Was the Mormon church started by a scoundrel, but has now evolved into an admirable institution?

Question

Through careful revision of its early history, and the conversion of many intellectuals, has the Mormon faith transformed itself into a worthwhile organization?

Answer 1

I'd argue that most churches and religions were founded by self-righteous scoundrels.

See Constantine for more information on the Christian church in the Late Roman Empire.

There's still some debate as to whether religions are worthwhile in their own right.

Answer 2

I agree that Joseph Smith was a scoundrel, and while I agree that it now has the outward appearance of an admirable institution, the LDS Church has many practices which I still think sound awfully crooked. For example, the LDS Church still teaches that men and women can become gods in the next life, so long as they remain faithful to the LDS Church. The LDS have a time at their General Conference twice each year when they vote to uphold the General Authorities of their church, but it's just a rubber stamp in which everyone raises their hand. If anyone disagrees with the teachings of the GAs and is honest about it, they're no longer allowed to enter the temple, which is essential to attain and maintain eternal salvation. On top of that, it may not be officially practiced for this life any more, but Mormons still believe in polygamy! The scripture which teaches it still has not been removed from the LDS Scriptures (Doctrine and Covenants 132, found at scriptures.lds.org; you'll also find the teaching on people becoming gods here). On top of that, even if a person's marriage here on earth comes to an end, whether by death or divorce, that marriage is still eternal if the couple got married in the temple. However, it's only the man who can get married in the temple more than once, not the woman, unless she gets the previous marriage annulled.

There are good things that the LDS Church does too, but I can't help but think that all of the false teachings cancel those good things out. I could go on, but this is enough for me. You make the call now.


Note 3 days after original answer:

Amen, moosemose! :-)

Answer 3

Joseph Smith was indeed a scoundrel, among other things. People don't know much about the history of the LDS church,and the LDS are running away from it as fast as they can. If the people who think it is a "admirable institution" would take some time and investigate the history of the church they would not think it's so admirable. It's very easy to look at the LDS church and say "oh they believe this or they do that". Those things maybe wonderful things, but in the light of day you've got to look at where the church stands from a Biblical point of view. The LDS church just isn't what it claims to be.

Answer 4

I'd definitely say it has evolved into an admirable institution, but as far as being started by a scoundrel or revising history that would be according to each persons opinion. Joseph Smith was by no means perfect, and Mormons believe that, but what is important is whether he had his vision he spoke of, etc. That comes down to the faith of the individual. Because it is based on faith, like all religion, it is not my position to judge someone based on those beliefs. I respect them and all people of faith, even if I don't agree with them.

On a non-religious, superficial level, I do think the conversion and member status of intellectuals (CEOs of Dell, Deloitte and Touche, JetBlue, etc.) makes some people think differently, but it shouldn't.

Answer 5

I propose that it is now the most respectable institution and has always been.

How could a 'scoundrel' start an institution that has grown like it has and become recognized for the good it gives to the world?

Joseph Smith was by no means perfect, but he was one of the most righteous men ever to live on this earth. He was a prophet of God--just like Moses, John, Peter and Nephi.

It's not the institution that has changed it's people's misunderstandings, jealousy and fear being evolved.

I testify that I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is Heavenly Father's Restored church on earth and it is lead by a worthy and righteous man who has been called of God as the prophet at this time.


BTW--straightup: I know of no Mormons who claim or believe Joseph Smith is perfect. If there are any who do they do not follow the teachings of the church.

Answer 6

I am not a Mormon and I do not agree with their teachings. What a religion teaches as truth, what they believe as a whole, how they behave as a whole, and most importantly what solid backup do their teachings have - these are more important criteria when choosing/judging a faith.

Since we are only 'people' ourselves, we have a tendancy to look at the faults of the people in that religion. We can only take that so far though. We have to know them from the inside, and not from sources that we cannot validate. We have seen a lot of bogus/slanted reporting and it isn't always easy to get to the truth.

I don't think we can condemn an entire belief system for having faulty humans in it. Christs apostles had a lot of faults themselves. We have to know a lot more - factual information. There would be no worship at all if the individuals were told that they must be 'perfect' before believing. God judges us. We don't judge others.

Answer 7

You want to know if Joseph Smith, Jr. was a scoundrel?
I'd recommend, "The History of Joseph Smith" by Lucy Mack Smith. As I recall, it is the most accurate and detailed of the biographies on him.

Personally, I don't believe he was a scoundrel. He might have been bad with money, but he certainly was a good man, even if you take him out of the context of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Answer 8

The Church was not respected when it was started, because the Church was more open about it's less popular doctrines.

Since that time, as the Church talked less and less about those unpopular doctrines, it has become more accepted.

But the day will come when the Church will again become hated and persecuted in defense of their doctrines. When that day comes, I will stand with the Church in its defense.

We may not teach plural marriage, or the other unpopular doctrines we used to publicly teach. But they are true doctrines, the Church has never renounced them, and never will. These doctrines may not be practiced or taught, but they are nevertheless true doctrines, and have never been repealed.

Also, many church members sacrifice their principles in order to be more accepted by the world. This is not right. We should not be ashamed of our religion.

George A. Smith, one of the Apostles of the Church, once said:

"The Lord says, 'Woe unto you when all men speak well of you.' Sometimes I have known the papers say this and that good thing about the 'Mormons,' and I have said, 'What's up? Are we getting wicked, that the world loves us?'" (Journal of Discourses, vol. 13, http://journalofdiscourses.org/Vol_13/JD13-292.html)

Answer 9

It is one of the fastest growing religions in the world! I just got done reading Jon Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven," which deals mostly with the fundamentalists of the Mormon Church, but talks about Mormon's roots (Joseph Smith, Brigham Young). Although this book is highly disputed by the Mormon Church, it seems to have been heavily researched and supported by religious scholars. I'm most amazed that this religion was founded in early 1800s -- it's such a young religion! I'm curious to hear what other have to say as I am totally shocked by its early beginnings and there seems to be a movement -- across all religions -- to return to its fundamental roots.

Answer 10

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