Difference between revisions of "Joseph Smith, Jr."

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[[Joseph Smith]] Jr.[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site] was the first [[Mormon prophet|prophet]] and president of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. It was through him that [[Jesus Christ|Christ]] revealed information on how to restore His Church. After his death, [[John Taylor]] wrote,
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[[Category:Joseph Smith]][[Category: Church Presidents]][[Category: Church Leaders: Past]][[Category:Book of Mormon Topics]]
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:Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3)
 
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This statement expresses the reason why members of the Church are anxious that his story be told. Because there is so much information about the amazing things Joseph Smith witness and revealed this article will only be a brief outline of the most important events of his life. [[Image:250px-Joseph_Smith,_Jr._(1843_photograph).jpg|frame|Joseph Smith, Jr.]]
 
  
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Joseph Smith Jr. was born in Sharon Vermont to Joseph Smith Sr. and Lucy Mack. At eleven years old Joseph’s family moved to Palmyra, New York. In 1820, Joseph had an experience that changed his life. In answer to a prayer about which church to join he had a [[First Vision|vision]] where he saw [[Heavenly Father]] and Christ. They informed him that all of the Churches were wrong and that he should join none of them.  
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[[Image:JosephSmithPortraitPainting.jpg|thumb|Portrait of Joseph Smith]]
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[[Joseph Smith, Jr.]] ([[1805]]-[[1844]]) was the founding prophet of [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]]. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the tradition of Old and New Testament, he relied on revelation from God for teaching the people, and not on his own wisdom or learning.
  
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During the night of September 21, 1823 Joseph Smith was visited five times by an angel named [[Angel Moroni|Moroni]]. He told Joseph of ancient records known as the gold plates. On January 18, 1827 Joseph eloped with [[Emma Hale Smith|Emma Hale]] because her father did not approve of the marriage. That same year in September, Joseph was given the gold plates by the angel Moroni. He was also given the [[Seer Stones|Urim and Thummim]], objects that helped in the translation of the [[Book of Mormon]]. He then began working on the translation. In February of 1828, [[Martin Harris]] who had been helping Joseph in translating, took and lost the first 116 pages of the Book of Mormon. Joseph was instructed by the Lord to continue translating from where he left off and not go back.  
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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. For many of them, the doctrines he taught were nothing more than blasphemy and contrary to their interpretation of the Bible.
  
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On May 15, 1829 John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and [[Oliver Cowdery]] and ordained them to the Aaronic [[Priesthood]]. Joseph and Oliver [[Baptism by Immersion|baptized]] each other as instructed. In that same year Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery received the Melchizedek [[Priesthood]] from the Apostles Peter, James and John.  
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== History of Joseph Smith ==
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Joseph Smith's ancestors were ordinary New England farm people who emigrated from England to America in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Joseph Smith was born on December 23, [[1805]], in Sharon, Vermont, the son of [[Joseph Smith, Sr.|Joseph]] and [[Lucy Mack Smith]]. In his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and the basic rules of arithmetic; his mother reported that he was often given to meditation and deep study.  
  
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In June of 1829 Joseph completed the translation of the Book of Mormon, and by March 26, 1830 the first printed copies of the Book of Mormon were available. On April 6, 1830 Joseph officially organized the Church in Fayette, [[New York Period|New York]]. In September of that same year Joseph Smith called the first missionaries to preach to the Native Americans.
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The Smiths moved several times in less than twenty years. When Joseph was 11, his family moved to [[Palmyra]], New York, where Joseph's lived almost all of his later childhood. This was an area that had come to be known as the "burned-over district" for its frequent and fervent religious excitement.
  
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In 1831, Joseph received revelation that the Saints should gather in [[Ohio Period|Ohio]] and in July of the same year he received further revelation that the city of Zion should be built in [[Independence, Missouri]].  
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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. However, he was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible, instructing any who lacked wisdom to "ask of God" ([http://scriptures.lds.org/james/1/5#5 James 1:5]), Joseph decided to turn directly to God for guidance.  
  
