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It was not Joseph who founded the Mormon religion, he was only an instrument in Gods hands. When a boy of about 14 years of age Joseph Smith became confused as to there being so many religions all professing to be Gods church. There was a passage in James chapter 1 verses 5 and 6 which caught his eye. "If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God..."
Joseph did just that, he went to a wood near his home and prayed that he might know which church was the right one. He was visited by God the father and His son Jesus Christ, and was told not to join any of them for they were all wrong.
Joseph was told of very ancient writings contained upon thin gold plates. It was the history of early American peoples who came out from Jerusalem and settled the Americas. It told of Gods dealings with these people, of their wars and contentions, until finally after many years only one people were left. The remnant of these people are the American Indians.
These golden plates which Joseph was allowed to translate by the power of God later became known as The Book of Mormon, Mormon being the last prophet to edit the records of these early American peoples.
The Book of Mormon goes hand in hand with The Bible, and confirms many truths which are contained in the Bible, but also adds to it many other precious truths which have been left out.
It was Christ who named the church as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, He being the head of the church. Joseph was the first prophet in this last dispensation. To this day the church has never been without a prophet to lead the church through inspiration from on high.
Robert
Addition from another user on 4/9/2012: It should be noted that the above answer is not the only potential answer to this question. Joseph Smith's motivations have been questioned widely. He was brought to court and convicted of money-digging (a con that involved charging people to tell them where they could find treasure), meaning that he was actively working as a con man at the time he was "creating" this new religious sect. It is interesting, and perhaps telling, that this type of "envisioning" is similar to how Joseph Smith allegedly heard the word of God. Although I am far from an authority on this subject, 10 minutes of research were all it took to find preliminary evidence that casts serious doubt on Robert's response. I'm not saying I'm right, but I think it is fair for anyone who sees the above response to know that there are varying opinions and they should research them further. Regardless of what you ultimately conclude for yourself, this should not be your last stop in answering this question.
What else can I help you with?
Who is John Smith and M ormanism?
John Smith had nothing to do with Mormonism. Perhaps you are thinking of Joseph Smith, who founded Mormonism, and whom Mormons consider to be a prophet.
Who was the finder of Mormonism?
Joseph Smith, Jr. is usually credited as the founder (not finder) of the Mormonism movement. His followers believe that he was a prophet acting under the direction of Jesus Christ, so many would say that Jesus is the founder of Mormonism rather than Joseph Smith.
Where is Joseph smith the founder of mormonism buried?
Joseph Smith is buried in the Smith Family cemetery in Nauvoo, Illinois. He is buried next to his wife and his brother Hyrum who was killed at the same time Joseph was.
What were these people known for joseph smith?
Joseph Smith is known for being the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) and the father of the Mormonism movement.
When did Joseph Smith meet Brigham Young?
In 1832 when Brigham Young converted to Mormonism and moved to Ohio.
How did the mormans get to America?
Mormonism is a branch of the American Protestant branch of Christianity; It was created in America by Joseph Smith, Jr.
What were Joseph smiths contributions to the mormans?
Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormon" church) believe that Jesus Christ restored His church to the earth through Joseph Smith. Joseph Smith received doctrinal revelation and authority through visitations of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John. Through these visits, Mormons believe that the original Christian church was restored. Essentially, without Joseph Smith, Mormonism would not exist. Check out the "Related Links" below to learn more about Mormonism and Joseph Smith.
Who is Joseph smith from the 1840s?
Joseph Smith, Jr (1805-1843) is the founder of the Mormonism movement. He is viewed as a modern prophet by his followers, who believe that Jesus Christ personally appeared to Joseph and directed him in proper Christian doctrine and organization. His father (Joseph Smith, Sr.) and son (Joseph Smith III) also lived during the 1840's and were influential within the Mormonism movement - Joseph Smith Sr (1771-1840) was the Presiding Patriarch of the Church and a great supporter and believer of his son's teachings. Joseph Smith III (1832-1914) was the appointed leader of a group who split from the main body of the church at the death of Joseph, preferring religious authority to be passed down the family line rather than to senior Apostle Brigham Young.
Where was Joseph smith jr born?
Sharon, Windsor County, Vermont, Dec. 23, 1805; (L.D.S. Church Chronology 1805-1914, page 1) & (History of Joseph Smith by His Mother Lucy Mack Smith, page 46)
Who is Joseph smith and mormonism?
Joseph Smith was the person who restored the church. He was the first prophet...but if anybody ever says so, we DO NOT worship him!!!! I know you didn't but...whatever :) Mormonism is a religion, also known as LDS or the actual "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints". Joseph Smith is the founder of this religion, Mormons believe that a more accurate than founder would be restorer as he acted as a servant of God to restore the primitive church read about in the bible.
Should the world fully understand that while god is a fabulous concept it is the belief in an earthly leader Joseph Smith and not Jesus that sets Mormonism apart from the entire world way way apart?
Well, Mormons do not believe in "Joseph Smith and not Jesus". Mormons believe that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. They believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and that we must accept Him as our Savior to be saved. Mormons believe that Joseph Smith was a prophet, just like Moses, Abraham, or Isaiah. He in no way replaces Jesus Christ, nor is he an equal of Jesus. Joseph Smith was simply a representative of Christ on the earth. Most religions, even Christian religions, have some sort of earthy leader or founder, whether living or dead. This is not unique to Mormonism. Most who know anything of Mormonism understand that the belief in Joseph Smith as a prophet is what sets Mormons apart from the rest of Christianity.
Why Were the murderers of Joseph Smith part ot the Donner Party?
They weren't. None of the known members of the mob that killed Joseph Smith were in the Donner Party. The Donner Party did have two families which had connections to Mormonism. There has been some disagreement as to whether they were practicing Mormons or if they had left the religion at an earlier time, but none of them were party to the murder of Joseph Smith.
