DiscussMormonism.com

You know the famous quote that Joseph Smith's name will be known throughout the world for both good and evil?

What other prophets in our world's history get that status?

I was trying to think of one but can't really. I suppose there might be some Popes that are known that way...

I think Muhammad would be one and he far outdoes Joseph Smith in that category.

Fence Sitter wrote:I think Muhammad would be one and he far outdoes Joseph Smith in that category.

Really? I guess I really haven't heard anyone speak evil of Muhammad himself. What did Muhammad do to cause the evil?

zeezrom wrote:

Fence Sitter wrote:I think Muhammad would be one and he far outdoes Joseph Smith in that category.

Really? I guess I really haven't heard anyone speak evil of Muhammad himself. What did Muhammad do to cause the evil?

Same thing Joseph Smith did, make up a religion and get millions of people to buy in to it.

I don't know the specifics of his life Zee but your question was more general, and since Islam is know both for good and evil, I expect that would extend to its founder.

I get what you mean, FS. But you never hear the church leaders saying, "Mormonism is known for both good and evil." That would be a pretty sucky thing for the promoters of the faith to say!

zeezrom wrote:

Fence Sitter wrote:I think Muhammad would be one and he far outdoes Joseph Smith in that category.

Really? I guess I really haven't heard anyone speak evil of Muhammad himself. What did Muhammad do to cause the evil?

Two questions in that, Zeezrom. As far as being spoken evil of (regardless of having earned it or not) he wasn't a particularly popular guy as is common for someone preaching a new and revolutionary message of true faith. As for doing evil, I guess if you were a native of Mecca you'd be inclined to see him as doing evil. He was much more successful at waging war than Joseph Smith.

You'd probably find his story very interesting. I can't say what the best telling is in English. I read Karen Armstrong's a decade ago and for someone who knew little it was helpful. But I can't remember enough about what was specifically from her and what I picked up later to say how well it's held up.

Regarding the OP, I think the phrase is generically applicable to anyone who preaches a message of restored truth or a more pure path.

Sun Myung Moon, for example, was imprisoned in his native North Korean for his preaching, claiming to have been visited by Jesus and sent on a new mission of salvation since Christ's had failed. Once he was freed by US troops during the Korean War and established the Unification Church, or moonies, he became another example of a "prophet" who is beloved of the faithful but castigated by the general populous. Or at least those who actually know of him.*

I'd say that Muhammad has the advantage over Joseph since he is probably much better known around the world, and people have much stronger opinions about him. Say what we will about the Mormon's love of Joseph Smith you never hear things today among LDS faithful like the Muslim Shahada.

* I say "know of him" but he recently passed away.

zeezrom wrote:You know the famous quote that Joseph Smith's name will be known throughout the world for both good and evil?

What other prophets in our world's history get that status?

I was trying to think of one but can't really. I suppose there might be some Popes that are known that way...

Without a doubt...Brigahm Young, and all other LDS "prophets", or read the Fox's Book of Martyers...Joseph Smith got off easy.

I think a better question might be name a "prophet" that wasn't loved by some and hated by others?

do the 1.3 billion Chinese and the 1.1 billion Indians even know of Joseph Smith?

Tchild wrote:do the 1.3 billion Chinese and the 1.1 billion Indians even know of Joseph Smith?

"Throughout the World" in current Mormon speak is a geographical reference only. In other words placing a single missionary in China enables one to claim the gospel has spread to the Chinese people.