The prophet, seer, and revelator of the Mormon Church has died at 97. Who replaces him will have a major impact on Mormonism, since, if anything, the president of the Mormon church is more powerful in the Mormon Church than the pope is in the Catholic Church.
Since there are far fewer Mormons than Catholics, it's probably true that the Mormon presidient has more direct influence that the pope.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the pope can issue infallible pronouncements, excommunicate, etc. I am not aware the Mormon president has similar powers.
As I understand it, the President is the prophet, seer, and revelator of the Church and can present new revelation. The pope, when he speaks ex cathedra, is defining the doctrine of the church, not presenting new revelation.
ReplyDeleteThat is correct Victor. My wife was LDS for 21 years.
ReplyDeleteDr. Reppart,
ReplyDeleteYes, I understand that about the Mormon prophet, and that the pope makes a slighly different claim. I just meant that the pope's power seems quite comparable to me, it is just expressed in diferent abilities.