Is it a problem that Joseph Smith searched for treasure using divinging stones, a forbidden occult practice?

Question

Joseph smith was reportedly searching for treasure with divinine stones and came upon a spirit claiming to be an 'angel' which said all Christian denominations are currupt... should we believe it.
Since Joseph Smith was disobeying the Bibles commands to avoid occult practice why would we trust the 'angel' is from God and why would he later join Harmony Methodist church and meet his wife is all denominations are corrupt. If this infomration is not correct please let me know. Thanks

I only see one person who actually tried to defend Joseph Smith citing Joseph using a cup to divine like Nostradamus. Genesis 44. I'm afraid Joseph was acting under pretence when he said that as he was making himself look like something else to his brother... and NOstradamus... the spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus ...but who does Nostradamus point to...no one... I would therefore have to reject the idea Joseph was a dininer and reject the idea Nostradumus was a true prophet

Answer 1

There are many reasons to distrust the teaching of Joseph Smith. Claiming to be able to decipher Egyptian hieroglyphics, he translated so inaccurately that, when they were translated by an Egyptology's, every single word was wrong (the proof that a prophet is of God is that he is 100 per cent accurate).

There are many versions of his original manuscripts. In one he claims there were two beings with Him - God and Jesus, in another he claims there were three. The list goes on.

Original Mormon church doctrine allowed for multiple marriages - the church now does not condone that viewpoint.

Mormon church doctrine says that Jesus attained godhood by living a perfect life. Christianity says that Jesus was born God. Mormon church doctrine indicates that it is possible to become a 'god'. Christianity says that there is only one God, and that there never will be any more than one God. Mormon doctrine says that currently there is only one God on this planet, but there are many other 'gods' elsewhere. Christianity, again, does not believe in any other 'gods'.

Answer 2

It cracks me up how much hatred is out there. Joseph Smith was a man, who was also imperfect. I don't get why everyone expects him to be so. He may have done some stupid things, and he may have fooled around with things like magic or whatever, like teenagers do, but that doesn't make him evil or have any bearing on whether or not he saw God and Jesus or received and translated the Book of Mormon. I assume the asker of this question has never done anything against the teachings of the Bible, or why would he be pointing fingers, as the Bible teaches us not to do unless we ourselves have no sin. Joseph was not perfect, so what? Really, come on. Jesus was the only perfect person to walk this earth. Look at Moses, he got God all up in a rage on many occassions for not being obedient to God's teachings. It doesn't mean we throw away the 10 commandments because there is no way they could be right coming from a sinner.

Joseph hopped churches, but didn't join any church until he re-established Christs church on the Earth.

Look, I respect all religions/faiths, and I will not say anything negative about them, because that is the great thing about having free agency and being told we should not judge. I may disagree with others, but I can respect them nonetheless. It is a shame, and a sin not to do so.

Lastly, Mormons do not worship Joseph Smith, only God and his Son Jesus Christ, who died to save mankind. And for the other person who mentioned not adding to the Bible,, Revelations was not the last book written, it was just the order chosen, so there are many writings in the Bible that came after that declaration.

Answer 3

“Now, most historians, Mormon or not, who work with the sources, accept as fact Joseph Smith’s career as village magician. Too many of his closest friends and family admitted as much, and some of Joseph’s own revelations support the contention.” (Richard L. Bushman, Mormon historian, “Treasure-seeking Then and Now,” Sunstone, v. 11, September 1987, p. 5) Yes, Smith really did 'translate' the Book of Mormon by putting rocks in a hat. Church Apostle Russell Nelson admitted it: “The details of this miraculous method of translation are still not fully known. Yet we do have a few precious insights. [Oliver Cowdery's brother-in-law] David Whitmer wrote:” ‘Joseph Smith would put the seer stone into a hat, and put his face in the hat, drawing it closely around his face to exclude the light; and in the darkness the spiritual light would shine. A piece of something resembling parchment would appear, and on that appeared the writing. One character at a time would appear, and under it was the interpretation in English. Brother Joseph would read off the English to Oliver Cowdery, who was his principal scribe, and when it was written down and repeated to Brother Joseph to see if it was correct, then it would disappear, and another character with the interpretation would appear. Thus the Book of Mormon was translated by the gift and power of God, and not by any power of man." (David Whitmer, An Address to All Believers in Christ, 1887, p. 12.) Elder Russell M. Nelson, A Treasured Testament, Ensign, July 1993, 61

Answer 4

Paul tried very hard in the Book of Galatians to get people to understand we
are NOT under the Law any more. That doesn't mean things like stealing and
killing, but communicating with Spirit.
It says the Law wasn't even understood from the beginning!
The word "divination" tells you, it comes from the DIVINE! Nevertheless, it can
be used for evil intent. That's the difference.
Psychics today will tell you. Nobody asks what Spirit wants them to know in order to grow. Thay only want to know when they'll make more money, will
they win the lottery, how can they get the goods on somebody!
Joseph used a cup to divine like Nostradamus. Genesis 44.
And the first chapter in Acts says the Disciples threw lots after invoking
God, to find a new disciple after Judas killed himself.
Knowledge itself is not evil. It's what we use it for that determines good or evil.
Wicked people use knowledge to control others.
Righteous people use knowledge to gain self-control.

Answer 5

He didn't actually join that church. His name did get listed in the Sunday school register though.. There are at least three different versions of Joseph Smith's first vision. You quoted one of them that isn't the official and excepted version. You are correct however in exposing the fact that Smith was involved in demonic practices it's called "money digging". He even paid a fine to the court for stealing by deception due to these activities. All in all Smith was an evil man but far more intelligent than most of the people he dealt with. His lack of education shows in the poor vocabulary and ignorance of the Bible. Even the italicized words appears in the part of the Book of Mormon he copied directly from the King James Bible without comment... Jim

Answer 6

It is correct sadly enough. People might not like the truth-but there it is. Look at his criminal record too if you want to see more sad facts. The hardest part is that people believe his words after the Bible said that nothing should be added or taken away after Revelations- now that's getting unbiblical.

Answer 7

Don't forget that he joined the Masons, too...and took much of what became the Mormon "sealing in the temple" ritual directly from the Masonic degrees.

My pop was a Mason....he watched "What's Going On In There" - the video about what happens inside Mormon temples - acted out by ex-Mormons....and he told me it was nothing but re-worked Masonic Blue Lodge ritual

Answer 8

Yes, it is a problem. Joseph Smith is a problem also.
He was not God and no one else died for us on a cross
and rose from the dead either. All the others people
worship died and are still in their graves.

Answer 9

Ummmm, you know he made the whole thing up right?

Answer 10

yes......if you want to talk to God...you must use his ways.