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The question that Joseph Smith was asking was, which is the “true” church, meaning, “Which is the church that Jesus founded?”

During the time of the revivals in upstate New York, several sects were contending for members, including the Presbyterians. His mother and a couple of his siblings had joined the Presbyterians. When he had his vision, he was told that none of the churches were the “true” church. Afterward, he told his mother that he had learned for himself that Presbyterianism was not true. The only reason he mentioned Presbyterianism was because that was the sect that his mother had just joined. He wasn’t singling it out as being any better or worse than any of the others.

You get worked up over the fact that Mormons believe that none of the existing churches were the “primitive” church —meaning the church as established by Jesus. But, why?

There wouldn’t be any Protestant denominations if the Protestants had not believe that the church as established by Christ had been corrupted over the years, and no longer existed. That was why they broke with the Catholic church.

My great-great grandfather was a Methodist minister who discussed the mid-19th century Protestant notion that there needed to be a restoration, because all the churches that existed were “fallen churches” with “hireling priesthoods.” Once Joseph Smith announced the restoration, that notion appears to have been swept under the rug.

At the core of every denomination is the belief that it is right about some point of doctrine or another, and the others are wrong. So what? We can still work together on common political goals.

When he had his vision, he was told that none of the churches were the “true” church.

WHICH 'vision' was that?

As a LAWYER, you KNOW that OTHER evidence in the trial that you cannot explain will DESTROY your case:

FIRST VISION:VARIOUS VERSIONS OF VISIONS


Version Number When Published Brief Description	Age Year	Pillar of light	No. of Person- ages	Father Present	Son Present	Question: Join What Sect?	Remarks-References
1. Offical version, written 1838, first Published 1842 (There are minor differences between the various source references, Ensign Jan 1985, page 14)	14 1820	yes	2	yes Both spoke	yes	Join none	Lucy, Hyrum, Samuel, Sophronia join the Presbyterian Church - JSH, pages 49-50, 1981 edition; Times & Seasons, March, April 1842; Ensign Jan. 1985, page 14; Joseph Smith's First Vision by Milton V. Backamn, Bookcraft, 1971, 1980, Appendix C, page 160f
2. Dictated by Smith to F.G. Williams, Summer to Nov. 1832	14 or 15	yes	1	no	yes Saw Lord, He "spoke"	No question, told "None doeth good", sins forgiven	Joseph Smith's First Vision, Appendix A, page 155f
3. Written by Smith, his 1832 diary, in his own hand	15	yes	1	no	yes Saw the Lord Jesus Christ	No question, told sins forgiven, all do no good	Ensign, Dec. 1984, pages 24-26; ibid, Jan. 1985, page 11
4. Smith's diary of 1835, recorded by Warren Cowdery, Nov. 9, 1835, conversation of Smith with Joshua	About 14	yes	One, then another like unto first	?	? Second spoke, saw many angels	No questions, told sins forgiven, Jesus is Son	Joseph Smith's First Vision, Appen. B
5. Letter form Smith to John Wentworth, editor of Chicago Democrat	none	no	2	? They spoke	?	No Question	Joseph Smith's First Vision, Appendix D; Ensign, Jan 1985, page 16; Times & Seasons, Vol 3, pages 706-707, March 1, 1842
6. Early church leaders Brigham Young, G.A.Smith, John Taylor	15	no	1 Saw an angel, and asked the angel	no	no	Join none	See Journal of Discourses, 2:17; 18:239; 13:77, 78; 20:167; 12:333, 334.

There wouldn’t be any Protestant denominations if the Protestants had not believe that the church as established by Christ had been corrupted over the years, and no longer existed.

Oh???

"We do not indorse the teachings of any so-called Mormons or Latter Day Saints, which are in conflict with the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as taught in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon. They have departed in a great measure from the faith of the Church of Christ as it was first established, by heeding revelations given through Joseph Smith, who, after being called of God to translate his sacred word--the Book of Mormon--drifted into many errors and gave many revelations to introduce doctrines, ordinances and offices in the church, which are in conflict with Christ's teachings."

-- David Whitmer (an elder in the Church of Christ), 1887

Today, there are as many as 100 organizations claiming to be a part of the Latter Day Saint movement, most centered in Utah or Missouri. Most regard their own group, however small, to be the only legitimate Christian church. Most of these organizations are very small, but overall, but the second largest denomination, the Community of Christ, reports over 200,000 members.

Just a sampling...........

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (a.k.a. The Church of Jesus Christ, and the LDS) is by far the largest Mormon denomination. It is a continuation of the "Rocky Mountain Saint" branch of Mormonism.
The more liberal Community of Christ (formerly called the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) is second in size. It is a continuation of the "Prairie Saint" movement. Although generally referred to as "Mormons," they do not use the term themselves, because of its association with polygamy and because they believe the name was not part of the original church.
Many additional small Mormon faith groups, including:
- Aaronic Order: unknown membership; 6 centers; 20 ministers
- Apostolic United Brethren: about 7,000 members. They disagree with the LDS' decision to allow ordination of African-Americans and allowing women to assume leadership positions.
- Church of Christ (Fetting/Bronson): about 2000 members
- Church of Christ (Temple Lot): about 2400 members
- The Church of Christ "With The Elijah Message," established anew in 1929 12,500 members worldwide
- Church of Jesus Christ (Bickertonite): about 2700 members
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: about 11 million members
- The Community of Christ: about 250,000 members. This denomination was formerly known as the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints -- the "RLDS Church". It was formed in 1860 by remnants of the original church who did not make the trek to Utah. They reject certain beliefs and practices of the LDS church, including marriage sealing for eternity; they allow both men and women into the priesthood; their services are open to the public. They have about 250,000 members.
- United Order Effort: a polygamy practicing group, excommunicated by the main LDS church, of perhaps 10,000 members
- The Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It split from the Reorganized Church in 1991 because of the latter's liberal theology. It is centered in Independence, Missouri, and had an estimated membership of 2,500 in mid-1996. They publish a periodical "The Restoration Advocate" six times a year.

And the LATEST in the news: FUNDAMENTALIST Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The only reason he mentioned Presbyterianism was because that was the sect that his mother had just joined. He wasn’t singling it out as being any better or worse than any of the others.

So NOW you got, instead of just PRESBYTERIANism being UNTRUE; you'vre got ALL of them being 'untrue'.

Once again:WHAT WAS UNTRUE about them??