Question for LDS

[Marie5890]

Yes, they were interpreting what was already there. They, early Church scholars, did not have revelations to add to the deposit of faith, only the bible, earlier writings, and oral Tradition.

I don’t know how LDS leaders are chosen. How would those men choosing the leader know the guy could have revelations? If all LDS can have revelations for leadership, can have revelations that change LDS doctrine, then who’s to say the guy chosen as president has the valid revelations?

Not sure what kind of vetting process may be involved, but I do think it’s fair to say that a great deal of prayer and fasting goes into it.

With that, once a man is in what is called the quorum of the 12 apostles, from there is a matter of seniority to become the president/prophet of the church. In all, there are (typically) 15 men who are sustained by the lay faithful as “prophets, seers and revelators”

15= 3 in the 1st presidency (the president and the 2 counselors that he choses to assist him. There have been 3 counselors when the other 2 are pretty incompasitated due to health or age)

then 12 in the quorum.
It’s all seniority at that point when it come to “moving up the chain”. And that only changes by the death of any of them. It’s not something that they resign from or retire from.

So the process by which one becomes a “prophet, seer and revelator” is prayer and fasting (probably some form of vetting too). From there on out, it’s all set in stone. They move up the chain only thru the death of another.

One only need to look at the date of their ordination to the 12 to know where they fall in that seniority line.

Monson is president now. When he dies, if Nelson (who is 90 y/o) is still alive, he is the next,
Then Oaks? Im not sure. This was around the time that I left Mormonism so I don’t know the list of seniority any more.

Mormons always know who is going to be the next president of their church.

 

[Marie5890]

Are there are any Mormons in leadership who were not in positions of leadership in their careers?

I can’t say about present day leaders, but I know Kimball wasn’t. That said though, we are going back to the mid 20th century with Kimball’s ascent to the apostleship

With that said, and by way of observation and not criticism, if one knew nothing about the LDS faith or it’s hierarchical leadership, and one looked at it to understand it, it pretty much has the set up of a corporation.

 

[Horton]

Not sure what kind of vetting process may be involved, but I do think it’s fair to say that a great deal of prayer and fasting goes into it.

With that, once a man is in what is called the quorum of the 12 apostles, from there is a matter of seniority to become the president/prophet of the church. In all, there are (typically) 15 men who are sustained by the lay faithful as “prophets, seers and revelators”

15= 3 in the 1st presidency (the president and the 2 counselors that he choses to assist him. There have been 3 counselors when the other 2 are pretty incompasitated due to health or age)

then 12 in the quorum.
It’s all seniority at that point when it come to “moving up the chain”. And that only changes by the death of any of them. It’s not something that they resign from or retire from.

So the process by which one becomes a “prophet, seer and revelator” is prayer and fasting (probably some form of vetting too). From there on out, it’s all set in stone. They move up the chain only thru the death of another.

One only need to look at the date of their ordination to the 12 to know where they fall in that seniority line.

Monson is president now. When he dies, if Nelson (who is 90 y/o) is still alive, he is the next,
Then Oaks? Im not sure. This was around the time that I left Mormonism so I don’t know the list of seniority any more.

Mormons always know who is going to be the next president of their church.

So then the president isn’t “chosen” by God through the Holy Spirit? The real only qualification (aside from their leadership ability and ability to manage a large scale corporation) is to out live the other guys? Interesting

 

[Marie5890]

So then the president isn’t “chosen” by God through the Holy Spirit? The real only qualification (aside from their leadership ability and ability to manage a large scale corporation) is to out live the other guys? Interesting

LDS would say that the choosing happens at the time when they are called to be a member of the 12.

Then, yes, its a matter of going up the seniority list.

 

[StGeorgesSquire]

Yes, they were interpreting what was already there. They, early Church scholars, did not have revelations to add to the deposit of faith, only the bible, earlier writings, and oral Tradition.

Thank you for the help

 

[Z_Ninja]

It can, yes. I totally get your Catholic response. The heavens are closed - no new revelation - the Pope guards the closed canon, his job to clarify and attest to what’s already there. Right?

Well, Mormons figure the heavens are not closed, there is new revelation. Prophets. Like OT prophets.

So, Old testament = no Christ on earth = prophets.
New Testament = Christ on earth = no need for prophets.
Present day = no Christ on earth = prophets.

I mean, I get it - Catholics don’t hear this stuff and think to themselves “oh! I’m totally persuaded! Sign me up!” It’s not persuasive by itself. Hence the LDS/BoM claim “Go ask God if it’s right or not and then do what He says”.

More likely it should be:
Old Testament = prophets are speaking of the coming of the Messiah in scripture.
New Testament = Jesus is God made flesh, the High Priest of Melchizedek. The Ultimate Prophet and Teacher.
Present Day = Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture that the prophets in the Old Testament spoke of, so no need for public revelation if Scripture is fulfilled. However, there is possibilities for personal revelation, i.e. Marian apparitions leading the faithful to her Son, or Joan of Arc but not to be confused with people who see Jesus’ face in a piece of burnt toast.