Joseph Smith (1805–1844) was the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Latter-day Saints believe God called him to help restore the gospel and Church of Jesus Christ in the latter days.
The First Vision
Joseph Smith grew up during intense religious revival in the northeastern United States. As a teenager, he sought divine guidance about which church to join. He later recorded that in answer to prayer he saw God the Father and Jesus Christ. Latter-day Saints call this experience the First Vision and regard it as the beginning of the Restoration.
The Book of Mormon
Joseph said an angel named Moroni later directed him to an ancient record written on metal plates. He translated the record by the gift and power of God, and it was published in 1830 as the Book of Mormon. The book presents itself as another testament of Jesus Christ.
The Restoration of the Church
Latter-day Saints believe priesthood authority, gospel ordinances, prophetic revelation, and the organization of Christ’s Church were restored through Joseph Smith. The Church was formally organized in 1830. Joseph served as its first president and received revelations that now form a substantial portion of the Doctrine and Covenants.
Joseph Smith Was Not the Object of Worship
Latter-day Saints honor Joseph as a prophet, but worship God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. Joseph’s prophetic role is meaningful to believers because they understand his mission as pointing people to Jesus Christ, restoring priesthood authority, and bringing forth scripture that testifies of Christ.
A Historical Figure Worth Studying Carefully
Joseph Smith’s life included religious leadership, migration, conflict, legal controversy, political activity, plural marriage, and violence directed both toward and around the early Saints. A responsible study should not reduce him to either a flawless hero or a caricature. The Church’s history resources include primary-source context and essays for difficult questions as well as devotional accounts.