Warren Jeffs and the Church of Latter Day Saints?

Question

How is Warren Jeffs connected or not connected to the LDS church?

Because Warren Jeffs is on the FBI's most wanted list, isn't that ruining or damaging the LDS' reputation?

Do you honestly consider this man to be a "prophet"?

(I am not asking to bash the LDS religion. I'm asking because I am curious and would like people's point of view on the matter. Thank you.)

Thank you EVERYONE for your answers! Thanks for being so kind and providing answers with some background. I wish I can give everyone 10 points, but I can't.

I'm going to put the question into voting. Best of luck to all!

Answer 1

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was started in 1830 by Joseph Smith. Persecution forced the Saints to move westward. After Joseph Smith was killed by a mob, the Church divided into different groups. The vast majority followed Brigham Young and ended up in Salt Lake City. They retained the name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (this is the large worldwide church that most people recognize as the Mormons).

Several other "Latter Day Saint" denominations were also formed, but most of these are very very small groups. One of these was the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, of which Warren Jeffs is the current leader. This sect, as well as the many other smaller LDS sects, are considered to be apostate groups by the much larger and familiar "Mormon" church, and have nothing to do with the original church founded by Joseph Smith. Although there may be similarities in the teachings among these groups, there are also some major differences between them. This could be analogous to the many Protestant churches that branched off the Catholic church.

Warren Jeffs in my opinion is an evil man, and is a false prophet. He is not affiliated with the church everyone knows as the "Mormons", although he and his followers do call themselves Mormons. I suppose he may be creating a bad reputation for the LDS community, but the truth will ultimately be discovered by those who sincerely seek it.

The leader and prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints today is Gordon B. Hinckley.

I hope this clarifies any misunderstandings.

Answer 2

Warren Jeffs and the Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormons) have nothing to do with each other. The only thing they have in common is part of the name of the church.
The Church or Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has nothing to do with Warren Jeffs and they think he should be on the FBI 10 most wanted list for all the things he has done.

Answer 3

I'm not familiar with Warren Jeffs, nor of any claims from him or others as to his being a prophet. If he's on the FBI's list, they probably have a good reason for it. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (yes, I'm a member,) aren't in the habit of trying to cover up the actions of other members when they are violating the laws. Like all Christians, we believe in living the laws that Christ taught. If we violate His laws, or the legitimate laws of the country we live in, we will have to deal with the unpleasant consequences. That's the way life goes.

As for his being a prophet, I understand that since our church was organized in 1830, a few groups have split off from us. Some go by similar names, such as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or 'Fundamentalist Mormons.' (Mormons is a nickname, because we also study the Book of Mormon along with the Bible.) It's possible that he's from one of these groups, and perhaps they consider him as their leader or prophet.

The Prophet of the Church is named Gordon B. Hinckley, and he lives in Salt Lake City.

If Warren Jeffs is a member of our church, then yes, he is damaging the church's reputation and God will hold him accountable for what he's done, whatever it was.

Answer 4

I don't think he is, or even claims to be Mormon. Isn't that why the church left Illinois for Utah in the early 1900's, because of differences on multiple wives? Polygamy is not widely accepted in the church today to my knowledge (which is not much).

Answer 5

I am sure the LDS church has kept its distance from this man. I bet he is part of another sect that is connected to Joseph Smith.

Answer 6

The LDS don't concern themselves with such matters as Jeffs didn't do anything to them personally. He just happened to be a LDS. LDS is a cult anyway!

Answer 7

i know! : ) i believe ya! whose warren jeffs? he's not a prophet. our prophet is Gordon B. Hinckley! : ) : )

good luck!

Answer 8

Don't know but can't answer your Question from my email with out an address [e-mail]