Moses murdered, but that didn't stop God from making him into a prophet. Jonah rebelled and wouldn't do what God commanded him to, and when Jonah finally relented, he got pi**ed when God wouldn't destroy Nineveh because they repented. It didn't change the fact that Jonah was still a prophet.
No man, except Jesus (by belief) is perfect. Joseph Smith admitted to his follies, but that doesn't change what God made him.
I just can't get over the fact that he claimed to have been given a document which was straight from the hand of God, left it on the mountain and TOLD people about it...and they swallowed that hook, line and sinker!!
LOL!! That man could have sold shares in non-existent gold mines if he hadn't had the much more profitable idea of starting a religion!!
He was better than most I think, and he is definitely "their" prophet because he started their religion and said many things they believe.
The Apostle Paul was basically a mass murderer before he followed Christ, so luckily God does forgive our sins if we ask and try our best to do good after wards.
South parks depiction of Smith can be said to be accurate, but that is also their take on it.
They slanted it so it would look that way.
It is really all about where your point of reference is and your knowledge of the context.
And yes, Mormons do believe that Smith was a prophet, the LAST prophet to be clear.
Of course they believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. Joseph Smith was the who God chose to translate the golden plates and bring the true religion to the people. To those of us outside of the church it seems crazy, but they truly believe it.
He didn't lead the most exemplary life, according to who?
At any rate, we don't consider Joseph Smith to be the Messiah (the fellow that lived in Isreal a couple thousand years ago, I am assuming you mean the Savior, Jesus Christ) He was a plain ordinary man who translated the Book of Mormon.
Mat 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringer forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringer forth evil fruit.
Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringer not forth good fruit is hen down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity [lawlessness].
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:12 And because iniquity [lawlessness] shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Mark 13:22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect.
There was a warning of false prophets. There was no promise that a prophet will come after Christ but a warning that false prophets will rise after Christ. When did Smith claimed to be a prophet? Before or after Christ?
If you want to know if Joseph Smith was truly a prophet you should read his words and those words of those who knew him best. Would you want everyone in the world to believe what only your enemies said about you?
Since Joseph is dead why not read some of his own words and judge for yourself. You can find them in Joseph Smith's History. I also suggest reading the Book of Mormon and asking yourself what kind of a man could have written it, and also asking yourself if you think he was inspired in the translation of that book.
Once you start to read and study a little about Joseph Smith you will be able to judge for yourself. By the way, any logical person should be able to figure out that South Park certainly isn't the most accurate source for a portrayal of Joseph Smith or anything else. Don't forget, their main purpose is to entertain. If they can do so by making fun of someone else, then why wouldn't they?
I am including some great links for you to go to so you can read for yourself some of Joseph's words.
Here is a short account in the words of Joseph Smith himself about what led him to go and ask of God which church was right. At the time he sought his answer he was 14 years old, and by the way, he was not a Mason.
11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of coreligionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that girth to all men liberally, and upbraided not; and it shall be given him.
12 Never did any passage of Scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know, and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.
13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to ?ask of God,? concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not upbraid, I might venture.
This doesn't sound like an unreasonable nutter to me, does it you?
P.S. It is my opinion and witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet called of God in this dispensation of times.
Wow...look at all the non-Mormons answer.
Yes, I really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. But I don't believe he was perfect as he was human. Jesus Christ was the only perfect man to walk to face of the Earth and they still crucified him.
So what is your point?
Joseph Smith was accused of many things taken to court 200+ without a single conviction; you seem to believe his accusations not his outcome.
Jesus was rejected by many, accused, tried, convicted, and killed; yet He was innocent.
Why trust the very type of men who speak evil of others in one life over the other?
If you applied the same discernment you follow regarding Joseph Smith with Jesus Christ you wouldn't be a Christian.
I've studied his life and his teachings, it's exemplary in any book! He died for his beliefs and lived for others and I'm a better man because God raised up a young prophet named Joseph Smith.
However, one thing nobody will debate you on is how you are calling Jesus a better example than Joseph Smith. Christ called Smith to be a prophet, He was a God who called a young humble and ignorant boy to serve Him - how on earth would anyone reading the story of Joseph Smith rank him higher than Christ?
It's impossible to revere Smith more than Christ because if Smith's teachings are to be believed then Jesus Christ is his Redeemer and Savior and the only way man can have peace in this life and salvation in the next.
Nobody who believes in Joseph Smith will argue his nature over Christ's nature as he testified of Christ. It's impossible to believe on Joseph without believing that he's nothing compared to Christ.
You're wrong.
Joseph was a humble farm boy that worked for living and had questions about religion. He was confused and asked God. His faith was such that he got an answer to his questions.
He was and is a prophet of God.
God often chooses the young and innocent to be His messengers.
I think the bigger question is - DO YOU really believe all the bologna and lies that people CLAIM about Joseph Smith, which in truth have little to no validity? Are you familiar with the concept of putting a SPIN or slant on something or someone? Perhaps you should look that concept up.....
And.... do you really think MILLIONS of people across the world would change the entire course and direction of their lives if they hadn't sought out a personal testimony of Joseph as a Prophet of God?
Joseph like any prophet never claimed to be perfect. All prophets through the centuries and throughout scripture had human frailties and flaws. Only Christ was perfect. SO if you'd like to judge one over another you go ahead. You let me know how that goes for you come your own judgment time before God - OK?
I only add my comment with other Latter-day Saints that it may stand as a witness against those of you who are striving to pervert the truth about Joseph Smith, Jr.
Yes, I really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. From my studies of reliable material I have come to the conclusion that Joseph was a wonderful, god-fearing young man. He was a boy of great faith, believing in the bible. Because he acted on his faith he became a great man and a servant of God.
I have come to know for myself that Joseph Smith is a prophet of the living God. You, too, can know for yourself the truth of this fact.
Obviously, we do believe it or we would not be LDS.
Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ, and by divine inspiration he translated records that now are known as the Book of Mormon.
People can believe or not believe - their choices. I believe.
Mormons, do you really believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God?
