Joseph Smith

Definition

Joseph Smith was the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormon Church. He is best known for his role in the translation of the Book of Mormon, which he claimed to have discovered in 1827, and for establishing new religious movements that shaped American religious life in the 19th century. His teachings and revelations are central to the beliefs of the LDS Church and played a significant role in the development of modern American religious movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, and began his religious pursuits in the early 1820s after claiming to have received visions.
2. He published the Book of Mormon in 1830, which he described as a record of ancient American civilizations and their dealings with God.
3. Smith faced significant opposition and persecution during his life, leading him to relocate several times, including to Ohio, Missouri, and eventually Illinois.
4. He was killed by a mob in Carthage, Illinois, on June 27, 1844, while imprisoned on charges related to his religious practices and leadership.
5. Smith's teachings laid the groundwork for various branches of Mormonism, influencing a wide array of new religious movements that emerged in America during his time.

Review Questions

• How did Joseph Smith's vision and revelations shape the development of new religious movements in America?
  • Joseph Smith's visions and revelations were foundational for establishing the LDS Church and significantly influenced other new religious movements. His claim to receive direct communication from God positioned him as a prophet in a rapidly changing American society. This concept of ongoing revelation challenged traditional Christian beliefs and appealed to many seeking spiritual authenticity during the Second Great Awakening.
• Discuss the social and political challenges Joseph Smith faced during his leadership and how they affected the early Latter-day Saints community.
  • Joseph Smith encountered severe social and political challenges including persecution, mob violence, and legal issues due to his unorthodox beliefs and practices. These challenges forced early Latter-day Saints to relocate multiple times in search of safety and acceptance. The hostility they faced contributed to their strong sense of community and identity, driving them to establish a separate society that ultimately led to the founding of Salt Lake City under Brigham Young after Smith's death.
• Evaluate Joseph Smith's impact on American religious landscape, considering both immediate effects during his lifetime and long-term influences posthumously.
  • Joseph Smith's impact on the American religious landscape was profound both during his lifetime and in the years following his death. Immediately, he catalyzed the formation of a new faith that attracted followers who were disillusioned with mainstream Christianity. Long-term, his establishment of the LDS Church contributed to ongoing discussions about religious freedom, prophecy, and community governance in America. The church's growth has led to its significant influence on contemporary society, politics, and culture within the United States.

Related terms

Book of Mormon: A sacred text of the LDS Church that Smith claimed to have translated from golden plates he discovered, detailing the history and teachings of ancient American prophets.

Latter Day Saints: Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a religious group founded by Joseph Smith that emphasizes modern revelation and restoration of original Christianity.

Revelation:

In the context of Smith's teachings, revelation refers to divine guidance received by prophets, which Smith claimed to have experienced throughout his life.