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The Calling Of Prophets

Any one who has discussed issues about religion with LDS members here knows that the LDS church still has prophets. Of course, christianity (protestants) hold to the gift of prophecy, but no so much as a called prophet as in the days of old.

1. How does the LDS church chose a prophet?

2. Can there be more than one in a church?

3. How do you test to be sure he is authentic and not a fraud?

Prophets Calling The

Well, I was hoping someone else would address this one.

1. The new Prophet (President of the Church) is normally the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Since each of the members of this quorum are called by prophecy, the members of the Church accept that God has place the person He wants in the correct position. Since the 1850s, this has generally meant that older, wiser men have held this position.

2. There is only one who is considered the Prophet FOR the Church. All of the Apostles are considered to be prophets, seers and revelators. Anyone can be a prophet over their stewardship (callings, families, etc.) So, if I am the President of a local quorum in the Priesthood, I can receive revelation for that quorum, making me a prophet.

I would like to point out that Moses said that he wished that all would be prophets. It isn't restricted to anyone. Any of us (including people who are not LDS) can be prophets, if only we conform with the requirements for a prophet.

3. Through prayer. We pray sincerely for confirmation that he is a true Prophet. We also pray sincerely to know the truth and of specific policies and pronouncements. This puts a lot of responsibility upon us as individuals. I can't say that all of us live up to that responsibility. A lot of us, maybe even most, just ride along, going with the flow.

Hope this helps.

The Calling Of Prophets Studies Doctrine Mormon

I would like to just add that as Nighthawk well pointed out we can be "prophets" within our own stewardship, yet we do not call ourselves or let others call us "prophets". The name is always connected and used with the living Prophet only.

Prophets Calling The

This gets confusing, because many believe that the next prophet will be Thomas S.Monson, first counsellor in the first presidency(advisor to the current prophet, Gordon B. Hinkley) but if I understand what your saying its the same as I have been told, and therefore it would be the apostle that's been in the quorum the longest-that would be Faust, right?

Message Edited! Malexander: Not necessary to quote an entire post.

Edited: malexander on 10th May, 2006 - 1:12am

Prophets Calling The

No, actually Thomas S. Monson IS the senior Apostle. He is the President of the Quorum, while President Packer is the ACTING President.

While President Faust is 7 years older than President Monson, President Monson was ordained an Apostle in 1963 (at age 36). President Faust was ordained an Apostle in 1978. It is seniority as an Apostle that is the deciding factor, not age.