I admire Joseph Smith.

[Guest]

I am collecting 'tittles' that apply to Joseph Smith. He had so many. Here is a quote from D. Michael Quin which I think captures a lot of those conflicting roles. It is amazing to think he filled all these roles and more in just 38 years.

“ Few Mormons today can grasp the polarizing charisma of their founding prophet. Some may feel uncomfortable when confronted with the full scope of Joseph Smith’s activities as youthful mystic, treasure –seeker, visionary, a loving husband who deceived his wife regarding about forty of his polygamous marriages, a man for who friendship and loyalty meant everything but who provoked disaffection by “testing” the loyalty of his devoted associates, an anti-Mason who became a Master Mason, church president who physically assaulted both Mormons and non-Mormons for insulting him, a devoted father who loved to care for his own children and those of others, temperance leader and social drinker, Bible revisionist and esoteric philosopher, city planner, pacifist and commander-in-chief, student of Hebrew and Egyptology, bank president, jail escapee, healer, land speculator, mayor, judge and fugitive from justice, guarantor of religious freedom but limiter of freedom of speech and press, preacher and street-wrestler, polygamist and advocate of women’s rights, husband of other men’s wives, a declared bankrupt who was the trustee-in-trust of church finances, political horse-trader, U.S. presidential candidate, abolitionist, theocratic king, inciter to riot and unwilling martyr.

D Michael Quinn The Mormon Hierarchy, Origins of Power (Signature Books, 1994), 261-262.

Edited to change 'forth' to forty and grammer errors.

[_LDS truthseeker]

I am collecting 'tittles' that apply to Joseph Smith. He had so many. Here is a quote from D. Michael Quin that I think he really captures a lot of those conflicting roles. It is amazing to think he filled all this roles and more in just 38 years.

“ Few Mormons today can grasp the polarizing charisma of their founding prophet. Some may feel uncomfortable when confronted with the full scope of Joseph Smith’s activities as youthful mystic, treasure –seeker, visionary, a loving husband who deceived his wife regarding about forth of his polygamous marriages, a man for who friendship and loyalty meant everything but who provoked disaffection by “testing” the loyalty of his devoted associates, an anti-Mason who became a Master Mason, church president who physically assaulted both Mormons and non-Mormons for insulting him, a devoted father who loved to care for his own children and those of others, temperance leader and social drinker, Bible revisionist and esoteric philosopher, city planner, pacifist and commander-in-chief, student of Hebrew and Egyptology, bank president, jail escapee, healer, land speculator, mayor, judge and fugitive from justice, guarantor of religious freedom but limiter of freedom of speech and press, preacher and street-wrestler, polygamist and advocate of women’s rights, husband of other men’s wives, a declared bankrupt who was the trustee-in-trust of church finances, political horse-trader, U.S. presidential candidate, abolitionist, theocratic king, inciter to riot and unwilling martyr.

D Michael Quinn The Mormon Hierarchy, Origins of Power (Signature Books, 1994), 261-262.

Hard to argue with that.

[_Tchild]

And of course he is still being hated as can be seen from many posters on this board.

Just swell, Why Me. You do know that admiring and fawning over Joseph Smith will not get you one inch closer to the Celestial Kingdom if you do not live the teachings and precepts of Mormonism, right?

For all intents and purposes according to Mormon teachings, you could merit a "kingdom of glory" equal, or perhaps even lesser than any poster here. So, fawning aside, you are nowhere closer to LDS heaven than any of us.

Now ain't that a bitch.

[_why me]

Hey why me,


Those who happen to hold an opposing view/opinion of Mr. Smith (of course) would be hard pressed to find the things required to extend him their admiration.

Although it is my opinion that we was an enormously fascinating man who lived a most fascinating life (Sadly cut short by his early death),
I simply can not offer my admiration to him.

Peace,
Ceeboo

I think that you could be wrong in your above opinion. It is true that on this board, Joseph Smith is a polarizing figure. However, when one looks at his life without prejudice, one can not help but admire him because of his accomplishments...all that were accomplished at such a young age. What is unfortunate is that American history has not appreciated his accomplishments in organization and in creating beautiful cities, not to mention in developing a revolutionary christian belief.

[_why me]

'Snip'

And of course he is still being hated as can be seen from many posters on this board.

Is there anything in the life of Joseph Smith that you do not admire?

By the way, I admire him also but what he was able to accomplish does not excuse some of his behavior.

I admire what he accomplished. However, I can not judge someone based on speculation of others. I can only see his record and admire what I have seen. For a man of humble origin, he created a beautiful and revolutionary christian faith. Plus, he was a builder of communities and cities and temples. And he had a wonderful appreciation for life. Bottom line....if left alone...he would have went on creating more beauty.

[_why me]

Likewise I admire Emma Smith for caring for her children and being true to her spouse. Yeah, I know, it doesn't sound all grandiose but she knew what was really important in life.

This would only be true, if she believed her husband to be prophet. However, if she knew that he was a fraud, then, she would be dispicable, manipulating and a tammy type, standing by her man. Not much to admire. But if she believed her husband to be a prophet, then, her dedication deserves admiration.

[_why me]

From a guy's point of view, you have to admire how much pussy that guy got. Today's church is run by a bunch of uptight old farts who would excommunicate anyone who lived Joseph Smith's swinging lifestyle.

I don't know how much action he got. But certainly he was a busy man with his church, building plans, organizational capabilities and dedication to the cause of salvation. And with a zest for life.

But if you see him as a pervert, well, what can I say?

[_why me]

I see too much in Joseph that I would never wish to imitate or even condone in others.

Maybe you are judging a man for what you think happened. And yet, you can't really make a honest judgement since you were not there to judge his behavior. And besides, his name will be held for good or for bad. Very few people will stand in the middle. Thus, the problem with Joseph's life.

[_Fence Sitter]

I admire what he accomplished. However, I can not judge someone based on speculation of others. I can only see his record and admire what I have seen. For a man of humble origin, he created a beautiful and revolutionary christian faith. Plus, he was a builder of communities and cities and temples. And he had a wonderful appreciation for life. Bottom line....if left alone...he would have went on creating more beauty.

Since you were not alive during his life time and never actually met him, everything you know about him and how you personally judge him, comes from "the speculation of others", including Joseph Smith himself."

Please give me a direct answer. I am not even asking for an explanation for your answer, at this point I would settle for a simple yes or no. Is there anything about his behavior you find objectionable?

[_why me]

And of course he is still being hated as can be seen from many posters on this board.

Just swell, Why Me. You do know that admiring and fawning over Joseph Smith will not get you one inch closer to the Celestial Kingdom if you do not live the teachings and precepts of Mormonism, right?

For all intents and purposes according to Mormon teachings, you could merit a "kingdom of glory" equal, or perhaps even lesser than any poster here. So, fawning aside, you are nowhere closer to LDS heaven than any of us.

Now ain't that a bitch.

As Joseph Smith said of himself: I am not very righteous.

I stand in good company. I let my chips fall where they fall.