Top 10 Joseph Smith FAILS as a Mormon Prophet | Mormon News Roundup
In this episode of the Mormon News Roundup, we delve into the top 10 failings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church. From marrying underage girls and lying to his wife about infidelity, to the financial collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society and the failed Book of Abraham translation, we examine the controversies and contradictions that have surrounded his legacy. Join us for a critical look at these significant aspects of Joseph Smith's life and leadership.
[Point 1: Marrying Underage Girls] First on our list is Joseph Smith's practice of marrying underage girls. One of the most notorious cases is his marriage to 14-year-old Helen Mar Kimball. This practice has raised serious ethical and moral questions and remains a point of contention for many within and outside the church. Critics argue that such marriages were exploitative and have no place in a moral religious tradition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqMgvsgQASU
[Point 2: Lying to His Wife About Infidelity] Next, we have Joseph Smith's dishonesty with his wife, Emma, regarding his multiple marriages. Smith practiced polygamy in secret, often lying to Emma about his intimate relationships with other women. This deception not only caused immense personal strife for Emma but also potentially undermines Smith's integrity as a religious leader. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/bjpAk_9reZo
[Point 3: Financial Failure of the Kirtland Safety Society] The third point is the financial disaster of the Kirtland Safety Society. Smith and his close associate Sidney Rigdon established this fake bank in 1837, but it quickly failed, leading to significant financial losses for many church members. The collapse of the Kirtland Safety Society damaged Smith's credibility and highlighted his lack of financial honesty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N28xcHNxGBQ
[Point 4: Failed Prophecies] Joseph Smith made numerous prophecies throughout his life, but many of them failed to come true. One notable example is his prediction that a temple would be built in Independence, Missouri, within his generation. This prophecy remains unfulfilled to this day, calling into question Smith's claims of prophetic ability. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VPxKN3VGSBw
[Point 5: Contradictions in His Scriptures] Another major failing is the contradictions found in the scriptures Joseph Smith produced. The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price contain numerous inconsistencies and changes over time. These contradictions have been a source of confusion and debate among scholars and believers alike. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hbBlwtoCjXM
[Point 6: The Failed Book of Abraham Translation] One of the most controversial aspects of Joseph Smith's legacy is the translation of the so-called Book of Abraham. Smith claimed to have translated this work from ancient Egyptian papyri, but modern Egyptologists have conclusively shown that Smith’s papyri are common funerary texts with no connection to Abraham. This casts serious doubt on Smith's translation abilities and honesty. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7bgaMu11iWI
[Point 7: The Nauvoo Expositor Incident] The destruction of the Nauvoo Expositor is another significant failing. In 1844, Smith ordered the destruction of this newspaper, which had published valid criticisms of him and his duplicitous practices. This act of blatant censorship led to increased tension and eventually contributed to Smith's arrest and assassination. It demonstrated a troubling willingness to silence dissent and suppress freedom of the press. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s9rsOstJ8ZM
[Point 8: Questionable Legal Practices] Joseph Smith's involvement in questionable legal practices is another black mark on his record. He faced multiple charges throughout his life, including fraud, disorderly person, treason, bigamy, inciting a riot, and much much more. His frequent legal troubles suggest a pattern of behavior inconsistent with the ideals of a religious leader. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gEvHHO5msms
[Point 9: The Failure to Establish Zion]
Smith's repeated attempts to establish Zion—a utopian community for his followers—ended in failure. Whether in Missouri or Illinois, these efforts were met with resistance and ultimately collapsed. These failures highlight Smith's inability to create a stable, lasting community for his followers.
[Point 10: Nepotism and Concentration of Power] Host: Lastly, we have Joseph Smith's nepotism and concentration of power. Smith often placed family members and close associates in key leadership positions, leading to accusations of favoritism and corruption. His concentration of power also created internal divisions and contributed to the eventual schism within the church after his death. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PMKrzqooI5k