[Traveler]

Originally Posted by ceeboo

Good morning all,

It's me ( The Catholic visitor guy )

In my journey on this forum ( to gain the perspective I was searching for ) I now have a few questions that I would appreciate the " LDS " answers to so I may be able to sort and digest the wealth of information that is available here.

If any of my new LDS friends would be so kind as to offer their thoughts I would appreciate the time.

My questions are: ( Please consider my " Catholic roots " when answering )

Does the LDS Church consider itself the only " restoration Church " ?

Does the LDS consider it to be a " protestent " Church ?

How does the Church determine when " prophits " are speaking as such or not ?

How does the Church replace it's prophit after the current prophit passes ? ( is there only one at any given time in it's history ?)

Do " members " consider any other possible account of " JS history " or is it faith ?

Do " members " consider the 40,000 plus other christian denominations " brethren " ?

Is the term " anti Mormon " applied to any who might find a different " truth " ?

I will stop there,

I hope my questions were not offensive

God bless,
Carl

Concerning Joseph and his History. Joseph Smith was an obscure somewhat uneducated farm boy that was called and prepared by G-d – similar to Jesus and the ancient apostles (and John the Baptist). Because he was such an unknown; any historical accounts are most difficult to validate. Joseph’s life was often sought by those that disagreed with him. It is quite difficult for me to accept any account as objective of someone from a person willing to take the live of that person. That is a little extreme I think.

Concerning other Christians. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has a specific call to prepare for the coming of Christ on that great last day. We are charged (according to Prophesy) to gather the scattered of Israel according to the prophesies concerning the House of Ephraim. The call is to every nation, kindred, tongue and people – we believe Israel was scattered among all nations. We have amassed one of the worlds most effective and respected missionary forces by calling our worthy young men (age 19 – 27) to serve two years at their own expense. We welcome all to bring with them their faith to prepare their hearts to welcome Christ.

I personally identify anti-Mormons based on two criteria:

First – they are more concerned about preaching what they believe is wrong with Mormons than they are concerned about teaching what is right about Christ or what-ever their personal belief is.

Second – They pretend to understand the doctrine of the LDS or Mormons better that the members themselves – claiming we have our own doctrine wrong.

Beyond that – it is my personal belief that differences of opinion are healthy. For example Harry Read (a Democrat) and Mitt Romney (a Republican) are both LDS – Mormons in good standing with the church and it members.

The Traveler