I don't believe in Joseph Smith, am I an anti-Christ?

Question

-"Whosoever confesseth that Joseph Smith was sent of God to reveal the holy Gospel to the children of men, and lay the foundation for gathering Israel, and building up the kingdom of God on the earth, that spirit is of God; and every spirit that does not confess that God has sent Joseph Smith, and revealed the everlasting Gospel to and through him, is of Antichrist, no matter whether it is found in a pulpit or on a throne, nor how much divinity it may profess, nor what it professes with regard to revealed religion and the account that is given of the Saviour and his Father in the Bible. ..." Quoted by Brigham Young 1860 from Journal of Discourses: http://journalofdiscourses.org/Vol_08/refJDvol8-46.html

If Brigham Young only believed that this is a condition for his followers than why would he say this statement, in 1853? "I say, rather than that apostates should flourish here, I will unsheath my bowie knife, and conquer or die. (Great commotion in the congregation, and a simultaneous burst of feeling, assenting to the declaration.) Now, you nasty apostates, clear out, or judgment will be put to the line, and righteousness to the plummet. (Voices, generally, "go it, go it.")If you say it is right, raise your hands. (All hands up.) Let us call upon the Lord to assist us in this, and every good work."

Note that apostates are most definitely other Christians, in the Mormon point of view. Convert or die?

Link for quote in the above referenced material: http://journalofdiscourses.org/Vol_01/refJDvol1-16.html

drshorty is correct that the Journal of Discourses is not doctrine. However it does provide for insight into the way Mormons thought in those days and in some ways continue to. As an ex-mormon, it has been very helpful in enlightening me into the history of the LDS church. Learning about the various changes to the four doctrines has also been very enlightening. Has drshorty studied these changes for the doctrine spouted? As I understand it the majority of the Mormon population does not know of these changes (I certainly did not and I know my family definitely does not) and if one is to study scripture and adhere to it one should certainly learn how such scripture has been modified over time. In some instances, those changes are most substantial.

Answer 1

me either. I believe in Jesus Christ. He is the one who saved me, and supplies my needs. I put my Faith, and Trust in Him. Not some man.

Answer 2

No cause first of all NOBODY believes he is sent from God to reveal that junk he spouted. Second that quote doesn't say not believing in him makes you the antichrist it says it means you are "of AntiChrist" as in a follower of the AntiChrist the AntiChrist will not be the follower of another. That is one reason he is the AntiChrist because he refused to Follow GOD. Finally Brigham Young was NOT speaking for GOD he was just spouting JUNK also. To find out what JESUS really said about the AntiChrist try reading a BIBLE (and not the Mormons Book but a real bible I have one online at the second source)

Answer 3

I confess that Joseph Smith was sent of God just has you quoted, the reason is He was a Prophet of God who restored the gospel and many truths that had been lost through the years, and brought things forth that were held back until the last days. If God called Joseph Smith just like he called Moses or any of the Old Testament prophets the same condemnation would fall on you. If you don't believe that Moses was Sent of God and that he revealed the law of Moses, and rejected his message then you would be of the antichrist.

Answer 4

First of all, you should realize that the Journal of Discourses is not considered to be doctrine by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, although it is certainly interesting reading. The only accepted sources of doctrine are the Standard Words (i.e. the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price) and anything that is (1) unanimously supported by the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of the Church and (2) ratified by the membership of the church. The Journal of Discourses definitely does not fall into that category.

Nevertheless, I will respond to your question. Joseph Smith was a true prophet of Jesus Christ, and he taught the true doctrine of Jesus Christ. Therefore, if you refuse to believe in the teachings of Joseph Smith, you are indeed rejecting Christ's representative and prophet. In that sense, you would be against Christ. I suspect that you indeed believe in Jesus Christ and accept many of His teachings. That is great. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has the complete gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us give you more.

Answer 5

No! Joseph Smith is not Christ. Jesus is the one to believe in. Put your faith only in Him. Anything against him is a spirit of the Anti-Christ. However, most Christians believe there will soon be on the world stage a man who will be possessed by Satan, hence the Anti-Christ. He will be a world ruler who will make all inhibitants accept his mark of 666. Many scholars believe this mark to be a common number in the bar coding system.

Answer 6

Brigham Young here is talking to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who were about to embark on proselyting missions. To quote from the article cited: " And here is still another class that needs teaching, perhaps, more than unbelievers. I refer to the Elders who are about to start on their missions."

I doubt very much, based on the context of reference, that Brigham Young really believed that anyone randomly out there who just happened to hear the name of Joseph Smith but didn't believe he was a prophet of God had the spirit of Anti-Christ. It seems to me he was talking to active practicioners of his faith.

So, no.

Answer 7

Well, If you don't believe in Joseph Smith, then you dont belive anything that that passage says. I think the only thing you are is a person with their head up their ***.

Answer 8

Absolutely not! Thank God you had the courage to ask. Ask The Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth.

Answer 9

MY PROPHET IS BETTER THAN YOUR PROPHET!!!!!

According to some Christians, you ARE the anti-Christ if you believe in Joe's gospel. According to the LDS's, you are living "right" if you follow Joe's words.

And thus, the delimma of conventional western religion!

Answer 10

Joseph Smith...the mormon dude?

No...the anti-Christ is more than just you or me not believing in the Book of Mormon.

Answer 11

No. Joseph Smith was a man who made up his own laws and rules to get people to fallow his evil ways. JESUS is the only way. AMEN