*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.
ExMormon
Some of the greatest critics and persecutors of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (frequently misnamed the "Mormon Church" by the media and those of other faiths) are exMormons. ExMormons, as some of them term themselves, are people who have been...
Joseph Smith Papers: Journals Series
“For one who had little schooling,” reads the General Introduction to the Joseph Smith Papers, “Joseph Smith left an unusually extensive literary record” (xv). Some of these “literary records” are his journals, which consist of over 1,500 manuscript pages in ten...
Ye Shall Know Them By Their Fruits: The Joseph Smith Papers Project
The Joseph Smith Papers Project attempts to publish every known document Smith ever wrote, dictated, or supervised. Through a scrutiny of these primary sources, one may know if Joseph Smith is who he claimed to be.
Vision Missionary Work
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been engaged in missionary work since its founding. This is not just because of the zeal of its members, but because of direct revelation from God urging the work forward in preparation for the second coming of...
Early Church Missionary Work
Missionary work, in the very early days of the restoration of the gospel through young Prophet Joseph Smith, was not really missionary work at all. Joseph Smith told his own minister about his first vision, and his fame spread abroad for good and ill from that point...
Witnesses of the Prophet Joseph Smith
A Model of Obedience and Courage by President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet of the Church When but 14 years of age, this courageous young man [Joseph Smith] entered a grove of trees, which later would be called sacred, and received an answer to his sincere prayer. There...
Plan of Salvation
God’s Great Plan of Salvation was in place before the earth was created, and probably before all worlds were created. An understanding of the Plan of Salvation answers the following profound questions for mankind: “Where did I come from?” “Why am I here?” “Where am I...
Continuing Revelation: God’s Words Never Cease
Mormons believe in the necessity for constant communication with God through the process known as divine revelation: This principle is basic to our belief. President Wilford Woodruff declared, “Whenever the Lord had a people on the earth that he acknowledged as such,...
The Joseph Smith Papers
Extensive Repository of Church History to Be Researched and Published A 30-volume historical compilation of the origins and growth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes casually referred to as the “Mormon Church”), is currently in progress....
Videos
Joseph Smith the Prophet (Photography and music montage) Joseph Smith Jr: First Vision - Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTpxJE3tobg Joseph Smith Jr: First Vision - Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EZ-ek-_52xI