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On March 18, 1833 the [[First Presidency]] of the Church was organized with Joseph Smith as the [http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=1&topic=facts President and Prophet] and Sidney Rigdon and Frederick G. Williams as counselors. In December of the same year, Joseph Smith gave the first [[Patriarchal Blessings|patriarchal blessings]] of the restored Church to his parents, three of his brothers, and Oliver Cowdery.
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Early one morning in the spring of 1820, Joseph went to secluded woods to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and the Son appeared to him. This experience is called the [[First Vision]] in [[Mormonism]] and considered a fundamental happening in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of [[Jesus Christ]].
  
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On May 8, 1834 Joseph led [[Zion’s Camp]] to help the Saints under attack from the mobs in [[Missouri Period|Missouri]]. In 1835, the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], which contained all of Joseph Smith’s revelation concerning the Church thus far, were accepted as a [[Mormon books|standard work]] of the Church.  
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Later, in [[1823]], Joseph Smith said he was also visited by an angel named [[Mormon history#Angelic Visitations|Moroni,]] who told him of an ancient record containing God's dealings with the former inhabitants of the American continent. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the plates 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 this record that was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining the gold plates, Joseph Smith began [[Mormon history#Translating the Book of Mormon|translating]] its words by the "gift of God."
  
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On March 27, 1836 the [[Kirtland Temple]] was completed and dedicated. Just a few days later on April 3, Jesus Christ, Moses, Elias, and Elijah appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in the [[Kirtland Temple]] to restore priesthood keys. From December 1838 until April 1839 Joseph Smith was held in [[Liberty Jail]] in Missouri on exaggerated charges.  
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[[Image:250px-Joseph Smith, Jr. (1843 photograph).jpg|thumb|Photograph of Joseph Smith|left]]
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The result of his translating efforts became the [[Book of Mormon|Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ]] that was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on [[April 6]], [[1830]], the [[Mormon prophet]] finally organized the Church and became its first president.
  
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Revelation to build the [[Nauvoo Temple]] and begin [[Baptism for the Dead| baptisms for the dead]] was received on January 19, 1841. In 1842 before the temple was completely finished, Joseph Smith received his [[Mormon endowment|endowments]].  
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While working in Harmony, Pennsylvania, in [[1825]], Joseph Smith met [[Emma Hale Smith|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, however, lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.
  
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By 1844 trouble was escalating between the Saints and their neighbors and Joseph and Hyrum turned themselves over to government officials. Joseph and his brother [[Hyrum Smith|Hyrum]] were sent to [[Carthage Jail]], where on [[June 27]], 1844 both were [[Martyrdom of Joseph Smith|killed]] by a mob.
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== The Martyrdom ==
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On [[June 27]], [[1844]], while in a in [[Carthage Jail]], Joseph Smith and his brother, [[Hyrum Smith]], were [[Martyrdom of Joseph Smith|killed by a mob]] with blackened faces. After his death, John Taylor wrote,
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<blockquote>
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Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it
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:''[http://scriptures.lds.org/dc/135/3#3 Doctrine and Covenants 135:3]''
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</blockquote>
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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.
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He was definitively a controversial figure in American history who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds.
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Joseph Smith was succeeded as [[Mormon prophet|President]] of the Church by [[Brigham Young]].
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:''For more information see, [[Martyrdom of Joseph Smith]]''
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==Video: Joseph Smith - Priesthood and Persecution==
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<videoflash>UgmAvfGvIOc</videoflash>
  
 
==External Links==
 
==External Links==
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* [http://www.josephsmith.net Joseph Smith: Prophet of God]: Official website by the LDS Church
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*[http://www.lds.org/churchhistory/presidents/controllers/potcController.jsp?leader=1&topic=facts Facts about Joseph Smith Jr.] -- LDS.org
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* [http://www.josephsmith.com Joseph Smith: American Prophet]: Information about the prophet and the Church he founded
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*[http://www.josephsmith.net/portal/site/JosephSmith Joseph Smith - Home]
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* [http://www.josephtoldthetruth.com Joseph Told the Truth]: Responses to accusations about Joseph Smith
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*[http://www.josephsmith.com/ Joseph Smith - American Prophet]
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*[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith] at lds.org.
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*[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype]
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*[http://comevisit.com/lds/js3photo.htm Joseph Smith Daguerreotype] The only known photograph of Joseph Smith.
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*[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 JS-H 1]
 
