MormonTimes.com: Joseph Smith Papers more than scholarly project

The Joseph Smith Papers project was conceived for its scholarly value and not for its interest among average readers.

But at least indirectly, the project that is destined to fill 30 printed volumes is expected to have a broad impact in the Mormon community.

"I think you'd have to be a pretty devoted church-history student to take these original hardbound volumes of Joseph's papers and find great delight in them," said Elder Marlin K. Jensen, church historian. On the other hand, "I'm always surprised what a significant percentage of our membership has that interest," he said.

The first volume is scheduled for distribution in December. The scope and depth of the project fit with the projection that the final volume will not be published until 20 years from now.

"History does enrich everything about living our religion," Elder Jensen said. "There is something very spiritually important about church history."

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