Joseph Smith was the founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, better known as the Mormons. During his youth, Smith was raised as a Christian. During a vision he experienced in 1820, he was told not to join any of the denominational churches. According to his followers, he became the first of the latter-day prophets, whose goal it was to restore the original Christian church, which had been lost soon after the death of Jesus' apostles.
Following a later vision, Smith discovered the "golden plates," which he transcribed into the Book of Mormon. Because several large settlement communities were founded on his teachings, Smith was also considered a political and military leader.
Today, there are close to 14 million adherents to Smith's teachers. The largest denomination is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The second largest is the Community of Christ.
Timeline
- December 23, 1805: Born
- 1820: Had first visions of God and Jesus Christ
- 1830: Published Book of Mormon
- April 6, 1830: Named First Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
- June 27, 1844: Died
References
Fast Facts
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Born
December 23, 1805 in Sharon, Vermont
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Fact:
First vision occurred in 1820
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Fact:
Published the Book of Mormon in 1830
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Founder of the Mormon Church
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Distinctive teachings include polygamy and baptism for the dead
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Killed by mob while in protective custody in jail
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Died
June 27, 1844