*[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]
 
*[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_prophecies.shtml Fufilled Prophecies of Joseph Smith]
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*[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts] examines the differing accounts of Joseph Smith's vision.
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*[http://www.lightplanet.com/mormons/people/joseph_smith/index.html Joseph Smith - Lightplanet]
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*[http://scriptures.lds.org/js_h/1 Joseph Smith--History] Joseph Smith's own account of his history.
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*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/history3.shtml BBC - Religion & Ethics - The Story of Joseph Smith]
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*[http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/mormon/history/history3.shtml The Story of Joseph Smith] at BBC - Religion & Ethics.
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*[http://www.answers.com/topic/joseph-smith Joseph Smith: Biography and Much More From Answers.com]
 
*[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]
 
*[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr. Joseph Smith Jr. - Wikiquote]
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*[http://lds.org/library/display/0,4945,104-1-3-1,FF.html The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith]
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[[Category: Joseph Smith]]
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*[http://personal.atl.bellsouth.net/w/o/wol3/smithj2.htm Joseph Smith - bellsouth]
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*[http://www.beliefnet.com/story/181/story_18153_1.html Joseph Smith: Prophet, Revelator, Human; Interview with Richard Lyman]
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*[http://www.josephtoldthetruth.com Joseph Told the Truth]: Responses to accusations about Joseph Smith
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*[http://www.jefflindsay.com/LDSFAQ/FQ_first_vision.shtml Joseph Smith's First Vision Accounts]
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{{Template:Prophets}}

Revision as of 14:18, 31 August 2007

Portrait of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith, Jr. (1805-1844) was the founding prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Mormons call him a prophet because, according to the tradition of Old and New Testament, 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. For many of them, the doctrines he taught were nothing more than blasphemy and contrary to their interpretation of the Bible.

History of Joseph Smith

Joseph Smith's ancestors were ordinary New England farm people who emigrated from England to America in the seventeenth century and settled in Massachusetts. Joseph Smith was born on December 23, 1805, in Sharon, Vermont, the son of Joseph and Lucy Mack Smith. In his youth Joseph was largely deprived of a formal education, but he was instructed in reading, writing, and the basic rules of arithmetic; his mother reported that he was often given to meditation and deep study.

The Smiths moved several times in less than twenty years. When Joseph was 11, his family moved to Palmyra, New York, where Joseph's lived almost all of his later childhood. This was an area that had come to be known as the "burned-over district" for its frequent and fervent religious excitement.

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. However, he was determined to know which of the many religions was right. After reading a passage in the Bible, 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 secluded woods to ask God which church he should follow. As he was praying, as he recounted later, God the Father and the Son appeared to him. This experience is called the First Vision in Mormonism and considered a fundamental happening in the history of humankind, second only to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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. However, he was also told that he should wait another four years before being able to obtain the plates 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 this record that was inscribed on golden plates. Shortly after obtaining the gold plates, Joseph Smith began translating its words by the "gift of God."

Photograph of Joseph Smith

The result of his translating efforts became the Book of Mormon—Another Testament of Jesus Christ that was published in March of 1830. Following the publication of the Book of Mormon, on April 6, 1830, the Mormon 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, however, lived past infancy. Joseph deeply loved his family, and his personal writings are filled with concerns and prayers for the welfare of his family.

The Martyrdom

On June 27, 1844, while in a in Carthage Jail, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum Smith, were killed by a mob with blackened faces. After his death, John Taylor wrote,

Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it

Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

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 was definitively a controversial figure in American history who attracted persecution because he challenged established creeds.

Joseph Smith was succeeded as President of the Church by Brigham Young.

For more information see, Martyrdom of Joseph Smith

Video: Joseph Smith - Priesthood and Persecution

External Links


Presidents of the Mormon Church
Joseph Smith | Brigham Young | John Taylor | Wilford Woodruff | Lorenzo Snow | Joseph F. Smith | Heber J. Grant | George Albert Smith | David O. McKay | Joseph Fielding Smith | Harold B. Lee | Spencer W. Kimball | Ezra Taft Benson | Howard W. Hunter | Gordon B. Hinckley | Thomas S. Monson | Russell M. Nelson
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