Deseret News | Reader comments: MormonTimes.com: New CD inspired by Emma Smith's stories

Reader comments
MormonTimes.com: New CD inspired by Emma Smith's stories

stephen | 2:09 a.m. July 9, 2008

honestly, who cares....she was a woman who had many successes and suffered greatly, but come on...why do we continue to pontificate individuals such as her or even Joseph? The only person we should genuinely study, honor and celebrate is the life of Christ...isn't it His church that we are members of? That's like creating a musical about Joseph Smith.. I can only imagine him on the other side looking down, shaking his head and muttering to himself...such attention should be directed to someone else...not me.

suzyk | 9:44 a.m. July 9, 2008

To stephen: You must not be active in the church because you would recognize the fact that we are counseled to read the Book of Mormon translated by Joseph Smith who was inspired and given the gift through God. They all work together. You are confused..think about it. Try leaving some uplifting comments huh? Our world struggles enough with the negative..positive thoughts and beliefs brings much happiness and joy to life. Try it..you might like it!

to stephen | 1:10 p.m. July 9, 2008

remember what you were taught in kindergarten....
if you cant say anything nice.....DONT say anything at all?

Comments continue below

Bill | 4:09 p.m. July 9, 2008

Maybe he overstated it, but Stephen makes a good point. We need to temper our reverence for great prophets, in this epoch or any other, to prevent our reverence from rising to near-worship. Only Christ and His Father are to be worshipped.

We all acknowledge this in theory. Still, sometimes our practices go overboard, especially for those standing to profit from "worshipful" products.

Joseph Smith was imperfect. Adoration of imperfect mortals causes disillusionment when the flaws in the adored one are recognized.

I doubt this product goes that direction. Many women sympathize with, and relate to Emma. Not a problem, unless the user gets too caught-up and crosses the line into adoration.

Paul S. | 4:39 p.m. July 9, 2008

Bill,

The line was crossed a long time ago, with regard to both Joseph and Emma.

Stephen is right on the money. There is way too much emphasis on Joseph Smith and the Church leaders and way too little emphasis on Jesus Christ.

The purpose of the Church is SUPPOSED to be "to invite all to come unto Christ," but the message most people get from us is "devote yourself to Joseph Smith and the Brethren". Jesus gets obscured and lost in the process. I can't tell you how many people I counseled as a Bishop who had lost track of Jesus because they got caught up on worship of Joseph Smith and the History of the Church. They are the means to the end, not the end.

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