Who is next in Line?

Post by **_skippy the dead** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:07 pm

I've always found it very odd that the position of prophet, seer and revelator is chosen simply by seniority. It would seem to be a most uninspired way to do it. Plus, it is certainly a good way to ensure that another old man, likely in failing health, will get the job. I had always hoped that God would designate someone in particular, at least to show his involvement in his church.

Post by **_Mercury** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:18 pm

skippy the dead wrote:I've always found it very odd that the position of prophet, seer and revelator is chosen simply by seniority. It would seem to be a most uninspired way to do it. Plus, it is certainly a good way to ensure that another old man, likely in failing health, will get the job. I had always hoped that God would designate someone in particular, at least to show his involvement in his church.

Would you prefer the geriatric con men looking at a stone in a hat?

Post by **_krose** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 8:58 pm

Is the method of succession doctrine? Is it written anywhere as being revealed of God, or is it merely tradition since the power struggle when Brigham took over from that position?

For a human institution, it makes sense to do it this way to avoid campaigning and infighting. But for an alleged divine institution, it looks fishy. I mean, does anyone believe there's any possibility that 'God,' through his revelation to the group of apostles, will choose anyone other than the next guy in line?

_Ray A · Post by **_Ray A** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:10 pm

krose wrote:Is the method of succession doctrine? Is it written anywhere as being revealed of God, or is it merely tradition since the power struggle when Brigham took over from that position?

I am not aware of any revelation. Young ran the Church as president of the Twelve for about three years before being sustained as president. As you know there were some disputes about who should lead. Once most of the membership gained confidence (or so it appears) in Young he was ordained president. I believe there was also a short lapse between Young and Taylor. So I would say it's tradition, not doctrine.

Post by **_harmony** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 9:30 pm

krose wrote: mean, does anyone believe there's any possibility that 'God,' through his revelation to the group of apostles, will choose anyone other than the next guy in line?

This won't happen. In order for it to happen, all 12 would have to agree, which means all 12 would have to check their egos at the door and humble themselves enough to gain a revelation. That is simply not going to happen.

Pres Monson will be the next president of the church. He may not live long, but when he dies, he'll be the prophet.

Post by **_karl61** » Mon Jan 28, 2008 11:00 pm

KimberlyAnn wrote:Well, we'll know they've picked the next Mormon prophet when we see white smoke coming from the top of the Salt Lake temple.

Wait...wrong religion. Oops! ;)

KA

Likely sitting back and smoking a bunch of big cigars after undertaking that huge task?

Post by **_Mercury** » Tue Jan 29, 2008 3:17 am

thestyleguy wrote:
KimberlyAnn wrote:Well, we'll know they've picked the next Mormon prophet when we see white smoke coming from the top of the Salt Lake temple.

Wait...wrong religion. Oops! ;)

KA

Likely sitting back and smoking a bunch of big cigars after undertaking that huge task?

Here is the walk in Humidor in the Salt Lake temple:

They call it the Holy of holies but they keep their personal stash back there. They also keep 12 year old boys locked in cages. You can see the padlocked bars in another picture that I have misplaced.