LDS President Gordon Hinkley has passed away.

[Marc3579]

*sigh* CareerTech I've heard a little about the LDS, grew up with a family that were LDS all through high school. They were rather standoffish people. I'm not really surprised what they did for Katrina. As far as, them showing up with needs/resources for people. After reading what you said I agree about President Hinkley.

 

[CareerTech1]

*sigh* CareerTech I've heard a little about the LDS, grew up with a family that were LDS all through high school. They were rather standoffish people. I'm not really surprised what they did for Katrina. As far as, them showing up with needs/resources for people. After reading what you said I agree about President Hinkley.

I am a convert to the church - my mom brother and i are the first in my family to join the church

i hope I'm not standoffish - ;-)

 

[Original_Intent]

I expect some Mormon's are stand-offish and some are social butterflies and some are jerks and some are really cool and some are selfish and some would do anything for anyone. Just like real people. (I am one of the standoffish, selfish, jerk Mormons, so I can say that, just like black people can say the "n" word)

 

[dannno]

The next President of the LDS Church will probably be Thomas S. Monson. My grandma was his Sunday school teacher... from what I've heard he's a good guy..

 

[CareerTech1]

I expect some Mormon's are stand-offish and some are social butterflies and some are jerks and some are really cool and some are selfish and some would do anything for anyone. Just like real people. (I am one of the standoffish, selfish, jerk Mormons, so I can say that, just like black people can say the "n" word)

+1

 

[RPinSEAZ]

What I've always wondered is how is someone elected to become a prophet. Shouldn't that person be chosen by a higher power?

 

[CareerTech1]

yep - you are correct -

there is no democratic election process - it is by divine revelation - all of the Twelve Apostles receive the same witness

 

[RPinSEAZ]

Ok, so basically the leaders of the church (12 apostles) get a vision of some sort?

 

[rmolly1]

I've been a member all my life. I was 13 when Hinckley became prophet. He did an incredible amount for the church as far as growth. I'm sure Thomas S. Monson is feeling extremely overwhelmed at the moment with the loss of a friend and the great responsibility that is now upon his shoulders. I'm sure that he is prepared for such a task, and that the Mormon (and religious) community will help to make his transition smooth.

 

[Zym]

I'm almost speechless, which is astounding to anyone who knows me. Gordon B. Hinkley was a great man who worked hard for all mankind, not just Mormons. The fact that the church never publicizes the relief works we do goes to testify to the fact that the LDS church does things because it's the right thing to do, not to get positive press. Hinkley had semi trucks full of food and water waiting at the state borders BEFORE Katrina made landfall, not "on the way" a week after like our federal government. The church had aid to tsunami victims immediately, not weeks after like various governments. I live in the NW, and when we had major flooding a couple months ago, it was the church that had shelters and volunteers that were housing and feeding people, and helping clean up and repair their houses literally a week before FEMA stepped foot in the state. I kid you not, our local Ward got together 20 men and drove 200 miles to shovel mud out of peoples houses. We were met there by other wards from all over the state. No Government welfare program needed. I meet a LOT of Mormons I hadn't met before, but never once saw a FEMA rep.

President Hinkley is finally able to rejoin his wife who passed a couple of years ago, so I do not feel sorry for him, he is in a better place. I weep for my loss. While selfish, he made a big impact on my life, and I'm going to be selfish right now.

 

[CareerTech1]

Ok, so basically the leaders of the church (12 apostles) get a vision of some sort?

a spiritual prompting / revelation

 

[Marc3579]

CareerTech nah you weren't standoffish, I'd stand up for my religion the same way you have. So don't worry about offending me

 

[CareerTech1]

CareerTech nah you weren't standoffish, I'd stand up for my religion the same way you have. So don't worry about offending me

 

[jonahtrainer]

What I've always wondered is how is someone elected to become a prophet. Shouldn't that person be chosen by a higher power?

The world has lost a great man with President Hinckley. I have always greatly respected him.

After researching the issue it appears that Mormons select the next President of the Church (Prophet; like the Pope) who is the senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and a 'spiritual witness' to the members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Then the general church membership votes to sustain the new President of the Church.

This practice seems to have originated with Brigham Young (2nd President of the Church) after Joseph Smith's assassination. There does not appear to be any politicking or electing. Simply based on the eldest.

Currently, Thomas Monson is the most senior member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was also the First Counselor of the First Presidency (President of the Church and two counselors that come from the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles).

Is this correct Mormons?

 

[Original_Intent]

Pretty much. The quorum of the 12 has always selected the most senior member of the quorum to be the next president. There is no rule that says that is done, all I know is they select who they say they are prompted by the spirit to select, and it must be unanimous.

If all goes as it has previously, Thomas Monsen will be the next President of the LDS church.