Why do Mormons believe Joseph Smith?

Question

Some dude claims to have visions and starts a religion? And people stake their lives on his sanity or honesty?

Answer 1

I cannot imagine, particularly after having read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover. Anyone with the brains of a gnat should see that it is total nonsense.

Answer 2

I come from a back ground of not believing just anything that comes along. I like to get the facts. I don't follow the first punk that comes along with something different. However, I trust the feelings God gives to me. If its good it comes from Him.

There are roughly 12 million Mormons in the world. These people aren't fanatics or crazies. If you knew anything about the religion you would know that. They are doctors, policeman, CEOs, plumbers, lawyers, politicians, teachers, bricklayers, renowned scientists, construction workers etc. These are everyday people from all walks of life, from the richest of the rich to the poorest of the poor. However, they all have one thing in common. Each and every one of them understands God's love for us in such a degree that they know that He wouldn't leave us alone in such difficult times as these. They understand the importance of an ancient record that talks of God's dealings with an ancient people through the medium of an ancient prophet. However, they also know
that more important than an ancient record to apply into our lives, is a current prophet to act as a medium to bring us God's word today.

These people do good works, they care about their family, they help the sick and needy, they serve one another, they forgive, they are honest, industrious, hard working, compassionate, and I would even be so bold as to claim that some of the most Christlike people I know are members of the Mormon faith. They produce good fruit. You can see that if you do the research.

Joseph Smith was one of those modern prophets, just like Noah or Moses.

Why would anyone be stupid enough to get on a boat that some old guy built in a field?
Some dude claims if you follow him he'll free you from slavery in Egypt. People stake their lives on that?

Matt 7:15-20

Answer 3

Many religions started like that.
Some people have what is called schizoid delusional mental disorder. They are ready to believe any fantasy. If they did not get the chance to get an education in science and scientific methods than they can believe anything without challenging or questioning. All they are looking for are a few ideas that they find pleasant or comforting.

Answer 4

I testify that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and those called of God subsequently are also prophets.

The disbelief of others is symptomatic of the failure to attempt comprehension of anything outside the usual comfort zone.

Joseph did have the vision in the sacred grove after reading and acting on James 1:5

Joseph had the same rights as anyone else would have had had they themselves asked of the Lord in humility for an answer.

This question falls into the same category as "Is the Pope infallible?"

Answer 5

It's kind of a requirement of the religion. If they didn't they wouldn't be Mormon. But come on, is it really any more unbelievable than any other religion? You think it's crazy to believe in a man who said he had visions, but the majority of westerners are Christian and believe a man was born to a virgin mother and rose from the dead? It's a little hypocritical to call Mormons nuts

Answer 6

Because of well trained Elders and Church leaders. The Elders are specially trained knights of God, you see, like the Gestapo. They find out what your problems might be, see if you ever thought about Christ being good, and then introduce you to the "revision" that all makes sense with a smile and a nod. They show you the beginning how all these guys that really were alive testafied to it's validity. Then you begin to hear about Joseph Smith.. and it's not until MUCH later you hear about the really crazy stuff. Like one higher up guy told me that they believed one day they would all evolve into Gods. Darwin is how Joseph Smith made his name I think. People needed answers to this new found knowledge and Joseph was ready to write it for them.

Answer 7

Why do Catholics believe the Pope?

That's what we believe... as we state in our 11th article of faith, we are entitled to believe what we choose as is everyone else.

I testify to you that I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that his visions and testimony are true... that is a decision that I have come to know. There is no reason to attack people just because you don't agree with them.

Me Yo and Pinkadot gave excellent answers a/w.

Answer 8

Kudos to Me Yo. great answer

Why do we believe? Because we have asked. We have and are encouraged to ask our Heavenly Father, afterall, He is the ONLY one who cannot and will not lie or manipulate or confuse us.
I have a strong testimony of the work Joseph Smith did. I know without a doubt that he saw and spoke with God the Father and Jesus Christ, that they called him by name, they know him (and all of us) and that Joseph was chosen in the premortal life to be the prophet to usher in this last dispensation. I know that to be true just as I know I live and breathe. He was and is a prophet of God, he translated the plates of the Book of Mormon. He went through SO much and I do firmly believe what John Taylor said of the Prophet Joseph after his maryrdom:
D&C135:3
3 Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!

I know that to be true, I love and admire Joseph for all he did for the church and the restoration of the gospel. I cannot wait to meet him in the next life and give thanks to him for all he did.

Answer 9

i really dont know, you would have to assume they are mentally deranged in some way.

i could say god will pop down from heaven in 7 years and then he doesnt, tell them it will be another while, and he still doesnt turn up and then i tell them he'll come down in another few years and he doesnt only this time i just say he actually did come down only he was invisable.

The basis for some religions are so crazy and so obviously maniplulated by man

Answer 10

I testify that Joseph Smith was a chauvinistic, womanizing,con-artist, who thought he was better than Jesus.