*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.
Quotes from Joseph Smith
“Whatever God requires is right, no matter what it is, although we may not see the reason thereof till long after the events transpire.” (History of the Church, 5:135) “You cannot go anywhere but where God can find you out.” (History of the Church, 6:366)...
Basic Mormon Beliefs
What Do Mormons Believe About God? In the book Lectures on Faith, the Prophet Joseph Smith outlines three things that a person needs to know to have faith in God, the first is the fact that God actually exists. It is important to establish that belief in God is the...
Temples Eternal Marriage
Eternal marriage is an essential principle in Mormon doctrine. In the Bible, Christ taught that certain ordinances performed in this life would be in force in heaven, “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth...
Temples Family History
The Mormon Church has the largest family history library in the world, and many people know that members of the Mormon Church are very interested in finding their ancestors; but why is this something that is so greatly supported by the Church? The reason is that...
Conference Hales
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, Nov. 2005, 88 This year we are commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith. To the world we testify that he was the prophet of God foreordained to bring about the...
Conference S Tanner
Susan W. Tanner, Young Women General President Ensign, May 2005, 104 As I visited Joseph Smith’s restored small and humble log home, I sensed that I was in a holy place. I was at the site where the angel Moroni first appeared to Joseph Smith to usher in this great and...
Conference Faust
President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency Ensign, May 1984, 67 I welcome all of the new General Authorities. I rejoice in the calls of Elder Oaks and Elder Nelson to the Council of Twelve Apostles. Brother Nelson has touched my heart deeper...
Conference Oaks
Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, May 1996, 71 On this beautiful Easter Sunday, I have chosen to speak about the Prophet Joseph Smith, and to emphasize some lesser-known aspects of his life that further affirm his prophetic calling....
Legacy
Modern Prophets and Apostles Speak about the Prophet Members of the Mormon Church look to Joseph Smith as a great prophet, the prophet of the Restoration. His unwavering testimony of Jesus Christ, and the divine mission given to him, helped lay the foundation of The...
Conference Ballard
Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Ensign, Nov. 1991, 5 A relatively simple but significant event took place in Nauvoo, Illinois, on the fourth of August this year. After many months of careful planning, the descendants of Joseph Smith, Sr.,...