But, the RLDSs have plenty of heresies of their own. Joseph Smith, Jr. was a true prophet of God. The Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants are scripture. The Christian church completely apostatized after the deaths of the Apostles, and was restored by Joseph Smith, Jr. 4. The Aaronic and Melchizedek priesthoods were restored by Joseph Smith, Jr. 5.
Water baptism is necessary for the remission of sins.
Jesus will return to Independence, Missouri, and not to Israel. Heaven has three levels. Even these RLDS' doctrines that had been cast in stone are giving way to modern day liberalism and New Age thinking. Paul Edwards, the dean of RLDS theology, has stated that each member must look to his or her own existential experience for a basis of truth. They should not base their beliefs on the Bible or even the Book of Mormon , for each individual must form his own belief founded on his experiences.