Joseph Smith

In 1823 the 17-year-old Joseph Smith was visited by the angel Moroni, who declared

“that [Joseph’s] name should be had for good and evil among all nations, kindreds, and tongues, or that it should be both good and evil spoken among all people” (Joseph Smith—History 1:33).

Nowadays nearly 20 million internet references to the Prophet verify Moroni’s prophecy: Some claim, often with vitriol, that he was a racketeer, a false teacher, an ignoble man. Others honor, defend, and praise him as the founder of their faith, the translator of the Book of Mormon, a prophet especially sent by God to usher in these, the latter days. Still others, says Terryl Givens, including “secular scholars, and Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and presumed atheists—in many nations and in many tongues—speak good of Joseph’s name.”

Joseph’s life was short but remarkable. Born in 1805, he spent most of his youth in Palmyra, New York, then a place of great religious fervor. In 1820 such community fervor caused the 14-year-old Joseph to think deeply about his state before God. While praying out loud for the first time, he experienced what is now known as “The First Vision,” where the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, visited him. In 1830, ten years later, he formally organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, becoming its first president. He was martyred in 1844 at only 38 years old. Though his life was short, he had a profound impact on Christianity. His translation and publication of the Book of Mormon in 1830 has been a source of debate for centuries but, if true, lends further credence to his role as prophet of God.

Who was this Joseph Smith, and why is there such intense interest 200 years later? You’ll find that our rich collection on the Prophet features more than a half century of exploration by professors, philosophers, and prophets about many facets of Joseph’s life and teachings, from his theological enlightenment on the problem of evil to his role as Jesus Christ’s chosen prophet and seer—and even a bit about his humor. This is great material for those seeking inspiration—and answers.