Joseph Smith-Questions and concerns

searchingfortruth · #1 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:31 PM

Ok, so my family has really been ministering to me about LDS. So I'm digging, looking for answers, truth, if there is some.

Let me lay out a general thinking idea that I wan't viewpoints on.

Joseph Fielding Smith in Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 1, page 188. He said, "Mormonism, as it is called, must stand or fall on the story of Joseph Smith. He was either a prophet of God, divinely called, properly appointed and commissioned, or he was one of the biggest frauds this world has ever seen. There is no middle ground."

"If Joseph Smith was a deceiver, who willfully attempted to mislead the people, then he should be refuted, and his doctrines shown to be false, for the doctrines of an impostor cannot be made to harmonize in all particulars with divine truth. If his claims and declarations were built upon fraud and deceit, there would appear many errors and contradictions, which would be easy to detect. The doctrines of false teachers will not stand the test when tried buy the accepted standards of measurement, the scriptures."

So with that reference in place...so it seems to be that as long as you prove Joseph Smith to be legit then keep exploring into the depths of the foundings and doctrines.

My concern is this...that there seem to be a lot of things concerning Joseph Smith that doesn't exactly reflect his status as a prophet.

NOT BASHING or DEBATING!!! I for real and searching out truth.

So there ya go, BOMBS away lol

searchingfortruth · #2 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:34 PM

also, the quote from Joseph Fielding Smith, I'm under the impression he played as a president for the church. If I am incorrect on this...please forgive me.

Just_A_Guy · #3 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:49 PM

Yes; Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of Joseph Smith and the father of Joseph Fielding Smith. All three led the LDS Church at one point or another.

And, with all due respect, I think you may have the process backwards. It isn't necessary for historians to prove Mormonism true or to prove Joseph Smith to be a true prophet; they merely need to show that his (and the Church's) actions were defensible under the circumstances of the time.

The proof comes from God Himself.

pam · #4 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:49 PM

Clarification please. What do you mean he "played as a president of the church?"

searchingfortruth · #5 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pam

Clarification please. What do you mean he "played as a president of the church?"

Meant as thats what he did, his role. "His role was"..."he played as" same thing to me. Sorry for confusion

pam · #6 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the clarification.

searchingfortruth · #7 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_A_Guy

Yes; Joseph F. Smith was the nephew of Joseph Smith and the father of Joseph Fielding Smith. All three led the LDS Church at one point or another.

And, with all due respect, I think you may have the process backwards. It isn't necessary for historians to prove Mormonism true or to prove Joseph Smith to be a true prophet; they merely need to show that his (and the Church's) actions were defensible under the circumstances of the time.

The proof comes from God Himself.

here's my viewpoint. (fyi thanks for you input...very good point). I'm know jesus christ as my lord and savior. and know god, and am filled with the holy spirit. BUT I believe in the fullness of the bible.

So kinda my viewpoint in researching as to be the true church (my family states its the only), is to obviously pray for guidance.

but through guidance, there should be facts, IMO. so I'm just aligning everything and seeking the truth on it. Just as in Acts 17 (i believe thats correct refence) where Paul bore testimony to the Bereans. The bereans didn't just take his word, they studied to show what paul was preaching was true.

also, because there seems to be a belief in errors on the bible....i'm researching history and facts on that too. to test the accuracy.

I pray for all things. Thats an understood rule. I have read a good bit of book of mormon. Prayed god would reveal testimony...and nothing. I've actually been searching for truth for awhile now when it comes to LDS.

Pleas dont take this to offense...I truly am seeking truth. Just wanting to make sure I'm not missing something ya know?

searchingfortruth · #8 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 11:10 PM

let me rephrase that a bit...

i feel as though I have God, accepted Jesus, and been filled. I feel the power of God working in my life. He set me free from suicide, drug addictions, etc.

So with that background....I'm trying to see if I'm missing something. I feel very complete in christ, its amazing.

So honest opinion I really don't feel as though I lack in anything religion wise. BUT like i said, my family witnesses to me. And I truly want to find out. If the church is truely the only true church....I WANT IN! Who wouldn't lol

hope that makes better sense!

slamjet · #9 (**permalink**) 03-11-2011, 11:38 PM

How long you been sober?

Elphaba · #10 (**permalink**) 03-12-2011, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just_A_Guy

It isn't necessary for historians to prove Mormonism true or to prove Joseph Smith to be a true prophet; they merely need to show that his (and the Church's) actions were defensible under the circumstances of the time.

JAG, I'm confused by this. Would you please explain it further?

Elph