I first read Jesus the Christ, by James E. Talmage while serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Like many missionaries, I was introduced to this book as a tool for deepening my understanding of Latter-day Saint doctrine and clarifying the Church’s teachings about the life and mission of Jesus Christ. At that time, I found it intellectually rich and spiritually expansive—a structured, systematic exploration of Christ’s role in LDS theology, presented with academic rigor and religious conviction. While written more than a century ago, the book continues to serve as a cornerstone text for many within the faith tradition.

As the editor of this edition, my goal is not to advocate for any particular religious worldview, but rather to expand access to a significant and influential theological work. Talmage’s Jesus the Christ is more than just a doctrinal explanation—it is a comprehensive expression of early 20th-century Mormon thought, framed through the lens of a scientist-turned-apostle who dedicated his life to bridging scholarship and faith. Whether you’re someone currently within the Latter-day Saint tradition, someone who has moved away from it, or someone entirely unfamiliar with its teachings, this book offers valuable insight into the development of LDS Christology and the broader religious framework in which it operates.

What readers take from this book will often depend on the lens through which they approach it. For those who come to it with faith, it may serve to reinforce and deepen personal belief. Many have found their testimonies strengthened through the way Talmage interweaves scripture, reason, and reverence. For those approaching the text from a more critical or academic perspective, it remains a compelling historical artifact—an opportunity to examine the theological mind of one of Mormonism’s most influential scholars and general authorities. Either approach can be enriching.

My hope is that this edition will encourage readers to reflect on their own beliefs and to see them in historical and theological context. I invite you not only to consider the claims made in this work, but to use it as a starting point for broader study. Dive deeper into the history of your own faith tradition, examine the origins and development of the LDS Church, and explore the lives and legacies of the people and movements that have shaped your community. Whether you are studying for devotion, scholarship, or personal curiosity, this text can be a meaningful part of that journey.

Ultimately, Jesus the Christ invites thoughtful engagement. It speaks both to the faithful and the inquisitive, to the believer and the observer. I encourage you to read it patiently, think critically, and allow space for both affirmation and question. In doing so, you may come away with a clearer view—not only of what Latter-day Saints believe about Jesus Christ, but of how individuals like James Talmage helped shape the intellectual and spiritual foundations of modern Mormonism.

—Ken Simes