FAIR is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing well-documented answers to criticisms of the doctrine, practice, and history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Joseph Smith's status in Latter-day Saint belief
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Criticism
Critics charge that since Joseph claimed (or it was claimed in his behalf) the right to 'approve' whether or not someone gets 'into heaven,' this arrogates to a mortal a right properly reserved for God/Christ.
Source(s) of the Criticism
Response
The response should be brief and summary in nature.
Conclusion
It is not a novel idea to have mortal prophets involved in the post-mortal judgment. At the Last Supper, Jesus himself taught that:
28 Ye [the apostles] are they which have continued with me in my temptations. 29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Luke 22:28-30; see also Matthew 19:28
A similar promise to participate in the judgment of those among whom they were called to serve was given to the twelve Nephite Disciples. [See ] This principle is also reiterated in modern revelation. See D&C 29:12.
Further reading
FAIR wiki articles
- Links to related articles in the wiki
FAIR web site
- FAIR Topical Guide:Consent for others to enter heaven?
- FAIR Topical Guide:Status of Joseph Smith
External links
- Stephen R. Gibson, "Can People Go To Heaven Without Joseph Smith's Consent?," One-Minute Answers to Anti-Mormon Questions (Bountiful, Utah: Horizon Publishers).
Printed material
- Printed resources whose text is not available online