The Life and Death of Mormon Founder Joseph Smith Jr. - 1/2

http://JosephSmithMormon.com has articles and details about the life of the prophet Joseph Smith.

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) was the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the traditional role of prophets recorded in the Old and New Testaments, he relied on revelation from God for teaching the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.

The Prophet Joseph Smith is one of the most charismatic and influential religious figures in American history. Joseph Smith acquired many followers throughout his life, but also many opponents, because his teachings were not welcomed by most people in the existing Christian community.

In 1820, at the age of fourteen, Joseph was deeply perplexed about which church he should join, and the conflicting preaching of many religious ministers increased his uncertainty. Members of his immediate family were drawn to the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches. Joseph was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible in the Book of James, instructing any who lacked wisdom to "ask of God" (James 1:5), Joseph decided to turn directly to God for guidance.

Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to a secluded wood to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. This experience is called the First Vision in Mormonism and considered a pivotal event in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The importance of the event hinges on its definition as the beginning of the restoration of Christ's true gospel on earth, which was lost upon the death of the original apostles.

Later, in 1823, Joseph Smith said he was also visited by an angel named Moroni, who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. Joseph was shown the forest location of the record's hiding place by the angel. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the record, and that until then he should return each year to the same place to receive further instructions. In 1827, Joseph was finally able to retrieve the record, which was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining these golden plates, Joseph Smith began translating its words by the "gift of God."

The result of his translating efforts became known as the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ, which was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on April 6, 1830, the prophet finally organized the Church and became its first president.

While working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in 1825, Joseph Smith met Emma Hale. On January 18, 1827, Joseph and Emma were married. Together they had eleven children (including two who were adopted), only five of whom lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.

On June 27, 1844, while in Carthage Jail, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum Smith, were killed by a mob.

During his short life, the Prophet Joseph established cities, produced volumes of scriptures, and sent missionaries throughout the world. He was involved in the construction of temples, served as mayor of Nauvoo, and was even a candidate for the presidency of the United States.

He has been described by men not of his faith as the most influential religious leader in American history. He was definitely a controversial figure who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do not worship the Prophet Joseph, but they do revere him as the instrument by which the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored to the earth.

Information from http://www.mormonwiki.com

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[5va]

FALSE!!!!!

[lds9999]

TRUE!!!!!

[bobmood1985]

To tell you the truth Ive considered it from time to time, Comming back that is but right now would obviously be a bad time. Like ive said I just have a hard time believing some of the teachings when many of them "at least in my opinion" have been proven false. Ive also heard many racial accusations against the church and although I haven't came to any conclusion on those I will be looking into them with an open mind as well. But I will keep praying although right now im not going to church.

[lds9999]

If you have trouble with any of the teachings, I'd encourage you to talk to someone about them. Send me a message sometime. The DNA thing is a perfect example--it is very easy to construe the "evidence" to make something appear false. However, with the right context, that is an easy concern to make logical sense out of.

Anyway, keep praying, stay open, and keep the possibilities open. There will be lots of people to welcome you back when you're ready for that decision.

[bobmood1985]

I appreciate you putting that into perspective for me because that was one of the main reasons I left the church. But there seems to be alot of competition among church members about those kind of things. But I'll be honest I went into the church with an open mind But I don't think my heart was where it should have been or I could never have accepted the prophets that lead the church. But Some of the nicest people I meant were within the church while some were distant. But I am not here to judge

[lds9999]

I'm glad you brought an open mind when you joined the Church. You mentioned that you don't think your heart was where it should have been.

Have you considered coming back, with an open mind and open heart? No need to give me an answer, but I hope you would consider it in prayer.

[jamgord]

Readers can tell which writer is living a life most in line with the teachings of Jesus Christ by observing how much love and respect they show to those with whom they disagree. If someone is calling other people names, using hateful language, or showing other signs of a heart full of negativity, you know not to trust what they say as truth. If you want real information, speak to someone who is respectful and reasonable.

[JackNimble61]

The words Moroni spoke to Joseph are as true today as they ever were, that his name would be had for good an evil throughout the whole world.

They will one day see that Joseph was God's prophet.

[tamasandy]

did the church release this video? this is inaccurate. i don't get why they didn't give a completely accurate account of joseph's murder... or of him translating? would it not be alright for people to see how it really happened? it shouldn't affect anyone's faith...

[omiolo]

Joseph Smith: Today we have two bookend posts that mark the beginning and end of Joseph Smith's life. First is a gorgeous photo of "Joseph's Birthplace Memorial At Dusk." And secondly is a blog memorial of Joseph Smith's death that includes recent photos of Carthage Jail: "O Give Me Back My Prophet Dear."

[thuggie1]

y it be as god reveals  in th name of krishna

[shampoobx]

Nobody ever claimed not believing in the bible.

[battlerosesx]

'tis true. Those negative things are a sign of the lack of controling ones emotions. A manifestation of a wild and lawless mind...or to some degree.

[skyaglow]

The gospel is true !!!

[LDSseminaryStudent]

The man has not died in vain. The Standard of Truth has been erected, and miracles will never cease to happen until that day when Christ himself will descend from the Heavens. I commit to serving God as much as I can and preparing the World as much as possible before my death for that day.

[THELDSLIFE]

I commit to worthily serve the Lord as of this year hence; I promise to be a molester and agitator of the dominion of Satan; helping to loosen his grip that he has on many innocent souls.