[candyprpl]

Originally Posted by bytor2112

Sometimes I read all of the Anti theories about Joseph and I always think,.... what was his motivation? He never had any type of temporal security for himself or his family, he was visciously assualted repeatedly, his name was always being dragged through the mud and periodically even members were not always welcoming of him.

At some point I think even the most narcissistic person would pack it in and move on to safer and more profitable and hospitable surroundings. The reason should be obvious to any one... he endured all that he did, because all that he claimed is true. The church is such a force for good and a beacon of truth and light. No way it would have flourished and grown the way it has if Joseph was a fraud.

Off subject......have you seen the Growth of Stakes video? I posted it with the other videos...really awesome.

I KNOW!!!! My feelings exactly. Some of the threads discussing these things got me so upset! I took a break from reading them. I've read enough about JS to know that he was just a 'normal' person. I don't expect that he was perfect. Some seem to think that because he wasn't perfect, therefore, he couldn't have been a Prophet. Absurb!! Some of his life is kind of disturbing. But it's disturbing because of my feelings about things, not because he was a bad person, or immoral, or whatever. I don't understand why people can't understand -- 'until you've walked in their shoes,' judge not. My parents taught me that very early on in life.

Thanks PapilioMemnon -- I'm in the process of learning more. I really have no doubt in my heart about JS -- just need to get my mind and heart on the same page. And I have no doubt that Heavenly Father will give me answers!