Thomas S. Monson

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Thomas S. Monson

Summary: President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008.

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• President Monson bearing witness of foundational doctrines of Mormonism

I add my own testimony that I know he was God’s prophet, chosen to restore the gospel of Jesus Christ in these latter days. I pray that as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth, we may learn from his life. May we incorporate into our own lives the divine principles which he so beautifully taught—by example—that we, ourselves, might live more completely the gospel of Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect the knowledge we have that God lives, that Jesus Christ is His Son, that Joseph Smith was a prophet, and that we are led today by another prophet of God...

—Thomas S. Monson, "The Prophet Joseph Smith: Teacher by Example," Ensign (November 2005) off-site

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Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—Testimony of Joseph Smith
"The Father and the Son, Jesus Christ, had appeared to Joseph Smith. The morning of the dispensation of the fulness of times had come, dispelling the darkness of the long generations of spiritual night. Volumes have been written concerning the life and accomplishments of Joseph Smith, but for our purposes here today perhaps a highlight or two will suffice: He was visited by the angel Moroni. He translated, from the precious plates to which he was directed, the Book of Mormon, with its new witness of Christ to all the world. He was the instrument in the hands of the Lord through whom came mighty revelations pertaining to the establishment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the course of his ministry he was visited by John the Baptist, Moses, Elijah, Peter, James, and John, that the Restoration of all things might be accomplished. He endured persecution; he suffered grievously, as did his followers. He trusted in God. He was true to his prophetic calling. He commenced a marvelous missionary effort to the entire world, which today brings light and truth to the souls of mankind. At length, Joseph Smith died the martyr's death."

—Thomas S. Monson, "Testimony of Joseph Smith", Originally given when President Monson was a counselor in the First Presidency in April 1997 General Conferece. off-site As President of the Church, this was re-posted on josephsmith.net on September 11, 2013. off-site

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President Monson bearing witness of foundational doctrines of Mormonism

Summary: It has been claimed that President Thomas S. Monson does not bear testimony of such foundational concepts as the truth of the Book of Mormon, the reality of Joseph Smith's First Vision, and so forth. Some have wondered if this means that he intends to downplay such doctrines, or if he does not believe strongly in them.

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• Question: Is it possible that President Monson doesn't bear witness of foundational doctrines?

Efforts in 2014 by Mormonthink managing editor Tom Phillips to bring Thomas S. Monson to trial for "fraud" and his predictions of the "Mormon Apocalypse"

Summary: Tom Phillips facilitated a court summons for President Thomas S. Monson on behalf of two ex-Mormons, claiming that the Church was coercing its members to pay 10% of their income based upon fraudulent claims. These claims included stating the the Book of Mormon was a translation from ancient gold plates, an ancient historical record and the "most correct book on earth." The claims also require President Monson to prove that he believes that all humanity descended from Adam and Eve in the face of evidence that humans have existed on earth for much longer than 7000 years.

Responses to the seven claims made in the Thomas S. Monson court summons for fraud initiated by MormonThink managing editor Tom Phillips

Summary: A number of items listed in the "Monson fraud" summons are not actually beliefs held by members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This article provides responses to each of the items listed.

"General Authorities: President Thomas S. Monson," The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Organization on LDS.org

President Thomas S. Monson has served as the 16th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. He had served as a Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church since November 10, 1985. Most recently, on March 12, 1995, he was set apart as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley. Prior to that, on June 5, 1994, he was called as Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter, and on November 10, 1985, as Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson. He was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963, and ordained an Apostle on October 10, 1963, at the age of 36.

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