WHO or WHICH is most important?

[Shulem]

Is JOSEPH SMITH more important than Jesus the Christ? Is Jesus the Christ more important than JOSEPH SMITH or are THEY both equal? Why or why not?

Established Mormon doctrine answers this question quite decisively about whose mission is more important leaving no room for debate:

Wherefore, it must needs be an infinite atonement—save it should be an infinite atonement this corruption could not put on incorruption. Wherefore, the first judgment which came upon man must needs have remained to an endless duration. And if so, this flesh must have laid down to rot and to crumble to its mother earth, to rise no more.

O the wisdom of God, his mercy and grace! For behold, if the flesh should rise no more our spirits must become subject to that angel who fell from before the presence of the Eternal God, and became the devil, to rise no more.

And our spirits must have become like unto him, and we become devils, angels to a devil, to be shut out from the presence of our God, and to remain with the father of lies, in misery, like unto himself; yea, to that being who beguiled our first parents, who transformeth himself nigh unto an angel of light, and stirreth up the children of men unto secret combinations of murder and all manner of secret works of darkness.

vs.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.

[x] Jesus
[ ] Smith

[LittleNipper]

Is JOSEPH SMITH more important than Jesus the Christ? Is Jesus the Christ more important than JOSEPH SMITH or are THEY both equal? Why or why not?

Established Mormon doctrine answers this question quite decisively about whose mission is more important leaving no room for debate:




vs.

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.

[x] Jesus
[ ] Smith

It would suggest to you that Paul/Saul would be regarded as far more important and likely the more modest.

[Shulem]

It would suggest to you that Paul/Saul would be regarded as far more important and likely the more modest.

I’m quite familiar with everything Paul/Saul is said to have written in the epistles of the New Testament and his fame therein certainly credits him with building the Christian religion on a grand scale. I can agree that Paul was more modest in character than Joseph Smith whose writings and personality exhibit qualities that are more modest than Smith who was known to be arrogant and overbearing.

[huckelberry]

Nipper. To all my familiarity with Mormons belief Jesus is clearly superior, I have never heard of any uncertainty there.

[LittleNipper]

Nipper. To all my familiarity with Mormons belief Jesus is clearly superior, I have never heard of any uncertainty there.

So, what is more important; that which we do for Christ or that which HE does for CHRISTIANS.

[Shulem]

So, what is more important; that which we do for Christ or that which HE does for CHRISTIANS.

Another loaded question? Who died for who?

Consider some of the emotional outbursts of anger and frustration exhibited by Old Testament God and it becomes abundantly clear that his EGO and self needs are greater than everyone else combined! So, fall in line, bow down, and do whatever he says or suffer the consequences. Christian teachings affirm that what Christ does for them is more important because without his saving powers they would otherwise be tossed into a lake of fire with unbelievers. Yes, the message of the New Testament is to accept Christ or be damned. The New Testament makes it clear that if one fails to take upon them name of Christ and confess his salvation then whatever else they might do for Christ sake (good works, acts of charity, etc.) has no heavenly reward.

I am not a Christian but appreciate some of the wise sayings and teachings of Christ which I interpret very differently than most Christians who think they have it all figured out.

[LittleNipper]

So, what is more important; that which we do for Christ or that which HE does for CHRISTIANS.

Another loaded question? Who died for who?

Consider some of the emotional outbursts of anger and frustration exhibited by Old Testament God and it becomes abundantly clear that his EGO and self needs are greater than everyone else combined! So, fall in line, bow down, and do whatever he says or suffer the consequences. Christian teachings affirm that what Christ does for them is more important because without his saving powers they would otherwise be tossed into a lake of fire with unbelievers. Yes, the message of the New Testament is to accept Christ or be damned. The New Testament makes it clear that if one fails to take upon them name of Christ and confess his salvation then whatever else they might do for Christ sake (good works, acts of charity, etc.) has no heavenly reward.

I am not a Christian but appreciate some of the wise sayings and teachings of Christ which I interpret very differently than most Christians who think they have it all figured out.

Ten things Jesus said: #1 – “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16)

#2 – “do to others what you would have them do to you…” (Matthew 7:12)

#3 – “Love your neighbour as yourself” (Mark 12:31)

#4 – “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)

#5 – “the truth will set you free” (John 8:32)

#6 – “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1)

#7 – “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35)

#8 – “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12)

#9 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28)

#10 – “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name…” (Matthew 6:9-13)