Joseph Smith's status in Latter-day Saint belief

Summary: Do members worship Joseph Smith or treat him as more than a man? 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 and Jesus Christ. Some critics have even charged that "Mormons worship Joseph Smith."

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Do Mormons believe that Joseph Smith must approve whether or not they get into heaven?
• Question: What is the origin of the idea that Joseph Smith will participate in the final judgement?
• Question: Did Bruce R. McConkie state that we must turn to Joseph Smith to gain salvation?

Joseph Smith's status in Latter-day Saint belief: do Latter-Day Saints worship Joseph? Does he take Christ's role in judgment?

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Must Joseph Smith approve anyone who gets into heaven?
• Question: Must we turn to Joseph Smith to gain salvation?

Question: What is the origin of the idea that Joseph Smith will participate in the final judgement?

Joseph Smith's status in Latter-day Saint belief: do Latter-Day Saints worship Joseph? Does he take Christ's role in judgment?

Jump to Subtopic:

• Question: Must Joseph Smith approve anyone who gets into heaven?
• Question: Must we turn to Joseph Smith to gain salvation?

To see citations to the critical sources for these claims, [[../CriticalSources|click here]]

Notes