*See also, An Original History by Joseph Smith.
Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805–1844) was the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or “Mormon Church.” A prophet, according to the Old and New Testament, relies on revelation from God to teach the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.
Joseph Smith, as prophet, teacher, and beloved leader of the “Saints” (as members of the Church are called) was the prophet of the “Restoration.” That is, he did not establish a new religion, but restored the ancient Church of Christ. He was able to do this, because he was called of God, given authority from God, and taught truths which he received directly from God. Through his ministry, what began as a handful of believers in 1830 has become a worldwide Church. Joseph Smith accomplished his work without the advantages of schooling, property, or family prominence. The cause of Christ he championed has never taken a step backward.
The Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most charismatic and influential religious figures in American history. Many followed his teachings and joined the Church which Joseph organized both during his life and after his death, but many others opposed his teachings. The teachings of the restored church seemed heretical, when compared with the teachings of Orthodox priests and Protestant ministers. This is because, after the death of Christ and His apostles, true doctrine had gradually been lost, but church leaders of other faiths refuse to acknowledge this.
This site is dedicated to the Prophet Joseph Smith and to all serious truth-seekers who want to know more about him. The testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith about the Savior Jesus Christ and about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints needs to be considered seriously and prayerfully by all who want to receive a testimony of the truth revealed directly from God.
We invite you to come and learn more about the Prophet Joseph Smith. We know that if you will do it with an open heart and an open mind, having a true desire to know the truth, you will be able to find answers to your questions.
Other brief articles about Joseph Smith
Many of Joseph Smith’s Revelations were Received in the Company of Other People
Note: A discussion regarding the Prophet Joseph Smith and polygamy is beyond the scope of this website. Learn more about Mormon polygamy.
A Submissive Heart: Thy Will Be Done
The greatness of Joseph Smith was his greatness as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Joseph Smith, following in the footsteps of his Savior, Jesus Christ, learned the meaning of persecution. Joseph experienced the blind, irrational behavior of some ignorant human...
A Voice of Gladness: Happiness through an Eternal Perspective
One would expect, and almost rightly so, that with the much adversity Joseph Smith faced, he would almost always be sober, serious, and perhaps overly pious. This might be expected, but it was not the case. Joseph did not fit the stereotype, the usual image of a...
Joseph Smith: A Prophet of God
Joseph Smith looked upon himself first as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, and this caused him to react to situations in a way that is unusual to the people of the world. What prompted these reactions were multiple revelations that came to Joseph Smith,...
Joseph Smith: A Man of Courage
I have mentally rehearsed the life of the Prophet Joseph Smith, trying to think of an incident that would even give a hint of cowardice. I know of none. On the other hand, incidents of courage are almost endless. Joseph Smith seriously accepted the responsibility of...
Did Joseph Smith get it right?
What are the odds that a young, informally educated man would have the skills to translate Egyptian papyrus in the early 1800’s? This has been the question among religious and biblical scholars as they have criticized Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of...
Quotes on Faith: Love of God
“A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, 4:227). Joseph Smith was a man who loved God and who was filled with the...
Quotes on Faith: Need for a Living Prophet
By Doris “That which is wrong under one circumstance, may be, and often is, right under another. God said, ‘thou shalt not kill’; at another time He said, ‘thou shalt utterly destroy’. This is the principle on which the government of heaven is conducted—by revelation...
Why Joseph Smith’s Religion Is So Successful
By Doris Terryl Givens, former professor of literature and religion at the University of Richmond in Richmond, Virginia, addressed a group of Brigham Young University Students on November 29, 2005, and talked about some of the most significant legacies Joseph Smith,...
A Prophet Speaks Today
By Doris A prophet of God speaks today. Listen to individuals share their experiences and witnesses of exercising their faith in the living prophet. “Because Heavenly Father loves His children, He has not left them to walk through this mortal life without direction...
How Could Joseph Smith Knows These Things?
By Doris Joseph Smith was promised that his name would “be had for good and evil among all nations” (Joseph Smith—History 1:33), and that promise certainly continues to be fulfilled today. While some recognize Joseph Smith as a prophet called of God to restore the...