Why do some people believe that members of the LDS Church (Mormons) worship Joseph Smith and not Jesus Christ?

Question

Not to be rude, but I'm not asking anything about whether or not they (we) are Christians or what Christ we believe in (How can there have been more than one?).

I saw on another question more than one person say that we do not believe Christ died for our sins, but rather that we worship Joseph Smith. I'm just wondering where they got that idea.

LOL jeff...are you following me? just kidding. It's not bringing me down. I just wonder where some people get their info and how they state things so boldly as fact.

Answer 1

Hey Gumbinator!

Great question. Interesting responses thus far also. As far as responding to the nay-sayers, I think Mickey P snubbed Schneb well enough. Peter Priesthood pitched a perfect prose response too.

Coming from a convert's (i.e., outside) perspective, I think there are two main reasons for this misconception:
1. Innocent Ignorance
2. Intentional Ignorance

Here's an example of the first. When I was in high school I asked a Mormon friend (I had not yet joined the Church) what went on in the temples. I don’t remember the exact details of that conversation because he was so excited to start talking about the Church he probably gave me the first 4 discussions. So I went away from that conversation thinking that Mormons baptized gold plates on behalf of the dead. No joke. If I had not studied it out myself I would probably still believe that as well as believe what anti-mormons, or anyone for that matter, told me.

“For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are blinded by the subtle craftiness of men, whereby they lie in wait to deceive, and who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it “ –D&C 123:12

This next section is not meant to slight or offend anyone, it is my honest observation however.

There are many people who are against the Church, who have fallen away from the Church, and even some who are in the Church who willfully and intentional remain ignorant of the restored truths of the gospel. In all seriousness, in some ways that makes life a lot easier! We belong to a church with very high standards. Think about it from their point of view. “If Joseph Smith wasn’t a fraud, then the Book of Mormon is true, then I have been wrong, then I do have to do more than just confess with my mouth and believe (Rom 10:9), then I am accountable for every decision in my life, then I have to keep trying harder and harder every day to be the best I can be, then I have to stand strong against the millions of people who want to tear my beliefs and my religion down everyday, etc….”

-I know that this is not exactly most people in that categories cognizant thought process; I’m just making a point.

To summarize the intentionally ignorant: It mostly boils down to pride. Anti’s don’t want to think they might be wrong, apostates are usually offended at someone in the Church, and many members in the church think they know better –without having studied very much- and pick and choose which commandments to keep and which doctrines to believe.

It takes a humble heart and mind in order to truly follow the Lord throughout mortality.

Still, many intentionally ignorant will continue to slander the Church and accuse us wrongly. Let’s not forget what the Lord (that would be Jesus, not Brother Joseph) said to those nay-saying Pharisees: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt 12:36

Best Wishes,
Rusty

Answer 2

Schneb
Dude - you're on crack. At least, if you're going to quote scripture or people, you could actually get the quotes right and in context. But... I don't expect much from many "Christians" regarding truth... I've known too many.

If someone worships Joseph Smith then they're misled. Y'all don't have a problem with saying someone is misled when they follow Mormonism. Isn't it equally possible that they're misled when they worship a man?

Mormons believe in a pre-existance where we all were with God and Christ (and Satan). We were all brothers and sisters.

Neither verse you quoted refers to Satan at all - let alone a cherub.

Mormons do not believe in The Trinity - as this implies. Mormons also believe in the Christ that was standing on the Right Hand of God when Stephen was martyred.

Alma says "at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers." not the city *of* Jerusalem. There are other instances of this type of generalization in the new testament where apostles refer to miracles (demons cast from pigs) in what appear to be different cities.

McConkie and the nature of Christ - You believe that The Trinity isn't a corruption of the nature of Christ; I think its the perfect example.

Where Jesus went - "Other sheep I have which are not of this fold." He did go to God. He didn't only go to God. John 10:15-16

Can't defend the McConkie quote for virginity - it was never taught to me and this is the first I've heard of it.

1 John 5:1 has NOTHING to do with Christ being married or not. There *is* no reference in the NT of his marital status. Also - I would have my doubts that a 30 year old unmarried Jew would be able to influence anybody at all in that society.

Mormon Jesus ONLY came to save. That's the one recurring theme that I was taught. They beat it into my brain.

I have no issues with people disagreeing with any religious doctrine, but at least stop making crap up.

[edit]
Primoa1970 - which verse says that following a "supplement" is wrong? Please don't quote Revelation since that scripture was in the context of only the book of Revelation.

Answer 3

Granted, we do talk about him an awful lot... And we certainly talk about our ancestors a lot as well... But we also talk about other prophets and leaders. We talk about our own lives and our friends.....

Catholics hold Peter as an early leader of their church, right?... what about Jews and their feelings toward Abraham or Moses?...


Joseph did a lot for the exaltation (not salvation) of mankind... But so did Adam, and Abraham, and Moses, and Isaiah, and Peter, and John....

We see Joseph Smith on the same level as these men- prophets and chosen witnesses of who and what Jesus Christ was and is.


On the other hand, Jesus Christ is seen on a whole different (much higher) level.... He's the Promised Messiah, the Holy One of Israel, the Savior of the world, and the Redeemer of Mankind, for crying out loud!!!

As John the Baptist described Him- Jesus was one that we aren't even worthy to undo his shoe... (oh, and it was only the lowliest of servants who were given that task).

Answer 4

Wait up guys nobody has ever worshiped Joseph Smith, that was a rumor of the 19 th Century, specially after the prophet was murdered in the jail of Cartage, IL. but it is nothing but that, a rumor with no fundation.

Answer 5

I haven't seen anyone say that for a while. But if I remember correctly, their logic is that we "follow" Joseph Smith. that we accept his teachings over the Bible, and always talk about him. (I guess similar to was 7 of 9 said) Because of their misunderstandings of our beliefs, it can be easy to come to the conclusion that we worship Brother Joseph.

Answer 6

Well. Many people speak about what they don't know anything about, but that which their prejudiced poisonous minds tells them.

LDS (Mormons) do not worship Joseph Smith, Jr. They never have, and they never will. I know for a fact that Mormons only worship Jesus.

Answer 7

Because they only believe what they are told, Like we worship a different Jesus. Maybe they worship a different Jesus, and they just can't comprehend that we have it right. If everyone actually used their own ability to find the truth, the world would be a much different place.

Answer 8

Sorry schneb Mormon doctrine doesn't say Jesus was conceived by God the Father and Mary having sex.
You're bearing false witness...you're a liar.

Answer 9

Probably for the same reason some people believe that Catholics worship Mary.
dumb

Answer 10

People here are ignorant and hateful. don't let 'em bring you down, Gumby. I've always defended that Mormons are Christians....sure i often rail against christians...but that is besides the point. Mormons, in my humble opinion, are just as good a faith as any.