literal city to be built in Missouri (Independence), requiring physical gathering and land purchase.
Evidence from Text
Assemble to Zion... Buy land, in all the regions... Land of promise—Independence centre... City of the saints.
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelicalism interprets Zion in the New Covenant as the spiritual reality of the Church (Hebrews 12:22) and the future Heavenly Jerusalem (Revelation 21). This text localizes Zion to a specific American geography, mandating a physical gathering and economic consecration ('United order') that conflates spiritual salvation with civil empire-building.
Esoteric Cosmology
Assertion
Biblical history is expanded to include Adam's priesthood activities in America and distinct degrees of glory.
Evidence from Text
Adam blessed his posterity in Adam-ondi-Ahman... Glory of the Moon... Telestial glory... Enoch ordained by Adam.
Evangelical Comparison
The Index references 'Adam-ondi-Ahman' (a location in Missouri where Adam allegedly dwelt) and 'Telestial glory' (a third tier of heaven). These concepts are absent from the Bible. Evangelicalism teaches a binary eternal destiny (Heaven/Hell) based on acceptance of Christ (Matthew 25:46), whereas this text implies a merit-based, multi-tiered afterlife revealed through Joseph Smith.
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap
While using Christian terminology (Bishop, Deacon, Baptism), the definitions are radically altered. The 'Gospel' in this text is a system of laws, ordinances, and priesthood authority necessary for exaltation, rather than the Good News of Christ's finished work. The inclusion of 'Lectures on Faith' and specific 'Revelations' as binding law creates a closed system where the Bible is interpreted solely through Joseph Smith's lens. The requirement of 'Certificates' and 'Licenses' for ministry stands in stark contrast to the New Testament model of spiritual gifting.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Addition of 'Commandments', 'Revelations', and 'Book of Mormon' as binding canon.
Sola Fide
Salvation/Exaltation dependent on ordinances ('Baptism necessary', 'Washing feet') and obedience to 'laws'.
Universal Priesthood
Re-establishment of a mediating caste of priests with exclusive rights to administer salvation.
Christology (Sufficiency)
Christ's work is insufficient without the 'Keys of the mysteries' and 'Priesthood' restored through Smith.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Priesthood"
In This Text
Authority and office held by men, divided into Aaronic and Melchizedek orders, necessary to administer ordinances.
In Evangelicalism
The status of all believers who offer spiritual sacrifices (1 Peter 2:5), and the unique High Priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 7).
"Zion"
In This Text
A literal city to be built in Jackson County, Missouri.
In Evangelicalism
The Kingdom of God; the heavenly Jerusalem; the body of believers.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: Implicitly defined as entering the 'Kingdom' or 'Zion' through obedience to the laws and ordinances.
How Attained: Through faith *plus* baptism, priesthood ordination (for men), gathering, and enduring to the end in obedience to the 'Commandments'.
Basis of Assurance: Compliance with the 'Order', holding a valid 'License', and acceptance by the 'Bishop'.
Comparison to Sola Fide: The entry 'Baptism necessary' and the focus on 'Works', 'Stewardships', and 'Laws' contradicts Romans 3:28 ('man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law').
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Arise and be baptized
- Buy lands for the present
- Gather to Zion
- Obtain certificates and licenses for ministry
- Pay again (debts/consecration)
- Render account of stewardship
Implicit Obligations
- Accept the hierarchy of the First Presidency and High Council
- Physically relocate to Missouri (historical context)
- Submit to the 'Order of Enoch' (economic redistribution)
- Accept the Book of Mormon as equal to the Bible
Ritual Requirements
- Baptism by water
- Confirmation of the church
- Sacrament (bread and wine)
- Washing of feet (ordinance)
- Ordination to specific priesthood offices
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- I noticed the Index lists 'Certificates and licences' for priests and teachers. In the New Testament, who gave authority to share the Gospel?
- The Index mentions 'One wife and one husband' under Marriage. How does this fit with the history of polygamy in Nauvoo?
- Why does the Index place such heavy emphasis on 'Laws', 'Stewardships', and 'Property' compared to the New Testament's emphasis on Grace?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
The Desire for Order
The text shows a deep human longing for a well-ordered life and community. The Gospel offers the ultimate order—peace with God through Christ—which brings internal order to the soul.
Stewardship
The desire to be faithful with what God has given is noble. In the Gospel, we are stewards of God's grace, not just property.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
The believer is burdened with a complex system of 'Commandments', 'Laws', 'Stewardships', and 'Certificates'. Salvation becomes a checklist of bureaucratic and ritual requirements.
With 'Certificates' and 'Licenses' being revocable, and 'Stewardships' requiring accounting, the believer's standing is always tentative, dependent on the approval of the hierarchy.
The text places layers of human authority (Bishop, Council, Presidency) between the individual and God, creating a dependency on leaders for spiritual validity.
+ Epistemology
Knowledge Source: Authoritative Dictation (Prophet to People).
Verification Method: Obedience to the 'Voice of the order' and the 'Presidency'.
Evangelical Contrast: Biblical epistemology relies on the illuminated Word of God (Psalm 119:105) and the Berean spirit of testing teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11). This text establishes a system where truth is determined by the 'High Council' and 'First Presidency' decisions.
+ Textual Criticism
Dating: 1835
Authorship: Joseph Smith (and compilation committee: Oliver Cowdery, Sidney Rigdon, Frederick G. Williams).
Textual Issues: This Index references the 'Article on Marriage' (Section 101 in 1835) which stated 'One wife and one husband'. This section was later removed and replaced by D&C 132 (Polygamy) in 1876. The Index preserves evidence of the public denial of polygamy while it was secretly practiced.