Mormons aren't really here very often as far as I can tell, so we could use this as an outreach to those lurking, who may be researching Mormonism. I think Mormonism actually stands or falls with Joseph Smith. The entire Mormon system is built on the foundation of Joseph Smith. If his claims were fabricated or the result of some kind of demonic manifestation, then all of Mormonism fails to p*** the test of authenticity.
This isn't being anti-Mormon, because I see Mormons as those who have been led to believe Smith's claims are genuine. To be misled is not necessarily a result of being evil - and I think its is incumbent upon those who are not misled by Smith to share the reasons why they reject his claims to heavenly visitations and prophethood.
I'll post some, and I hope other Christians here will join in with their specific reasons for rejecting the claims of Joseph Smith.
Here are some reasons I believe Joseph Smith was a false prophet:
1. Joseph Smith's story of his first vision was altered several times, and written many years after its supposed occurrence. During Joseph Smith's time, many claimed to have personal visitations from divine beings, or supernatural experiences:
http://www.mormonhandbook.com/home/f...agiarized.html
The fact is the "first vision account" appears to have been retrofitted into Early Mormon history to bolster Smith's credentials. This site contains some very pertinent issues regarding the founding vision of Mormonism which have never been addressed by believers in Joseph Smith.
http://themormondelusion.com/page5.html
2. Joseph Smith's theology seemed to evolve over time. The Book of Mormon which he claimed to have translated from Reformed Egyptians is definitely in line with more orthodox Christian teaching than the standard theology one finds in Mormonism today. Smith's view on God evolved from semi-Sabellian to outright polytheism. Smith claimed he always taught the "plurality of gods," however it is nowhere found in the Book of Mormon or the inception of Mormonism. In fact, many of the early members of the Mormon Church were Christians who saw Smith as a gifted speaker. Few would have been drawn to Smith's later teachings on polytheism, or polygamy for that matter. It is distressing that potential converts are being told to read the Book of Mormon and pray about it when it really contains NO Mormonism.
So, comments?