Is your life better or worse because of Joseph Smith?

[Indy Coug]

Today marks the 169th anniversary of his death.

[jay santos]

That's a really good question. I think I would give it a strong BETTER.

[Clark Addison]

Most of us wouldn't exist because our parents would never have met.

So I'll vote "better".

[byu71]

I would have to say definitely. Whether he was the true prophet of the restored church or not, I can't think of much downside that has happened to me compared to an awful lot of upside because of Joseph Smith.

Now I have reconciled myself to not being in the Celstial Kingdom, there is no downside. I don't feel guilty anymore about doing some of the things I do. For instance like telling someone to "kiss my butt" and then wondering if a person going to the Celestial Kingdom would do that.

[clackamascoug]

I remember as a missionary singing "Praise to the Man" with full gusto and feeling. Last Sunday we sang "Praise to the Man" in Sacrament Meeting, and I was kind of embarrassed that a whole row of visitors didn't hear a song about Jesus. Somewhere I do think the church passed the line in the Joseph worshiping, and have pulled back a lot since. It still exists somewhat but not too bad.

Yes my life is better because of him. If only 50% of what he did was what he was supposed to do, he got the job done. The restoration of Priesthood Keys, and the ability to bind on earth, is one of the greatest gifts God has given to man. The Book of Mormon has much to learn from, and bring one closer to God. The D&C is my favorite, as sometimes I feel as though God is talking directly to me, and I feel the Spirit while reading it.

"edited: To catch my good stuff you need to come early."

[wuapinmon]

Yes, no doubt about it. I know what it was like without the Church in my life, and sans Brother Joseph, I wouldn't be where I am today which is far better than the path I was traveling.

[Commando]

You guys don't really know me personally, but I'm pretty sure I would be a dead duck without the doctrines revealed through Joseph. Life wouldn't be worth a dime.

[byu71]

You guys don't really know me personally, but I'm pretty sure I would be a dead duck without the doctrines revealed through Joseph. Life wouldn't be worth a dime.

First let me say I am glad you are not a dead duck. This has to be a painful thread for SU to read.

[Topper]

Even as a skeptic, I admit my life is better because of my association with the Church. Now the Church may not be better off, despite my meager tithing contributions, but good things have occurred to me as a result. His charismatic personality has a created a culture of industry and thrift with kindness and service being at the heart of what it means to be a Mormon.

[SeattleUte]

lol I woudn't exist but for Joseph Smith. Therefore, BETTER!!

[Portland Ute]

lol I woudn't exist but for Joseph Smith. Therefore, BETTER!!

Those of you saying this, wouldn't your mothers or fathers have found someone else to mate with anyway?

People are born everyday without the help of Joseph Smith.

[il Padrino Ute]

Those of you saying this, wouldn't your mothers or fathers have found someone else to mate with anyway?

People are born everyday without the help of Joseph Smith.

Would you be Portland Ute had either your mother or father mated with someone else? I say no, because you are the offspring of your father and mother. Had either one mated with someone else, you would be someone different than who you are, as you would only have half of the genes you currently have.

[Portland Ute]

Would you be Portland Ute had either your mother or father mated with someone else? I say no, because you are the offspring of your father and mother. Had either one mated with someone else, you would be someone different than who you are, as you would only have half of the genes you currently have.

Are our spirits the product of our DNA?

[Northwestcoug]

For whatever reason, this question really hit me hard. I don't currently attend regular services, and I don't really believe much of what Joseph Smith taught. In fact, I think he became quite immoral the last couple of years of his life.

Having said that, I believed when I was a teenager. Even though I had some minor peccadillos in my youth, the arc of my earlier years was shaped by an overall belief in the gospel. So I would have to say yes, my life is probably better as a result of a belief in the divinity of the calling of Joseph Smith.

We may have an interesting comparison with our children, as they are not currently being taught the things Joseph taught. We'll see how they turn out .

[Non Sequitur]

Because of Joseph Smith I spent my prime years in Ecuador and Provo. I'm not one to wallow in regret, but I've often wondered what 20 year old debauchery would have been like.