Each LDS prophet is, in a way, another Joseph Smith. However, the LDS put Smith on a pedestal over all the others since he was the ‘chosen one’ to ‘restore’ the ‘only true and living church upon the face of the earth’.
Many do eagerly await his return in the clouds, though (sound familiar?).
Why is it that the Mormons I meet are pretty decent people but they follow a set of teachings that is so corny?