"I look to him. I love him. I seek to follow him." (15th Gordon B. Hinckley, Church News, 12/13/2003, p.3.)
This is a rather stark concession that Mormons are disciples of Joseph Smith.
A definition of a disciple, as defined by Lds "apostle" Bruce R. McConkie -- and as republished by the Mormon Church:
"Anyone who believes the doctrine, teachings, or philosophy of another and who follows that teacher is his disciple. He stands as a learner, a devotee of the one whose concept he accepts." (McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, p. 198, also cited by the Mormon Church in its curriculum study guide – "When Thou Art Converted, Strengthren Thy Brethren: 1974-75" published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church in 1974, p. 134)
Mormons are devotees of Joseph Smith!
That’s because mormons believe Joseph Smith succeeded in setting up the “true church” where Jesus Christ failed. In fact they believe it is Joseph Smith jn the afterlife who admits mormons to godhood and his authority supersedes God’s in that instance, because after all they say God is only a man, glorified by the holiness of his own works, and Joseph Smith accomplished what God through His Son could not.
When it comes right down to it the mormons see Joseph Smith as the improved beta version of I AM THAT I AM and that they themselves can upgrade themselves to be better than the guy that was better than God, if they’re obedient and have the magical rites performed.
Joseph Smith was a prophet on earth, after death in their eyes he’s now The Lord.
Christians just like you.../s